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Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
Every year millions of people across the world set up a bucket list filled with dream destinations to travel to. Did you know that these bucket lists are often created to use for future travel plans? Bucket lists are created with the intent of going to and scratching off that once in a lifetime opportunity.
When we reach those destinations we visit, photo, and share the heck out of our experience on social media, right? Today, I would love to share with you my recommendations of 9 dreamy winter destinations in Iceland.
More and more tourists are flocking to international destinations and year after year, the expectation to be blown away by nature, and picturesque scenery tops lists. As a globetrotter, I have my bucket list of where I want to visit, and what I want to see.
I have hand-cultivated my list after reading, studying and following those who have traveled to Iceland on social media. Now it is your turn to create a list. Lavishly live travel out loud, and join into my bucket list of 9 dreamy winter destinations in Iceland.
How To Learn Winter Destinations In Iceland
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
How To Start
I have to tell you before I started my bucket list or looked at any images, I spent a ton of time searching using the words Best Tours in Iceland because let’s face it, the best way to learn a place is to take a tour. My obsession has surpassed, minutes, hours, days and weeks, of time, spent researching. To travel is to learn, to learn is to be educated before you go, to get the most out of every day, and every square foot of the Iceland destination.
Narrowing It All Down
To validate Iceland and it’s climate and seasons I read. I spent so much time reading that it led me to wonderful Iceland destinations. What season is the best season to travel to a destination? Now, remember, we all have our passions and preferences, but let me tell you, there is no season like the winter season in destinations.
From pre-holiday to after the holiday there’s a lot to see. Iceland is dreamy and winter is my choice. Here is the itinerary I am planning so far to lavishly live travel in Iceland out loud and fabulously!
9 Dreamy Winter Destinations In Iceland
This is my personal list, it will grow as I keep on researching and learn more. Let’s travel to Iceland. I find that a list of things I want to do, meshed with things that are suggested to do, make the best overall travel experience. Cool air does not take me off a path, it warms me up with a challenge.
For me, traveling is not about hanging out and sleeping in, it is about getting up and using every moment to the extent of each click of the clocks’ hand!
1. Ice skating on Reykjavik pond
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
I welcome the opportunity to go Kaboom on my bottom anywhere there is a rink. As a mom of 2 ice hockey players, it is in my blood! How does this come to be? In fact, the huge pond is frozen in the winter, so it is ready and waiting for me!
Winter in Iceland is perfect for this activity as it is when the snow is cleared from the pond and made ready to ice skate and play hockey. Also, often the local schools use the pond for play! Pick up a stick, a puck or just lace up, look out Reykjavik pond you are going to be beneath my feet and possibly my tushie, lol!
2. Snow Mobiles at Snæfellsjökul
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
Amazing views and a once in the lifetime ‘bucket-list’ like the opportunity to enjoy nature, Iceland, and winter! You know I love snowmobiling. The snowmobiling is over a small glacier on the Peninsula. What else will I get to see on the snowmobiles? The mountains around Reykjavik and the Westfjord is the answer. Dreamy if you ask me.
Get me on top of a snowmobile and suddenly I go from demure and well-spoken to edgy and a cool rider! Yes, definitely how I am because I am an adventure-enthusiast and the cool air runs through my veins, creating a thermal sensation that warms my soul through adventure!
3. The Blue Lagoon
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
From freezing cold outdoor activities to geo-thermal swim opportunities Iceland has it all. Destination: Blue Lagoon. This is inside of a lava field and to me a wonder of the world. What I find is that even if it is freezing cold, the fun I have defrosts the chill.
I get so into what I am doing, that the chill factor is not present. Don’t you believe that is how most people are? The cold is what is outside, but the warmth of excitement within takes over, and that is an adrenaline rush of wanderlust!
4. Myvatn Nature Baths, North Iceland
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
The Myvatn nature baths, in North Iceland, are available year round. These are considered one of Europe’s greatest treasures. I learned that the Myvatn nature baths are a designated nature reserve. I mean, normally I say no to sharing a tub, lol, but this is over-the-top fun!
What is more romantic and beautiful than a common nature bath? I can declare that I bathed with so many others! Now there’s a statement you won’t hear everyday! HA!
5. Northern lights over Reykjavik
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
At the end of every great day of travel, it is all about the skyline, the sunset of when in Iceland the Northern lights over Reykjavik! Oh, My Heart stopping photos are what I need to take. I want to experience, toast and remember the gracious beauty that can best be seen from September until March, that sounds like winter to me!
I don’t mind the brisk air, and I want that date to spend with my husband gazing above and all over. NO camera needed, but taking everything in through my eyes, warming my heart and sharing it with my mind! WOW!
6. Strokkur Geysir, South Iceland
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
Here is a very eruptive/active Geyser! Get this, there are even mud pits that boil (bring some clean clothes, lol!). Did you know that the Strokkur can spout 100 ft into the air every few minutes? There’s the free shower after the boiling mud pits, the silver lining, lol!
I believe that Strokkur Geyser truly embellishes ‘go big or go home’ in tourism right? This is what I am craving, seeking and want to see so much.
7. Winter lights festival in Reykjavik
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
Simply put, this is an annual event. How do those in Iceland celebrate their art, industry, history and also welcome tourism? The Winter Lights Festival is the answer. Would this be so awesome to see in person? Picturesque and breathtaking!
8. Christmas tree at Austurvöllur square, Reykjavik
I am a sucker for a Christmas Tree. While you can see them locally, it is romantic to see them abroad. I can only imagine my husband and myself enjoying cocoa while walking and see the incredible area all lit. Pictures for the mind, fulfillment for soul, and enjoyment through visually picturesque streets!
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
The lighting of the Christmas tree at Austurvöllur square, Reykjavik is symbolic. The lighting happens on the first Sunday of Advent which signifies the beginning of the Christmas season. I want to be there, this reminds me so much of a Hallmark movie does it not?
I have been to lighting of tree ceremonies before and they are captivating! Just start thinking how incredible this would be, conquering both wanderlust and Christmas at the same time!
9. Christmas lights in Skólavörðustígur street, Reykjavik
Image courtesy of http://www.iceland.is/press-media/photos
Here is where my party will come to an end, with the Christmas lights in Skólavörðustígur street, Reykjavik. While it may be bitter cold, the ambiance is about fun.
Nightlife abounds, warm beverages are all through the bars, incredible shopping is waiting for my credit card. All the while the picturesque streets capes envelop the cold, so I can hibernate outside. As would follow, you will find a destination that is truly alive with the vibe of Christmas. With this in mind, you have found, a perfect way to end the 9 dreamy winter destinations in Iceland.
Lavishly live travel out loud, research, read and bookmark my dream trip, and I hope to see you on Skólavörðustígur street, in Iceland. ~DANA
I was planning to go to Iceland earlier this year but had to postpone it due to covid
Until I read this post, I never would have thought Your photographs are absolutely beautiful
These pictures just make want to go to Iceland. Thanks for sharing.
I never knew how beautiful Iceland was. The Blue Lagoon is absolutely gorgeous! I think I found my next vacation destination.
All of those things like so amazing. I know that Iceland is supposed to be very beautiful and I really would love to see the Northern lights there.
This destination is on my bucket list, and you have listed many things to do. Thanks for sharing your photos and experience.
Your photos are just beautiful and I hope one day to see the splendor of Iceland. It looks enchanting.
Your photographs are absolutely beautiful and I hope very much to visit this beautiful country one day. I especially am intrigued to see the lights…
OMG , these pictures looks amazing first of all….
ice skating is the best fun in the winters . Thanks for sharing!
Iceland is on my bucket list for sure! So much beauty in one tiny country! Can’t wait to visit one day!
Until I read this post, I never would have thought of Iceland as a tourist attraction. But now that I’ve seen this…. 😀
This sounds like such a cool place to visit. I’ve heard a lot of great things. I would love to visit the blue lagoon and get to see the northern lights!
Oh my gosh, now I really want to go to Iceland! I’ve heard it’s gorgeous but never looked too much into it. Those hot springs look amazing and I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights.