Many of you followed our last trip to Iceland. We were not in unknown territory since it was our 3rd stay in the land of fire and ice, and yet each time it is a wonder and we never tire of the landscapes and the omnipresent nature there. .
Because this island is located only 3h30 flight from Paris, the change of scenery is guaranteed, there is a feeling of calm and tranquility, with children it is a perfect destination, that we eat there wonderfully well and that you bathe in waters naturally heated to 40°C.
I couldn't choose which season I prefer to visit Iceland, we tested both. Spring and summer allow you to take full advantage of your days, since the sun almost never sets. Lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, lakes stand out better from the landscape. The fauna and flora are on the alert.
In winter, the days are shorter. In December the sun rises timidly around 11:30 a.m. to set at 3:30 p.m., the light is dimmed, the landscapes take on colors that are sometimes blue, sometimes gray, sometimes whitish. You have to plan your visits according to the sun. The snow brings a magical side, accentuated by the smoke from bubbling pots and fumaroles.
Bathing in natural pools with snowflakes in your hair only happens in winter. And admiring the dance of the Northern Lights is only done during dark nights, impossible in summer. That's why you have to go back several times. We have only made short stays (one week maximum), which has not yet allowed us to go around it, but which already allows us to discover a lot, and to be still surprised by new landscapes, even after 3 trips.
Iceland is an island, it benefits from a very changeable oceanic climate. In winter, in Reykjavik we had between -5°C and 5°C, a little colder inland but beyond the temperature it is the wind which can be disturbing, added to the snow in winter and here you are caught in a blizzard that pierces you from head to toe. Cover up if you go to Iceland in the winter using the onion peeling technique:a technical undershirt, a fleece, a down jacket, good gloves, technical leggings under the pants (the ones from Decathlon are tops), a pair of WARM socks and good après-skis on your feet. For children, use the same technique, providing clothes that are easy to put on and take off and that are snowproof.
In summer, the temperatures are milder (we had 15°C in the month of May), bring a base layer and a technical jacket.
We have already flown with Icelandair and WOW. From Paris, the flight is direct and lasts 3h30. By getting there early and comparing flights (we use Google Flights as a flight comparator) you can have round trips for less than 200 €. There are not fifty flights to Iceland:departure during the day from Paris, departure at dawn from Reykjavik, it stings the eyes a little but it's worth it!
You can opt for the bus to get from Keflavik airport to the capital Reykjavík. Then go on a day trip via local agencies.
For more freedom, we prefer to rent a vehicle on site. I strongly recommend a 4×4, especially in winter.
The snow fell in abundance during our stay, and if the snow plow clears the sides of road 1 (the one that goes around the island), there is still a lot of snow on the secondary roads. All vehicles are equipped with studded tires in winter, but we were reassured to have a vehicle with four-wheel drive, especially when visibility is average and there are snowdrifts. We went through the Blue Car rental agency because we needed a 6-seater vehicle, we were fully satisfied. Car seats for children can also be rented on site.
The housing supply in Iceland has developed well over the past few years. Where there was nothing, you can now find brand new hotels (Ion Iceland), or comfortable Airbnb rentals.
We found an exceptional house on Airbnb, located in the middle of nowhere , near Selfoss which allowed us to visit the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
Do not hesitate to ask us your questions in the comments, and to read or reread our previous article on our favorite places in Iceland.
