Iceland

Hiking electric blue tinted glaciers and exploring ice caves are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ice-caving season goes from mid-October through March.  Photo by Chris Henry
Hiking electric blue tinted glaciers and exploring ice caves are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ice-caving season goes from mid-October through March. Photo by Chris Henry

By Maureen Callahan

Consider checking out this European destination in winter. You’ll need to outfit carefully for outdoor activities, but average temperatures are not much different than here. Expect fewer crowds, better prices, and stunning, frosted landscapes. Daylight is sparse this time of year, but there are definite advantages to visiting in the low season.

Reykjavik is a modern capital city with eclectic museums, a varied shopping district and vibrant nightlife. Thorrablot, the mid-winter festival that honors Icelandic heritage and culture, traditionally goes from mid-January to mid-February, making it a festive time to visit.

Iceland, this time of year, isn’t for the casual traveler. But it’s a unique destination, and there are more hours of darkness to see the northern lights!

Reykjavik, Iceland
Photo by Tom Podmore

Sure-footed, sturdy, Icelandic horses transport riders across the lava fields, open water, and black volcanic sands of their native settings. Take a ride on one of these unique animals to get a close look at the island’s desolate, windswept landscapes. Photo by Wesley Gibbs

With about 333,000 speakers, the Icelandic language is unique. Its roots are in Old Norse, a Scandinavian language which predates the Viking era. Photo by Kristina Delp

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are a spectacular, natural phenomenon. In Icelandic folklore, they are thought to be the spirits of the deceased, who have not yet found a resting place. The country’s latitude makes it an ideal location to see them. Photo by Jonathan Pie

Geothermal pools are heated by hot springs deep within the earth. The Blue Lagoon is open year-round and is an ideal place to warm up after any outdoor activities. Photo by Jeff Sheldon

 

 

 

Author

120823 Tree Lighting - Santa 6

Elmhurst Park District Tree Lighting

Dan Gibbons with Jim Cornelison before singing the National Anthem

Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

Sarah Charles, DuPage Foundation Board Member, Patricia Atuesta, and Gustavo Aguirre, all of Hinsdale

DuPage Foundation Annual Benefit

Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is Hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

World-Champtions-Cover

World Champions: Abby Vander Wal & Ava Falduto from Elmhurst

Cover_clonehor

Doors Open: Transition 99 Celebrating New Facility

Goddard as entrepreneur and fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer

Back in Time: Leslie Goddard brings history to life

Cadence Kitchen & Co Photo by Regan Baroni

Best of 2023: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 Winners

Lifelong musician, KC Congdon, has directed the Agape Ringers for four years.

Ringing in the Season: The Agape Ringers: Performing a musical art form

Coaches Drew Tierney, Andrew Schlie and Jon Grzbek

Checking into the Hall of Fame: Jon Grzbek earns a spot in hockey history

Photo-1-Smokin-Tailgators

‘Cue for a Cause

Above: Gana Raman, Sandy Loeser, Ruth Proctor, Jim Czeszewski, Rosemarie Lowery, Jen Coyte, chuck Castello, Daniel Jacquez, Taji Clark, Ginny Leamy, Diane Karpman

ELMHURST REALTORS