Iceland Part 1: Seasons

Part 1..Really? Yes, I'm dividing my blog post up like an annoying book-series-turned-movie-series. Those could have been one movie! Or one book! Or could they have? Who knows. Sit tight my imaginary reader (you don't exist!). Let me share with you Part 1 of my Iceland series.

Picking a time to go on a trip is, for me at least, never an issue. When am I free? When are the flights the cheapest? When is there availability? When do I not have plans with friends.. Oh, never? Perfect!

Iceland was a little bit different.

Before booking our trip I was made blatantly aware of the fact that Iceland in the winter is like the yin to summer Iceland's yang. Each season has it's own unique and exclusive experiences, so you really need to do your research. A cool thing offered in the winter may be impossible in the summer and visa versa. I wanted to experience 1-2 things from each season, so this made me exceptionally pissed off. Why can't I have it all? Goddamnit Iceland, always spreading wisdom.

So what'll it be? Here is a simple guide for both seasons:

The Land of Fire and Ice: Part 1

Summer VS Winter

Summer: From May to August the long daylight hours (hello midnight sun!) thaw out the country and reveal beautifully green movie-esque landscapes, mystical waterfalls, and mossy hikes. The summer also welcomes cute little puffins and friendly giants (whales). The snow is all but gone and the interior roads and northern coast of the country are accessible, which means more exploring, and who knows what you'll find on those interior mountain roads! I don't, because I chose winter.. more on that in a bit. Another plus to summer is that wildflowers are in bloom, and you'll have the chance to make one of my life-long dreams of running through this field a reality:

So hey, summer sounds DOPE. Maybe it sounds like all you've ever wanted and more from a vacation. But then you read about winter.

Winter: When Iceland isn't flaunting about it's summer vibes, it's a magical country full of green icy movie-esque landscapes, mystical waterfalls, and mossy snowy hikes. No shocker there- it's basically the same, but snowier. The country doesn't transform into something else, but it also kind of does. The biggest draw to this country has got to be catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights. Winter weather means the roads are a bit more challenging and the daylight hours are shorter. Some other bonus points have to be given to the winter for it being cheaper, less crowded, and a bit more adventurous! Check out this ice cave (available exclusively to winter visitors):

In conclusion, it doesn't matter when you go to Iceland. This blog post has no purpose. I apologize.

I will say I chose winter solely for that small possibility of seeing the northern lights, and I was not disappointed (uhm, WOW). What the internet fails to mention is the actual visibility in terms of daylight is quite excellent. Sure, maybe the sun doesn't "rise" until 10:00 am, but we had full morning light around 7:00 each morning. Same goes for sunset. And the white backdrop of snow was pretty amazing. And the weather changed every ten minutes. And the roads were terrifying. But I have no regrets. I'll be going back in the warmer months for sure. And again in the winter. Honestly, I just loved it. Here's an actual shot from our winter trip:

-vivalakelc

#ICELAND #TRAVEL #VACATION #SEASONS #REYJAVIK #ICELANDAIR #NORDIC #ROADTRIP