Iceland in December

[Jmrocky]

Hi guys,

Wife and I will be in Europe for 5 weeks at the end of the year, and I'm thinking of throwing in a 3 night trip to Iceland. Main things we'd like to see are the Northern Lights (I'll do more than 1 tour if I have to ), trying something like dog sledding and just general sightseeing around Reykjavik.

Anyone else been to Iceland? Any recommendations on tours, accommodation etc.? We're not really "50 seat tour bus" kind of travellers either.

Re: flights the only airline I'm keen on are Icelandair, the reviews for Iceland Express are very hit and miss. I've found some flights for about $200AUD per leg from Paris to Reykjavik, which sounds very fair to me.

 

[smit0847]

will it not be cold, dark and miserable the entire time there?

 

[quark]

I haven't been to Iceland (although it is near the top of my "next trip" list). However I am looking at a Northern Lights Tour this European winter also. There are lots of them in Scandinavia and I have primarily been looking at Norway. Make sure you do as much research as possible as reviews vary widely. some reviews suggest har getting yourself to a suitable place (like Tromso) and then making your way out of town to see them for yourself, which is a much cheaper option than the expensive tours on offer, and often produce the same result.

 

[brett-au]

You possibly should look at Ivalo in Finland for the northern lights. Even though I tried last year and failed, its possibly better than Iceland. Apparently there are regular flights from London et al, before Chrismas as children go there to see Santa Claus. Its slightly further north than iceland (above the artic circle). You may also be able to use your qantas miles on finnair. Finally the euro is better than the ISK.

 

[Jmrocky]

will it not be cold, dark and miserable the entire time there?

Only way to see the Northern Lights . I love winters (one of the main reasons I'll be in Europe at that time of year), the Northern Lights are one of those things I'd really love to photograph so why not.

I had a brief look at Finland and Norway, but thinking about it I may have another look. One of the main reasons that turned me off other areas was Iceland was quite cost effective (both in terms of airfares and accomm), I travelled with some people who went to Norway for the Northern Lights and did say it was really expensive. I think the other from memory was the travelling time, with Reykjavik being a 3hr direct flight from Paris (where we will be leaving from). I'll do some more research though, thanks for the comments.

 

[drron]

Well if you go do let us know with a trip report.I will be there in August so just have to count on luck.Then again the Southern lights were visible from Ulverstone in June so you just never know.

 

[eastwest101]

I have also heard good things about Finland - its apparently friendlier and much cheaper than Norway. Can't speak for Iceland as I haven't been there.

 

[Jmrocky]

I have also heard good things about Finland - its apparently friendlier and much cheaper than Norway. Can't speak for Iceland as I haven't been there.

Thanks for the advice. Felt I should update the thread, I have actually booked 3 nights in Finland at the Aurora Chalet (flying from Paris to Rovaniemi via Helsinki). Flights with Finnair were well priced, accommodation cheap and hopefully the sky is kind and gives us a cracking display. Shall be a good trip report in January! (I Hope)

 

[Justinf]

will it not be cold, dark and miserable the entire time there?

I love travelling to places that have snow and cold. Not only are there less crowds, it's less expensive and it's a unique experience.

 

[Mackey]

I went back in October 2010. Flew both Icelandair and Iceland Express - both were good airlines but Icelandair was standout. I see you have changed your plans but I already typed this and will post incase anyone else is interested.

You can book aurora chasing tours in Reykjavik from a variety of information/booking offices. I would recommend going in and talking to them while you are there. The aurora is a natural phenomena and varies greatly depending on the season (spring/autumn is the best time to see) and daily conditions. I was there for 7 days before there was a good chance of seeing the aurora and it was my last night. There are bus tours that will drive north until you can see them, stay an hour and then come home, or there are intimate 4wd tours which are longer and have a better chance of seeing the aurora, but also twice the price.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Some European friends have said; "even buying your dinner from McDonalds in Norway was ****** expensive.

Finland will be cheaper, Iceland is also expensive but there seem to be a few cheap flights from either Amsterdam or Paris to get to Iceland.

 

[Joshua]

Some European friends have said; "even buying your dinner from McDonalds in Norway was ****** expensive.

Better than McDonalds in Iceland which shut down due to costs! (IIRC they technically became independent to use cheaper produce or something..)

I've been to Finland a few times but only during the summer, it's been great and relatively affordable (compared to say a Denmark). Would love to go in the deep winter though. Look forward to the TR!

 

[smit0847]

Was in Helsinki last month - very beautiful, relaxing, laid-back place. Slightly more expensive than Melb/Syd but not nearly as expensive as Stockholm (which was eye-wateringly expensive as they dont have the Euro).

Am visiting Iceland in July last year on the recommendation of some seasoned Euro travellers from Melbourne who said it was easily the best place they had visited in Europe. I specifically asked about the prices (transport, f&b, accom etc) and they said it is slightly less expensive than Melbourne.

I would expect Norway and Sweden to be the most expensive Nordic countries for an Australian to visit at the moment.

 

[robinyoung]

You will love it!!

I also flew from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in Lapland.

A couple of suggestions....

make sure you go to Santa Village in Rovaniemi. A taxi will get you there with no trouble. You can get a photo of standing on the artic circle line!! Ok, silly but fun.

There is a place that has 2-3 nights accommodation about 1 hour from Rovaniemi. You get to use their snow mobiles, and use them to get to top of a mountain to see the northern lights. At the top is a hut with a fire and you sip of champaigne! They take you on dog sled rides, and take you ice fishing.

The name slips my mind but i can find it if you need

 

[fersea]

go to Coyote25's trip report on his around the world trip (in the trip report section) and follow the links to his blog site. He describes his recent trip there in very fine detail.

Personally I would have no interest in going to a place that only has a few hours of daylight (at this time of year) but each to their own.