Oh wow! Iceland sounds like an awesome place to go! Wait, you’re visiting Iceland…in January? What are you thinking? Absolutely we are visiting Iceland in January, but there is a logical and legit reason why we are doing it. Iceland has so much to offer any traveler and if you are the adventurous type, then you have to visit. I would urge you to do it sooner rather than later. Some of the adventures are extremely captivating and are better seen by visiting Iceland in 2025.
Why We Are Visiting Iceland In January
A lot of friends, family, and co-workers are asking us “why in the world would you go to an arctic country in January”? The real reason for my choice to visit Iceland is the Northern Light (Aurora Borealis). Three years I ago I had an unused Delta Airline credit which needed to be used by the end of 2023. Initially, my thinking inspired me to book a trip to see the northern lights. The more research I did on this, the more I learned about Iceland and all the untamed wonders. Plus, Iceland is one of the best places to see the northern lights. The decision is clear. I am going to Iceland to see the lights.
If I am going to Iceland, then I need to understand the best time to see the northern lights. While reading on various websites about the best times to come, I stumbled upon the solar cycle predictions for the sun. The aurora borealis are a result of solar winds (waves of charged particles) being ejected from the sun. These typically occur when sunspots are active on the sun. Depending on the solar cycle of sunspot activity, the particle ejections can be substantial enough to cause aurora’s to go as far south as the southern states. Well, it just so happens the 11-year solar cycle is at its peak from late 2024 to early 2026. I now have a target timeline. This is the primary reason for visiting Iceland in January 2025. Peak aurora “season”.
Getting Married In Iceland
Initially, Robyn and I were discussing when to get married, where, and how we would do it. My idea is to get married in Iceland so we can have a winter wedding, honeymoon, and I can see the northern lights. It’s a win-win scenario! Well, it is a win-win scenario until all 4 kids wanted to be in the wedding and wanted to visit Iceland, too. At this point we were torn on what to do, so our decision is to get married at home and then go to Iceland for our honeymoon. Great idea at the time and before doing any research on Iceland in January. There was no planning at this time, just go.
The Plan For Visiting Iceland In January
My suggestion is start planning your trip as early as possible. Tourism is one of the largest industries in Iceland, second only to fishing. The island is home to a lot of adventure tours that take you to unreachable places and places you only see on TV or in movies. Needless to say, these destinations fill up quick, especially with all the Star Wars and Game of Thrones fans out there. Iceland is home to many iconic shots in seen in those series and more. It’s worth repeating, start early with your planning. Here are the top destinations on our itinerary.
Iceland’s Northern Lights In January
Needless to say, the northern lights are the number one reason for my choice to visit Iceland in January. Iceland falls right in the aurora borealis ring in the northern hemisphere. So there is a very good likelihood they will appear during the darker winter months. January and February are right in the middle of that time. The only drawback to the winter months is how cold it is and how hard the wind blows. Some gusts can be upwards of 50 MPH. It’s cold, so be sure to dress warm…very warm.
The Lava Tunnel
We added the lava cave near our departure date, but we there were no problems getting a time. You cannot just show up and expect to get in, so make a reservation ahead of time. The Lava Tunnel is the result of volcanic activity on the island from approximately 5,200 years ago. The volcanic activity is now dormant, so there is no concern of any danger. The only thing you need to worry about is slipping in the ice during the winter months.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park is a beautiful area in the northwest peninsula with many points of interest. Due to the weather getting bad this limited our options for places to go in the park. From a distance you can see dark snow clouds and we will not wait around for it to come. The two spots of choice are on the southern coast of the peninsula: Lóndrangar Cliffs and the Djúpalónssandur & Dritvík Black Sand Pearl Beach. These two spots are majestic due to their movie like landscape and breathtaking views. Pictures don’t do the views justice. The white snow contrasted by the black beach and light blue-grey water make the view stand out.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs
This is one of my favorite destinations so far. The Hvammsvik hot springs are located on the edge of an inlet from the North Atlantic Ocean. The drive from our Airbnb (just outside Borgarnes) to the hot springs is nothing short of amazing. The views from the early morning sun across the inlet and mountains is breathtaking. The water is an arctic blue contrasting against black sand beaches with a snow cap. Truly amazing. The springs offer multiple pools with varying temperatures and a pool with a swim up bar.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Well, there it is. The worlds only penis museum in Reykjavik. It’s quite the wonder for you to visit, and you do not need to worry about someone seeing you. The entire museum in in the basement of a shopping center, so it’s somewhat private. The museum is not just about the human penis, but they have a penis exhibit from the entire animal kingdom. A learning opportunity for me is that I now know a sperm whale has a penis 6 feet long. I can’t even grasp the thought of a penis the size of me. That poor gal will never swim the same again.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall is a very iconic water fall in Iceland. I am a huge Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Marvel fan, so when I discover the filming locations, it’s a must go for me. The waterfall is the filming location where Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow fly on the dragons over a winter snow land. After landing, the two walk to a waterfall which is the Skógafoss Waterfall. In the video below, there is CG to add more waterfalls.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Tongue
Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in the world and home to the largest polar ice cap in Europe. The glaciers make their way down the mountains and into the valleys to form glacier tongues. These glacier tongues are fantastic places to explore and you can explore ice caves within the glaciers. Glacier and ice cave tours are typically only open during the winter months. This is why you must schedule your trip to Iceland in January so you can witness the pure beauty mother nature has to offer. As part of a bus tour, one of our locations to view is the Sólheimajökull Glacier Tongue.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
The Reynisfjara black sand beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach is unmistakable due to the black rock and sand alongside the basalt sea stacks. These basalt pillars are also seen in Game of Thrones in the Dragonstone scene. The basalt pillars form through rapid coiling of lava flows from volcanic activity. You can find this type of rock throughout Iceland around the volcanoes.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is a very popular waterfall in southern Iceland. Mostly likely you’ve seen the waterfall in a variety of TV series, music videos, and movies. It was a way point during the first leg of the sixth season of The Amazing Race. The Seljalands waterfall is also in several music videos. Justin Beiber’s filming of “I’ll Show You” music video has Beiber standing by the waterfall. Finally, the waterfall is a scene from Star Trek Discovery season three.
Gígjagjá (Yoda Cave) at Viking Park
Gígjagjá is a must visit on your trip to Iceland, especially if you are as big of a Star Wars fan as I am. Not only is the Yoda Cave a unique geological marvel, but the cave is actually used in a Star Wars: Rogue One. In the opening scene of Rogue One, Jyn Erso runs into the cave to avoid the Death Troopers. Looking closely, you can see the shape of the cave as she runs through it. It’s truly iconic and surreal to be in a cave resembling one of the most well known Star Wars characters AND a cave that is actually in a Star Wars movie.
One word of caution, if there is a lot of snow on the ground, do not drive or you will end up stuck. We helped two people get their cars unstuck and we hiked the rest of the way to the cave.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a stunning canyon and Icelandic winter wonderland in January. The Fjaðrá River flows through the canyon continuously eroding away millions of years later. Like the other sites along our way, this one has a Game of Thrones reference too. This canyon is the shooting location for entering the Bloody Gates of the Veil, and where Brianne of Tarth wins a fight with the hound.
Glacier Lagoon Blue Ice Cave Tour
The Blue Ice Cave Tour is probably one of the most amazing adventure tours you can do. After meeting at the base camp, a tour guide will drive you about 30 minute in a “super jeep” to the cave entrance. The “super jeeps” are 15 passenger vans with 4-wheel drive and very large tires. There’s little chance one of these vehicles will get stuck in anything. The tour guides drive up to the base of a glacier tongue and guide their group into caves naturally made by the movement of the glacier. Each year the touring companies have to find new caves. When the spring and summer months come, the glaciers melt creating water flow which carves our new caves and freezes for the next winter. It’s truly a beautiful marvel of nature.
Diamond Beach
The one cool thing about taking the Blue Ice Cave Tour above is the base camp is directly across the street from Diamond Beach. As the glacier melts and icebergs fall off, they are carried out of the glacier lagoon that connects to the North Atlantic Ocean. As these large piece of ice float into the sea, they quickly wash back onto the black sand beach. The ice from glaciers is so dense, pure, and thick, they look like huge diamonds contrasted against the volcanic black sand. The views and pictures are nothing short of amazing. We were lucky enough to spot a few seals lurking around, too.
Sky Lagoon
Well, after ten days in Iceland in January, we want to get some much needed relaxation. I have to admit the Hvammsvik Hot Springs are pretty awesome and picturesque. However, the atmosphere of the Sky Lagoon is out of this world. First, you are given a bracelet for your locker and to charge drinks to your credit card. Then, you change into a swimsuit and shower before getting into the lagoon. If you are an adventurous woman, then you can go topless in the lagoon. Iceland has very strict laws ensuring women’s equality in every aspect.
Once in the lagoon, you have an incredible view of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Icelandic President’s house across the channel. After a drink, make your way to the ritual rooms, but don’t forget the ice bath before going in. It’s part of the ritual. The stations that follow are a hot sauna with huge glass windows for pictures. Next, is a cold mist to cool you down. The fifth station is my favorite. You are given body salts to rub all over your partners body for a full body exfoliation. After a quick shower to rinse everything off, you drink some berry juice and finally make your way back to the lagoon with relaxation and really soft skin. Truly remarkable.
Conclusion
Visiting Iceland in January is truly a remarkable trip that everyone should experience at least once in your lifetime. The adventures are endless and the snow covered landscape is a sight to see that pictures cannot justify. Whether you want to book adventures everyday or only pick a few high points, don’t let the cold or rugged terrain scare you. There are many touring companies and guides to keep you safe. The only thing required of you is the ability to go outside of your comfort zone and enjoy all the island has to offer. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
[…] is and how adventurous you plan to be. For us, adventure is the the primary reason for visiting Iceland in January. Upon our arrival in Keflavik International Airport, people were wearing shorts and t-shirts with […]