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The land of fire and ice has become popular for every type of traveler around the world.
Hikers looking for solace in nature and photographers looking for the most epic landscapes will find what they are looking for in Iceland.
That was reported by the Icelandic tourist office that the country welcomed 1.7 million visitors in 2022!
A small country on the North Island in the sea, there is something magical about the country that attracts tourists every year. Known for its dramatic landscapes of lava fields and glaciers, friendly locals and changing seasons, there really isn’t a bad time to visit.
During the summer months, travelers can expect to see the midnight sun. 24-hour daylight and partying into the wee hours, but there’s one more season making headlines.
Over the past few years, as tourism in Iceland has been on the rise, groups of people have visited during the winter months to see the natural phenomenon that is the Northern Lights. Hundreds travel to the country, hoping to catch a glimpse of the epic light show.
In addition to all the joys that winter brings, hear some friendly memories from the locals and important things to know during one of Iceland’s most dangerous seasons.
Don’t ignore the warning signs
When traveling it’s very easy to feel like we’re invincible in a world full of adventure, excitement and new places to be discovered, but in Iceland it’s more important than ever to keep your guard up.
Some tourists have a habit of ignoring warning signs, and in a country like Iceland, this is a big mistake you don’t want to make. The sheer power of the natural wonders here is inexplicable.
According to popular travel agency ‘Reykjavik Excursions’, In the last ten years alone, there have been twelve emergency calls and five deaths on the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.
An owner of a travel organization in the country says: “In Iceland there is a warning sign because someone has died or several people have died. It’s not just because something could happen.” Iceland is a beautiful country with unexpected storms, volcanoes and rocky cliffs – be careful.
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Proper packaging is key
The “anything goes” mentality doesn’t work in Iceland during the winter, especially when it comes to packing. Part of a successful journey to the land of fire and ice is knowing what to bring!
suggests IcelandAir always “pack an under layer or base layer of clothing – both top and pants. Lightweight merino wool or synthetic thermal materials are recommended. An intermediate layer that provides insulation and retains body heat. Recommended materials are wool, fleece, down and synthetic.”
Layers are essential when traveling Iceland. Locals often say that the weather can change in seconds, so it’s important to prepare for any scenario.
I personally have traveled to the country 5 times and always bring multiple options! It’s always better to start with more layers so you can remove layers when you get hot and add them when you get cold.
Practice VERY Safe Driving
While the roads can seem arid at times, it’s important to note that there are speed cameras almost everywhere in Iceland. Fines are very expensive here if you get caught – so don’t take any chances!
All year round, the roads are well marked for locals and tourists alike, but conditions certainly change a lot as the winter months approach. When driving in Iceland, you may encounter any of these possibilities: high winds, falling rocks, poor visibility, slippery roads, and frozen cars.
According to nordic visitor, it’s wise to check the weather and road conditions, download the 112 Iceland app, save the emergency services number, and don’t rely solely on your phone’s GPS!
Be prepared with plans A, B, and C
Unexpected weather conditions also bring unexpected plans. While Icelanders and tour companies are prepared for any scenario, it is paramount to understand that plans may need to change.
Although the companies are well equipped with trucks, buses and safety kits, they cannot control Mother Nature! Always have a backup plan, or talk to companies before booking to understand road and weather conditions, and their policies on cancellations, etc.
Traveler warning: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
