Christmas in Iceland

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your average capital city; it lacks grandiose buildings, a historical city center, or majestic monuments. However, this city offers so much more. Iceland's capital is unique, vibrant, and closely connected to nature. Its location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between two fjords and encircled by a lunar-like volcanic landscape, gives the city, whose name translates to "Bay of Smokes," an unparalleled charm. As the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. With the sea as its backdrop, whale watching is a favorite tourist activity. The city is abundant with open spaces, including parks, pedestrian zones, a lake adjacent to the city hall, and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach, just a 15-minute journey from the city center. The city boasts seven municipal geothermal pools where locals gather to socialize and unwind after work. Other activities such as cycling, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing can all be enjoyed within the city's vicinity. Beyond its natural wonders, Reykjavik always has something to offer. It's a cosmopolitan and dynamic city filled with museums, art galleries, and quaint coffee shops. Its nightlife is thrilling and wild, with locals seemingly making up for the beer prohibition that lasted until 1989, and venues often staying open until the early morning hours. During the day, the capital exudes a more relaxed vibe, with its neat, colorful houses, litter-free streets, and leisurely pace of life. Reykjavik is recognized as one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities globally. Navigating this city is nearly foolproof: the Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most parts of the city center and serve as key landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cozy, and truly special. Its unique character and captivating surroundings will convince you that there's no better city in the world.

About the destination: The village of Vík is located on the main circular road of the island, approximately 180 km by road southeast of Reykjavík. Vík í Mýrdal, or simply Vík as it's known by the locals, is a secluded seaside village in the southern part of Iceland and is the southernmost village on the mainland of Iceland. The natural surroundings in Vík í Mýrdal are quite stunning, featuring a black sand beach teeming with birds, Mount Reynisfjall to the west, Hjörleifshöfði to the east, and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier crowning the mountainous region, which is ideal for exploring the beautiful trails. The village of Vík is situated on the island's primary circular road, roughly 180 km (110 mi) by road southeast of Reykjavík.

About the destination: Hofn is the only urban center you'll encounter after passing Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Although it's a rather gray and unattractive town, it's a convenient place to stay overnight due to its close proximity to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (78 km) and the massive Vatnajokull. Hofn is located on a peninsula in the southeast of Iceland and is surrounded by several small islands, with Mikley being the largest, followed by Krókalátur and Hellir to the east of the city. The name Hofn translates to "port" and it's one of the few fishing ports in southern Iceland. Navigation here requires caution due to the formation of sandbanks that need to be frequently dredged to maintain a minimum depth of 7-8 meters. This port can freeze over during the harshest winter months. Hofn also has an airport that only operates domestic flights. It's located on the Ring Road, accessible via route 99. The most significant cultural event in Hofn is the renowned lobster festival, which takes place on the first weekend of July. Hofn is home to several museums, including the Glacier Museum, the Museum of Folklore, and the Nautical Museum, among others. We stayed in Hofn for two nights as we made a round trip to the south of Iceland (Iceland: Organizational Data). During our stay, we took several walks through the streets, visited supermarkets, gas stations, and dined at the port's restaurants, which were very close to our apartment. We couldn't do much more after arriving in the village in the afternoon with almost everything closed. The most striking aspect of Hofn is the wild nature that surrounds it. Here are some examples of the landscapes near this town.

About the destination: Lake Myvatn is a standout attraction in the northern region. The village of Reykjahlid offers all essential services including a mini supermarket, bank, post office, health care center, school, and swimming pool. Lake Myvatn offers a variety of accommodations, as well as quality restaurants and cafes. The lake is teeming with birdlife, making a trip to the new Bird Museum a rewarding experience. The Myvatn Nature Bath, situated just east of Reykjahlid village, offers visitors a chance to unwind in the warm natural waters. The Myvatn area also boasts numerous marked hiking trails.

About the destination: Akureyri is a town located in the northern part of Iceland. It holds the distinction of being Iceland's second largest urban area and the fourth largest municipality. Often referred to as the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri serves as a significant port and fishing hub. Akureyri is a visually appealing town, situated by a picturesque fjord, featuring a mix of architectural styles and streets that meander through gorges. Take some time to explore the town center, where you can see the impressive church and Listagilið (literally "the art canyon"), which houses a variety of arts and crafts galleries and shops. The peaceful municipal botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is also worth a visit, as are the several small museums scattered throughout the town.

About the destination: Borgarnes is a town situated on a peninsula along the coast of Borgarfjörður in Iceland. The town is 60 km north of the capital city, Reykjavík, and is linked to other parts of Iceland via the country's second largest bridge, Borgarfjarðarbrú. It is the largest town in the Borgarbyggð municipality. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Borgarfjörður Museum House. This building houses several small museums and collections, including a natural history collection, a local history museum, and an art collection. It also contains the local archives and library. • Skallagrímsgarður. This is a small municipal park located in the center of the town.

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your average capital city; it lacks grandiose buildings, a historical city center, or majestic monuments. However, this city offers so much more. Iceland's capital is unique, vibrant, and closely connected to nature. Its location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between two fjords and encircled by a lunar-like volcanic landscape, gives the city, whose name translates to "Bay of Smokes," an unparalleled charm. As the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. With the sea as its backdrop, whale watching is a favorite tourist activity. The city is abundant with open spaces, including parks, pedestrian zones, a lake adjacent to the city hall, and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach, just a 15-minute journey from the city center. The city boasts seven municipal geothermal pools where locals gather to socialize and unwind after work. Other activities such as cycling, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing can all be enjoyed within the city's vicinity. Beyond its natural wonders, Reykjavik always has something to offer. It's a cosmopolitan and dynamic city filled with museums, art galleries, and quaint coffee shops. Its nightlife is thrilling and wild, with locals seemingly making up for the beer prohibition that lasted until 1989, and venues often staying open until the early morning hours. During the day, the capital exudes a more relaxed vibe, with its neat, colorful houses, litter-free streets, and leisurely pace of life. Reykjavik is recognized as one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities globally. Navigating this city is nearly foolproof: the Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most parts of the city center and serve as key landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cozy, and truly special. Its unique character and captivating surroundings will convince you that there's no better city in the world.