Spring is when Iceland thaws and wakes up from the hibernation of winter. People begin to venture out into the streets and take to the outdoors. Days are getting longer, the earth is opening up with a few early blooms.
Gone are the heavy winter storms and the dangerous icy roads—instead the temperature is about 40-50 degrees. This is the season to go if you are looking for green hill slopes, fishing, and golfing.
Here are my tips for traveling Iceland in the Spring!
Weather & Packing
Even though it’s spring, the weather in Iceland is predictably unpredictable. It can quickly go from rain to sun, from comfortable to chilly—so bring layers that you can easily jump in and out of. Bring a windbreaker, jacket, sweater, and long underwear or stockings no matter the forecast!
Pick up a lopapeysa, a traditional Icelandic sweater, while you’re here. Pack a good pair of hiking or light trekking boots as most of Iceland’s attractions are in the rugged countryside where walking can be a challenge.
Although counterintuitive to the weather trends, pack your swimsuit and a travel towel too—hot springs and hot pots are all the rage in Iceland!
Read More: What to Pack for a Week in Iceland
Photography
Don’t forget your camera (obviously)! Iceland’s landscape is famously dramatic and picturesque. Normally a standard DSLR will do, but a tripod will help with moving subjects like waterfalls, puffins, or the northern lights.
Light is magical in Iceland.
It is always fluctuating and offers daylight as late as 10 o’clock in the spring. You’ll be able to catch a full range of celestial colors no matter what time of the day it is.
Budget & Accommodations
Many hotels in Iceland are already sold out for spring, so book now! Reykjavik is more popular than ever; you’ll want to be sure you get your space among the crowds.
But, there’s no getting around it, Iceland is expensive. There are ways to cut down a few costs, though. Hunt Airbnb or Flipkey for inexpensive flats, travel with other people on their road trip, and keep your eating out to a minimum. Stick to the grocery stores and, if you have access to a kitchen, cook most of your meals!
Read More: Renting an Apartment in Reykjavik with FlipKey
Activities
In spring, Iceland begins to wake from its long winter sleep. The horses and sheep are set to graze and it’s the perfect season to see the countryside atop a unique Icelandic horse.
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Get Outdoors
Hikers will be delighted—spring is the time when snow starts to melt and the major hikes and treks begin to open up. You can explore gorgeous mountains, shifting glaciers, and petite volcanoes deep in Thorsmork Valley and Landmannalaugar.
Snowmobiling and glacier walking are still in full swing and have the added benefit of the occasional sunny skies. You can rent a four-wheeler and hit the highlands (which are usually inaccessible during the winter) and explore canyons and waterfalls off the beaten path.
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Drive the Golden Circle
Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle is an amazing experience with absolutely stunning scenery. The road can be explored in as little as a few hours- although I would recommend as long as possible!
Not to be confused with the Iceland Ring Road, the route takes you through some of the most amazing sights in central Iceland, with scenery ranging from natural sites to historic buildings, and gives visitors the chance to experience the diversity of Iceland in a 300 kilometer loop.
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Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure
The Silfra Fissure is a crack between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, and is located in Þingvellir National Park which is a short drive from Reykjavik. (Side note: Þingvellir is also one of the first stops along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle Road Trip!)
It’s actually the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel directly between two continental plates. So suit up in layers, and a dry suit, and jump on in!
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The Blue Lagoon
It’s safe to say that visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is on just about everyone’s bucket list. It’s milky blue water and otherworldly appearance is like something out of a dream. While it is touristy, it is also an awesome experience and one I recommend to any traveler visiting Iceland for their first time!
I recommend bringing your own towel and paying for the standard package (€35). You get your own locker and access to the Lagoon, saunas and showers. I definitely made the most of my visit and stayed for about 4 hours. But, make sure to avoid the Blue Lagoon Hair!
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Whale Watching
April is the beginning of whale season in Iceland, so be sure to book a boat ride from Reykjavik or Husavik. Humpback whales, Minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and orcas are common in the full bloom of spring.
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Day Trips
As the weather warms up, so does the tour season. Flying or ferrying to far-off places like Isafjordur, the Westman Isles, Videy Island, and Flatey Island is easy this time of year. You’ll have access to remote areas, emerald-green hillslopes, and secret seabird hangouts!
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Special Events
Spring in Reykjavik erupts with tech and arts events, including the Tectonics Reykjavik Musical Festival and the annual EVE Online Fanfest in April. The Vaka Folk Arts Festival in May brings together some of the top folk musicians, dancers and crafts workers, and gives you the opportunity to witness the deep rooted, traditional folk arts of Iceland!
– Don’t Forget –
If you intend to go on any road trips, be sure you bring a map or GPS. Also pack your sunglasses and sunblock; these items will be lifesavers, especially on the snowy glaciers where the sheer whiteness reflects the sun’s rays directly onto your skin.
Though much of the time it’s still cold with sudden gusts of wind and overcast skies, there is the odd warm day of sunshine.
READ NEXT: The Best Time to Go to Iceland
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