Ice Ice Baby: Iceland in March

We exited Keflavik International in a massive storm, one of which they had not seen the likes of in Reykjavik all winter, with hurricane force winds and freezing snow whipping our faces and basically paralyzing them in a “you’ve got to be kidding me” expression. Disclosure here, I am a winter fanatic. As most sane folk from our parts head to warmth and fun in the sun—and having done that many times—we longed to see, to taste, to feel something different, a place which we could barely imagine. We pretty much have fun wherever we are (I like to think we are very adaptable), and the thought of Game of Thrones landscapes, gushing waterfalls, ribbons of neon green auroras, filled my mind for weeks prior to our trip. We had heard that Iceland in the winter was mythical, less touristy, and the weather was not any colder and in fact sometimes warmer than we have in Philadelphia, so we were not prepared for stepping off that plane that dark morning. We basically laughed like two underdressed, travel-weary, “we are insane for doing this” nutcases, trying to find our way through the white-out to the the bus that would take us to Reykjavik, the hub of our 8 day stay in Iceland.

Snow in Iceland

But as they say frequently in Iceland, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”. By the next evening the snow had melted on the streets of Reykjavik. You heard me, gone. We noticed no one shoveling because, wait for it…the streets are heated! Geothermal, clean energy abounds in Iceland and they have become experts on how to capture and manipulate it. And that is one of the most fascinating and endearing things we found about Iceland (and Icelanders). The island bubbles, steam pours from the ground, and the landscape is constantly changing, evolving, at every turn. We found the people to be just like the terrain—beautiful, eccentric, unapologetic, learning their way in the larger world whilst still lovingly holding onto ancient sagas and traditions. The word we used most was amazing, as we took deep breaths of cool, clean Icelandic air.

Reykjavik Harbor

For a few days, we walked and explored much of punky, culturally exciting Reykjavik.

Modern Graffiti Iceland
Reykjavik Scenes
View of Reykjavik from Hallgrimskirkja
Buildings in Reykjavik
Swans in Lake Tjornin

We also swam in the touristy but groovy thermal Blue Lagoon.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon

And then, for three warmer and blue-skied days, headed out via a rented car. First up to the southwestern Snaefellsnes Peninsula, then the must see Golden Circle excursion, and then lastly we headed down south as far east as Vik.

Gullfoss
Geysir
Black Beach Iceland

The one thing about Pat and me as travelers—we love to be out on our own, stop where we want to, and take roads that maybe we shouldn’t be on. Sometimes, you can get in a lot of trouble and get your non-SUV rental stuck in the snow. But the Icelandic Rescue Team is very pleasant, if not efficient!

Iceland Snow Rescue

The thing I will remember most about Iceland is the space…so much space…the poetic vastness and quiet, and the feeling you have of being in the right place. And of course, the Northern Lights we were lucky enough to see..bucket list, check! One note about the Northern Lights – although a mission of ours was to see them, we were also prepared for the fact that we may not. People travel to Iceland just for a glimpse of the sometimes elusive dancing lights, and are disappointed when the skies are cloudy and activity is low. Luckily one late night, we were treated to a mind-blowing light show which we will never forget!

Northern Lights

Stay

Rey Apartments
Grettisgata 2A, 101 Reykjavik

Destinations,
Month Traveled
Vacation Type
Season

Comments…


  1. […] adventure was just published in the new travel inspiration guide Entouriste

  2. Will Best Avatar

    Just had a quick look through this post – really interesting read and the photos are absolutely stunning! I love the tone / colour / clarity of the images! Did you shoot it on film (if so, which one?) or digital?

  3. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    Gorgeous photos. We are going to iceland in December. Which car rental company did you use? A good experience?
    Thx.

    1. Ami Price Avatar

      Hi Andrea! Hopefully Jackie will weigh in on her own experience, but when I was in Iceland, we rented from Thrifty (picked up at airport and returned in town). They were great!

  4. Jenny Stokes Avatar

    Hello!
    My friends and I are planning a camping trip to Iceland in April and I was wondering; What do you know about the camping in Iceland? Are campers able to pitch a tent anywhere? Do you have any tips or advice for us? Things you wish you would have packed and did not?
    thanks!
    Jenny Stokes

  5. Jade Adele Avatar

    Great article. Funny and informative. We’re thinking of going this march and I guess the moral of the story is we’ll need better layers.

    Thanks.

    Jade

  6. Elisabeth Avatar
    Elisabeth

    We’re going to Iceland in March, staying nine days, so I googled Iceland March and that’s how I found your article. Great stuff! Now I’m even more excited about our trip, can’t wait! Thanks for the good tips!

    1. Arun Avatar
      Arun

      Hi Elisabeth.

      We are travelling for 9 days in march too. Specifically from March 4-14. It would be great if we could share ideas and itineraries. Do let me know.

      Thanks,
      Arun

      1. Jasmine Avatar
        Jasmine

        Hi Arun,

        I am also heading there in March. I’m curious, do you plan to stay in Reykjavik the whole time? I am trying to plan a very basic itinerary and want to fit as much as possible in, but obviously it is weather-dependent.

        Anyway this is a great article!

  7. YJ Avatar
    YJ

    Hey,
    Really love the photos you’ve taken of Iceland!
    Fantastic read, thanks!

  8. Dotti Avatar
    Dotti

    We are going mid March & enjoying reading re your trip.

  9. Penny Avatar

    Good read! love your pictures. We are going to Iceland this coming 18th march. Started planning on my itinerary. Thinking of renting a car throughout the trip. Hopefully good weather :)

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