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Winter Vacation in IcelandTry Snowmobiling, Learn to Ski, and Check Out the Northern Lights
Iceland is becoming a hot holiday destination all year round. There is a lot on offer in the winter and it can all be packed into one adventurous vacation if you dare.
Traditionally a summer holiday destination, Iceland offers some activities that are even better in the winter, such as skiing on illuminated slopes and snowmobiling on glaciers. Then there are the dramatic Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis which can only be seen between October and May. Northern Lights, Hot Tubs and Volcanoes in IcelandImagine watching the colours and lights dance across the clear winter sky while you relax after dinner in an outdoor hot tub beside your 3 star hotel in Iceland. And that could all be within view of Mount Hekla which erupts approximately every 10 years. The next eruption is due in 2010, although there are rumours that it could erupt any time soon. During its last eruption in 2000 a fissure almost 7 kilometres ( more than 4 miles) long cracked open along a ridge on its summit. Fountains of lava went shooting into the sky, spraying fire, molten rock and ash. The eruption lasted from 26th February to 8th March.
phone: +354 -486-5540 The Volcano Show in ReykjavikYou may not actually get to see a volcano erupting but The Volcano Show at the Red Rock Cinema gives you a pretty good idea of the excitement and drama. Owner and filmmaker Villi Knudsen is almost as entertaining as his films. There are 2 films, each lasting an hour, but unless you are extremely interested in volcanoes, 1 film is enough. Screenings at 8pm daily between September and June. Tickets cost 9 euros (US$13 ) for adults and 3 euros(US$5 ) for children under 6.
On a Snowmobile in IcelandIn Iceland there are more than 13 glaciers and the largest Vatnajökul, is bigger than the island of Cyprus. It has a volume of 3,100 cubic kilometres (743.7 cubic miles) of ice. Some of these frozen lakes or ice caps can be explored by snowmobile, and there are experienced people to arrange that adventure for you.. Snowmobile expert, Fridrik Bjarnason says that although April to July is the best time, you can go almost all year round in certain areas. Difficult access does not hold snowmobile excursions back : “Sometimes we need a big 8 wheel vehicle to be able to get to the area where the snowmobiles are,” he says. Try snowmobiling on Langjökull and Snæfellsjökull glaciers or have a look at Jokulsarlon where the Batman 5 movie was filmed. Complete tours with transfers, are offered at 364 euros (US$535) per person with a minimum of 2 people needed before they set out.
Tel: +354-414-1500 Skiing Holiday in IcelandBláfjöll is the largest ski resort in Iceland. There are 15 lifts, and slopes suitable for beginners to experts. Cross country skiers and snowboarders are catered for, with part of the tracks being illuminated. Over the weekend skis can be rented and instruction is offered. Bláfjöll is open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 9pm. Weekends and public holidays from 10am to 6pm. Note that the ski resort can only be reached when road conditions and weather permit. Tel +354 530 3000 . Getting to IcelandThe international airport in Keflavík is a 45 minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavik. Iceland is within easy reach of these main capital cities : London to Keflavik : 3 hours Paris to Keflavik : 3.5 hours New York to Keflavik : 5.5 hours.
The copyright of the article Winter Vacation in Iceland in Iceland Travel is owned by Elaine Walker. Permission to republish Winter Vacation in Iceland in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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