48 Hours in Iceland: Winter Edition!
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- Опубликовано: 19 мар 2017
- 48 Hours in Iceland: Winter Edition!
Iceland really took our breath away in 2016, so much that after we spent 48 Hours in Iceland last summer, we just had to go back and visit again in the winter - and thank God we did.
Iceland is unlike any country we have ever been to before, and the freedom we feel there gives us a sense of excitement we always chase when we travel. Not only does the small country only have around 300,000 residents, but during the winter months, there are far fewer tourists which only brought out the magic.
Arriving at the end of December, we were met with nearly 20 hours of darkness per day, only having partial sunlight from about 11am-3pm each day. While most think Iceland is in 24 hours of darkness all winter, this period really only lasts around six weeks and the little light that does appear is absolutely stunning. For any photographers out there, the long light of the winter sun in Iceland gives you hours of golden light and on a clear day makes for spectacular sites and photographs.
The other reason we embraced the dark? Our everlasting hope of finally seeing the Northern Lights, but we'll get back to that later...
After landing around 4 pm, in pitch black, we hopped in our trusty SUV from Blue Car Rental and were on our way. We had such an amazing experience with them last summer that we requested the exact same car complete with the onboard wifi, a complete life saver. We even got some extra tips of the best unknown areas to explore, which was much appreciated.
Our tip for accommodation is to look up Airbnb in Iceland and chances are you'll find whatever you need. With the huge influx if tourists in Iceland the last couple years, the hotel industry just cannot keep up. The result is far fewer hotels than you'd expect, at prices which might make you wince. We found a cute little family home 5 minutes outside of town which was perfect for our stay and extremely reasonably priced.
It goes without saying, but we'll say it again. Renting a car in Iceland truly gives you the freedom that you want in such a wild and open country. Our number one tip for visiting is always "just drive and try to get lost". The most incredible memories you'll make will be accidental things you find along your way just driving like waterfalls, valleys, mountain peaks and endless winding roads.
Our most common comment before we left was "you're insane, you're going to freeze to death", and I don't blame people for thinking that. After all, it is called ICEland for a reason. However, the cold wasn't too bad in December, hovering around 0-5 celsius. The wind, however, is a different story. Thank God for Icewear, who take pride in providing modern Viking armor for both tourists and Icelandic people alike. When we travel to a foreign country we always try and eat where the locals eat, so it only makes sense to wear what the locals wear also - and everyone in Iceland wears Icewear.
If you've watched our summer Iceland road trip video, you'll know we went mostly north from Reykjavik and explored the Sneafflesness peninsula mostly, with stops in Olafsvik, the shark museum and famour Kirkjufell. This time, however, we were determined to go inland more as well as discover the South Coast of Iceland, which we had heard so much about.
Heading inland first, we drove through the stunning Thingvellir National Park, one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iceland. Thingvellir is extremely unique, in that it is literally split in half by the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, something you'd never know just by driving through.
When we heard Arctic Adventures offered winter Arctic snorkeling between the tectonic plates, we couldn't resist. Anne took some convincing, and even though the water was only 2 degrees, the air outside was -10 so we were much warmer in the water than out. This is by far the coolest thing I've ever done that I never knew existed. Snorkeling in the Arctic in the middle of the winter is not something I had ever thought of doing, but if you go to Iceland and opt out of this adventure, you're really missing out.
Check out the rest of our "48 Hours in Iceland: Winter" article here: whatdoesntsuck.com/48-hours-i...
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Please watch: "48 Hours in Greenland 2018: Inuits, Icebergs and Insane Hikes"
• 48 Hours in Greenland:...
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U both r very lucky enjoying beautiful creation
Wow Iceland is majestic in winter
The Northern Lights added to my list😍😍
I find it amazing how much you guys can do in 2 days👍👍
Iceland in the winter is truly magical. I spent two weeks there travelling around and fell in love with the place. Maybe I should go back in summer now :)
You must go back in summer! Have you seen our summer video? It was actually the 2nd ever "48 Hours in..." episode we did and one of our favorites!
It's amazing
I’m all the way in the Caribbean 🇯🇲 would love to travel to Iceland
I live in Iceland and I'm so glad ppl enjoy Iceland,❤💙💭
Amazing!! I really want to go! 😍😍
Thaaaaanks, you have to go!
Loving this video! You guys are so great. Hope to show you more of Iceland soon!
So glad you guys like it and we cannot wait to get back to Iceland and make Iceland chapter 3!
Greetings from Iceland! I came across this video on my news feed on facebook and i'm in love with the edit and the video itself so i had to search it up on youtube! great video and amazing too see you enjoyed the stay
So glad you guys had fun... again :P
Couldn't have been more epic mate! Already planning trip number 3 haha
omg mig you guys liked it here
and you guys did more stuff that I've done and I've lived here in ten years lol
Haha, we LOVE it there! Already planning another trip back.
Friggin love iceland too. Going there for the second time too in 2 months!! :D Also, love your channel and the vibe you two give (:
concreteroze so happy for u enjoy💖
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I just love your videos!
Thanks so much Federica! Where should we go next?
Awesome, love it! Thanks for another great video guys 🤘
Thanks Shelley! Where should we go next?
Montenegro :-) Fly Dubai start flying there in June. Or Armenia, Yerevan, direct short flight from Dubai.
What Doesn't Suck? Jordan, lost city of Petra is definitely my favourite place I've traveled to so far.
Amazing! We've had both on the list for EVER!
Thats very good
I was born there lol. This video was amazing.
For the next video maybe you can do whats in our travel bag that would be awesome!!!
Great idea Misha! We've got upcoming episodes in Thailand, Turkey, Russia and Greece so we'll do one for sure!
Glad i found your channel... planning our trip to america or iceland...
Do u mind giving me tip which flight to take from dubai to iceland?
Ah I am SO jealous! I really want to see Iceland (in both seasons) - my inner geographer is screaming right now :P My university went but I couldn't go on the course.. hopefully some day soon!
Hannah & Leon Vlogs hope you guys can make it soon, no matter the season. Such a magical place!
We really want to go diving there too - such a unique place to dive especially between 2 plates! Not sure I could handle the cold water though
Have you guys have a plan about visiting Indonesia? cant wait to watch your video. Love, Indonesian fans
I like your channel more and more with every video!
If you haven't been there yet, Turkey has a lot of amazing places. Ignoring politics and that, Ephesus and Cappadocia in Turkey are both amazing places with a lot of history. You probably can't do both in 48 hours because of the distance but they're both worth visiting one day.
I know you have been to Oslo in Norway, but you should also visit Lofoten in Norway.
We're planning on shooting "48 Hours in Turkey" next month and always trying to get back to Norway haha!
Awesome! Looking forward to it whatever it becomes!
Snorkeling in winter is awesome!
Need to join any tour or agent?
Btw , the northern lights is amazing, is it easy to see it in Iceland?
As I am planning to travel there in the end of October
Hi Chi Sang! Look up Arctic Adventures and they'll hook you up with the best tour for the snorkeling at Silfra. As for the Northern Lights, you'll be able to see them in October 100%! We drove just 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik to get away from the lights and saw them no problem - just have to wish for clear skies!
Im planning a trip for December. Would you recomend renting a car or paying for tours instead? we get mild snow in Washington and are comfortable driving in it.
Keep going keep making videos I love your channel hope to meet you in youtube
meet you in youtube XD
Okay so firstly, I am sorry... I accidentally pressed the thumbs down but good news. I fixed it. Secondly, your short vids are super awesome. I love the style and just how punchy they are. And lastly, I am very glad you guys had a good time and I am headed over there this fall so thanks for the preview :P
Thanks so much for the nice comment! We absolutely LOVE Iceland and cannot wait to get back for a third time. Enjoy! (ps. We did a summer version as well, check for it on our channel.)
I’m taking my 2 teenage boys to Iceland this coming December. What do you do when it’s dark most of the day? I’m getting worried.
laura meeson we had usable daylight from about 11am-4pm each day so you for sure have to plan and use the most of it!
Hi, where about did you see the northern lights?
Hi Erlinda! We saw them just about an hour outside of Reykjavik on the road towards Thingvellir National Park - so amazing!
What Doesn't Suck? Thank you! We're going in November. Can't wait! :)
I want to go to Iceland for my Birthday in January 7....how easy or hard is it to move around the island in early January.....
Hi Keith! We were there last December/Jan for 10 days and had no problems at all. The roads are very well maintained and new and snow is cleared and plowed as it falls. We regularly went driving 3-4 hours a day, way out into the middle of nowehere without a problem. Enjoy your trip and early happy birthday! ps. If you want more travel planning tips, join our facebook group "What Doesn't Suck - Travel Planning" and, along with other travelers, we'll be happy to help you plan an amazing trip!
Awesome....thank you so much and I will join your travel group on facebook. Keep exploring this wonderful world we share.
ABC should turn What Doesn't Suck? into a show
We agree! :)
are you still travelling or did you just stop making videos? :/
Nope, we didn't stop at all! We have our "48 Hours in Thailand" video coming out this Wednesday, just got back from Russia last weekend and are off to London, Scotland and Greece this weekend. More nonsense coming soon we promise :)
When you clearly say: "Oh dear" and write "oh boy" in the subtitles...
Yup, you got me! Was hoping no one would catch that haha. I say them both so much that my brain heard one and typed the other.
Meant dubai 😂😂😂
Do you guys have a snapchat?
We sure do! @whatdoesntsuck - Anne is pretty entertaining over there too haha