This Is How People Deal With The Notorious Darkness In Iceland In Winter

Every traveler to Iceland during the winter months is naturally concerned about how to deal with the notorious darkness of the northern latitudes. Actually, the darkest month of the year, December, is much more about celebrating light as it is the time – during the winter solstice on December 21 – that the days start getting longer again by the glacially slow pace of two minutes per day.

On December 21, the sun rises subtly around 11am and sets hazily around 3pm. This does mean that many Icelanders travel back and forth to work in complete darkness, however, it is the norm. In fact, many find the summer months of complete brightness even more difficult to become accustomed to. On the summer solstice, June 21, the sun doesn’t actually set, but dips just below the horizon to continue rising which means between midnight and 3am you get a few dusky hours of hazy sunlight. In the northern parts of Iceland this can be even more extreme.

With many centuries of dealing with this winter darkness, Icelanders have it figured out. There are many activities, such as lounging in the public geothermal pools or natural hot pools and gazing at the Northern Lights, that make the lack of sunlight more tolerable. Some find the use of solar lamps, sleeping aids, and Vitamin D supplements helpful to regulate some sense of daylight in the body. Also, Reykjavik has cultural activities and concerts scheduled strategically throughout the winter so there is never a dull moment.

Don’t assume that just because it is getting darker earlier that people will retire earlier. The darkness can have quite the opposite effect. Also, everyone knows how important it is to socialize in the winter months. After the Christmas books flood in, with bookstores releasing most of their new titles intended as Christmas gifts, everyone has a lot of reading to do.

The winter time in Iceland is also incredibly photogenic with blankets of snow brightening the darkness. With its subtle display of colors, it has been described as equally mesmerizing as the endless display of sunlight in summer. A warm glow tends to cover these long drawn out hours of sunrise and sunset in all seasons. While many assume Iceland to be just as cold or colder than other winter destinations, its position on the Gulf Stream makes the island stay relatively temperate. However, it is the gusty arctic winds that one has to dress in warm layers for.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.