Dec
Europe, Travel Destinations
Photo Essay: Winter in Reykjavik is Beautiful
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Winter in Reykjavik is so Beautiful.
It’s that snowy time of the year, folks! I can’t help but feel super nostalgic about my winter trip to Iceland. Iceland’s natural beauty is renown among travel enthusiasts, myself included in the mix, but lately I’ve been reminiscing about Reykjavik’s unique and urban beauty. The soft light illuminating the streets and building during those pink 11 am. sunrises. The random sprinkling of snow followed by bouts of sunshine. The colorful houses on streets with names I could never pronounce. I could ramble on and on. Reykjavik makes for a lovely winter vacation.
I’m actually surprised I didn’t create a photo essay about Reykjavik immediately after my trip. What was I thinking? I suppose it’s better late than never, haha. Plus these photos will provide good inspiration for the holiday season. Yay for that?
Grab your Icelandic guidebook because it’s time to see exactly why winter in Reykjavik is so beautiful.
Hallgrimskirkja Church is one of the most famous sites in all of Reykjavik. This epic white church was the first image that came to my own mind when I thought about visiting Iceland in the first place. Most visitors intend to take the elevator to the top so they can snap photos of Reykjavik’s skyline.
Now, personally, I don’t normally spend money to go to the tops of churches. I just … don’t like forking the cash for it. However the sweeping views of the snow-covered capital is definitely worth the price of an entry ticket. Be aware that you will wait in line to go to the top. In the meantime, enjoy the simple beauty of the main church. I love all the straight lines in the architecture.
I mean, look at these amazing views of the city. Can we say “gorgeous?” Despite the cold December winds, I could’ve stayed at the top of Hallgrimskirkja for an hour looking at the snow-covered buildings. I felt like I was in Santa’s city or something! I especially love the distant views of the water and mountains. The best of nature and urban combined! Gorgeous.
A word of warning for your upcoming trip. Reykjavik’s streets are slippery due to snow and ice. Very slippery. I almost fell … an embarrassing number of times. So please make sure you pack quality boats for your trip. Leave the flashy heels at home. Trust me.
Otherwise, walk around and enjoy the Christmas decorations if you decide to come to Reykjavik in December. The wreaths and lights managed to shake me out of a jetlag-fused haze, which says something, haha.
And those red bikes are the coolest things, aren’t they? I wanted to hop on them, but I didn’t want an icy butt. Haha, travel regrets, my friend.
Be sure to visit Solfar or Sun Voyager as you explore Reykjavik. After all, this is another “famous” and “iconic” image of the city that you don’t want to miss. As for myself, I liked going in the early morning, because all I heard was the crush of snow under my boots and the wind blowing off the water. No tourists. Except me. Talk about peaceful.
On New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik, I got majorly lost on my way to the National Museum of Iceland. Instead of shiver and pout at my lack of direction, I took pictures of the statues and buildings and cars. I rarely encountered another person although I suppose everyone was preparing for the upcoming night’s craziness. Can you say “Winter Wonderland,” guys?
Winter in Reykjavik truly is magical. In addition to the elegant statues in the park, I also had the chance to enjoy the city’s colorful collection of private residences. I promise I wasn’t spying on anyone, haha. I think the pale green and blue paint really adds to the city’s overall atmosphere, especially in the winter months.
And can we talk about that crazy black and white street art? With the old fashioned key hole? Does anyone know what it’s supposed to represent? Cause I don’t.
Yaaay! I arrived to the museum without falling into a snow drift! It’s the little victories in travel. Over all, the museum was a good experience. I learned a lot about Iceland’s history, but to be honest, I enjoy people watching in the museum’s cozy cafe most of all. Reykjavik is so safe that a couple left their baby in the stroller outside as they enjoyed lunch together. Blew my mind!
Would you like to spend a winter holiday in Reykjavik? Which photo is your favorite? I hope I can spend winter in Reykjavik again soon. We’ll see.
Wow what a wonderful trip to Iceland! Love your comment about streets you can’t pronounce. Happens to us everywhere we go…so funny what we come up with. Looks and sounds like a beautiful and perfect place to spend the holidays!
Reykjavik looks beautiful! It’s lovely to see more pictures of the city that aren’t the hot springs. Looks like there is really interesting architecture there. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Great photos!! Iceland is definitely on my short list of places to visit soon. Probably not during winter time, however 😀
Amazing scenery! Reykjavik has been under my radar, and I’m usually a beach and sand kinda girl, but these photos make me rethink my next Europe destination 😉 Thanks for showing the city. 🙂
Iceland has forever been on top of my wish list of countries to travel to but so far alluded me as I’ve always been in other countries. But your pictures are so enticing, I’ve read a few posts on Reykjavik and I definitely want to visit, would be so nice to visit through winter but I can imagine just how cold it must have been. The Solfar or Sun Voyager looks even more special with all that snow around it 😀
Stunning photos! I’ve visited Reykjavik during summer, and it was incredible, but I’m desperately trying to get back in winter to experience this season too. Amazing looking at the same sites but covered in a beautiful layer of snow! Totally agree that the view from the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church is worth forking out the cash for the entry ticket!
The views from the top of the church look amazing! Just like you, I don’t like to pay at churches but agree that view is worth it. How cute are the red bikes on the sidewalks! I have heard great things of Iceland. Hope to go one day soon!
Oh dear! I have been drooling for Iceland for a long time now and this makes it worse in a good way! It is on the top of my list! Reading posts about it like this makes me want to teleport right away! Hahaha. Great photos btw!
I love the photo of Solfar. It is one of my favorite sculptures world wide. I love how it is modern like the country Iceland had become yet still speaks of Iceland’s history.
Amazing pictures! Reykjavik has been on my radar for a while now. It’s just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer. <3