Winter Iceland is enchanted, with snowed-up lava deserts vivid at waterfalls of ice and with black skies lit with curtains of green and purple by the aurora borealis. It is a dream destination for any holidaymaker during the winter months, and there could be no better way of exploring its frozen wilderness than camping in winter.
It may be said that it is scary, yet winter camping in Iceland is so comfortable, safe, and worthwhile if one does it right. This guide will show you how to keep warm, what to bring with you, and how to view the Northern lights whilst in the comfort of your campervan.
Why Choose Winter Camping in Iceland?
Winter camping in Iceland offers a deeply tranquil and isolated perspective of the country. In contrast to summer, when campgrounds fill with foreigners, campgrounds are empty and untouched.. Campgrounds are less busy, there is less traffic on the roads, and waking up in the morning to vast mountains of snow or frozen lakes gives it a unique quietness.
The largest attraction, naturally, is the Northern Lights. With little light pollution in the countryside and long, potentially up to 20-hour nights, winter camping places you ideally for seeing this phenomenon.
Stay Warm: Tips for Winter Camping Comfort
1. Hire a Heated Campervan
Don’t do it on the cheap on your car. To take the best of winter camping, rent a campervan in Iceland that is warm and insulated. Some companies like Cozy Campers have vans suitable for winter with Webasto heaters, thermal curtains, and high-class sleeping bags or duvets. These will keep you toasty when it’s even sub-zero.
2. Layer Up
In Iceland, where the weather is changeable, layers are required. A wicking bottom layer, mid-layer fleece or wool insulating, and finally complete with a waterproof and windproof top. Even if not taking anything home when it comes to packing a neck gaiter or scarf and a pair of warm socks and hats, please apologize to not leaving anything at home and pack the above. Layered, dry clothing is the secret when the temperature drops, and snow instantly turns to rain after a few hours.
3. Employ Thermal Sleeping Equipment
With or without a warm camper, however, a quality sleeping arrangement can make the difference between fantastic and terrible. Spend on a four-season sleeping bag if you’re using one, or ensure the rental features good bedding. Cozy Campers, for example, provides luxury bedding with fleece liners and heavy duvets—a good night’s sleep following a cold hike or aurora chase.
Best Practices for Winter Camping in Iceland
1. Take Note of Weather and Road Conditions
Each day, always look at Vedur.is for the weather report and the road.is for the road conditions. Icelandic weather is infamous for being unpredictable. A bright morning can quickly turn into a snowstorm, so be open-minded about your plans and cautious.
2. Overnight at Open Winter Campsites
Not all of them are available during winter, but some of them are open all year with basic facilities such as toilets, hot showers, and electricity. Campsites in Reykjavik, Vik, Egilsstaðir, and Akureyri are some of those available during winter. Having your camper here parked ensures you with extra safety and availability of services.
3. Stock Up on Supplies
Icelandic settlements are hours away, and service stations or convenience stores are not necessarily in the bush. Take provisions with you, bottled water, petrol, and snacks before heading into the highlands or out into the barren fjords. The campervans that can be hired at Cozy Campers normally have the cooking facility within the van, cooking utensils, and refrigeration, and hence you can have your meals ready and hot even when it is -20 C.
Seeing the Northern Lights: When, Where, and How?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are seen from late September to early April. A combination for a view is clear skies, little light pollution, and the activity of the sun. Download an app such as “My Aurora Forecast” or check out Auroraforecast to monitor the possibilities nightly.
Remember these tips to get a better chance:
- Steer clear of city lights – Go to the countryside or pitch camps at national parks’ campgrounds.
- Be patient – The lights may appear anytime between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Look north – Most auroras form in the northern skies.
- Stay warm – Bring hot drinks and warm clothes if you’re standing outside your van to photograph them.
The prettiest part of winter camping is that you might have lights in bed if you’re lucky. With Cozy Campers, when you rent a campervan in Iceland you can drive out to some distant point off the road (with some fantastic view) and park it up and sit back and wait patiently until the auroras start to play in the sky all in the comfort and warmth of your very own roomy, yet personalized and privatized mobile bedroom.
Final Thoughts
Camping in Iceland in winter is not a matter of freeloading or spending less money or staying out of crowds; it is front row seats to one of the best shows in the world. The Icelandic winter wonderland is rough, but with proper preparation and equipment, it can be experienced safely and in a comfortable way.
From waking up out of your sleep and following it up by sleeping in your bed to waking up to the potential of seeing snow-capped volcanoes to sleeping in your bed and observing the Northern Lights, such an experience will be etched in your memory forever.
So dress up, get your batteries charged, and hire a campervan in Iceland from Cozy Campers—perhaps the most comfortable way of seeing the coolest place on earth.
