Eat like a Viking during Thorrablot, check out the free events during the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik or visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa: here are some of the best things to do in Iceland this winter.
Thorrablot: the Viking Feast
The Midwinter feast Thorrablot (Þorrablót) is a tradition from the Viking era. The festival is celebrated in the ancient Viking month of Þorri (named after the Viking god Thor) and falls on January and February in the modern calendar. The Vikings used to celebrate Þorrablót by eating, drinking, dancing and singing, and enjoyed some very special delicacies including svid (half-boiled sheep’s head) and rotten shark meat. Many restaurants serve these traditional Viking foods during the midwinter feast.
Thorrablot: 21 January to 19 February 2011
The Winter Lights Festival
The Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is a celebration of the return of daylight after the long dark winter months. The festival offers lots of free events in Reykjavik including street performances, theatre, music and dance. On 13 February the city’s museums will be open for the Museum Night and host special events, on Saturday 14 February artists’ studios around the city open their doors to visitors.
Winter Lights Festival, Reykjavik, 13 and 14 February 2011.
The Annual Beer Day
Beer was legalized in Iceland in 1989 after a 75-year prohibition period, and on Beer Day, the 1st of March, the legalization is appropriately celebrated by drinking a lot of the stuff. Most bars, pubs and restaurants participate in the celebrations.
Beer Day, 1 March 2011.
Winter Whale Watching
Although the best season for whale watching in Iceland is from May to September, winter whale watching tours are arranged throughout the season. In the winter months visitors are likely to see humpback whales, killer whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. Wrap up warm as the winter weather can be very cold and unpredictable.
The Food & Fun Festival
The Food & Fun Festival is a week-long celebration of good food. Top chefs from around the world visit Iceland during the festival and local manufacturers of gourmet foods promote their products. Restaurants in Reykjavik offer special menus, created by visiting chefs.
Food & Fun, Reykjavik, 9 to 13 March 2011.
Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a popular and famous geothermal spa around 45 minutes drive from Reyjkavik and it is open around the year. The geothermal seawater in the pools stays warm (around 45 degrees Celsius) even during the cold, dark winter months, and there is a sauna by the lagoon and a spa for massages and therapies.
Visit Iceland has more information about travelling to Iceland and details of tour operators.
