There is a saying in Iceland that goes like this, "If you don't like the weather, wait for five minutes, and it will change"
Icelandic weather is the most unpredictable thing about the country. I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful country in Spring, where I had my enough share of snow and summer, where once again I had my enough share of snow, with sun lol.
Here is a beautiful comparison of the three seasons of Iceland.
But is equally gorgeous in the winter. As you walk towards the church and the freshly fallen snow crunches beneath your feet, this church will take your breath away.
The Icelandic landscape in Summer feels like walking right into the hobbit world. Did you know that more than 50% of Icelandic population still believes in Elves and the Elf houses can be spotted throughout the country.
This particular picture was taken in the souther ring road during my spring visit. We were in the car, Macklemore was blasting on the radio and we saw this gorgeous house being taken over by the nature. We safely turned around, just to capture it.
In winter, Icelandic weather can swirl up the harshest howling winds and blow your car right out the road. But on good days you end up with pictures like this one
The sound of gushing water, falling 32 meters into a crevice, usually leaves tourists mesmerised. In summer, the sprinkled icy water blesses us with a rainbow.
The landscape changed quite a bit in spring. The green had turned into brown but the melodic sound of the water still sways you away into a trans.
During winter, as the snow covers all of Iceland, and Gullfoss gives a spectacular show to its visitors.
Unfortunately, every time I visited the Reynisfjara Beach, it was gloomy and raining so one cannot really differentiate between seasons in my pictures. With the basalt stack rock formation, roaring Atlantic waves and stunning panoramas, they are a unique creation of Iceland
In winter, I loved the contrast of Black and White. The legend says that two trolls tried to pull down a ship along the shore and failed to do so before the sun rose. Hence they froze in their position making them a touristic attraction.
The Beach is definitely known for its "mood swings" and strong waves. This is not the beach where one would go swimming.
look at the tones of Spring, with the yellow straw that will soon give way for the green pastures to grow.
I will never have enough of this place, regardless of the season. Falling from 65 meters high they form a huge pool at the bottom and the sound of gushing water hitting the bottom completely takes you over.
Just three months before lust green mountains, this was how it looked. And, the best part is that you can literally walk behind them and have the most magnificent view, watching from the other side!
In winter, the icy cold water splashing on your face is enough to make you numb. But it is definitely worth it. Remember to wear your waterproof gear for this mini adventure.
This is one of the most majestic falls of Iceland. To Indians, this can also be called as the "Gerua" waterfall, where Shahrukh declared his love for Kajol.
Falling from 60 meters high the mist of falling cloud forms the peculiar double rainbow shining at the bottom of the falls on a sunny day. The heavy vail of water is impressive and envelops visitors.
The waterfall comes directly from two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull. According to legend, a Viking named Thrasi hid his hoarded gold under the falls. Many have tried to find the chest of gold and, as the story goes, a young man almost succeeded. He tied a rope to the chest handle ring and pulled. He only retrieved the ring and returned with it. The ring was later used for the church door at Skogar.
The Skaftafell National Park in Iceland has multiple day hiking trails. Camping in Skaftafell National Park should be on the top of your list
Svartifoss, is one of them trials that is just around two kilometers.
In spring, it was still raining and quite cold to camp (but I still did and lived to tell the tale) I camped in both the seasons and loved it.
The view of the Skaftafellsjökull from the café of the national park. Spoiled by nature, I sat in cold watching the mountains and soaking up the vitamin D.
Can you notice the snow capped mountains in Spring?
Also I love the coffee in this little cafeteria. I remember sitting there both the times, on the same chair, with wind in my hair, the sound of birds chirping and with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and Icelandic grass, and I knew one day I would call Iceland home.
The road on the Souther ring road in Summer is a tourist's dream ride. From multiple waterfalls throughout the road to random grazing sheep.
Spring might not give you the vast green lands but I give it 100/100 for the dramatic effect.
Winter in Iceland are harsh, and unforgiving. But, I love the cold air running through my wild hair and the snow reminding me the White Witch.
The Glacier Lagoon is stunning all round the year, with new icebergs created everyday. During summer, you can rent a kayak and explore the lagoon closely.
And hence ,you don't have to wait for the seasons to change to change your view. All you need to do is stay. Get ready to spot some seals while at it.
In winters the lagoon is frozen, as if time has itself stopped. It is the crown jewel of Iceland with large chunks of ice floating around and sometimes close enough for you to touch them.
The glacier tongue of Skaftafellsjökull sits in Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park. It is one of many tongues stretching from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull itself. This ice cap covered eleven percent of the surface area of Iceland.
Hiked to the peak for a top view in summer.
Hiked to the lake in Spring for this gorgeous close up.
The crevices look solid in winter as if everything was intertwined into one.
I was disappointed in summer as there were not a lot of ice pieces or diamonds on the beach compared to my visit in spring. But it does make sense, right?
The name was justified in spring as the diamonds lay scattered on the ground. This is 1000 year old glacial ice that lays in front of you to experience.
On my way up east, the scenery stayed true to the season, warm and green.
The lightly snow capped mountains leading the way for green pastures to bloom were screaming spring.
In winter, Icelanders hibernates in their cozy caves. The roads are vacant, darkness is right around the corners and the mountains are overpowering.
Will you believe me if I say the below picture is from summer?
Godafoss when translated means the God’s falls. The Ásatrú priest (or goði) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, was given the responsibility to make the decision of what religion Icelander would choose? Christianity or Paganism.
It is said that he sat under a birch for 24 hours and decided that for the betterment of the country it was better to accept Christianity, while paganism could be practiced in secret. When he returned to his home in the northern Iceland, he threw the statues of all the God’s in this waterfall and hence the name Godafoss.
Bonus picture of the most important reason to visit Iceland in winter.
Iceland is a country that needs to be visited in all three seasons but if I had to give a biased opinion, I would say winter. I love the white Mountains, crunchy roads and the frozen lakes. I love the drama of black & white and I love the white roofed colourful houses. I love the hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows and the Aurora Borealis.
But if you are not someone who can take -20 degrees, summer should be your go-to season. The highlands are officially open for the tourists. The sun is shining, God's are smiling, the crisp cold air reminds you that its Iceland and the Icelanders are out of hibernation.
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