Iceland during winter is not only a dark island in the Atlantic. The northern lights are still on. You can see it, spotting the buses with tourist, leaving town every night. But spring is in the air and you dont know what to do in March in Iceland? March 20 is not only anniversary of Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s marriage. It’s the night of spring equinox. Days start at 7:30 am and sun sets at 7:30 pm and it’s going to be more day light.
March in Iceland. What to do?
- March in Iceland is perfect for the Golden Circle and if it’s your first stay in Iceland you probably must see the Golden Circle. Even during this the part of year tourists are still around. But if you don’t like crowds, take it as a chance. During summer season you would go crazy. To make the best of this trip I recommend some detours. Start at caldera Kerid and take a walk inside a volcano. See how geothermal energy is produced at Nesjavellir. On the way back visit the solfatara fields of Krýsuvík. Steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs are surrounded by a range of multicoloured hills.
- In March in Iceland is enough day light for a trip to the south of Iceland. It’s known because of beautiful waterfalls. Not only popular Seljlalandfoss and Skógafoss. Be sure to have some waterproof clothes, or just more clothes to change on this trip. Even it’s not raining you’ll get wet. Gljúfrabúi is a small waterfall north of At first sight it doesn’t look like much. But that is it’s beauty. It’s obscured by the cliff rock, but follow a trail to get all wet. You’ll enter narrow breathtaking canyon where the water plummets to a small pool. Even better place for adventure is nearby at Nauthusagil. Here you can walk along the river while keeping your feetrelatively dry and see some more waterfalls. And near to Skógafoss there is also a short trick to a less known waterfall Kvernufoss. From the cave behind the waterfall you can observe it from a different perspective.
- In case the weather is not suitable for walking, I recommend to visit Hellisheiði Power Plant. An interactive tour here makes you understand, why Icelanders don’t need coal. Follow to Hveragerði and in the shopping mall next to the main road you’ll find a small information centre where you can find on your own how shaky is Iceland. In the exhibition Quake 2008, there is a small house which gives you the experience of an earthquake in power of 6,3 Richter scale.
- Last but not least marching around Reykjavik you’ll be witness of DesignMarch. Iceland’s most important design festival is covering architecture, graphic design, fashion, furniture and product design. Creative energy with exhibitions and workshops is all around. Reykjavik is one big venue for design.
- If it’s Monday evening and you are in town, definitely visit Gaukurinn. A place called after the bird cuckoo, seems to be home of Open Mic Standup Comedy English ONLY every Monday. Happy hour and good seats are till 9 p.m. Be patient. There is always hope good comedians according to your taste, will show up.
Text and photo by: Lucie Meisner
