Ten ways to get through an Icelandic autumn
Magical autumn colours at Lake Mývatn. Rax / Ragnar Axelsson
The days are getting shorter and colder, the leaves have turned red and golden and there's a sense of impending, and very long Icelandic winter. Here are some tips from Iceland Monitor on how to enjoy the darkness.
Þingvellir National Park, a mere half an hour drive away from Reykjavík. Golli / Kjartan Þorbjörnsson
1. Long walks in surrounding nature . The beautiful hues of autumn won't stay around for much longer. If you're in Reykjavik, head to nearby Heiðmörk or Þingvellir national park for a crisp autumnal walk. Dress well, wear your wellies and enjoy the ripe, rich smells of the earth.
Don't miss the experience of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at the stunning Harpa concert hall. Mbl.is/ Eggert Jóhannesson
2. Culture up. There are so many concerts, art shows and theatre shows to go to. If you haven't been to Harpa, check out the Iceland Symphony Concerts there on Thursday nights, a real must-do in Reykjavik. And remember to keep up with events here on Iceland Monitor.
Daylight is fading and by mid-November, there will only be a few hours of light in Iceland. Mbl.is/ Kristinn Ingvarsson
3. Keep up your vitamin D-levels.
As the sunshine begins to fade, the upcoming months of almost constant darkness mean that your body's storage of Vitamin D will go down. Stock up on Vitamin D to keep those winter colds away.
One of Iceland's secret warm natural pools. Mbl.is/ Árni Sæberg
4. Have an adventure.
Don't plan too far ahead. Do something fun and sporadic. Go for a swim in a secret geothermal lake. Visit a cave. Go horse riding. Book a romantic overnight stay at a country hotel. Go to one of Reykjavik's fancy restaurants for no particular occasion.
Yoga yourself up at Yoga Shala, Reykjavik. Mbl.is/ Ernir Eyjólfsson
5. Get moving
There's nothing better to combat October sluggishness than a revitalising session at the gym or an invigorating yoga class. There are excellent gyms and yoga centres in Reykjavik where you can drop in for a single class.
Don't forget to try out that wonderful Icelandic beer. Pictured is the Mikkeller & Friends bar on Hverfisgata 12. Mbl.is/ Eggert Jóhannesson
6. Know your happy hours
In the city centre there are just so many cool bars. A lot of them have a happy hour in the late afternoon and early evening. Grab a pint of Icelandic beer and enjoy catching up with friends.
Going to the swimming pool seems even more magical in the cold season. Mbl.is/ Eggert Jóhannesson
7. Hit the pool
Going to a swimming pool in total darkness is exhilerating and romantic. Enjoy soaking up the goodness of geothermal waters in an outdoor hottub at one of the myriad of pools.
Don't forget to check out what's showing at the cinema. Perfect on autumn nights. Golli / Kjartan Þorbjörnsson
8. Catch a film.
Reykjavik has great cinemas to suit all tastes. Our favourite is art house cinema Bíó Paradís in the city centre which also has a cosy café/ bar.
Go on a northern lights tour, or simply just look up into the sky on a clear night. Mbl.is/ Sigurður Ægisson
9. See the Northern Lights
This natural phenomenon is magical every time, whether its seeing them for the first time or whether you're a seasoned Icelander. Look up at the sky on clear, crisp nights and you might just be amazed.
An Icelandic favourite, hot chocolate with lots of cream for those cold autumn days. Mbl.is/ Friðrik Tryggvason
10. Pamper yourself.
This is the time for a cup of hot chocolate, candlelight and good read. Stock up on your Icelandic classics to get into the mood. Imagine how difficult winters must have been in Iceland in times past and remember that spring is really only around the corner.
For where to go, what to see and where to stay in Iceland, remember to visit our listings pages at http://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/explore/ and http://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/events/
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