Blue skies, sun and absolutely stunning mountain views where the Dolomites meet the Alps. This trip offers plenty of fresh air and exercise. And then after trekking all day coming back to relax in the sauna of the gorgeous Adler hotel and then look forward to a delicious evening meal in the hotel’s beautiful dining room, or wine cave was a real treat. The hotel staff were just fabulous.
Iceland Winter Holidays
Top Winter Holidays in Iceland
Top 5 Natural Wonders to See on Iceland Winter Holidays
Skogafoss Waterfall: Iceland is known throughout the world for its impressive waterfalls and while there are many to choose from, Skogafoss is one of the biggest and most beautiful in the country. Plummeting down a 60-metre-tall cliff face into the Skoga River below, the cascade is captivating. You might even be fortunate enough to see a rainbow form across the waters or the Northern Lights dancing in the sky above. To appreciate the full force of the waterfall, get close up and feel the spray on your face and to listen to its tremendous roar.
Myrdalsjokull Glacier: Stretching for approximately 600 square kilometres on top of Katla volcano on the South Coast of Iceland, Myrdalsjokull is a beast of a glacier and one of the biggest in the country. The giant ice cap is made up of smaller glaciers and two glacial tongues called Sólheimajökull and Kötlujökull. The frozen landscape is an incredible sight and the ash clouds created from Katla volcano add to the unearthly and almost dreamlike scenery.
Northern Lights: The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis as they’re otherwise known, are among the most sought-after phenomena in the world owing to their unpredictable behaviour and, of course, their unsurpassable beauty. Often seen frolicking across dark, Artic skies, the dancing waves of neon-coloured lights are spellbinding and are possibly one of the most beautiful sights you’ll ever witness in your lifetime. Sightings of the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed but to optimise your chances it’s best to visit Iceland in the winter months between November and February and head out to somewhere where there is no interference from artificial lights.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Formed by increasing temperatures since the mid -20th century, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon lies within Vatnajokull National Park and is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Iceland, if not the world. Although the lagoon isn’t very wide, it is up to 250 metres deep in some places. As smaller pieces of ice break away from the glacier, the water becomes strewn with icebergs. It’s incredible to hear the loud creaking sounds and watch the different coloured icebergs continually shifting on the water. When the weather allows, you can walk along the perimeter of the lagoon or explore on a Zodiac boat ride where you might spot a seal or two.
Geysir Hot Springs: Found inside Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, the Geysir Hot Spring area is home to many active geysers and bubbling mud pools. The oldest and previously one of the most impressive is Great Geyser, whose eruptions were believed to reach a staggering 170 metres high. Nowadays it is less active and Strokkur has become the new favourite. Although its heights reached are considerably lower at 30 metres, it is the most active in the Geysir Hot Springs area, with eruptions occurring approximately every few minutes.
Karin Thomas Snowshoeing in the Dolomites – Premium Adventure
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Dennis Ormes Cross-Country Skiing in Skåbu, NorwaySnow shoeing in Skabu was a great experience due to the owners and staff of the hotel. Henrick was not only one of the owners, but he was our skiing guide. He quickly assessed each of our levels and adapted to make the experience a memoriable one for each of us. You knew from the start that safety was one of his primary concerns and he was able to help each of us get the most out of the experience. He and his wife and staff were great. From the evening experience that allowed us to understand more about the local culture and history (this took place each evening in the lounge each night before dinner)
They also provide an evening of star gazing that was enhanced by the presentation first by a young man with a masters in theoretical physics. I learned a great deal about the stars and then he met us at the viewing site with a telescope set up. It was exceptional. One afternoon we took advantage of the sauna which l had growing up with neighbors. However, the icing on the cake was the exceptional food and the employees. I love getting to taste local cuisine and this was one of the best examples I have seen. They raise their own pigs and sheep and use the meat. One day we had lunch in a hut on the ski trail that was their own pork and lamb sausage heated over an open fire. The evening meals included moose soup, fresh caught trout, pork, lamb and great home made deserts and more. Each meal was paired with an exceptional wine as they have a sommelier. She was exceptional. Finally the Friday night meas was a five course dinner with a wine pairing. Did I forget to say that the resturant was just named one of Norways 10 best. I want to thank the staff for making it a great week. I highly recommend this trip and would consider doing it again.
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