This trip is fantastic; the two guides (Ilse and Mary) are second to none. They have quite different but complementary styles and both went above and beyond to ensure that everyone felt safe and had a great time. They know this beautiful area incredibly well and chose amazing routes to match the skill of the group and provide variety and fun and stunning views. There was a good balance between coaching (I learned a lot!) and just enjoying the skiing and the landscape. They also took wonderful photos of everyone through the week, which is a really nice bonus; it’s easy to forget to take photos when you’re wearing gloves and holding poles and focusing on staying upright.
Just two negative points:
– While the trip and guides were great, Exodus could definitely improve some things in the booking and contact process (and no, an infuriating hierarchical drop-down contact form is not a “live chat”).
– Since the required ski equipment is supposed to be included, ski waxes and corks should also be provided for the group to use. It’s very wasteful to expect people to buy a wax set that they may never use again.
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.
Tam . Norway Cross-country Skiing
Aneesa Dalwai Snowshoeing in FinlandFirst time snowshoeing and I’m already hooked! ❄️
Huge thanks to our guide Joonas for giving us the confidence to explore the Finnish wilderness – crossing frozen lakes, trekking through snow-laden forests, navigating tiny bridges over fast-flowing rapids, and sinking into snow up to our knees! What an unforgettable adventure!Basecamp Oulanka itself is a true highlight of this trip – a magical setting where you can step right out of your cabin and into an adventure, with hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at your doorstep!
The camp itself is so well-equipped and has every comfort. The cabins are cosy and warm. The main lodge has lots of comfy corners to sit and enjoy a hot drink from the complimentary tea and coffee station after a hike or sit by the fire in the evenings. The sauna and hot tub became part of our daily routine after active days out.
I was also impressed by the kit that Basecamp provide, you literally could come with the basics and they will give you everything you need for the whole week. I found the snow boots and snowshoes themselves very comfortable!
Nikita Davies Iceland Northern LightsWow! If it’s adventure you are after, then you’ve come to the right place. Iceland has so much to offer, not only the Northern Lights. There are glacier hikes, caving, surfing, whale watching to name a few activities in Iceland. For the not so physical, there are beautiful waterfalls and amazing landscapes that are breathtaking to say the least. If you have never been to Iceland and you’re contemplating it, do it! You won’t regret it.
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