A trip to Iceland offers a refreshing escape from London’s winter blues
London: You know that feeling when the weather turns and you just want to hide? For me, it hits hard in mid-November. The leaves are gone, and the bus smells like damp coats. Not exactly a mood booster.
Even though I love winter gear—jackets, hats, scarves—London’s cold months can be a real drag. There’s this joke that winter is just our punishment for enjoying summer. Some friends have even left for warmer places like Barcelona or Australia.
But what if the answer isn’t to escape winter but to embrace it? So, I hopped on a plane to Iceland, the seventh coldest country and surprisingly, the third happiest.
When you land in Iceland, it feels like stepping onto another planet. Seriously, the landscape is wild—volcanic rocks, icy lakes, and vast empty spaces. Most of the country is uninhabited, but it’s stunning, especially in winter.
After a long drive, we reached Hotel Budir, a cozy spot on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It’s surrounded by nature, with just a little church nearby. Talk about being in the middle of nowhere!
Now, if you think paradise is all about sunny beaches, Budir flips that idea. It’s warm and inviting inside, with comfy chairs and the softest bed linens I’ve ever felt.
At dinner, we enjoyed a three-course meal featuring local dishes, including a seafood soup and a tasty arctic char. Halfway through, a waiter announced the northern lights were out. Everyone rushed outside, shivering but thrilled, to see the green lights dance across the sky.
The next morning, I bundled up and took a walk on the beach, where I spotted seals watching me. It was a nice change from the foxes rummaging through my trash back in London.
Later, I took a dip in the freezing Atlantic at Hvammsvík Hot Springs. Yes, it was cold, but the hot springs were so relaxing. You can jump into the ocean and then warm up in the hot baths. Or just sip wine in the higher pools.
Next, we visited ION Adventure Hotel, close to Reykjavik and the famous Golden Circle. This place is a sight to see, with a design that looks like a space station. The spa even offers views of the northern lights while you relax in warm water.
We didn’t catch the lights from the spa, but the staff let us know when they appeared. We dashed outside, giggling like kids, to see the lights in all their glory. No phone needed for this experience!
Some rooms at ION are in the stilted part of the hotel, but the newer ones are cozy and stylish, with big windows showing off the beautiful landscape.
In the middle of the hotel, the restaurant serves up delicious cheese boards and hearty leek soup. On our last day, we stayed at Hotel Von in Reykjavik and had an amazing meal at a Lebanese place called Sumac.
While exploring Reykjavik, I recommend checking out Jónsi’s perfume shop and the famous hot dog stand. There’s not a ton to do, but that’s okay. Just being there is enough. A gloomy Londoner should definitely trade the rain for the fresh Icelandic air.
This trip changed my perspective on winter. Sure, London can be dreary, but next year, I’m not running away from winter. I’ll chase it instead. When it gets cold, I’ll find a better place to enjoy it, and Iceland is the perfect choice.
Rooms start from 26,000 ISK (approx. £148) at Hotel VON; hotelvon.is, from 41,000 ISK (approx. £234) at Hotel Budir; hotelbudir.is, and from 82,500 ISK (approx. £470) at ION Adventure ioniceland.is