Wondering what to do in Iceland in November? We’ve got you covered! November is often considered to be the best time of year to catch a glance of the magnificent Northern Lights. If you’re a fan of music, don’t let Icelandic Airwaves music festival slip by. November is also the start of ice cave season. There’s plenty to do in Iceland in November.
ICELAND AIRWAVES MUSIC FESTIVAL
If you’re in Reykjavík over the second weekend of November and are into music then you’re in for a real treat! Iceland’s biggest music festival, Iceland Airwaves, takes place in early November each year. The entire city awakens with live music performances, starting with off venue concerts in the afternoon, continuing on venue all through the night. This year with over 200 artist confirmed for the festival, Reykjavík puts on its best, filling almost every single bar, venue and stage with musicians from all over the world!
Visit Iceland Airwaves website for more information.
Iceland Airwaves Iceland. Sykur. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Ómar Örn Smith
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Yes, we never get bored of the Northern Lights. They are a must see while in Iceland and is one of the top reasons why people make a visit to Iceland in winter. However, please be aware that this natural phenomenal cannot be controlled or guaranteed. I personally love getting away from the city lights and buzz to catch a glance.
Learn all about the northern lights or find our top spots for seeing them. If you don’t want to drive in Iceland during winter then I recommend our Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave 2 Day tour for an adventure packed two days along the entire South Coast. We stay at the lovely Lilja Guesthouse which is in a prime spot for a glance at those dancing green lights. You can read more about this two day adventure here.
GO FOR A DIP!
There is just something about going to one of the local geothermal heated pools in the evenings after a day of activities. It’s completely meditative and relaxing. Especially recommended when traveling with kids! Our favourite pools are Vesturbæjarlaug and the ever charming Sundhöll Reykjavíkur. This literally translates to swimming palace. It sure lives up to its name, being the oldest public bath spot in Iceland, designed by the noted architect Guðjón Samúelsson. Don’t forget to stop for ice cream on the way back to your accommodation! Very Icelandic and the perfect end to the night. This is a must for a Reykjavik day, and not just to do in November
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur | Hidden Iceland
ENJOY SEASONAL ICELANDIC FOOD
Icelandic food scene has really emerged recently with passionate chefs opening world class restaurants at affordable prices – what can be better! Make sure you get to know our true local cuisine during your stay in Iceland and with Reykjavík being the cultural hub, that’s where you’ll find the best selection of restaurants to choose from. Be it making your way to Grandi to taste Flateys mouth watering Napoli inspired pizzas, visiting Hlemmur Food Hall for a selection of delicious street food be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or even playing it safe by going for the ever reliable Icelandic fish and lamb. You can enjoy the best seafood, lamb soup and other local delights with a friendly foodie expert on the Reykjavík Food Walk. What better way to warm up in the cold November nights than in our favourite restaurants in Reykjavík for dinner.
Messinn restaurant. Best restaurant in Reykjavík | Hidden Iceland
Snaps bistro | Hidden Iceland
Burro Restaurant | Hidden Iceland
HIKE ON A THE BLUE GLACIER OR EXPLORE AN ICE CAVE
This time of the year is always a fantastic time to go on a glacier hike. This early in the winter that the glaciers are transforming with the season. They begin to show their incredible bright blue colours again with the approaching cold weather. November is when the ice caves become accessible and we kick off the winter version of our Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon & Ice Cave 2 day tour. We explore the depths of one of Iceland’s largest ice caves inside Iceland’s largest glacier. The blues, textures and colours will leave you in awe. Not to mention the wonderful sights along the entire south coast making this the ultimate two day adventure. Read all about the trip here.
If you only have a day to spare out of the city, then joining our South Coast: Fire & Ice tour will sure to be a highlight. Walking to the front of the Sólheimajökull glacier will be a memory you won’t forget. Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls combined with Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach makes this a fantastic day trip.
Sapphire Ice Cave Tour by Sarah Rodgers
Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Emily Sillett
Ice Cave Tour by Ömar Acar. Feature
To sum up, there is plenty to do in Iceland in November. A heap of activities to choose from in Reykjavík, and as always plenty to see outside of the city. Have a browse through our tours if you want to leave the city buzz behind for a day or two and experience the beauty of the countryside in the calmer winter months.
Hi, I’m Dagný Björg, a mother, designer and co-owner of Hidden Iceland who loves getting lost in nature, her coffee and easy Sunday mornings.
