February marks the beginning of the winter high season in Iceland. Travelers in February can enjoy longer hours of daylight and a wide range of northern lights hunt options. Aurora excursions sell out quickly, so booking your tour well in advance is recommended. Our suggestion is to always book for the first night at your disposal, so that, in case of a cancellation due to adverse weather or unsuccessful sighting, you will have the option to reschedule.
The shortest month of the year, but not less eventful, February host the traditional Þorrablót, a month-long celebration of the old traditional food. Smoked lamb, sheep head, lamb testicles, fermented shark and blood-and-liver sausages are among the typical dishes brave travelers with strong stomachs can try during this originally pagan festivity.
More of a sweet tooth? Then Bolludagur is the day for you. This festive day takes place on a Monday on the seventh week before Easter: for the occasion, hundreds of thousands of sweet buns (bollur) are baked and filled with cream and jam, and enjoyed by kids and grown-ups alike. On Tuesday, for the mardi gras tradition of Sprengidagur, a traditional Icelandic dinner (salted meat, veggies and bean soup) is served, an eating-till-you-burst celebration of sort.
And on Wednesday, Öskudagur, local kids will dress up in costumes and go from shop to shop singing songs in exchange for candy – a fun day to be around!
February is not just about eating though: the Winter Lights Festival will brighten up villages and towns around the country with light games, projections and open-air exhibitions. And, for a truly exhilarating adventure, join a snowmobile glacier tour or a glacier hike. Or why not both, options are endless in the Land of Ice!
