Enjoy Mývatn’s total winter transformation at Hotel Reynihlíð
Winter is cold—and often miserable in most countries of the Northern Hemisphere. In England, for example, the damp and cold seep into your bones and bitter rains soak you to the skin.
Now, Iceland is different. It is further north, for sure—but in this case, that’s an advantage. Surrounded by the Gulf Stream, the winters are not nearly as severe as most of Europe.
Winter without Pain
Winter offers so much that’s enjoyable, inspiring and awesome. The cold is dry and crisp—especially around Lake Mývatn in Northern Iceland. The snow doesn’t turn to a wretched, wet slush that soaks your shoes and socks…and feet. It’s crisp and powdery. The air is clean. There’s no pollution here—just pristine beauty. Can you say that about your town or city?
If you’re thinking of a holiday or taking your company on an incentive trip, this is the trip everyone will be talking about for years to come with brightness in their eyes. It’s an experience difficult to effectively portray in words, but let’s give it a try.
Lights in the Sky
Nights are not pitch black but are lit almost every night by a display of Northern Lights sweeping across the sky in an endless dance of swirling colour, beautifully offset by crisp white snow. Warm clothes are a must, of course, but you don’t need to worry about the cold. You can even stand outside in a sweater to enjoy the night. This year, the Northern Light cycle reaches it’s peak. There won’t be such a good opportunity to enjoy them so much for over a decade to come.
Ride on the Lake, Snow and Mountains
This area has so many features that people travel across the world to visit it. Winter just adds a new dimension to the activities that are possible. It’s the driest and stillest part of Iceland. The lake freezes hard—so hard that you can enjoy the thrill of horse-riding on the ice. These beautiful animals are known for their friendliness and good disposition—along with their enjoyment of giving you a smooth ride over practically any surface. Recently, go-karts have taken to the ice, too, in a thrilling drive on special tyres. Others like to try hiking on snowshoes or skis, whilst this birdwatcher’s paradise offers new ways to enjoy the birdlife, with photo opportunities everywhere.
Hot in a Frozen world
During spring and summer, nearby Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe pours over 600 cubic metres of water per second into the canyon below it. In winter, it is equally awesome—especially when silenced into a frozen ice monolith. SuperJeeps and snowmobile tours, crossing this volcanic terrain are another thrilling day’s excursion to several such sites. You can also see the massive cracks in the rocks caused by the movement of the tectonic plates and stand on two continents just a short walk from the hotel.
Not everything is cold, however. Volcanos surround Mývatn, leaving plenty of hotspots and fascinating features. There’s no memory to beat swimming in a natural geothermal, mineral-rich, hot pool in the middle of the snow. Your body is so warm from the water that you don’t feel the cold.
Catering for Body, Mind and Spirit
Because of the area’s pure conditions in winter, it can do wonders for the body, mind, soul and spirit. Hotel Reynihlíð, for example, besides arranging all the activities above, also runs a Health and Wellness Programme that has become very popular, adding a practical and spiritual aspect to your holiday. It brings its 4-star rating to every aspect of its service. Just take a look at the reviews in TripAdvisor.com and you get the picture.
What about fun when you’re in the depths of the countryside, if being surrounded by snow, steam, ice, geothermal hot pots, horses and SuperJeeps isn’t enough? You have to get to know the Yule Lads in nearby Dimmuborgir if you come before Christmas.
Hotel Reynihlið was the only hotel in Mývatn, providing weary travellers in their arduous trek between Akureyri and the villages of the East with rest, refuge and sustenance in the last century. Today, it boasts a good restaurant with an extensive menu and a nice bar to relax in after a day’s activities. Its experienced staff are very knowledgeable and will be happy to help you get the best from your visit—and your visit will be your best, too.
Hótel Reynihlíð
Reynihlíð • 660 Mývatn
+354 464 4170
[email protected]
www.reynihlid.is
