So you’ve booked your cross-country or backcountry ski adventure at Sóti Lodge! Brilliant! We can’t wait to see you. But perhaps you’re wondering what the winter conditions here in Iceland will be like, and how to get safely to us?
Well, wonder no more! We’ve compiled this handy guide for travelling safely to North Iceland this winter season.
By air
The closest airport to us is Akureyri – considered to be the capital of North Iceland. Depending on where you’re flying from, it might be possible to fly here directly, otherwise you’ll need to take a domestic flight from Reykjavík city airport.
From Akureyri, you then have options! You could hire a car, hop in a taxi, or reach out to us to arrange a shuttle to the lodge. If your travels finish in Siglufjörður, there are also public buses available.
Air travel to Akureyri is generally a reliable and straightforward option. However, local weather conditions can be challenging and it’s always possible that flights may be cancelled or delayed. We recommend keeping a close eye on the weather and having alternative travel plans in mind.
By land
If you’re a fan of public transport, you can always catch a bus to Akureyri from Reykjavík. The bus is slower than the plane, and the views might not be great if you’re travelling in the dark of midwinter. That said, it’s still a good option for those who don’t feel confident driving themselves, or just want to relax and enjoy the ride. You can then get a taxi or arrange a shuttle from Akureyri, if you’re participating in one of our multi-day courses.
Alternatively, hiring a car could work for you! Having your own car gives you the freedom to go wherever you like, and means you can drive directly to Sóti Lodge.
If you do choose to hire a car, keep an eye on the local weather and road conditions. Look out for travel warnings, and go steady, as the roads are likely to be frozen in many places. Hire cars should have studded winter tyres between November and April, but conditions can be poor outside of these months too. Studded tyres help the car stick to the road, but it’s still possible to slide!
To summarise
Winter travel across Iceland is perfectly possible. After all – the locals do it all the time! However, you should be sure to allow plenty of time to get from A to B, and be aware of the conditions. Heed all warnings and stay put during high alerts!
If you aren’t comfortable driving in snow and ice, public transport options are your best bet. If you decide to drive and find yourself in trouble, the emergency number is 112.
Stay safe this winter and to contact us if you need help planning your travels to your winter course with us!
