Take me there: Reykjavik
Why go?
At this time of year, temperatures in Reykjavik hover around zero and the sun creeps above the horizon for just six hours a day, so its citizens could be forgiven for going into deep hibernation. But Icelanders are made of stern stuff and January and February find them in full party mode, with a series of festivals which bring music, lights and merriment to the streets. How better to beat the blues than a poetry reading in a geothermal pool under the flickering Aurora Borealis, or a night-time fun run through the neon-lit streets of the city?
What to do
The party kicks off at the end of January with Rainbow Reykjavik, Iceland’s annual winter pride festival which brings thousands of visitors from all over the world for four days of activities and parties (29 Jan-1 Feb, rainbowreykjavik.com). Then, in February, it’s the turn of the Winter Lights Festival, which sees the city’s most prominent landmarks cleverly illuminated and a lively programme of cultural events, from night-time museum openings to poetry readings, pool parties and, new for this year, the 5k Electric Run (5-8 Feb, winterlightsfestival.is). Finally, the country’s cuisine comes under the spotlight at the Food and Fun festival with restaurants devising special menus using only Icelandic produce (25 Feb-3 Mar, foodandfun.is). Be sure to leave time to explore the lava fields.
Where to eat
Overlooking the harbour, Kopar is a recent addition to Reykjavik’s dining scene, with a menu that makes creative use of local ingredients, such as Icelandic rock crab, salted cod and reindeer tenderloin (koparrestaurant.is).
Where to stay
The Kex Hostel offers cool, retro decor in a disused biscuit factory. (Shared dorms from £15, private rooms from £110, kexhostel.is.)
Insider tip
Stefan Helgi Valsson of Reykjavik Bike Tours (icelandbike.com) recommends the Árbæjarlaug (reykjavik.is/stadir/arbaejarlaug): “This is one of the best geothermal pools in Reykjavik.”
Give me a break
HOME: Bargain breaks in Clerkenwell with Zetter The Zetter hotel celebrates its 10th anniversary with some tempting deals. In January it will be offering 10 bedrooms a day at the 2004 opening price of £155 (+ Vat), a saving of £70 per night. In addition the bistro will be offering a £10 brunch each weekend. There will be further promotions in February and March, including a Twitter competition to win a night’s stay for £10 (thezetter.com).
AWAY: The little-known isles of Greece Sunvil Holidays has launched its Real Greece brochure, featuring new islands and 50 new properties. New for this year are eight little-known Cycladic isles, including Amorgos. Prices for a week on Koufonissia start from £664pp including flights and self-catering accommodation. Early booking offers include reductions of up to £100 per week, on most departure dates for bookings made by 28 Feb (sunvil.co.uk).
