Iceland’s wintertime magic is visible everywhere you look, from the mesmerizing magenta-green ribbons of the Northern Lights decorating the sky to the vivid Viking villages populating lush moss valleys, framed by snow-capped volcanic mountains. Despite the country’s name, Iceland isn’t as cold in the winter as you might expect — especially once you don your traditional wool lopapeysa sweater. Plus, you’ll find great value at every turn: hotels, activities, car rentals — the cost for almost everything drops when the off-season rolls around in September. We’ll share our firsthand knowledge and expert insight to design your wintertime adventure in Iceland, where long starry nights and otherworldly beauty await your exploration.

Winter is in fact one of the most rewarding times of year to visit Iceland. Scroll through the slides below to find out why!