Reykjavik Airport

Reykjavik Airport in winter is a mix of practicality and icy charm. Surrounded by snow-dusted landscapes and often a dramatic backdrop of low-hanging clouds, the airport feels like a gateway to Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty. Inside, it’s warm and minimal, with Scandinavian design touches that keep things sleek and functional. Expect boots stomping off snow at the entrance and travellers wrapped in layers as they transition from the frosty air outside.

More than 20 years ago, one of my standardisation meetings was held there, and it became the perfect occasion to try my first digital SLR: the Canon EOS 300D. Capturing the snow-covered runways and planes under that dim Icelandic winter light was a revelation. The sharpness and detail of those early shots felt groundbreaking at the time, even if today’s cameras have surpassed it.

The runway and apron can look like a scene out of a Nordic noir series, with aircraft framed against endless stretches of white. Winter weather can bring occasional delays, thanks to snowfall and wind, but the airport is well-prepared for the elements, with efficient de-icing operations and a determined no-nonsense approach to keeping things running.

Pro tip: Grab a hot chocolate or some Icelandic lamb soup at the café to fuel up before braving the winter wonderland beyond the terminal. It’s small, cosy, and incredibly functional—much like Reykjavik itself.