When Darkness Falls Early in Reykjavik

On December 22, 2019, Reykjavik welcomes its Winter Solstice for the year as the Sun sets at 3:29 p.m. The twilight gives way to the dimness little by little and the pinkish glow gradually disappears from the horizon, a delicate veil of blue covers over the city. Not long after, the night falls.

As a landmark in Iceland’s capital, the back of the Hallgrimskirkja Church is less captured than its front. During the twilight hours on the Winter Solstice, the structure looks stunning while its inside well lit.

When the night lands early on the back of the Hallgrimskirkja Church while its inside well lit, Reykjavik, Iceland. December 22, 2019, the Winter Solstice of the Northern Hemisphere. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

Downtown Reykjavik neighbouring the Hallgrimskirkja Church in twilight. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

Downtown Reykjavik neighbouring the Hallgrimskirkja Church in twilight. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

Walking in twilight from the Hallgrimskirkja Church to the city center on the downhill street of Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavik, Iceland. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

Locals and tourists walk in twilight down the Skólavörðustígur street in Reykjavik, Iceland. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

The Christmas wreath lights decorating the windows of the local restaurants and coffee houses in downtown Reykjavik, Iceland. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

The Christmas Cat that’s famous in Icelandic folklore transforms into a huge sculpture attracting locals and tourists alike. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

The ice skating rink in downtown Reykjavik is installed every year during Christmas along with the Christmas market. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

The Reception and Office space of the Icelandic Parliament building - Althing - after sunset on the Winter Solstice. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

People passing by one of the popular coffee houses in Reykjavik, Iceland, on the Winter Solstice. [Photo by Yanshu Li]

On this day, Iceland goes through the shortest day and the longest night. After that, there will be more and more daylight in the coming days until the Midnight Sun when Iceland has the longest day and the shortest night (or no night no darkness at all.)