where to visit iceland in winter

Iceland in Winter - The Ultimate Travel Guide

What to Do in Winter in Iceland

What to know about winter in iceland, keep your plans flexible, daylight will be limited, the highlands are inaccessible, winter weather in iceland, average temperature in november, average temperature in december, average temperature in january and february, average temperature in march, safety in winter, the icelandic wind warning system, what to pack for winter in iceland.

• Photographing Iceland in Winter

Driving in Iceland in Winter

Renting a car for a winter trip, driving safely in the icelandic winter, winter in different parts of iceland, winter in the south of iceland, winter in the north of iceland, winter in the west of iceland, winter in the westfjords of iceland, winter in the east of iceland, icelandic wildlife in winter, winter holidays and events in iceland, spending christmas in iceland, the icelandic new years, bolludagur, sprengidagur and oskudagur.

• Valentine's Day, Bondadagur and Konudagur

Thorri and traditional food

Faqs about iceland in winter, are all attractions accessible in winter in iceland.

• What's the best way to travel around Iceland in winter?

Is it safe to go glacier hiking or ice caving during winter in Iceland?

Can i camp during winter in iceland, what can i do in reykjavik in winter, summary of iceland in winter.

Winter in Iceland starts in November and lasts until early April, and depending on which month you visit, you'll have a very different experience. During the height of winter, Iceland is draped with a blanket of snow which creates a dramatic contrast with the beautiful landscape, and the waterfalls transform into pillars of ice. 

The highlight of Iceland's winter season is the elusive northern lights or aurora borealis. This celestial phenomenon fills the night sky with a mesmerizing array of colors dancing over nature and Iceland offers some of the best opportunities to witness this magical display. Winter activities cater to a wide range of interests, from adventure-seekers to nature enthusiasts. Exploring ice caves ,  glacier hiking , and  snowmobiling  are just a few of the thrilling experiences that await. The country's iconic attractions, such as the Golden Circle , the Skogafoss waterfall , and Diamond Beach , also take on a unique charm when enveloped with ice and snow.

Overall, Iceland in winter gives visitors a chance to see a different side of the country's nature with more unique activities. Read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in winter.

• See the northern lights : The dark winter months are by far the best time to witness the northern lights. Clear, cloudless skies are ideal for optimal viewing. To increase your chances of spotting them, head away from urban areas and venture into the remote countryside, where there's minimal light pollution. Make sure to check out the weather conditions and  the aurora forecast  before you head out hunting for them.
• Go glacier hiking or ice caving : Explore the glaciers of Iceland with a glacier hiking tour, or visit an ice cave guided by experts to ensure safety.
• Explore nature on exciting tours : Winter offers many thrilling opportunities for enjoying Icelandic nature. Traverse the countryside with a snowmobile tour  or go  dog sledding with Siberian Huskies ! You can also go on  horseriding tours on Icelandic horses in their fluffy winter coat! 

• Visit the Golden Circle : One of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland is the Golden Circle, which encompasses three iconic attractions: Thingvellir National Park , Geysir geothermal area , and Gullfoss waterfall . While most commonly explored in summer, these locations are just as beautiful in the frozen winter! You can check it out on a self-drive tour or on a guided Golden Circle tour.
• Go whale-watching : While summer is the most popular time to go whale-watching in Iceland, going during winter can be just as enjoyable. Just make sure to wrap up warm and take good gloves.
• Relax in geothermal spas, lagoons, and pools : It may sound contradictory, but the winter weather creates a great atmosphere for relaxing in Iceland's many geothermally heated lagoons and pools. There are few things as refreshing as feeling the cold air on your face while you soak in the hot water. Locations like the famous Blue Lagoon , Sky Lagoon , or the  Hvammsvik Hot Springs will all be far less crowded this time of year as well.

Overall, there are many things to do during winter in Iceland. It's a great time to experience some unique activities, whether you're interested in nature, adventure, or getting to know the culture.

Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays

2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking, 8-day guided northern lights winter tour of the complete ring road of iceland.

When visiting Iceland in winter, it's essential to keep your plans flexible due to the unpredictable nature of the weather. Iceland's winter months are known for rapidly changing conditions, which can include high winds, icy roads, and snowstorms. These elements can impact travel plans, making it vital for visitors to remain adaptable and open to adjustments in their itineraries.

One way to ensure flexibility is by allowing extra time for travel between destinations. Weather-related delays are common, and by accounting for additional travel time, you can reduce stress and avoid potential safety risks. It's also helpful to have alternative activities or attractions in mind in case your initial plans are disrupted by weather conditions.

Monitoring local weather forecasts and road conditions is crucial during your visit. Websites like the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration provide valuable, up-to-date information on weather and road conditions throughout the country. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the SafeTravel website for information about traveling safely in Iceland. There, you can also sign up for safety notifications and download their app. Make sure to use these available resources and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.

During winter in Iceland, daylight hours are limited due to the country's high latitude and proximity to the Arctic Circle . As winter approaches, daylight gradually decreases until the winter solstice. It occurs around December 21st and marks the shortest day of the year, with approximately four hours of daylight in Reykjavik and even less in the northern parts of the country. As the season progresses, daylight hours gradually increase, with approximately ten hours of daylight by the end of March.

The limited daylight can be both a challenge and an opportunity for travelers visiting Iceland during winter. On one hand, the short days require planning to make the most of the available daylight for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Many attractions and guided tours operate within the daylight hours, making efficient use of this time.

On the other hand, the extended darkness creates ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights, as the likelihood of spotting the celestial phenomenon increases with longer, darker nights. Moreover, the twilight hours of winter in Iceland provide a unique, soft light that casts a serene ambiance over the landscapes, creating an opportunity for great photographs!

During the winter months in Iceland, the highland roads, also known as F-roads, are closed due to heavy snowfall, ice, and harsh weather conditions. These closures are necessary to ensure the safety of travelers and to preserve the delicate highland environment. The highlands , which are home to some of Iceland's most remote and stunning landscapes, become inaccessible during this time.

Road closures usually begin in September or early October and can last until late May or June, depending on weather conditions and road maintenance efforts. The exact dates of closures vary from year to year, depending on the severity of the winter season.

Other roads can close temporarily as well because of harsh weather conditions or snowfall, sometimes with short notice. It's, therefore, crucial to monitor road conditions and closures as you travel around the country.

Iceland's winter weather can change rapidly, with bright sunshine one moment and snowstorms the next. Snowfall is common, especially in the northern regions and the highlands, while the south coast experiences more rain and sleet. High winds and icy conditions can also occur, making travel more challenging.

In November, Iceland is transitioning into winter, with the weather becoming increasingly cold. Average temperatures range from 30°F (-1°C) to 39°F (4°C). There's a risk of ice on the roads and light snow at the end of the month.

December in Iceland brings frigid temperatures, ranging from 23°F (-5°C) to 36°F (2°C), and limited daylight hours, peaking at the winter solstice with only 4 hours of sunlight. Icy roads and high winds are common, and there may be snowfall.

January and February are Iceland's coldest months, with average temperatures ranging from 14°F (-10°C) to 37°F (3°C). If the winter is particularly harsh, the temperature can go down to 5°F (-15°C) for some days, though this is not common. Snowfall is generally frequent, and high winds and icy roads pose challenges for travel.

March in Iceland marks the transition from winter to spring, with temperatures ranging from 28°F (-2°C) to 37°F (3°C). Snowfall becomes less frequent, but icy conditions and high winds may persist. Daylight hours increase to around 11-12 hours by month's end.

When traveling in the countryside in Iceland, avalanches can pose a danger in mountainous regions if there is heavy snowfall. When venturing into these areas, make sure to check the  avalanche forecast of the Weather Office  and adhere to local warnings.

It is essential to monitor weather and road conditions, stay informed, and adjust travel plans accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter visit. In case of an emergency, the national emergency telephone number is 112.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office provides a weather warning system to keep residents, and visitors informed about potentially dangerous wind conditions. The system categorizes wind intensity using a color-coded scale: yellow, orange, and red. These warnings help travelers and locals make informed decisions about their plans and movements during periods of high winds.

Yellow warnings signify moderate winds that may cause minor disruptions.

Orange warnings  represent strong winds that can lead to travel difficulties and potential hazards.

Red warnings indicate severe winds that pose significant risks to safety and infrastructure.

During the height of winter, yellow and orange warnings are common, and there's a risk of red ones. Hence, it's crucial to monitor the weather office website for up-to-date wind alerts , as extreme winds can cause poor visibility, hinder travel, and even pose risks to personal safety.

Embarking on a winter trip to Iceland requires thoughtful packing to ensure comfort and safety in the face of unpredictable weather conditions. Make sure to keep your itinerary in mind when choosing what to bring.

If you're only staying within the greater Reykjavik area , you can get away with wearing lighter clothing. Prioritize warm inner layers and bring a warm coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. Wear leggings and a long sleeve T-shirt, preferably made from thermal materials, underneath your regular clothing to make them warmer. If the weather isn't too cold, you can even get away with wearing jeans this way.

If you're planning on exploring Icelandic nature, and especially if you'll hunt for the northern lights, prioritize bringing proper warm clothing that can be layered. You might be outside in freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating middle layer like fleece or wool, and top with a waterproof and wind-resistant outer layer. Insulated, waterproof footwear with good traction is essential for walking on icy surfaces.

Along with good clothing, here are some more  essential items to pack for a trip to Iceland  that will help you make the most of your adventure.

Skin protection: The cold can be harsh on the skin, so make sure to bring lip balm, moisturizer, and good hand cream!

Extra equipment: Bring a portable charger to keep your phone, camera, and other devices charged in cold temperatures. If you're heading to the countryside, take a headlamp or flashlight for navigating during limited daylight hours.

Crampons: If you're planning on heading out to the Icelandic wilderness, make sure to bring crampons to attach to your shoes! It will make it much easier to walk over icy surfaces.

Thermos: Bring a thermos or insulated bottle for hot beverages for your travels around the country.

Travel adapter: Don't forget to bring a travel adapter for charging electronic devices in Iceland.

Swimwear: No matter what time of year your trip to Iceland is, make sure to bring swimwear to enjoy the many geothermally heated lagoons and pools.

  Photographing Iceland in Winter

However, inclement weather conditions require planning and protection for your equipment. Use a sturdy tripod for long-exposure shots, especially for northern lights photography. Bring extra batteries, as they can deplete quickly in cold temperatures, and keep them warm when not in use. Lastly, lens hoods can be beneficial in preventing snowflakes from landing on your lens.

Wearing good gloves is also essential. Try to bring ones that have touchscreen capabilities so you don't have to take them off when interacting with the camera screen.

• See more: Top 11 Frozen Waterfalls in Iceland to See in Winter

If you're planning on taking a rental car, make sure to choose according to your itinerary and which month your trip to Iceland is. It's always safer to rent a 4x4 jeep  in winter, especially if you're planning on exploring the countryside or arriving in January or February. In early winter, you can  rent a small car though that can still cause a challenge if there's snowfall.

All cars in Iceland must be fitted with winter tires from November until the start of April. Additionally, make sure you have an ice scraper and snowbrush in the car. If there's a lot of snow during your trip, it could be a good idea to have a small shovel on hand in case you get stuck, especially if you're heading out to the countryside.

Top Winter Self Drive Tours

Best 7-day northern lights self drive tour through south iceland to jokulsarlon ice cave, 8-day northern lights winter self-drive tour of west and south iceland with ice caving, amazing 6-day northern lights winter self-drive tour on iceland's south coast with ice caving.

Check the weather and road conditions: Make sure to check weather forecasts and road conditions from reliable sources. In case of poor visibility due to high winds or snowstorms, pull over in a safe location and wait for conditions to improve. In case of an emergency, call 112 for help.

Reduce your speed:  When driving in gravel, snow, or icy conditions, reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Use caution when approaching bridges, shaded areas, and blind curves, as these spots are more likely to have black ice.

Bring emergency supplies: Keep an ice scraper, snow brush, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit in your vehicle. If you're heading to a snow-heavy area, bring a shovel in case you get stuck. It's also a good idea to have water, snacks, and blankets with you for longer journeys.

Inform others of your plans:  Inform someone about your travel plans and estimated arrival times, and always prioritize safety over adhering to a strict schedule. You can also submit a travel plan to the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. Ensure you have a fully charged phone or a GPS device for navigation, but it's also good to have a real map with you, just in case.

If you want to explore Icelandic nature but are worried about driving, consider letting others do the driving for you by taking a guided tour instead.

During the height of winter, it's best to stick to the South of Iceland as the weather tends to be milder, and it's close to the capital city. Visitors can explore popular attractions like the Golden Circle, the  Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . Despite occasional road closures due to weather conditions, the South remains relatively accessible.

In  North Iceland , winter is characterized by frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy roads. High winds and road closures can create challenges for travel. This area is still a popular destination during winter, as the largest town in the north, Akureyri , offers skiing and snowboarding in the popular  Hlidarfjall Ski Resort  along with optimal northern lights viewing conditions. If you want to explore the area but don't want to drive, you can take a direct flight to Akureyri from Reykjavik Airport  or from different cities worldwide.

The West Coast of Iceland , including the Snaefellsnes  peninsula, experiences cold temperatures, snowfall, and icy conditions. Accessibility to some attractions may be temporarily limited, but the region offers beautiful landscapes, such as the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.

The Westfjords of Iceland  are not easily accessed during winter. This area sees heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions during winter, and road closures and limited access to certain areas are common. It's much better and safer to explore the Westfjords during the warmer months.

The East of Iceland experiences colder temperatures and more snowfall compared to the South. Mountain passes can become challenging, and some roads may close temporarily, but if conditions are good, then it's a nice area for skiing, and you may even see some reindeer!

Despite the regional differences in winter weather, it is essential to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions across all of Iceland. Dressing appropriately and exercising caution while traveling are key to an enjoyable winter experience.

The Icelandic Horse:  The most iconic Icelandic animal is the Icelandic horse, a hardy breed known for its unique gait and ability to withstand cold temperatures. They grow a thick winter coat to stay warm and can often be spotted grazing in snow-covered fields. Horse riding tours continue to operate during winter, allowing visitors to experience Iceland's landscapes on horseback.

Reindeer:  Visitors may have the chance to spot reindeer when traveling around the East of Iceland. Introduced to Iceland in the 18th century, they thrive in the country's winter conditions, where they descend from the highlands to lower elevations, searching for food beneath the snow.

Arctic foxes: Iceland's only native terrestrial mammal, the arctic fox, adapts to the cold by growing a dense winter coat. It allows them to blend into the snowy landscape. Although challenging to spot, dedicated wildlife enthusiasts may have the opportunity to observe these elusive creatures.

Birdlife: Bird enthusiasts can spot native and migratory bird species during winter in Iceland, such as the ptarmigan, which changes its plumage to a white winter coat for camouflage. Guillemots can be observed along the coast, while the national bird of Iceland, the gyrfalcon, may be seen hunting.

Marine life:  You may see white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises frequently off the coast of Iceland, and there's a chance of spotting minke whales and even humpbacks!

• See also:  Wildlife and Animals in Iceland: The Complete Guide

Top Whale Watching & Puffin Tours

The reykjavik whale watching tour, family-run husavík whale watching tour, whale watching tour with transfer from akureyri.

Winter in Iceland is a season of celebration, marked by a diverse array of holidays and events. Despite the cold temperatures and limited daylight hours, Icelanders embrace the season with warmth and revelry. Visiting Iceland in winter, therefore, offers a great opportunity to participate in the country's festivities!

Like in many cultures, the highlight of the Icelandic winter season is Christmas, or "jól" as it's called in Iceland. There are many unique Christmas customs and food, which make for a memorable experience when visiting. You'll find many activities going on in Reykjavik and surrounding towns. Check out the skating rinks and  Christmas markets , and keep an eye out for concerts and other events during this time!

Make sure to try the traditional Icelandic Christmas foods. Many restaurants offer special holiday menus, allowing visitors to partake in the country's culinary traditions. Don't miss out on the smoked lamb (hangikjot) and leaf bread (laufabraud) or the popular Christmas drink "Malt og Appelsín" which is a blend of non-alcoholic malt and orange soda (trust us, it's good!)

The most important day of Christmas in Iceland is December 24th, and you'll find that most businesses will be closed. There are some places that will be open a part of the day, usually only until 13 or 14 PM. On December 25th, most Icelanders are relaxing at home with family, so you're unlikely to find any open restaurants or shops on this day. More businesses will be open on the 26th, and most places should be back to regular opening times on the 27th of December.

Make sure to plan for these days well ahead of time with the assumption that businesses will be closed. We recommend taking this time to walk around Reykjavik and neighboring towns to explore the houses and parks or head out to the countryside if the weather allows. If you're in North Iceland during this time of year, make sure to visit the fairytale-like  Akureyri Christmas House . Depending on your accommodation, it could also be fun to plan a cozy day inside with good food and relaxation!

Photo by  Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir

Iceland has its own unique folklore related to Christmas. The holiday season begins with the arrival of the Yule Lads or Jolasveinar in Icelandic. They're 13 mischievous brothers who visit children each night leading up to Christmas, starting on the night before December 12th and ending on December 24th. The Yule Lads leave a small gift in the child's shoe, which is usually placed in their window.

The Yule Lads live in the mountains with their mother, Gryla, and her husband, Leppaludi. Gryla is a troll that comes to town every Christmas and steals away the children that have behaved badly. She also has a large black cat called the Christmas cat or Jolakotturinn, who likes to eat those who have not gotten any new clothing for Christmas!

You're likely to spot the Yule Lads, Gryla, and Leppaludi around Reykjavik as friendly visitors during many different Christmas events, sometimes even giving away candy to children. In December, you can also find a large menacing sculpture of the Christmas Cat in downtown Reykjavik (seen in the photo above).

Icelanders are known to go all out for New Year's Eve , so it's one of the best times to visit the country in winter. Unlike in many countries, people can buy their own fireworks during this specific time of year, which leads to a glorious fireworks show all over the city, as far as the eye can see! There are also many events going on, so you can really participate in the festivities.

On New Year's Eve, it's common for Icelanders to have a nice dinner with family or party with friends and go to a bonfire, or "brenna" in Icelandic. They can be found all over the capital area, and there may also be planned fireworks shows in the vicinity.

Another tradition is watching the yearly Aramotaskaupid, a satirical TV show which pokes fun at the year's events. It's possible to watch it with English subtitles on the country's main TV channel, RUV , though it may be hard to get the jokes unless you've been following the Icelandic news closely throughout the year.

The show is usually finished around 11:30 PM, and you're sure to notice it ending, even if you're not watching! As soon as it's finished, people rush outside to prepare their fireworks to make sure they're ready for midnight. This is the highlight of New Year's Eve, so be ready to head out by Hallgrimskirkja church , Perlan , the church of Kopavogur , or any other high-up location. The more you see of the sky above the city, the better!

This can also lead to quite a bit of pollution hanging over the city, especially if there isn't much wind. Be mindful that this can cause irritation for those who have lung or heart conditions. If you'd rather not risk it or just prefer to be warm and cozy inside, we recommend looking for accommodation with a nice view to get a glimpse of the show! Here, you can find options for accommodation in Reykjavik  when you're planning your trip.

New Year's Day in Iceland is typically a time for relaxation, hangovers, and spending time with loved ones after the night of celebration, so many businesses will be closed on this day.

Overall, spending New Year's in Iceland is a magical experience where you can burn away the old year and welcome the new one with a bang!

Top December Tours

Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, small group tour of snaefellsnes national park with transfer from reykjavik.

Photo from the bakery Braud & Co , showing different types of "bollur" available on Bolludagur.

Icelanders celebrate three special days in February, known as Bolludagur , Sprengidagur, and Oskudagur. They take place on the Monday, Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday and were originally meant to signify the start of Lent.

On Bolludagur, or "Bun Day," Icelanders indulge in cream-filled pastry buns called "bollur" as a treat, and they are sold in the tens of thousands all over the country. The following day, Sprengidagur, or "Bursting Day," is observed by feasting on a hearty meal of salted meat and split pea soup, reflecting the notion of eating until "bursting." Finally, on Oskudagur, or "Ash Wednesday," you'll find the city and towns bursting with life as children dress up in costumes and sing in shops in exchange for candy. Schools close early on this day, usually around lunch, to let children make the most of the day.

Make sure to participate in the festivities if you're in Iceland during this time. The pastry buns are delicious and can be found in all bakeries, and they're very simple to bake if you'd like to try making them yourself. Try the salted meat and slip pea soup on Tuesday, and if you're traveling with children, consider letting them dress up on Wednesday and go singing for candy as well!

Valentine's Day, Bondadagur and Konudagur

Bondadagur, or "Men's Day," occurs on the first day of the old Icelandic month of Thorri, typically falling in January. On this day, women pamper the men in their lives, offering gifts or gestures of appreciation. Konudagur, or "Women's Day," is observed on the first Sunday in February and used to signify the start of the old month of Goa. On this day, men honor the women in their lives with similar expressions of love and gratitude.

You can often find restaurants and other businesses offering special deals in celebration of all three days, so keep your eyes open if you're visiting around this time.

Photo from  Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by The blanz . No edits made.

If you're curious to try the famous (or infamous) traditional Icelandic food , then visiting Iceland in winter is a good option. From January to February, you can participate in Thorri, an Icelandic mid-winter festival that celebrates the country's rich culinary heritage. During this period, many locals gather for " Thorrablot " feasts, indulging in traditional Icelandic foods, many of which have been preserved using historic methods.

The traditional menu typically includes hakarl (fermented shark), svid (singed sheep's head), hardfiskur (dried fish), and various prepared meats. The festivities are often accompanied by lively music, dancing, and drinking Brennivin, a traditional aquavit that is commonly known as "Black Death" in English.

Thorri provides an opportunity for Icelanders to embrace their cultural roots and appreciate the flavors and customs passed down through generations. Visiting during this time offers a great chance to get to know the nation's cultural history. If you want to immerse yourself in the Icelandic food culture, then you can choose from varied Icelandic food tours , where you can try both historic and modern cuisine.

Top Culture Tours

Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Iceland in winter.

Some attractions may be temporarily inaccessible due to harsh weather or closed for the season. However, many popular sites, like the Golden Circle, remain open. This especially applies to locations along the south coast of Iceland, as the weather there tends to be milder.

What's the best way to travel around Iceland in winter?

While driving is possible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow, ice, and high winds. If you're comfortable with winter driving, renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Alternatively, many visitors opt for organized tours, which can handle transport logistics and ensure safety. Public transport may be limited, especially in rural areas.

Yes, it's safe to go glacier hiking and ice caving in Iceland during winter, but only with a certified tour guide. These professionals understand the local conditions and ensure safety protocols are adhered to. They have the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment to navigate these icy terrains safely. Always check weather conditions before you go, and never venture onto a glacier or into an ice cave alone or without proper guidance.

Top Glacier Tours

Camping during winter in Iceland is possible, though it's not recommended during the harsher months. It requires careful planning, proper equipment, and consideration for safety. Most campsites close during the winter season due to weather conditions. It's best to rent a campervan or mini camper  with heating, if possible. Otherwise, it's essential to have a sturdy winter tent, a warm sleeping bag, and appropriate camping gear designed for cold weather. Additionally, ensure you have a reliable heat source and know-how to handle winter camping challenges. Check out this article about Icelandic campsites in winter .

Reykjavik offers a range of activities in winter, from exploring the city's museums, art galleries, and geothermal pools, to experiencing its vibrant nightlife. You can also take a tour to see the northern lights or embark on a day trip to nearby attractions like the Golden Circle.

Remember to respect the unpredictable weather, keep safety a priority, and embrace the spirit of adventure that Iceland evokes. So bundle up, keep your plans flexible, and prepare for a journey to Iceland in winter!

Are you planning on a winter trip to Iceland? What experiences are you most excited about? If you have visited Iceland during the winter, tell us about it in the comments below.

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The Complete Guide to Visiting Iceland in Winter

I bet when you tell your friends and family you’re planning a trip to Iceland in winter, a few puzzled gazes will await you. So, let’s put the cold stares to bed with this epic guide to visiting this Nordic wonderland during winter.

Wait… A trip to Iceland? In winter? Sounds mad. Perhaps, but sometimes the most foolish-seeming plans deliver the most incredible results. Now, let me shatter any illusion you might have that Iceland is anything but incredible as winter creeps in. 

Oh, and any lingering thoughts on when the best time to visit Iceland will also end, as there is a clear winner. But you’ll only find that out once you know what the country showcases when the cold comes calling.

I promise I’ll keep the phrase “Iceland is magical” to a minimum. At least, I’ll try. Although once you see what it has in store, you might struggle to stop yourself from saying it yourself. 

Enough small talk. Winter is coming, and so is your trip to Iceland. Let’s go.

Brilliant Things to Do in Iceland in Winter

Feast your eyes on the northern lights.

Sure, Iceland brims with impressive things to do and see, equalled only by its incredible places to visit. But nothing can compare with the country’s main attraction — the dazzling and mesmerising Aurora Borealis .

I’m rarely at a loss for words, but if there’s one thing that few words could ever do justice, it would be the Northern Lights. It’s a natural phenomenon that results in dancing waves of colour in shades of blue, green, and purple. 

And thanks to the dark, long nights in Iceland, the winter is the absolute best time to see the northern lights.

Although it’s never a guarantee that you’ll see the magical light show, you can better your chances at a few locations. Reykjavik in the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, the town of Akureyri or on the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, to name a few.

Tip: To make it easier to view this stunning display, book this 4-hour northern lights bus tour .

Dive Into Iceland’s Natural Hot Springs

Technically (and legally), you’re not allowed to dive into the spectacular hot springs of Iceland . On the other hand, gently slipping into one of the 45 dedicated springs is a far more calming experience on a cold winter’s day.

You can rest assured that none of these natural hot springs come underrated. There’s a reason (or two) that bathing in any of them often ranks as the best thing to do in Iceland in winter.

The best bit? Spending more than seven days in Iceland gives you ample opportunity to explore as many as you want. Some of the most popular include Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, close to Reykjavik.

A bit further along the Golden Circle (more on that in a bit), you’ll find the not-so-Secret Lagoon. Or, if you’re up north, worthwhile options include the Myvatn Nature Baths and Geosea in Husavik.

Tip: Book a day trip from Reykjavik that includes the iconic Blue Lagoon. Or get this entrance ticket that includes entry, a drink, and a complimentary mud mask.

Discover The Golden Circle

What should you include in your Iceland winter travel plan? Without a doubt, including the Golden Circle is a must. A long-standing debate over which is more popular, the Northern Lights or the Golden Circle, continues daily.

Locally, the Golden Circle refers to three of the most iconic sights the south of Iceland offers. All conveniently located along a picturesque road that seems almost ethereal. 

First up is the majestic 2-tiered Gullfoss waterfall. Then come the enticing pools and imposing geysers of the Geysir Geothermal Park.

Finally, the circle concludes with Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Filled with historical, geological, and religious highlights, and even some Game of Thrones filming locations.

Tip: Due to the popularity of the Golden Circle, book this full-day tour from Reykjavik , which fits into any Iceland itinerary.

Spend Christmas in Reykjavik

When visiting Iceland in winter, you can bet that you’ll be around for the annual Christmas festivities hosted in Reykjavik in winter. Keen to find out what makes this unique? Well, for starters, the magnificent citywide illuminations.

In downtown Reykjavik, you’ll find the famed 5-metre tall Yule Cat, constructed from tons of steel and over 6,000 lights. Another downtown highlight is the immense Oslo Christmas tree sent to Iceland as a gift from Norway each year.

The official Christmas celebrations begin on the 12th of December. It culminates with Þorláksmessa (St. Þorlákur’s Day) on the 23rd, celebrated city-wide with traditional food and loads of shopping. The season ends on the 6th of January with a massive fireworks display and bonfires.

Tip: Visit the Lake Mývatn area in northern Iceland to hunt for the 13 Yule Lads, a huge part of Icelandic Christmas culture.

Fly Over Iceland

How does an immersive bird’s eye view experience of the Icelandic landscape sound? Pretty enticing, am I right? Well, as impressive as a helicopter tour over Iceland sounds, sometimes you just can’t fit it into your schedule.

And that’s precisely where FlyOver Iceland comes in. A multi-sensory experience, this flight simulation ride brings everything you’d hope to see to life breathtakingly. Located in Reykjavik’s Grandi district along the city’s waterfront, it’s an easy gateway to “see” some of the best places to visit in Iceland in winter.

Upon entering, you’ll find yourself in an “Icelandic longhouse” for some intros to the country’s history. Next, is a separate room lined with suspended kinetic screens, which display stunning visuals of the northern lights and erupting volcanoes.

Finally, the third room will have you strapped into mesh seats atop a state-of-the-art moving platform. This platform, surrounded by a 20-metre spherical screen, takes you on a 9-minute “flight” across Iceland. 

Tip: Book your entry tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly.

Visit the Ice Caves & Go Glacier Hiking

Okay, here I go. Iceland in winter is magical. And you don’t have to delve very deep (pun intended) into any of the majestic ice caves of Iceland before you’ll agree. 

Prepare yourself, though, as Iceland has a lot of mesmerising caves shaded in an array of blue tones.

Most of these labyrinths lie beneath the Vatnajökull or Kötlujökull glaciers. Due to the genuinely fantastic experience, booking a guided tour through one (or more) is best. But what about glacier hiking?

For those looking to get their hiking thrills, Vatnajökull is not just famous for its icy caves. It’s also the site of some enjoyable and memorable hiking trails. As the largest icecap in Europe, you’ll find it within Skaftafell National Park. 

Tip: Combine the exciting adventure of ice cave exploring with the thrill of glacier hiking with this Skaftafell Cave Tour and Glacier Hike .

Horseback Riding in Iceland

By now, it’s no secret that Iceland stuns with its natural beauty. And, yes, experiencing these by bus, jeep, or even a massive 8WD all-terrain vehicle is fun. But why not opt for a stunningly unique way of exploring? 

An iconic part of Iceland’s beauty lies in its wildlife, and few compare to the majesty of Icelandic horses . These shaggy-coated horses abound throughout the country on numerous farms and free-roaming areas.

It’s not uncommon to see these majestic beasts during your visit to Iceland in winter, but going for a horseback riding tour is pure bliss. You can visit any of the farms around Iceland, with Laxnes Horse Farm near Mosfellsbær and Íshestar Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður the most popular.

Tip: Opt for a group tour if you don’t want to go on a solo horseback mission. One of the best is a Horseback Riding Lava Tour , which takes you through sweeping lava fields. Another is this Red Lava Horse Riding tour from Reykjavik.

Explore Some of Iceland’s Best Museums

No one can blame you solely for visiting Iceland to explore its captivating landscapes. But, one of the best things to do in Iceland in winter is delve into the country’s culture and heritage.

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is also its cultural heart. You’ll find numerous museums, parks, art galleries, and other attractions throughout the city. Its must-visit museums include the National Museum of Iceland, the Perlan Museum , and the Árbaer Open Air Museum.

If you’re not one for museums, Reykjavik has some other great places to visit. The famous Hallgrímskirkja Church — a towering structure — reaches 244 feet and has been an iconic Icelandic landmark for decades.

Tip: Most museums and other cultural attractions come included on a guided walking tour of Reykjavik led by an actual Viking.

Eating and Drinking Your Way Through Winter in Iceland

Where to drink.

You’ll often need some liquid courage to endure the colder days in Iceland in winter. And here are the two watering holes you should visit.

Kaffibarinn

One thing you need to know about most cafés in Iceland, and Reykjavik specifically, are that they tend to transform come sundown. During the day, Kaffibarinn is a fantastic coffee shop, and at night, it takes on a nightclub feel. Expect at least one impromptu dance party, no matter when you visit.

Magic Ice Bar

An iconic bar in Reykjavik and a guaranteed fun experience is sipping on tantalising cocktails served within a sub zero bar. 

Welcome to Magic Ice Bar, located in the city’s downtown just off Rainbow street. Everything here comes made of ice, from benches to the glasses your drinks arrive in. 

Tip: Book your entrance ticket to Magic Ice Bar in advance, as this also comes with a complimentary drink.

Where to Eat

Nothing beats a hearty meal after a day of adventuring through Iceland, and one thing the country does very well is serve up fantastic cuisine. Visit these two culinary highlights.

Grillmarkaðurinn

A famous grill market, this high-end restaurant presents itself as a dining experience set in the garden of Eden. Blending nature and cuisine here, you can feast on unique meat-focused dishes. You’ll find whale, horse, reindeer, and even puffin dishes on the menu.

A Michelin-starred restaurant, it often features as Iceland’s best, and for a good reason. Expect mouthwatering dishes such as traditional fish stew or reindeer tartar. 

And what’s dinner without a view? From your table, you’ll also have some stunning scenery to gawk at.

Where to Stay When Visiting Iceland in the Winter

Explore the best places to stay in Iceland during the winter months.

Exeter Hotel (Mid-Range)

Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this 4-star contemporary hotel is the ideal accommodation for any Icelandic adventure. The Exeter exudes opulence with industrial decor, modern touches, and luxurious wood finishings. The best part is that Exeter delivers luxury at an affordable price tag.

Check Prices and Availability

Umi Hotel (Luxury)

At the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano in southern Iceland sits the Umi Hotel . Considered somewhat off the beaten path, it’s the perfect spot to find solitude while you benefit from stunning views. The property offers numerous activities, including horseback riding.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit to Iceland during Winter

• Iceland is a popular destination, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance, check the opening hours of attractions, and plan accordingly.
• To make the most of Iceland’s winter activities, check out my packing lists to ensure you’ve got everything you need.
• Remember that Iceland isn’t the only place to experience a fantastic wintery adventure. Have a look at some other wonderful winter destinations in Europe. You can thank me later.

Iceland in Winter: Map

Iceland in Winter: Read Next

• Incredible Things to do in Iceland
• Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland You Need to Visit
• 7 Day Iceland Itinerary
• 12 Hot Springs in Iceland You Need to Visit
• Camping in Iceland: The Top Spots
• Travelling in Iceland: What You Need to Know
• Best Places + Areas to Stay in Iceland

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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13 Special Things To Do in Iceland in Winter

What happened when you told your friends and family you were planning a trip to Iceland in Winter? Was the look on their face something like? 😱 Did they think you were going to die of frostbite or get buried in an avalanche?

Honestly that’s what most people think about Iceland, but you might be surprised to know that Winter is the second most popular time of year to visit Iceland after Summer. Yeah! Tell that to your concerned loved ones. You’re definitely not the only one who figured out that Winter in Iceland is a special experience.

The reality is that there are SO MANY awesome Iceland winter activities, things you just can’t do any other time of year. And as they say in Iceland, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” 😉

Read on for the best things to do in Iceland in Winter, what to wear in Iceland in Winter, what kind of weather to expect in Iceland during the winter months, and general safety tips for traveling Iceland in Winter.

1. Take an ice caves tour

Taking an Ice Caves tour is probably the top thing on a lot of people’s lists when they start planning a trip to Iceland. A big part of that is because Iceland’s ice caves are only open every year from mid-October to about mid-March , though you should check for each tour when they’re running, as the exact dates can change every year. Still, what it means is that you won’t be able to visit them in Summer because that’s when they’re flooded full of water! So getting to see them is something pretty special, and it was the first activity we booked when visiting Iceland in Winter.

You might also be wondering: do I really need to take a tour to visit the ice caves? The answer is Yes, you do need to go through a tour. It’s completely unsafe and not allowed to go out on the glaciers on your own! There are massive chasms you can just fall down in unstable parts of the glacier. The guides are experts and understand the glacier’s thickness and where they can drive their Super Jeeps 😎

Where to take an ice caves tour in Iceland

There are three main locations you might want to visit ice caves in Iceland, ordered by distance from Reykjavík:

• Sólheimajökull (2 hours from Reykjavík). This glacier is easily the most ideal if you can only make a day trip from the capital, and it’s easy to book both ice cave tours and glacier hike tours including transfer from Reykjavík.
• Mýrdalsjökull (2 1/2 hours from Reykjavík), Katla Volcano. Located closer to Vik, you could reach this glacier as a day trip from Reykjavík but you’d probably need to self-drive.
• Vatnajökull (4 hours from Reykjavík, 2 hours from Vik), Skaftafell National Park. This glacier is Europe’s largest and conveniently close to Jökulsárlón (Glacier Bay), which you’ll want to see anyways. It’s about a 4 1/4 hour drive from Reykjavík, meaning you’ll need to stay somewhere like Vik or Hof in order to reach it.

Keep in mind, you WILL be driving more slowly in Winter conditions!

If you’re going to Skaftafell, you’ll want to base yourself in towns like Hof (closer) or Vik (1 3/4 hours drive) if you have a glacier tour happening first thing in the morning. Read my post on where to stay in Iceland if you’re traveling the Ring Road and looking for tips on choosing accommodation.

I’ve marked the meeting points for the tours listed below. The majority of tours for a given glacier all start in the same place, but always double check with the tour company!

How to choose an ice caves tour

Most ice cave tours are more or less the same (meaning at any given glacier, they visit the same naturally occurring caves), with costs about $120-170 per person. It sounds pricey but you really won’t get lower than that. Yes, Iceland is $$$! Even if you book a “small group tour”, the reality is that most ice caves have more than one tour at them at the same time so you’re mostly paying for sharing the Super Jeep with more or less people. For that reason, the main variables you want to consider are: which glacier can you reach , how much time do you have and do you want to do glacier hiking ?

Here are the best value tours available in each of the three main ice cave locations in Iceland:

• (4h) Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike – This tour is one of the least expensive Skaftafell glacier tours, quite long at 4 hours, and also has both ice cave exploration and hiking. If I were to go again, this is probably the ice cave tour I’d choose. If you’re going to end up at the same caves no matter which tour you get, in my opinion you might as well get the cheapest and the longest tour!
• (4h) Sólheimajökull: Ice Cave Tour – One useful thing about Sólheimajökull is the fact that you can reach it as a day tour from Reykjavík. This particular tour involves hiking to and from the ice cave, which takes about 1-1.5 hour each way, and is suitable for children as young as 10. You can even book the same tour with transfer from Reykjavík for an extra $50 or so.
• (3h) Katla Volcano: Ice Cave Tour – This ice cave is located at Mýrdalsjökull near Vik. You get to both see the ice cave and do a little bit of hiking. Come here if you can’t make it all the way to Vatnajökull but still want to have an ice cave experience!

2. Hike across Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull

I’m pretty sure Iceland is the first place I’d ever encountered a glacier, and it was particularly special to do if for the first time at Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The amazing thing to me is that it takes almost 45 MINUTES to drive from the starting point of most glacier tours, over the glacier’s surface, to reach the location of the ice caves.

In case you’re wondering, how physically strenuous is a glacier hike? you can put your mind at rest – children as young as 8 years old are allowed on the hikes, and you’ll also see seniors as well. You just need to be sure to wear proper hiking boots, to which they’ll be able to attach crampons (spikes) on the bottom. Besides that, just wearing warm clothing and gloves is basically enough. Don’t forget that Iceland is windy and when you’re on a glacier, there’s nothing to shield you from the wind. So wearing wind and water reisistant clothing is going to save your butt (literally!).

Except in this case where you can slide down on purpose 😉

TIP – If you’re based in Reykjavík, you can do a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull . Located just 2 hours away from the capital, this tour includes transporation from Reykjavík at the same price you’d pay for a on-site glacier hike at Vatnajokull. Alternatively you can save money by booking a tour that starts at the glacier's foot .

Glacier hikes on Vatnajökull

Both of these tours are operated by the same company, so the big difference is how much time you have on your hands. Besides the standard hike (ha!) you can also do an glacier hike and ice climbing tour .

• 3-hour hike: Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike ($)
• 5-hour hike: Skaftafell Glacier Hike Adventure ($$)

In terms of pricing, the 3-hour tour is cheapest, followed by the 5-hour hike, and then the ice climbing and glacier hike which lasts 4 hours. My guess is the additional equipment and instruction accounts for the extra cost. In any case, the costs are not massively different and your biggest factor (as always!) comes down to how much time you have to spend here before moving on to the next leg of your trip.

3. Hunt for the northern lights

This MIGHT just be the dream of just about every person who visits Iceland in Winter. Tell me that’s not true! Also known as the aurora borealis , the northern lights are a natural phenomenon that happen in high-latitude regions thanks to solar wind. While most auroras we saw were green in color, you can also see them with tinges of purple, yellow, and even red. Iceland was the first place I’ve seen the Northern Lights in my entire life and it was easily one of the most exciting parts of my trip to Iceland in Winter.

How to find the northern lights in Iceland

In fact, in our 10 days in Iceland we saw the northern lights FIVE TIMES. One thing you might find surprising is that most of the time, the problem with being able to see northern lights is not actually aurora activity – it’s cloud cover. You can use this awesome aurora forecast website to see where the northern lights activity is and how the visibility will look. It’s super useful because you can look several hours in the future and plan your evening based on where you need to be to see them.

In our case, one night we even ended up taking a “nap” before venturing out to see the northern lights at 3AM. Let me tell you – IT WAS COLD. My fingers nearly froze off, because it’s totally hard to operate a camera with gloves on. But in the end, you can tell me if it was worth it:

Yeah, thought so 😏 I had to stand perfectly still for 30 seconds for this photo, and somehow, I survived!

How to photograph the Northern Lights in Iceland

Pretty much everyone wants to take photos of the Northern Lights, but if you’ve never done much photography, you might be surprised to learn that it’s not really possible to take photos of the northern lights with your phone. You need to take a long exposure photo, using a wide angle lens (at least 16mm on a crop sensor, 23mm on a full frame) with a very wide aperture (ideally f1.4, f1.8, or f2). On top of that, you need a tripod! I used this carbon fiber travel tripod to take all the northern lights photos you see in this post.

You can learn more about how to take pictures of the northern lights in my post about Iceland photography tips , but in general I would make sure you have a camera that’s capable of doing it and that you learn how to work with your camera before you arrive in Iceland . Nothing is more frustrating than tinkering with a camera when something amazing like the aurora borealis is happening and you’re trying to get your gear to behave!

Should you go on a northern lights tour in Iceland?

To me this depends entirely on whether you’re able to safely drive a car in Iceland in Winter. As I mentioned already, the road conditions can be VERY icy, and you want to have experience handling ice on the road. If you’re renting a car, there is no good reason to join a northern lights tour – you’ll have a lot more flexibility planning yourself with the Aurora Forecast website and driving to interesting locations. However, if you are NOT able to drive yourself, a northern lights tour might make sense . It’s rather unlikely you’ll see northern lights from the city center of Reykjavík, but you don’t have to stay too far out for the possibility of seeing them. I know it’s possible to see northern lights from within Akureyri, in North Iceland.

One good thing about Northern Lights tours is that many offer a free re-try if you don’t see any northern lights . Depending on whether you’re based in Reykjavík or not, this could be a viable option so you can re-book your tour when the aurora activity is forecasted to be strong and with clear skies.

Another cool option (even for self-drivers) is taking a northern lights boat tour . It’ll be hard to take photos with a rocking boat + tripod but who knows! I can imagine it’s a really special view, especially if you can see the lights reflected in the water.

4. Go whale watching

Iceland has a bit of complicated relationship with whales. You might have heard that it’s possible to eat whale in Iceland, similarly to how you can also eat puffin. However, a lot of people have said that consuming these animals is not promoting sustainable practices and that these days they’re mostly hunted for tourists.

Instead of eating them, in Iceland it’s possible to see them in their natural habitat – even in Winter!

Whale watching in Iceland in Winter

Iceland is famous for its whale-watching, and even though Summer is prime time in Iceland for observing wildlife, there are some whales that prefer it in the winter – such as the Orca pod that spends its Winters off the Snæfellsnes peninsula . You can also see Humpback whales in the Winter, and there are tons of boat tours that will take you out to see them.

In the Summer, many tours even claim to have a 97-99% success rate. That’s a pretty bold claim if you ask me, but I’m guessing there’s a reason for it 😉 Even in the Winter, you can still have really good chances, and similarly to the northern lights tours, many whale-watching tours will offer you a free re-try tour if you don’t see whales the first time.

Best places to see whales in Iceland

Whales love Iceland, and there’s an entire article about whales in Iceland and the best places to see them. To hit the highlights, here are the best places you can see whales in the country, with the best locations for Winter denoted with a star ★ :

• Húsavík – While this is the whale-watching capital of Iceland, a lot of the whale-watching tours shut down here in the Winter. Be sure if you’re booking a tour in Húsavík, that you double-check they’re operating during the dates you have planned!
• Akureyri – Most whale-watching tours will take you to the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjörður. Since it’s less windy here, the tours are well-suited for people who tend to get seasick, children, and seniors. Here you can mostly see humpback whales, although blue whales, orcas, and fin whales have also been report. Book your tour here with a tour company that continues to operate in Winter and has great sighting success.
• Reykjavík ★ – While the peak season is April until October, you still have a really good chance of seeing whales in the bay near Reykjavík. This whale-watching tour also runs in Winter and offers you a free re-try if you don’t see whales on your first tour. Works great if you are based in Reykjavík.
• Snæfellsnes peninsula ★ – Your chance to see killer whales! Especially in Winter, this is the prime season to see them. This whale-watching tour from Grundarfjörður is in exactly the right spot for your chance at seeing killer whales. I highly recommend spending time in Grundarfjörður regardless because it’s close to Kirkjufell (pictured below), Iceland’s most famous mountain. You’ll get a double win if you can do both while you’re in this part of Iceland.

5. See Iceland’s most recognizable mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

If you’ve watched Game of Thrones there is a VERY good chance you already seen Iceland’s most famous mountain, Kirkjufell . It’s name literally means “Church Mountain”, and is reportedly the most photographed mountain in the country. The funny thing is that it only looks so nice and pointy when taken from this particular angle, so it’s hard to recognize when you’re driving up to it that it’s going to be the mountain you’re looking for!

You need a VERY wide angle lens for this photo! This was shot on a 16mm lens on a crop sensor camera and I wish it were wider.

If I’m going to give you one tip, again and AGAIN in this article, it’s this: BUY YOURSELF CRAMPONS! . Seriously I cannot tell you how many people I saw trying to walk to the viewpoint of Kirkjufell and slipping on their butts and falling down. I remember one specific man who just looked so confident, and everyone just watched him knowing he was going to tumble.

And tumble he did.

It is SO icy here because of the waterfall and mist from it, that the path (even with the rubber flooring) is incredibly slick. The other problem is that without crampons, people resort to walking in snow and that results in widening the path and impacting Iceland’s fragile nature . The best option: buy crampons, stay on the path, don’t fall on your butt, preserve nature.

6. Drive around the Golden Circle

If there was a Disney Land in Iceland – imma be honest – the Golden Circle would be it. LUCKY FOR YOU, it is totally NOT as bad in Winter as it in the Summer. Or was that because we did our tour ahead of a “No Travel Storm”? You be the decider. In any case, our experience traveling around the Golden Circle was pretty efficient until we finally had to stay in a giftshop near Gulfoss for a few hours until the winds weren’t strong enough to rip the doors off our car.

Are you excited for Winter in Iceland? I sure hope so.

Where to go in the Golden Circle in Winter

Anyways, back to the Golden Circle. This beautiful stretch of Iceland’s Southwest has some unmissable stops you’re going to want to see, and I’m not even joking here. There are a lot of people who come all the way to Iceland JUST to visit the Golden Circle. Here are some of my recommended stops for people visiting Iceland’s Golden Circle for the first time:

• Geysir and Strokkur – Geysir is where the term gets its name, a nature occurrence where the earth shoots super hot water into the air. If you’re American, you might liken it to “Old Faithful” in Yellowstone National Park. The Golden Circle is one of the few places you can see one with such regularity. While Geysir goes off only very rarely these days, you can see its little friend Strokkur erupt on a regular basis. Just don’t stand downwind!
• Gulfoss – This might be the first waterfall you see in Iceland! This powerful waterfall is very easy to access and has two vantage points: from the parking lot above, and also below. Try both for different perspectives on this waterfall.
• Þingvellir National Park – The location of Iceland’s first parliament all the way back in 930 AD. You can see the summer house of the parliament members, and watch the water run through this park. It’s beautiful even when it’s covered in snow.
• Silfa Fissure – Perhaps the only place in the world where you can snorkel between tectonic plates? You can either dive or snorkel, though you need to be open-water diving certified in order to do the diving option. Spots book up fast, so you’ll want to book your Silfra snorkeling tour in advance to secure a spot.
• Crater Kerid – This is one place we missed on our golden circle tour, but somewhere easy to add on whether you’re self-driving or not. It’s also included on many guided tours. You can see the pure blue color of the water filling this red rock crater, it creates a really great contrast in photos!
• Secret Lagoon – Secret Lagoon is basically a less hyped and less commericalized alternative to the Blue Lagoon. You have to swim at least once while you’re in Iceland, no matter the season! Book Secret Lagoon tickets in advance – you even even get tickets with transfer from Reykjavik included if you aren’t self-driving during your Iceland Winter trip.

7. Swim in hotsprings or natural baths

Swimming when it’s below zero outside – what could possibly go wrong? You have TONS of amazing options in Iceland when it comes to getting wet in the wintertime. While the Blue Lagoon might be the most Instagram-famous baths in Iceland, they are surely not the only option that you have. When we visited the Blue Lagooon (without buying tickets in advance!) they were sold out, so if you want them you need to BOOK EARLY.

If you’re a procrastinator like me, you can think about it like being spontaneous instead 😉 There are some fantastic alternatives to the Blue Lagoon as well, depending on where you’ll be visiting in Iceland in Winter.

Blue Lagoon alternatives (for procrastinators like me)

• Secret Lagoon – If you don’t get into the Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon is a really solid backup plan. It’s easy to get to from Reykjavik and less famous online so you’re less likely to get denied entry because you didn’t book over one month in advance. In Winter.
• Seljavallalaug Zwembad – Honestly, this is a natural bath in the middle of a valley and it is VERY COLD getting in and out of here, I thought I was going to get hypothermia. But I didn’t, and looking back on the photos it’s was pretty cool so why not? You need to hike to get here, but believe it or not this spot is actually on Google Maps. What you need to do once you reach the parking is to walk along the river. It’s MUCH easier to cross the river where it’s wide and shallow. I fell in. I got wet. Don’t be like me. Keep going and you’ll find this natural bath after about 15-20 minutes of light hiking.
• Mývatn Nature Baths – We also went here and honestly it has almost everything you want to get from Blue Lagoon but with fewer tourists. Of course, it’s in North Iceland and you might not make it here. But it was really neat: hotter and colder sections, sections with a bunch of algae, so much steam you can barely see anything and super blue water. Love it!

8. Head to North Iceland

There are a lot of Winter guides to Iceland that might tell you not to bother going to North Iceland – but that’s the exact reason you should! North Iceland is far less touristed than the South, and it has some really special places worth exploring in it. Whether that’s the capital of the north, Akureyri , or the lake region that looks more like the surface of the moon, Mývatn , or maybe even Europe’s most powerful waterfall , Dettifoss which is in the Northeast of the country.

Best places to visit in North Iceland

• Akureyri – The capital of the north! This is a great spot to be based in central northern Iceland, though you’ll probably want to stay in Mývatn while you’re in the western part of the North.
• Dimmuborgir – These lava formations were supposedly home to the “Yule Lads”, a gang of trolls who lived in these formations. It’s said that the area looks like an entire city formed out of lava rocks, but it’s hard to see it when it’s covered in snow. I bet this place is more interesting once the snow melts though!
• Námafjall Hverir – If you’ve been to geothermal areas elsewhere on this trip, you should still visit this one – it’s bigger and more impressive than the others, and you can get even closer to some of the springs and bubbling pits.
• Mývatn Nature Baths – As I already mentioned, this is a much less expensive (and touristy!) alternative to the Blue Lagoon, here you can experience the Icelandic tradition of naked bathing and getting into ultra hot water. In the winter it’s hard to see the surrounding landscape because of the steam coming off of the water, but that also makes it even more interesting to explore.
• Krafla Power Plant – Iceland is a leader in producing the energy consumed in the country using geothermal means, and this powerplant is just one that harnesses nature to provide power to homes in Iceland. In the Spring you can take a tour of the plant, but in the mean time you can still drive up to the plant and see it at work.
• Skútustaðagígar – You can walk around the rim of some of these craters, which is definitely a unique experience. You’ll encounter these craters when doing a loop around Myvatn, you basically can’t miss them from the car window!
• Dettifoss – Dettifoss can be accessed from two different directions, from the east and from the west. On the East, you’ll meet an unpaved road which may be closed in Winter (it was for us). This side let’s you get right to the edge of Dettifoss, which is amazing for photos. The road on the West is newer, paved, and you only have to walk for about 20 minutes to reach the waterfall along a paved path. If you have the time, it’s probably worth it to view Dettifoss from both sides.
• Selfoss – While Dettifoss is more powerful, Selfoss is definitely the prettier waterfall. The distance markers are a bit misleading, as Selfoss is a quick walk from the car park and will be your last stop of the day.
• Góðafoss – Take it in because Góðafoss is the last proper waterfall you’ll see in Iceland if you’re driving counterclockwise around the Ring Road! Luckily it’s very beautiful, and extremely easy to access from the Ring Road. You can basically park next to the waterfall, and it can be accessed by foot from both sides by a bridge.

9. See the snow-capped eastern fjords

Driving Iceland’s east coast is considered one of the most beautiful drives in all of Iceland, and when you’re here you’ll understand why. There are so many beautiful places just sitting right outside your window, you’ll wish you could take a photo around basically every corner. There’s not a whole lot to do besides drive, but that’s entertaining enough when you have views like this!

Places to see in East Iceland

• Drive along the Ring Road – This long and windy road will keep you close to the sea. Keep an eye out for possible road closures in Winter, as you may need to improvise and take a slight detour off the Ring Road.
• Egilsstaðir – The only “major city” in East Iceland, here you can stock up at the grocery store, get gas, and even buy some crampons at a local outdoors shop (bear in mind: winter hours mean they open at 3pm).
• Seyðisfjörður – You have to take a mountain pass from Egilsstaðir to access Seyðisfjörður, but if weather permits it’s worth it to visit this adorable harbor town. There’s a weekly ship that heads to the Faraoe Islands and then on to Denmark from here, but the main attraction has to be one of Iceland’s prettiest, tiniest churches. Coming out of town, you can also pull off to see a small waterfall, naturally.

9. Tour the Reykjanes Peninsula

Most tourists visiting Iceland miss the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is an easy detour you can make on your way from the Keflavik airport to Reykjavík. We toured the peninsula right after picking up our car because reaching the city for the evening.

Things to do on the Reykjanes Peninsula

• Reykjanesviti – See an Icelandic lighthouse! This is also Iceland’s oldest lighthouse. Just down the road is also your a chance to experience Iceland’s geothermal fields.
• Krýsuvík and Seltun – A larger area for geothermal activity, where you can walk across bubbling mud pits by way of wooden pathways.
• Blue Lagoon – As I mentioned, I didn’t enter the Blue Lagoon because we didn’t book early enough. There are other options, but don’t underestimate how easy it is to do the Blue Lagoon on your way to and from the airport!
• Buy an Icelandic sweater – Handknit sweaters will run you around $200 or more, but are also sure to keep you warm with thick Icelandic wool!

10. See Iceland’s South Coast

Iceland’s South Coast, combined with the Golden Circle, are the most popular places to visit in all of Iceland. You can see an incredibly dense concentration of the natural sights that make Iceland so special in a very short amount of time: black sand beaches, waterfalls, stunning landscapes, aaaaand the crowds to match. Again, Winter isn’t AS busy at the Summer but it’s still a popular time to go. You’ll never be mad you got an early start to visit these places!

Here are some of the best places you should visit on Iceland’s South Coast during your winter roadtrip.

Places to see on Iceland’s South Coast

• Seljalandfoss – You can also go behind this waterfall, but be prepared to get drenched! Don’t miss the other waterfalls along the mountain.
• Skogafoss – We visited Skogafoss twice, once during a small snowstorm and once during sunshine. It’s amazing how different it looks depending on the weather!
• Dyrholaey Arch – Even though the next spot on this list is better known, the area you reach after turning onto the road to Dyrholaey has some of the best views. There’s a lower parking lot, which offers great views, and a steep and trecherous gravel road that leads you to even better vistas (plus the lighthouse pictured above, known as Dyrhólaeyjarviti ).
• Reynisfjara – I’ve got a confession: the basalt columns you find at this location are actually kind of tiny! There are so many tourists here, even in the dead of winter, that it’s not somewhere you’re going to want to spend a lot of time (unless of course you show up first thing in the morning and beat the crowds).
• Sólheimasandur Plane Crash – The walk to this plane takes about 45 minutes each way. It’s extremely easy to find (there’s a wide path lined with reflective markers every 50 meters), just make sure the weather is going to cooperate on your walk so you don’t end up encountering a storm on your way there or back. There’s no shelter 😉

11. Visit Diamond Beach at Jökulsárlón

Diamond Beach is right next to the area you’d depart from if you’re going on an ice caves tour or a glacier hike, making it an ultra-easy place to stop and take some photos. Like a number of beaches in Iceland, the black sand is the result of volcanic activity. You can pick up tiny chunk of glacier that have drifted down from Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon) before ultimately getting swept out to sea.

12. Buy (and wear!) a Lopapeysa, a traditional Icelandic sweater

Iceland’s traditional winter sweater can be purchased while you’re in Iceland, and even worn on your trip. It’s made of Icelandic sheep’s wool, which is super super warm and comes in gorgeous patterns. You can buy a hand-knit sweater for around $200, though it’s also possible to buy non-hand-knit for a cheaper price.

I brought this one in Borgarnes but there’s also a popular place to buy them in Reykjavík, called the Handknitting Association of Iceland . When you’re buying hand-kit sweaters, every sweater is unique so you can spend ages shopping around and looking for the best one for you. Personally I love the flexibility of the neutral colors but you’ll find them in all kinds of patterns and sizes!

13. Get soaked in a waterfall

If there’s anything that’s an Icelandic rite of passage it has to be this: you’re going to get WET and MUDDY during your trip, especially when you visit during the Winter months. In fact, you’d be wise to pack a rain coat if you’re planning to walk behind Seljalandfoss. Pictured below is me getting utterly soaked in Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls located on the South Coast.

Read on for more suggestions of what to pack in Iceland for Winter so you’ll be properly prepared to take amazing photos and have these awesome winter experiences!

TIP – Make sure your photography gear is weather reisistant! Ours got completely wet during this trip, but had no issues thanks to the fact that it’s meant to handle a bit of water. You’ll also want to be sure to pack lens cleaning equipment in order to keep spots off the lens that’ll ruin your photos.

What to wear for Winter in Iceland: packing list

• Crampons – As I’ve mentioned like a dozen times in this article, you want to get spikes for your boots. There is a LOT of ice, and before I bought my crampons I had to stop my hike to Svartifoss because it was too unsafe to continue on the narrow path without them. You will thank me a thousand times over if you buy crampons! I own these heavy-duty crampons but generally look for crampons with REAL spikes not just the little bottom-of-the-shoe grip. Also keep in mind the size of your winter boots – I don’t have huge feet but my winter boots are large, hence the large crampons fit me. ALSO not many stores carry them in Iceland while you’re out on the Ring Road, and where they do, they are EXPENSIVE. Shop early and save, seriously!
• Parka – It should go without saying, but you need a serious Winter jacket when you come to Iceland. While Iceland isn’t ultra cold, it has a serious wind factor and you’re going to want something that’s both weather reisistant and keeps wind out. I own two of these Fjallraven women's parkas and especially love the tons of pockets.
• Snow boots – You need boots that are both warm and waterproof. They don’t need to be the WARMEST of all time (depending on your body temperature that might be uncomfortable for you), but the most important thing is they need to keep your feet dry. I fell in a river with Sorel snow boots on and my feet stayed dry. I was wet, but impressed 😂
• Rain coat – I didn’t bring a rain coat, but if you’re planning to do some up-close waterfall photos (such as behind Seljalandfoss) you’re going to need one. They also look great in photos so pick a raincoat that stands out!
• Layers: long sleeves, leggings – Iceland is about layering, so you can dress and undress when you get in and out of your car as you drive around the country. One thing to remember is that wind layer! I liked wearing thermal leggings in Iceland under my pants as well for extra protection against the wind.
• Scarf, gloves, hat – You need these things, and don’t settle for your “Autumn season” versions. Especially when it comes to your hat and gloves, be sure to look for items with lining inside that are really going to keep you warm.
• Swimsuit – As I mentioned, there are a number of swimming opportunities in Iceland. Besides hotsprings and natural baths, a lot of hotels also have hot tubs you can soak in. It feels great after a long day of brutal Iceland weather!

I own two of these jackets, the first of which I bought specifically to prepare for a trip to Iceland in February. Ultra warm, cozy, water-resistant, and not real fur!

These winter boots are a good balance between warmth and not being gigantic. Waterproof and comfortable enough for short hikes.

If you're going hiking in snowy or icy conditions, just buy these. You'll thank me later. My lifeline in Iceland.

What to do on an Iceland Winter Itinerary

If you’re looking for an Iceland itinerary that’s especially crafted for optimizing Winter experiences, check out my Iceland itinerary , which is meant for a 10 day roadtrip on the Ring Road. It includes stops for ice caves and covers the entire Ring Road. Apart from that, I’ve also written a dedicated article on where to stay in Iceland which is super useful because choosing accommodation in Iceland is NOT as simple as looking at the best photos! You want to consider things like access, road conditions, remoteness, on-site restaurants, and so on, especially when booking in Winter.

Iceland weather in Winter

My trip to Iceland was from the end of February to early March . I did a ton of research before deciding exactly when was the best time to go to Iceland. Here’s what I learned in the process:

• Iceland in November – Daylight dwindles quickly in November. On the first day of the month you can have about 8 hours of light, whereas on the last day only 5 hours. This is something you want to keep in mind in terms of how much driving in the dark you’ll be doing. Temperatures are around 4°C.
• Iceland in December – December is one of the darkest times of the year with the fewest hours of daylight. Temperatures around -1°C to 4°C (so, around or slightly above freezing).
• Iceland in January – Similar temperatures to December, between -1°C and 1°C. Again, don’t forget that what makes Iceland cold is the wind, not the temperature.
• Iceland in February – At the end of February, we noticed the days getting longer the more we were there. From the first day of February to the last, you gain 6 minutes of daylight every day . That means after a 10 day trip we’d gained an entire hour of daylight! Even though it’s one of the coldest months (-3 and +3°C) this makes it an ideal time for ice caves.
• Iceland in March – March is the time where you finally get more light during the day than darkness. You can still see Northern Lights and visit the ice caves in March. March also has some of the least tourists, as well as the time that whales start to return from their Summer migration. Temperatures still around -2 and +3°C.

Iceland Winter safety tips

The most important thing you need to know in order to drive safely around North Iceland is to get a car with GPS and 4-wheel drive, plus be sure to check the Iceland Road Network website every morning before you head out . This will tell you about road closures and any storm advisories. For the most part, Iceland’s Ring Road is extremely well-maintained but there is always the possibility that you need to drive before they’ve cleared it after a storm.

If you’re not used to driving on Winter roads, my advice would be NOT to learn how to do that in Iceland. We saw plenty of cars in ditches waiting to be pulled back onto the road!

Using GPS in Iceland

We only had one instance where we needed to change roads and we had to follow our GPS instead of Google Maps. By the way, don’t forget to download Google Maps in offline mode for your trip! You’ll still get GPS service in Iceland, even if you won’t have cellular service. That makes it totally feasible to keep looking things up when you’re on the go. Plus, if you happen to be coming from Europe, I found that my European cell plan worked perfectly in Iceland (at least, everywhere that had cell reception 😉).

6 safety tips for your Iceland winter road trip

• Only rent and drive a car if you’re an experienced Winter driver. We saw plenty of cars in ditches who probably couldn’t handle the ice, as I already mentioned!
• Get 4-wheel drive. It’s pretty standard on any car you’ll rent in Iceland in Winter.
• Get gravel protection for your car. There are MANY gravel roads in Iceland and you don’t want to get surpise fees at the end of your trip.
• Buy and hike with crampons. Last time I’m saying it in this article. Save your butt, buy a pair of crampons .
• Download offline maps for Google Maps. This can help you figure out what to do in the area even without cell reception. I also recommend picking up an Iceland travel guide book for more information available offline than Google Maps can give you.
• Get a car with GPS even though you have offline maps. Sometimes you’ll need to take alternative routes and we found that the car’s GPS understood those better than Google.
• Bring a phone battery charger for your car. Either double-check your car has USB ports or bring a charger.
• Respect closed roads. In Winter, many of the so-called F-roads are closed, that go into the country’s interior. With such poor cell service you do NOT want to get stranded in Iceland!

What do you want to see most in Iceland in Winter?

Let me know in the comments , I’d love to hear what you find the most special about this time of year in Iceland!

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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Why Visit Iceland in Winter: Your Complete Guide

December 21, 2023

Snow-strewn landscapes, spectacular glaciers, and the white peaks of volcanoes—Iceland in winter offers all the wonder you would expect from the land of ice and fire. It’s a fantastic time to visit, when Iceland is at its most magical, thrilling, and welcoming.

In this blog post, you’ll discover the sights, attractions, and unique experiences that make winter in Iceland so special. And you’ll find some of the most important information to know to enjoy your trip.

At Reykjavik Excursions, we offer various tours and activities for winter travel in Iceland . They give you the easiest way to see the country in all of its wintry glory .

When are the winter months in Iceland?

In Iceland, winter is the longest season, incorporating the months of November, December, January, February, and March. This is the time when Iceland is at its coldest and darkest.

Once upon a time, when Iceland used the Old Norse calendar, the country had only two seasons—summer and winter—that each lasted for six months. According to this traditional calendar, April would be a winter month too , as winter would run from the last week of October to the last week of April. In fact, still today, the first Thursday after 18 April is celebrated as a national holiday in Iceland—to welcome the warmer, longer days of summer. Of course, though, official summertime doesn’t stop the temperature often being below freezing, sometimes even into May.

What is Iceland like in winter?

Being so far north, Iceland in winter is typically cold and dark. It’s also mesmerizingly beautiful—with snow-covered mountains, gorgeous pale wintry light, and the opportunity for ice adventures.

In Reykjavik, temperatures between October and March range between 0.6°C (33.1°F) and 4.9°C (40.8°F). While they can fall a lot lower than that (the city’s record low temperature is -19.7°C, or -3.5°F), usually they don’t often drop too far below zero. You should expect it to be much colder outside of the city though.

That’s why, at this time of year, the glaciers that have formed Iceland’s landscape grow larger. These can be explored by foot or snowmobile, and you can discover the world of caves and caverns that form beneath them too.

Of course, we couldn’t talk about Iceland in winter without mentioning the northern lights. An unbelievable phenomenon for which Iceland is particularly renowned, the aurora borealis shimmer across clear winter skies at night. It’s not something to be missed.

In winter, Iceland’s villages and towns show a different side too. Much of life goes on indoors and every home or bar becomes a cosy, warm, and welcoming place to be. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of coming in from the cold to sit down by the fire with a beer or a mug of cocoa.

Christmas in Iceland

Did you know that there is not one, but thirteen Santa Clauses in Iceland’s Christmas traditions ? That every year a book flood takes place and that a sock-stealing Christmas cat stalks the streets of Reykjavik? Browse our selection of things to see and do at Christmas in Iceland for some inspiration.

Is Iceland completely dark in winter?

The far north of Europe has the reputation for being completely dark throughout the winter. But this is actually a bit of a myth.

On the shortest day of the year—the 21 December—Reykjavik has over four hours of daylight, with the sun rising at 11:22 and setting at 15:29. But at the beginning of November, Reykjavik gets eight hours of daylight. And in early March, the day lasts for over 10 hours.

Of course, the further north you go, the shorter the days will become. But there’s still plenty of daylight to enjoy, and plenty to enjoy indoors when it’s dark outside.

Is Iceland snowy in winter?

Iceland in winter has very low temperatures—which makes the whole country very snowy. It does have some of Europe’s largest glaciers for a reason!

But how much does it snow in Iceland? In Reykjavik, there are only four months of the year where there is no snowfall at all: June through to September. In any average year, you can expect at least a little bit of snow in every other month of the year.

In winter, from December to March, the Icelandic capital sees between 17 and 23 centimetres (between 6.7 and 9 inches) of snow each month on average, according to the Icelandic Met Office . March is typically the snowiest month, with 23.2 cm (9.1 inches) of snow.

Yet just as temperatures fall as you leave the city, snow is more likely outside of Reykjavik, particularly at height.

Driving in Iceland in winter

Driving in Iceland during the winter is often a worry for visitors. However, the roads are well maintained and Icelanders typically travel around the country by car—even during winter.

You can enjoy the freedom of exploring by car for yourself, on one of the many self-drive tours of Iceland that we offer at Reykjavik Excursions.

But weather conditions in Iceland can be volatile, particularly during the winter. And you may not want to risk the hassle of road closures or the risk of bad weather.

If you do choose to drive, consider some of our advice:

Hire a car prepared for winter conditions. Trusted car-hire operators should make sure that your car is ready for the winter road.

Always plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. You don’t want to be caught out when it gets dark.

Check the weather forecast before travelling. If heavy snow or a winter storm is forecast, it’s best not to travel. For the most reliable information, use the Iceland Met Office's website .

Stick to the major roads. Southern Iceland has paved and reliable roads. But in Iceland’s Highlands , or in parts of the north and east, that’s not always the case. We wouldn’t recommend that you drive unpaved roads unless you’re experienced. Always check the road conditions beforre heading out for a drive.

Things to do in Iceland in winter

So, what are the best things to do in winter in Iceland? Explore 9 of our favourite activities to enjoy in Iceland during the colder season.

1. See the northern lights

The northern lights are one of the biggest reasons why visitors come to Iceland in winter. That’s because it’s during those long dark nights that this breath-taking display is easiest to see.

For those who don’t know, these dancing waves of light are particles from the sun that crash into the Earth’s atmosphere. They’re most commonly witnessed at the planet’s poles—the north and the south—which makes Iceland a great place to experience the spectacle.

You don’t need to go far from Reykjavik to see them. For example, they can be witnessed from Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, at the northwestern edge of the city. But there are great places across the south of Iceland where you can combine glorious scenery with a glimpse of this extra-terrestrial display.

Explore our range of northern lights tours to find the option that’s best for you.

2. Soak in hot springs and geothermal pools

A wholesome, calming experience of Iceland in winter comes from immersing yourself into the warm waters of the country’s geothermal springs and pools. Iceland bears the nickname of the land of ice and fire thanks to the volcanic activity that heats the world below (and sometimes above) the surface of the earth.

Iceland’s geothermal activity makes for an incredible destination for those who love spas and saunas. The Sky Lagoon is a popular option just outside Reykjavik, while the Blue Lagoon is probably Iceland’s most famous spa location.

Yet there are many other hot springs and pools to explore too. Regardless of where you choose, the natural spa experience is a real thrill when you’re surrounded by snow.

3. Travel the famous Golden Circle route

As Iceland’s natural wonders go, there aren’t many more famous than the Golden Circle .

The Golden Circle is the name of the tour itinerary that includes three of south Iceland’s most famous sights: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Park, and Þingvellir National Park. Here, marvellous scenery combines with fascinating history, to create experiences that should definitely be included in any trip to Iceland in winter.

In the Geysir Geothermal Park, you’ll see the violent bursts of water that are propelled into the air thanks to geothermal activity. At Gullfoss, witness one of the most awesome torrents of water in Iceland. And in Þingvellir, discover the site of the oldest parliament in the world.

The benefit of visiting in winter? You’ll experience these sublime landscapes without the crowds—but with a splendid dusting of snow instead. Find out the best way to visit with our Golden Circle tours .

4. Visit the South Coast of Iceland in winter

Iceland’s south shore is one of the most fascinating regions in Icleand and there’s plenty of attractions to visit.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, for example, are two waterfalls in the region that are inspiring in any season. Meanwhile, the national parks of Vatnajökull and Skaftafell host the ancient glaciers that have created Iceland’s sublime landscape, such as Eyjafjallajökull, Sólheimajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull.

One highlight of the south coast is the region around Jökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon . This lagoon has been created by the melting of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. As a result, it’s a very special place, where you can see icebergs floating across the serene waters.

The nearby Diamond Beach —with its ice crystals stranded on the black sands—shouldn’t be missed either.

But that’s not all. Explore our full range of south coast tours here.

5. Go glacier hiking and visit ice caves

In many ways, its glaciers are what make Iceland so special. And there’s no better moment to witness Europe’s largest sheets of ice than in winter. In fact, with glaciers covering about 11% of the whole island, you’d be missing out if you didn’t pay them a visit.

One of the easiest glaciers to reach is Snæfellsjökull. It’s also one of the most beautiful—and can be seen from Reykjavik on a good day. It sits on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula of western Iceland, where you can see many different landforms—from glaciers to black sand beaches—all in a day.

Alternatively, combine a glacier walk with a visit below the ice. Iceland’s ice caves are a truly unique experience that’s only possible during the winter, when these cold caverns form. The Solheimajokull glacier walk is one of the favourites among visitors to Iceland.

While you’re here, check out all of the glacier and ice cave tours we have available.

6. Take a snowmobile tour

Rather than just walking on the glaciers, why not turn your journey across these massive ice sheets into a dynamic, and even more thrilling, adventure?

Iceland is among the world’s best places to take a glacier tour by snowmobile. This way you can see the magic of these vast expanses of ice, while enjoying the adrenaline rush of higher speeds. In winter, you’ll have to wrap up warm, but it’s one of the most exciting experiences you can have on the ice.

Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull are two popular glaciers to explore on snowmobile. Explore our snowmobiling tours to book yours.

7. Experience a whale watching tour

Iceland boasts a surprising range of charming wildlife—from Arctic seals to reindeer, from puffins and white-tailed eagles to the unique Icelandic horses. Yet there’s nothing quite as majestic as the whale. Over 20 species of whale call the seas around Iceland home. These include humpback whales, orca, and even blue whales.

Of course, not all of these amazing creatures are here all year round. But during the winter you can see sperm whales, humpbacks, killer whales, and more species that often venture deep into Iceland’s sea fjords. You’ll see dolphins and seals throughout the year too.

Both Reykjavik and Akureyri in the north are great places to take a whale watching tour. You can explore your whale watching options here .

8. Try winter snorkelling and diving

Diving or snorkeling in winter? In Iceland? You bet.

We won’t tell you that it’s warm (although it’s not exactly warm in summer either). But the beauty of submerging yourself into one of Iceland’s lakes is well worth the shock.

One of our favourite places to dive in Iceland is Silfra, in the heart of the Þingvellir National Park. Silfra is a rift in the earth created as two tectonic plates—the Eurasian and the north American—have drifted apart.

You’ll find this deep, mysterious underwater ravine in Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. What’s particularly cool about the diving experience here? You’ll be swimming in the meltwater from glaciers.

While Silfra is one of the best, it’s not the only diving experience you can have in Iceland. Find out more in our snorkelling and diving tours .

9. Explore the city of Reykjavík

Alongside spectacular scenery, unique activities, and unforgettable experiences, Iceland also offers its fair share of cultural opportunities too. If you’re going to spend some time in any city in Iceland, make it Reykjavik.

Iceland’s capital is an exciting, fascinating, and wonderfully welcoming city at any time of year. But maybe in winter it’s extra-special. Thanks to its unique food and drink culture, impressive architecture, and friendly residents, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

Here’s some of the things that you can get up to:

• Visit the Hallgrímskirkja church, one of the tallest buildings in the country with architecture inspired by the unique geology of Svartifoss waterfall.

• Head up to Perlan. Expect views over the city from Öskjuhlíð hill, along with a magical natural museum.

• Stroll along Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. Reykjavik’s two central streets are bustling corridors of boutiques and bars—and are particularly beautiful in winter.

• Take a helicopter tour. Witness Reykjavik and the surrounding area from above.

• Enjoy an authentic food and drink tour. Sample some Icelandic delicacies such as harðfiskur (or stockfish) or hangikjot (smoked lamb). And wash it down with some local beer.

Discover many more things to do in Reykjavik . Or let us show you around on one of our Reykjavik tours .

What to pack and what to wear in Iceland in winter?

When considering what to wear to visit Iceland in winter, remember one simple thing: it’s going to be pretty cold. That means you’ll need to pack wisely. We recommend bringing a waterproof and windproof jacket, thermal layers, as well as a hat and gloves. If you’re going to visit any of the outdoors sights, sturdy waterproof shoes are a must too.

Generally, it’s smart to dress in layers. These tend to be warmer and they’re more convenient to take off if temperatures change.

Whatever you do, bring a change of clothes too, to change into if you get wet.

Is Iceland worth visiting in winter?

Yes, Iceland is worth visiting in winter. Many of the country’s most famous sights—from the Blue Lagoon to Jökulsárlón, from the Golden Circle to Vatnajökull National Park—are still accessible. And what’s more, you’ll see them in all their fabulous winter glory.

Yet there are particular perks that only visitors to Iceland in winter can enjoy. Consider the northern lights, probably one of the most jaw dropping spectacles on earth. Or the mystery of Iceland’s ice caves. These are simply experiences you wouldn’t be able to enjoy at any other time of year.

Is it best to visit Iceland in winter or summer?

Ultimately, when you want to visit is up to you. There’s no “best” time to visit Iceland . Really, that will depend on what you want to get up to.

If you’re up for experiencing the northern lights, gorgeous snowy landscapes, winter diving, snowmobile rides, and more, the winter is the best time to come. But the summer is full of its own joys too, including the midnight sun, warmer temperatures, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Whichever season you prefer to visit, the people of Iceland will make you welcome.

Come and visit Iceland in winter with Reykjavik Excursions

Iceland in winter is a destination that’s icy and serene, and warm and welcoming, in equal measure. With its mighty glaciers, winter wildlife, and the superb display of the northern lights, it promises an experience you’ll never forget.

Whenever you decide to come to Iceland, trust Reykjavik Excursions to make your travel easier. We run tours across Iceland’s south coast throughout the year and we can help you organise your own tailored journey too. We’ll help you travel in comfort, style, and safety no matter the season.

Explore our winter tours and activities in Iceland to start your adventure.

Tours in the spotlight

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Northern Lights Tour

BLUE LAGOON

Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission & Transfer

SNOWMOBILING

South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Adventure

South Coast & Glacier Hiking

Reykjavik excursions blog.

Get inspired! Information and tips and must see places in Iceland, fun facts, customs and more.

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Once again, the enthralling spectacle of Iceland's Reykjanes volcano is back in the limelight! After 11 months of peaceful dormancy, the volcano is now alive and kicking, treating locals and tourists to another captivating visual performance. If you've been yearning for an adventure that's truly out of this world, this might just be your calling!

Travel to Iceland

Tours & Vacation

• Aug 15, 2023

Iceland in Winter; Things to Do and See in Iceland in winter

Iceland in winter (December to March) can be a magical experience. The island offers visitors so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences and people travel from far and wide to spend the festive season in what can only be described as a true winter wonderland.

If you’ve been wondering when to book your trip to Iceland, this article is for you. We do a deep dive into the season and whether it will allow you to tick off all those Iceland bucket list itinerary items.

The Pros and Cons of Spending Iceland in Winter

As with most things in life, spending Iceland in winter has its pros and cons. We’ve compiled a quick overview so you don’t have to:

The summer months are considered the peak tourist season in Iceland. And peak tourist season brings with it…masses of tourists, of course. Visiting Iceland in winter allows you to skip the crowds.

With the summer crowds in your rearview mirror, you can also wave goodbye to peak season prices.

You truly get to experience Ice land and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

You get to see beautiful seasonal attractions such as the ice caves or the Northern Lights.

Certain parts of the island are almost completely inaccessible during the winter months. For example, if you have things that you want to do or see in the Westfjords or the Highlands, you might want to come during the summer season.

The weather in Iceland has almost been pretty unpredictable, but with the legendary Icelandic winds and snow also in the mix, you can expect sudden road closures. This can often create havoc with a well-planned itinerary or a road trip.

It should be fairly obvious, but Iceland in winter is extremely cold. So if you’re not someone that can handle temperatures well below freezing you might want to give Iceland in winter a skip.

What You Can Expect From the Weather When Visiting Iceland in Winter

A famous local saying says that “you can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland”, but even though you’ll get some sun during the winter months, you won’t get close to summer temperatures.

But it’s these low temperature that makes many of the Iceland attractions in winter and things to do in Iceland during winter possible in the first place.

In general, the thermometer will rarely move above the 0-degree mark. Even though you can expect temperatures ranging from -30 to 2 degrees Celsius. The cities such as Reykjavik can feel slightly warmer due to the buildings providing a certain amount of shelter against the winter elements.

And winter is the season in Iceland where you get to experience almost all of the elements at play; rain, sun, snow, winds, etc. Daylight hours are also few and far between, so keep that in mind when compiling your itinerary.

At its peak, you can expect just about 4 hours of daylight each day. But, once again, this darkness is also what makes certain Iceland winter activities possible.

Packing List When Traveling to Iceland in Winter

We often get asked this question. And before you start packing your entire closet for “just in case” use this handy packing list as a guide:

Waterproof, long winter coat

Waterproof jacket

Wool and fleece sweaters (just take a couple of woolen sweaters as you definitely want to buy a few of the authentic Icelandic woolen sweaters once you’re here)

Waterproof winter pants

Winter pants (for when you’re just out and about in the city)

T-shirts & long-sleeved shirts

Thermal underwear

Woolen socks

Waterproof hiking boots (irrespective of whether you’re planning on going camping or not)

An extra pair of shoes (you’ll want to change out of your wet, muddy gear before you enter a hotel or a restaurant.

Warm, waterproof gloves

Warm hat (beanies work really well)

Bathing suit (for when you want to take a dip in the hot springs)

Flip flops (for public restrooms and the hot springs)

A Quick drying towel (you do not want to walk around with wet things during the wintertime)

Thermos Flask (this works well for both having water on hand as well as staying stocked up on delicious hot drinks out in the cold)

Moisturizing cream and lip balm ( dry skin and cracked lips are a real thing in Iceland during the winter months)

Washcloths (most accommodation do not provide these)

Electronic devices: charger, cables, adapter, power bank, etc.

Toiletries and medications (just remember to double-check flight restrictions before vital medicines get confiscated at the airport)

Backpack (for day outings)

Small ice scraper or foldable snow shovel (even though you probably won’t be able to bring this along with you on your flight, we’re still placing it here as a reminder since you WILL be needing one of these if you’re planning on renting a car and most rental agencies do not provide them)

Camping in Iceland in Winter

We often get asked whether camping is still one of the things to do in Iceland in winter. And it is, but probably not because of the reasons you think. Unless you’re Bear Grylls shooting a survivalist series, Iceland in winter is not the time to go camping on the island.

So you will also find that certain campsites close during the winter months. Others might fall within the regions that are inaccessible during winter too, so unless you grow wings you won’t be able to get to them either.

But there are a few other campsites that remain open and are a good solution if you want to cut down on some accommodation costs. By renting a campervan you’ll be able to tick off both accommodation and transport on your Iceland to-do list.

If you’re really clever, you’ll purchase a Camping Card and save even more! A Camping Card only costs €159 and will grant access to a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children for 28 nights at certain campsites around the island. Once again, just double-check which ones are open, though.

Driving in Iceland in Winter

Driving in Iceland can be one of the most challenging things to do in the winter months. This is because you never know what type of weather you’ll ru… drive into along the way. And sudden road closures can require a number of U-turns.

We highly recommend that you also have a chat with your rental agency about the routes you were planning on taking. As locals, they will be able to advise whether it’s better to opt for a 4x4 vehicle and which winter accessories you will need to make your ride as smooth as possible.

Also, keep a close eye on the Iceland weather forecasts and check the Iceland road conditions before heading out.

Things to Do When Spending Winter in Iceland

As we’ve already mentioned before, there are plenty of places to visit in Iceland in winter and just as many things to do. Here are a few things you can consider adding to your Iceland itinerary:

Experience the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights is an amazing neon-light display brought to you by mother nature. It’s a truly extraordinary experience to see these waves of light dance across the Icelandic sky. As one of the top things to do in Iceland in winter, many visitors try to DIY their own Northern Lights hunt, but we won’t recommend it.

The Northern Lights only appear under very specific conditions and as locals, experienced guides know exactly where and when to spot this phenomenon. So rather book your spot on a Northern Lights tour for an almost guaranteed sighting.

Visit the Waterfalls

Iceland has 10 000 waterfalls scattered all across the island and the one is more impressive than the other. Even though it might sound a bit counterintuitive to scout out natural water wonders during the winter months. It still remains one of the best things to do in Iceland in winter.

It is absolutely astounding to see some of these powerful cascading water masses with icicles like fangs hanging down from the cliffs and the surrounding landscape covered in a thick blanket of white snow. Some of the favorite places to visit in Iceland during winter include:

Gullfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Dettifoss waterfall

Svartifoss waterfall

Godafoss waterfall

If you’re really clever, you’ll purchase a Camping Card and save even more! A Camping Card only costs €159 and will grant access to a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children for 28 nights at certain campsites around the island (once, again, just double-check which ones are open, though).

Explore the Ice Caves

The ice caves are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and remain some of the best places to visit in Iceland in wintertime. Ice caves are naturally formed by either water or lava having tunneled its way through a glacier.

Because these ice caves melt during the summer months, they are not open to visitors during the warmer seasons. This also means that you can visit the same ice cave each year and not see it exactly as it was the previous time you visited the site. Some of the best ice cave places to go in Iceland in winter include:

Katla Ice Cave

Crystal Ice Cave

Skaftafell Ice Caves

Langjökull Ice Cave

Vatnajökull Ice Caves

Take a Dip in a Hot Spring

Due to the volcanic activity on the island heating up the underground water supply, you’ll find many natural hot springs all across the island. Some of these you can still experience in their natural form whilst others have been turned into geothermal public pools.

As you can imagine, the ones still found in their natural state are mostly free to use, but the geothermal pools will require paying an entrance fee and they also have other amenities such as spas you may opt to use at an additional fee. Iceland hot spring places to visit in winter include:

Secret Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Reykjadalur

Kvika Footbath

Go on a Road Trip

We are still convinced that this is the best way to explore the island and get to all the must-see places in Iceland in winter. Even though some areas and roads will be closed, a few route adjustments will still allow you to do some of the most popular road trip routes and do some of the best winter activities in Iceland along the way. These routes include:

The Golden Circle

The Westfjords Way

The South Coast Way

The Arctic Coast Way

The Ring Road

Let an Icelandic Horse Show You Around

Iceland is known for its very own breed of horse very unimaginatively called the Icelandic Horse . These horses have a short, stubby build that makes them look more like ponies than full-grown horses and they have a wonderful friendly nature. They are also known for their special gait called the tölt during which the horse always has one hoove on the ground.

This gait is said to be so smooth that it has inspired some friendly fun in the form of the beer tölt. During a beer tölt, the rider must hold a pint of beer whilst the horse is performing the gait without spilling even one drop of beer. You will find plenty of Icelandic horse tours in and around the cities and in some areas you can even stop by the horse farms themselves.

Take a Walk on a Black Sand Beach

Iceland’s iconic black sand beaches are also because of the island’s volcanic activity. They are formed when hot lava meets the cold ocean. It quickly cools down and forms a dark hard sediment.

Over time this sediment is broken down by the elements to leave what we now see as black sand. This is something you must do in Iceland when visiting during the winter season. And if you choose the right spot, you’ll even get a plane wreckage as part of the deal (don’t worry, no one got hurt). Some of the black sand beaches that are must-see spots in Iceland in winter are:

Reynisfjara

Diamond Beach

Solheimasandur

Go Skiing or Snowboarding

These are definitely some of the best winter activities in Iceland. Many don’t know just how big these sports are on the island. Iceland actually plays host to quite a few international competitions such as the AK Extreme Festival in Akureyri.

Whilst some travelers might already be pros and others, it doesn’t mean that beginners need to sit out on the fun. There are plenty of slopes for all ages and skill levels. Some of the must-see (and ski) slopes in Iceland during winter are:

Hlidarfjall – Akureyri

Iceland in Winter; a Magical Time to Visit

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do and see when you travel to Iceland in wintertime. By using our article as a guide, you will not only be prepared for everything this season brings with it, but also easily compile an Iceland 5-day+ itinerary for your winter trip to the island.

May the majestic surroundings and some of the best things to do in Iceland in winter make this the trip of a lifetime!

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Essential Guide to Iceland in winter: travel tips + itinerary for 2024

Is it a good idea to travel Iceland in winter? This is the question many people asked me when I proudly announced I’d be travelling to the near-arctic in early January, in the depths of the northern hemisphere’s winter.

Iceland isn’t known to be warm and sunny even in July so why would you go in the coldest darkest part of the year? Lots of reasons.

If you’re trying to decide when to visit Iceland, this guide 3 reasons why winter is a great time to visit Iceland and 3 reasons why you might not want to go then.

Iceland winter itinerary

If travelling to Iceland in winter, it’s easiest to base yourself in 1, or maximum, places and take day trips from there.

This way you have a warm home base to come back to after each day’s activities and aren’t dragging bags around in the snow.

More importantly, you don’t run the risk of being stranded in some small regional town if the roads are closed, as often happens in Iceland in winter.

With that in mind, here’s the recommended 7 day Iceland winter itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Reykjavik
• Day 4: Golden Circle
• Day 5: Glaciers
• Days 6-7: South Shore

This itinerary assumes you are based in Reykjavik for the first 5 days and in Vik for the last two. This makes booking accommodation nice and easy as you only need two places.

FAQ about visiting Iceland in winter

Winter in Iceland is from December to February (inclusive), similar to other Northern Hemisphere countries.

The average temperature in Iceland in winter is 0°C or 30°F

On average it snows 7 days per month with an average depth of 6cm

The average monthly rainfall is 60mm

No, it is dark most of the day in Iceland in winter but there are always a few hours of daylight, even if it’s not very bright.

The average hours of daylight per day in Iceland in winter si 4-7 hours, typically from around 10 am to 3 pm.

Related Post – Solo Traveller’s Guide to Iceland

The Pros – 3 reasons to travel Iceland in winter

1 you might see the northern lights.

The number one reason to go to Iceland in winter is to see the northern lights. Iceland is one of the few places in the world where you can glimpse the aurora borealis and visiting in winter gives you the best chance of seeing the lights. This is because Iceland has so many hours of darkness in winter (compared to so few in summer). There are also fewer people in Iceland in winter, reducing the already low levels of light pollution.

The combination of darkness plus lack of light pollution creates the perfect Northern Lights viewing environment. Numerous Northern Lights viewing tours run in Iceland every night in winter. Many of them are bus tours from Reykjavik. You can read about the options in my best Iceland day tours guide.

2 There are no crowds

Winter is undoubtedly the low season for tourism in Iceland. The crowds that flock to the island in summer have long since disappeared and Iceland is restored almost entirely to the locals.

This is a huge pro because by visiting Iceland in winter you can avoid much of the mass-market tourism and have a much more low-key authentic experience.

Think fewer people crowding in front of the waterfalls or blocking your views of the geysers.

Check out the pictures below to see how few other people were around when I visited some of the famous South Shore waterfalls in January.

I’m not going to lie, Iceland can be very touristy, so if that’s not your vibe, planning your visit for the off-season is a great idea.

3 It can be cheaper

Iceland is not a cheap destination. At all. Even a cup of coffee in Reykjavik is insanely expensive.

I can’t tell you the country is suddenly cheap in winter, but it’s certainly cheaper. The lower tourist numbers mean that tour companies and other operators offer discounts to fill spots.

You’ll also find low-season rates at hotels and sometimes even specials at restaurants.

It’s very difficult to do Iceland on a budget but your best chance of cutting costs is to go in the winter months. I would also recommend booking ahead to get the best deals.

You can read how much I spent on my Iceland trip in the last section of this post .

The Cons – 3 reasons not to travel Iceland in winter

1 there’s only five hours of daylight in winter.

Iceland is super close to the north pole. That means that, unlike equatorial regions where the daylight hours are consist year-round, the amount of daylight in Iceland varies significantly with the season.

While there is close to 24 hours of daylight in mid-summer, in winter in Iceland you will only have about 5 hours of daylight a day.

The sun doesn’t rise until 10-11am and it sets again around 3pm.

This can be an interesting phenomenon to experience for travellers from countries closer to the equator.

However, it leaves you with very little time to explore. Particularly because most of Iceland’s top attractions are natural wonders and there’s not much point in visiting a waterfall or geyser in the dark.

You won’t see much, and you definitely won’t get any good photos (have a look at the photos below, on the left is what I saw in January, the right is the same beach in full daylight in summer).

2 The famous Ring Road is often closed

Due to the occasionally extreme climate in Iceland in winter, many of the roads around the island can be closed. This includes the extremely popular Iceland ring road.

If a road trip around Iceland is on your bucket list, then winter is definitely not the time to do it.

While they don’t close all roads for all of winter every year, there are no guarantees which road will be open when you get there, and you could end up stuck partway around the island when snow or ice forces a road to close.

Given that most of us don’t have unlimited holiday time in which to wait out the weather, it’s best to avoid the winter months entirely if you want to do a road trip.

That said, you can still get to many of the best places on the ring road, including the Golden Circle and South Shore, in winter by doing day trips from Reykjavik. While it’s a less flexible option, you won’t miss out on Iceland’s top sights.

Related Post – Best day trips from Reykjavik

3 It’s really cold and quiet

The average temperature in Iceland in the winter months is 0 degrees. Or in other, words, close to freezing. It’s a long way from the t-shirt weather you get in a Sydney winter for sure.

Because most of Iceland’s towns and attractions are based around the coast, you can also get some vicious winds coming in off the ocean that adds to the chill.

If you’re someone who prefers warm temperate or beachy holidays winter is not the time to visit Iceland.

You would be better off planning your visit between June and August when the average temperature is around 10-15 degrees, and you’ll experience Iceland’s climate at its most moderate.

However, like any destination, it’s not about the weather, it’s about how you dress for it. Come prepared with enough warm layers and you can explore Iceland while staying cosy.

The Verdict- should you visit Iceland in winter?

My answer is yes. I did it and had an incredible experience.

Was it the same as visiting Iceland in summer? No.

Were there some things I missed out on? Maybe (honestly some of it wasn’t on my list anyway or wasn’t super accessible as a solo traveller in Iceland).

But there were also experiences I had that I wouldn’t have had had I visited in summer.

Happy travelling!

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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Iceland in Winter: 25 Things To Know Before You Go

Let’s travel to Iceland in winter!

What a brilliant idea!

Except… If Iceland is anything, it’s extreme, and winter is when Iceland is when it’s at its MOST extreme. If you’re not prepared for it then you might not be able to enjoy your trip as much as you could.

And who goes to Iceland and says they didn’t like it?!

Just mention Iceland and someone will tell you it’s their dream destination. And yes, it’s bucket-list worthy, but Iceland in winter is no lighthearted affair!

I’ve been to Iceland in winter twice, and the conditions on both my trips were very different.

That’s the thing about winter travel in Iceland, it’s well known as one of the most beautiful places on earth, but it’s also one of the most inherently changeable. It’s a relatively small island in the North Atlantic Ocean after all!

Iceland deserves its fame and all the accolades it receives, and you might be thinking, “not another travel blogger writing about Iceland” but if I didn’t genuinely wish I had known all of this before I visited Iceland during winter, I wouldn’t be wasting my time writing it!

Knowing these tips for winter in Iceland will make your trip all the better, and you’ll get to avoid the stress that we experienced!

Below you’ll find some of the best things to do in Iceland in winter, but also how to plan your winter Iceland trip in a way that will make it the best it can be!

Driving in Iceland in winter is no cake walk

I’m making this number one because, in my opinion, it’s the most important consideration in deciding to travel to Iceland during the winter months.

Let’s be clear. Driving in Iceland in winter is downright scary, especially if you’re not used to the conditions, but honestly, even if you are. Extreme, remember?

That means snow and ice on the road, direct drops into the frozen water on either side, insanely strong winds buffeting your car around along with a whole lot of loose snow so you can’t even SEE the road… need I go on?

Only you will know what sort of conditions you’re happy driving in.

We hired a small hatchback assuming the roads would be clear because my first trip to Iceland in October it was. Except for this time, it was a few weeks further into winter and the roads were actual ice.

This and the strong winds meant that journeys took us much longer than we expected, we saw less than we wanted, and we were stressed out by it all.

If you’re not happy driving in these conditions then don’t, there are many Iceland winter tours that will allow you to experience Iceland without putting yourself at risk.

That’s how it can really influence your trip. Because if it’s your dream to drive the Ring Road then winter may not be the right time to go unless you’re confident in driving in this kind of weather, or you choose the very beginning or very end of winter (Sept/Oct and March/April).

Our road trip in Iceland in November was amazing and we don’t regret it but do wish we had booked a 4×4 and allowed more time to reach different locations; you don’t drive fast on ice!

Make sure you check the road conditions before you set out each day, so you know what to expect!

Daylight hours are slim

One of the pros and cons of Iceland in winter is the light.

During the winter months in Iceland daylight is somewhat of a rarity. For example, it’s only light in November from 10 am – 4 pm and in December it drops to as little as 5 daylight hours. On the one hand, this means more time to potentially see the Northern Lights, YAY!

On the other, it means you can’t fit as much into your day as you could if you visited Iceland in summer.

You’ll need to plan carefully because the lack of daylight in combination with the longer travel times due to road conditions means you won’t be able to see as much each day.

However, you can also take advantage of the low light if you’re into photography. There are no worries about glare like in summer, the sunrise and sunset times can provide some magical moments for your memories and your photos. 

Visit somewhere such as the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon at sunrise and you’ll understand how light can be a pro!

An Iceland itinerary is crucial

There’s so much to do in such a relatively small country that planning an Iceland itinerary is really important, otherwise you’ll be wasting crucial time when you’re on there.

In winter some attractions are closed, on roads that are closed, or just plain harder to get to in general.  Your gut reaction will be to try and do everything, mine certainly was, but be realistic.

Allow yourself time to reach each place safely. Make sure you are able to get the photo you want rather than the one you have to rush.

We learnt to make the most of a few places rather than rush around many, and it really paid off in the short time we had there.

We often book flights before we plan what we want to see, but if you’re travelling in winter for one week or less you’ll soon see that an Iceland winter itinerary that includes the whole Ring Road, the Golden Circle, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula is unrealistic.

Plan to see just one or two of these, and maybe just to Jökulsárlón on the Ring Road!

If you’re lucky, you’ll see the Northern Lights

Although Iceland is well-known as a Northern Lights destination, there is absolutely no guarantee you’ll see them.

The longer you’re in Iceland the better your chances, and many people only visit for a few nights and expect to see them.

Unfortunately, I’ve heard of people visiting Iceland in winter multiple times and still never seeing them!

The first time I went to Iceland I saw a very faint cloud that showed up as the Aurora in my friends camera, but to the naked eye didn’t look like much. This time around we were lucky to be treated to an amazing display of Aurora in Snæfellsnes!

Treat the Northern Lights as a bonus to your Iceland trip, rather than a requirement.

Of course, do your best to put yourself in a situation to see them. Although they can be viewed in Reykjavik if they’re strong, it’s better to journey outside the city where there’s less light pollution.

This might mean joining a Northern Lights Tour if you don’t have a vehicle or looking up some likely locations in advance.

Everything has an app or website now and the same can almost be said for the Northern lights!

There are several sites that can be used to get warnings about where and when the lights may appear that night. When I was there they were accurate one night but I never saw them the other times it said they were about.

We used the Iceland Metrological Office Aurora Forecast .

Iceland in winter is a photographer’s dream, but be prepared

If you’ve been dreaming of Iceland then you’ve likely looked at a LOT of photos of dramatic landscapes.

While many of them will show Iceland in summer and you’ll need to search for or reimagine them as covered in snow, it’s certainly true that Iceland is an amazing place to take photos. And you’re probably imagining yourself in some of the same scenarios you’ve seen others in and seen photos you want to take yourself.

But like many things about travelling Iceland in winter, you should undergo a little preparation to avoid disappointment!

There’s nothing wrong with taking pictures on your phone if you have one with a fairly up to date camera, and it will yield you some great results because ultimately Iceland is stunning and amazingly picturesque.

If you plan on taking a camera that’s a little more complex, like a DSLR for example, then it is well worth spending a bit of time in advance preparing.

Shooting in the snow creates a whole new set of problems and takes time to get right.

The key thing is that it doesn’t necessarily matter what you shoot with, but you need to know how to use it.

A tripod is a godsend and we honestly don’t know how we would have managed without one, especially as we were experimenting with some long exposure shots and it’s crucial if you want to try your hand at capturing the Northern Lights.  If you are lucky enough to see them they can literally be in the sky for minutes. In that time you need to know how to set your camera to make sure you can capture them because unless they’re really extreme a phone will struggle.

We looked into the best camera settings for capturing the Northern Lights before we left and had them saved in advance to increase our chances of getting a good shot. It’s lucky we did!

Basically, you should try a wide-open aperture, a high ISO and a long shutter speed with your camera on a tripod. Use a remote or set a 2-second timer to reduce the chances of bumping it.

You might need to adjust your focus to manual to focus on the stars first. From there you can make adjustments, but it can be hard when they’re moving all the time and long exposures take what feels like forever!

It really is hard to come out from behind the viewfinder as you try to get the perfect shot, but remember to look up and enjoy this stunning natural phenomenon.

Keeping your gear safe and dry can be a little tricky so make sure you can get your camera covered quickly and keep that lens clean in adverse weather.

It’s cold

Obviously…but how cold is Iceland really?

The thing about winter in Iceland is that it’s not colder than many other popular winter destinations, and it’s actually even warmer than some!

I was colder in Berlin in winter than I ever was in Iceland, and in wintertime, it’s warmer on average than the Eastern US. You can expect the temperature to be around 0 to 4 degrees Celsius, although of course at higher altitude it can be much cooler!

The weather is extreme and unpredictable

Although it isn’t as cold as you might think in winter, that doesn’t mean the weather in Iceland isn’t extremely unpredictable. We faced everything from beautiful blue skies to complete whiteouts (while we were driving of course!) and crazy winds like nothing I’ve ever seen.

The car rental company actually specifically told us to watch our doors when we open them because the winds can basically rip them off and then the car’s a write-off.

Expect that the weather will be changeable and you might need to adjust your plans a bit as you go along.

Iceland is still expensive in winter

The rumours you’ll hear when you talk about Iceland are true. It is a very expensive country. Unlike many places that have a cheaper offseason (offseason travel in Europe is my favourite!).

The peak season may be from June to August, and accommodation and flights may become slightly more affordable, but overall Iceland is not the cheapest location for a holiday.

Getting around Iceland can be expensive, because you’ll either need to take a tour or hire a car to get the most out of your experience and they’re not the cheapest, and even if you opt for lower-end accommodation it’ll still be more expensive than many other European destinations, and you still need your own sleeping bag!

That’s not to say you can’t travel Iceland on a budget, it’s just that what that budget is, is relative!

The biggest area where you can tighten the purse strings is your food and alcohol budget. A pint of lager can cost £9-10 and a main meal £20 at minimum (that’s burger and chips in town). Instead, buy food at supermarkets, take packed lunches, or try food from petrol stations. The burgers are surprisingly good.

Also, don’t forget to grab some duty-free alcohol on your way in, because it’s the cheapest you’re ever going to see it, even if you take advantage of happy hours.

The trick to Iceland is to accept the cost of things and prepare yourself each day to buy as little as possible while out.

Make use of bars that have happy hours and, if you’re staying at a hotel check the price of their menu, it may be the only thing for miles around to eat!

And it’s still busy in winter too

I haven’t experienced Iceland in summer, so I genuinely can’t tell you what it’s like, but as someone who has travelled a lot, I wouldn’t call Iceland quiet in the winter season.

Every attraction we went to still had plenty of other people around, other than when we went to Jokulsarlon really early, but then within half an hour there were plenty more people around. There are still tour busloads of other visitors to contend with, and we didn’t go to the Blue Lagoon because it was booked it.

It was so different from my visit in 2013 when my two Icelandic friends drove me around the Golden Circle and across to Jökulsárlón, and we were the ONLY people at almost every place we stopped. Including the lagoon!

So much so that when the petrol light came on and our cards wouldn’t work at the self-pump station we genuinely worried about running out of petrol and no one passing us!

Iceland in winter looks different to what you might expect

Iceland winter travel is very different to the other seasons and different to what you might be expecting.

Many of the images used to showcase Iceland are summer images, with lush greens and epic vistas.

The winter turns Iceland into a different looking country altogether, and even though I did some research on Iceland in winter I didn’t expect it to look like it did, with SO much snow everywhere.

Many of the pictures I’ve seen advertising or talking about winter in Iceland show a sprinkling of snow on the ground at the main attractions, and slightly heavier in some places.

Of course, it depends on the year, but we went to Iceland in November and everything was completely white.

I asked my Icelandic friends if this was normal, since the first time I visited it was October and there was far less snow, but they assured me come November it’s usually like this! This isn’t a bad thing at all, but it might not be what you were thinking!

Kirkjufell is beautiful in the snow

Kirkjufell (Church Mountain in Icelandic) has become an icon if Iceland, appearing in promotional material all over the place, and cementing its reputation by featuring in Game of Thrones.

It rises 463 metres and sits on an isolated peninsula in Snæfellsnes in the west of Iceland. From one side the mountain looks steep with a flat top, and from the other, it looks rounded.

I’ve often seen photos of it in green and orange with the changing of the seasons, but I had never seen it completely white like it was when we visited Iceland in winter.

The Golden Circle is a great winter day trip from Reykjavik

Ok so it’s great any time of year, but in winter it can be particularly spectacular!

The main attractions are Thingvellir National Park, which becomes a winter wonderland, the Geyser geothermal area where you can see water bursting high above the snow-covered landscape and Gullfoss waterfall, which can be surrounded by ice.

There are also some other stops that have become more popular recently, like the Kerid Crater Lake, although if it’s frozen over it loses a bit of its dramatic appeal.

You’ll need your swimsuit for all the natural hot pools and springs

If you thought that travelling to Iceland in winter would mean leaving your bathing suit at home then you’d be very mistaken!

Most people are aware of the Blue Lagoon, of course, a geothermal spa that’s one of the top attractions in Iceland.

It’s a matter of personal opinion as to whether to Blue Lagoon is worth visiting. It is quite expensive and you need to book in advance, but luckily there are plenty of free natural hot springs and hot pools all over Iceland.

But don’t discount the local swimming pools as well

If you’re wondering where the locals go for their geothermal fix, there are actually a lot of manmade pools you can pay a small fee (compared to the Blue Lagoon!) to visit.

I’m not going to give away my local friend’s favourite pool but a quick Google search of swimming pools should help you to find some options wherever you’re staying!

They may not be natural, but many of them are still heated by geothermal waters.

And you can snorkel and dive in Iceland in winter too

Snorkelling and diving might not sound like things you want to do in the freezing waters of Iceland, but trust me, you do!

At Thingvellir on the Golden Circle route is Silfra, a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates that’s one of the best places to snorkel and drive in the world. The water in the Silfra fissure stays the same temperature year round, and underwater visibility is over 100 metres.

As a birthday present my husband treated me to snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, and it was incredible. We were the only people on our 2 pm tour, the last of the day in winter.

Our guides loaded us up with gear (dry suits) to help protect us from the cold as much as possible, and we entered the clear water surrounded by snow. The water is so clear that the blue looks like someone turned up the saturation up, but it seriously looks like that!

Read More:  Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland

Icelandic horses

Need I say more? These small horses are so cute!

They’re a special breed developed in Iceland from the horses brought by Vikings over 1000 years ago, and although they’re called horses, they’re more like the size of ponies.

You’ll see them quite near the roadside in many locations, and they’re pretty friendly if you want to stop and take a photo. Just be careful if it’s a busy road!

Yes, that crashed airplane in Iceland is real

But do you really want to trek 4km each way to see it?

In 1973 a US Navy plane crashed on Sólheimasandur beach. Everyone survived but the wreckage was abandoned. It’s become a well-photographed attraction, but due to its popularity the road has been closed and you now need to walk to see it, along with the hoards of other people who will be doing the same.

If you want to see it for yourself and it’s not blowing a gale like when we drove past the newly built parking area then, of course, you should go, but 100% do not expect to get photos of it with no one on it, unless you visit super early, super late, in bad weather, or use photoshop!

You should get travel insurance

It might seem extreme to get insurance for a short break, but with all the outdoor things you’ll be doing and in potentially adverse weather it’s better to be on the safe side.

The few times we fell over on the ice and could have broken ourselves, or our camera gear made it worth it. You don’t know what situations you’ll find yourself in. So just do it ok!

And don’t forget the car hire insurance

On top of normal travel insurance, car hire insurance is crucial in Iceland.

Sometimes it’s tempting to opt out of car insurance because you think you drive all the time and nothing happens, but Iceland isn’t exactly your normal driving situation. There’s the extreme wind that can cause damage to the car through loose gravel, windscreen chips from the same gravel, icy roads, and unfamiliar conditions. This even applies in summer!

It is possible to get car excess insurance as part of travel insurance, or in a separate policy online much cheaper than the ones offered by the hire company. The only issue with this is that some hire companies will then want a credit card hold in case something happens because effectively you would have to pay upfront then claim from the other insurance. And this hold/deposit can potentially be £2500.

For example, if you chip the windscreen you will then be charged for this amount to take up yourself with your separate insurers later on.

It’s very hard to say what the best option is because if you don’t need it, it feels like wasted money and if you do you’ll never be happier to have spent it.

We found car insurance online for £58 or with the company for £168 and though the second was more expensive it meant no excess and no deposit from our credit card which we might have wanted to use elsewhere. Think it through carefully.

Take the right gear

Billy Connolly once said “In Scotland, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.”, and I can safely say this applies to Iceland too!

Winter weather in Iceland requires preparation (do you sense a theme to this piece?). Some visit and will say it’s mild if a bit snowy others will tell you it’s freezing and a blizzard.

The truth? It can be both.

Our trip was gloriously snowy with sunshine and bitingly cold with tons of cloud.

We packed some good thermals and warm, waterproof coats. After that, layers are your friend so you can stay in control.

It’s a good idea to try and avoid jeans if it’s snowing because they stay wet. Good, waterproof boots are a must and we both chose to wear hiking boots the whole trip.

While we were out and about we saw people with some very wet and very cold feet as their trainers just weren’t up to the job.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on winter gear for Iceland. Consider water-resistant and warmth and look for budget options, or try second hand!

The ice part of Iceland really is epic

Iceland has 269 named glaciers and an uncountable amount of ice caves. You can only take a tour of the ice caves in winter, because of the danger of them collapsing.

Basically, they change every year, and tour operators have to scope out new places to guide people all the time. Touring an ice cave in Iceland is magical, and an experience you definitely need to plan into your itinerary if you want to make it happen since the tours are so popular!

And don’t miss the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon if you have the time

You need to set aside at least 2 days to make the journey from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón in winter, and preferably 3 if you want to do more stops along the way and spend some decent time there without driving in the dark. It’s still one of my favourite places ever, and what made me fall in love with Iceland in the first place.

There’s so much to see on the drive there (or back) and unfortunately, we ran out of time to see a lot of it due to the lack of daylight hours in winter.

However, being able to watch the low sunrise at the lagoon isn’t something I’ll forget in a hurry. If you have even more time, consider a stop at Iceland’s OTHER glacier lagoon .

Don’t be disheartened

Iceland winter travel can be hard and if the weather is against you it can also mean you may not see what you want to.

Our first day left us struggling with Iceland a bit due to a snow storm and very little visibility. Unlike other places, Iceland does make you work for the sights it has to show you so bear with it!

Luckily, we ended up driving part of the same road again, this time with clear skies we were able to take in the landscape and experience everything we’d missed, it really took our breath away.

Manage your expectations and don’t go expecting stunning views around every corner, sometimes it may be a little cloudy.

Remember: The extra work is worth it

From the early starts to the stressful drives, the cold weather and the annoying layers, and even the high cost of things – there are many things to frustrate you about your trip. But all of it is very much worth it.

Is it as good as everyone tells you? YES! Iceland isn’t overrated, but it does take planning and patience.

I feel like our trip was a great success now. We lucked out with several clear days and saw the elusive northern lights, but that was after I had a mini-meltdown when halfway through we hadn’t seen as many of the things I had planned and wanted us to and we were super stressed out about the driving.

Everyone kept telling me how great our trip looked, and it was after I relaxed and allowed us to go with the flow with whatever the country threw at us!

If you go wanting to see particular things and the northern lights for example, you open yourself up to disappointment unless you’re planning a long trip where your chances of being them are higher.

Enjoy the country and what it offers in winter, knowing your plans might need to change and you’ll have to find alternative things to do, but they might be just as good!

It really is magical

To see this beautifully rugged country in the winter months is an experience that you’ll never forget. It is truly one of my favourite places in the whole world.

Yes, the weather is unreliable but if you kit yourself right then you’re ready for it. If you drive sensibly giving yourself time to get from place to place you’ll be able to see snow-covered mountains, huge waterfalls, and stunning landscapes and not stress.

It’s a magical place, so do what you can, and enjoy all that Iceland in winter has to offer!

Where to stay in Iceland

Accommodation in Iceland can be expensive, especially if you leave it until the last minute to book and have limited options.

The places you’ll most likely be staying in winter are Reykjavik, Vik, and Hof, or near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Snæfellsnes.

Note that some of the following are affiliate links.

Spend a couple of nights in Reykjavik, or use it as your base.

Where you stay will depend on your budget, but everything from hostels to hotels and Airbnb are options. For a budget option try Loft Hostel or look at apartments in the city centre that will allow you to do some of your own cooking and save money!

Vik makes a great stop on the drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and by breaking the journey you’ll be able to see many more places along the way. Vik itself is a great destination, with black sand beaches and striking rock formations.

Note that there are few places to stay in Vik itself, so you might need to consider the surrounding area as well. Icelandair Hotel Vik and Kosy Vik are located in Vik itself, close to the beach, and are great mid-range options, or even with considering for solo travellers because a room in a hostel isn’t cheap!

Jökulsárlón

I can HIGHLY recommend the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon . It was an amazing place to stay for the night before we went to watch the sunrise at the Jökulsárlón lagoon just down the road.

The rooms were beautifully done with high ceilings and large windows to try and spot the Northern Lights from. Their included breakfast was a huge, tasty buffet spread, and perfect to set us up for the day.

Snæfellsnes

The peninsula has a lot of accommodation spread out across it, and it’s worth staying a night somewhere to give you more time to explore.

You don’t need to be too particular since you’ll likely drive around most of it anyway, but we loved staying near Arnarstapi , and it’s where we saw the northern lights!

Planning your Iceland trip? Check out these posts:

• Without a car? Check out  The Best Iceland Winter Tours: Getting Around Without a Car
• Want to have an epic experience? Read  Silfra: Snorkelling Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland
• Visiting in November? Read  What it’s Like Visiting Iceland in November + Top Tips For Your Trip
• Game of Thrones fan? Check out the  Game of Thrones Locations in Iceland Guide + Map to Find Them
• Want to see epic scenery? Check out  21 Epic Hikes in Iceland (For All Levels!)

Sonja x If you liked it, pin it! 

Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

10 thoughts on “ Iceland in Winter: 25 Things To Know Before You Go ”

I love your photos Sonja! Iceland is so beautiful in winter, but as you say a whole different ballgame than during the summer! We had quite a few scary situations on the road, and I’m glad we didn’t go for a huge road trip, but rather just a day trip in the car! For our brief trip in December, guided tours were definitely the way to go for a relaxed experience!

Thanks so much! I’d love to go in summer as well to see what it’s like, although sandstorms are an issue then too haha. We definitely had some hairy moments too! In hindsight I wouldn’t have been so ambitious with travelling so far. It’s easy to look back now and say it was fine because overall it was a great trip, but at the time my blood pressure was definitely up haha.

I want to go to Iceland so badly but this was seriously SO helpful. I would definitely be looking at going in the winter (mainly for the northern lights and also I freakin love winter) but some of these things I’d never have even considered. And the horses oh my goshhhhhh. Seriously saving this post for future use. And sending it to my mom to convince her we def need to go to Iceland.

Thanks!! I’d definitely recommend it but like I said, be prepared haha. You can still go a little earlier or later (like October or March/April) and be able to see the northern lights. They’re around all year, it’s just that in winter you see them the most and it’s darker!

Absolutely beautiful and informative post! Thanks for sharing this helpful info. I’m yet to visit Iceland and these days I’m kicking myself as to why I didn’t include it on my 3-month Europe trip back in 2013, it seems so popular now! Obviously it would be cold and windy there but I didn’t realise the strength of the wind would be enough to rip off a car door at times – crazy stuff! I’ll definitely be referencing yoir tips for when I do get to visit, awesome advice 🙂

It has definitely increased in popularity, but just make sure you plan a trip next time you’re over haha. I hope you do make it soon! 🙂 🙂

So much good info here! I’ll be bookmarking it now haha.

Aw thanks!!! 😀

What an amazing photos!! Iceland looks so amazing, I hope to get a chance to go someday! Thanks for sharing Migrating ?

Thank you!! 😀

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The Best Iceland Winter Trip Itinerary for One Week (+Map & Info)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

Planning a trip to Iceland in winter and wondering where to go and what’s the best way to plan your Iceland winter itinerary? This article features the best one week Iceland trip itinerary for winter months. Find out!

On our first trip to Iceland in June, we were caught up in a terrible winter storm with icy roads and road closures in the Northern part of Iceland.

So when planning a winter trip to Iceland, I figured that doing the entire Ring Road and visiting the Eastern and Northern parts of Iceland in winter is probably not the best idea. I decided to look for a winter trip itinerary focusing on the South Coast of Iceland, and it turns out that, indeed, this is the best area that you can visit in the winter.

Below is our Iceland winter trip itinerary with suggestions of what you can see and do on a road trip in Iceland in winter months, from about October to March – April. We made this exact trip in November.

This 7- day Iceland winter itinerary brings you to all the main landmarks along Iceland’s South Coast . It takes into account short daylight hours in Iceland in winter and leaves you sufficient time for sightseeing, some winter activities, and even some hiking. Find out!

Top Experiences in This Iceland Winter Itinerary:

• Sky Lagoon .
• Natural Ice Caves .
• Glacier Hike .
• Blue Lagoon .

7 – day Iceland winter trip itinerary and map

Just one note before I start with our Iceland winter trip itinerary. The days are short in Iceland in winter, so you cannot do as much sightseeing as in summer. You really have to keep this in mind when creating your perfect Iceland self-drive itinerary during winter!

We visited Iceland in mid-November and we always started our day at 8.30 AM, before sunrise. By the time we were back at our hotel (at the latest at 5 PM), it was already dark. It was light from approximately 9 AM till 4 PM in November in Southern Iceland.

The days are even shorter in December-January, so keep this in mind when planning your winter trip to Iceland.

READ ALSO: Iceland in Winter: Useful Info & Travel Tips

You will need to rent a car for this trip! You can find some of the best deals for car rental here .

Important! If you do not have winter driving experience, do yourself a favor and join a tour instead of driving. Here you can find more information about driving in Iceland in winter . Here you can find a great 3-day winter tour of South Iceland that covers all the ‘must-see’ places from our winter itinerary.

In addition, you can stay in Reykjavik on the first and the last days of your trip and visit the main Reykjavik attractions including the geothermal baths of the Blue Lagoon and/or Sky Lagoon . That way you visit most places from this itinerary without having to drive.

TIP: If you absolutely want to do the entire Ring Road of Iceland in winter , do yourself a favor and go with an organized tour and a local guide. The roads in the north of Iceland are even more challenging than in the south! Here you can find some 6-day trips like this one that could help you visit most of the best places without driving.

And if you are planning to drive – read on for the best self-drive Iceland winter road trip itinerary!

Best self-drive Iceland winter itinerary:

DAY 1 – Arrival in Reykjavik Keflavik Airport and Drive to Hveragerdi

Since our flight arrived in the afternoon, we drove straight to our hotel in Hveragerdi. Hveragerdi is a small town that is better situated for Iceland winter trip than Reykjavik as it will save you quite some unnecessary driving in the dark. Furthermore, it has a great geothermal swimming pool. This is an ideal way to spend your first evening in Iceland!

If your flight arrives early and you have more time to spare, you could opt to spend several hours at the famous geothermal pool Blue Lagoon (it’s located close to the airport). However, the Hveragerdi pool is a much cheaper and less touristy option.

There are several restaurants in this little town and I recommend eating out as there is more choice and the prices are lower than at the hotels.

Note that we didn’t stay in Reykjavik at the beginning of the trip and drove straight to Hveragerdi where we would stay for 2 nights. Hveragerdi is well located for a visit to the Golden Circle and it saves quite some driving time for the rest of your journey further down the South Coast of Iceland.

We stayed at Hotel Eldhestar for 2 nights. It was pretty basic, but we were only there to sleep, so it was ok. You can find more Hveragerdi accommodation options here.

The real reason I traveled to Iceland in winter was my long-time dream to see Northern Lights . So on the first night already we went ‘hunting’ for auroras. They were very vague and better visible in the pictures than in reality, but it was just the first night, so it gave us hope.

DAY 2 – Golden Circle: Thingvellir NP – Geysir area – Gullfoss Waterfall

Iceland’s must-do day trip is the visit to the famous Golden Circle . It’s possible to do it as a day trip from Reykjavik as well.

The Golden Circle refers to three main attractions – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

We started our day at Thingvellir National Park . It was just magical in the soft morning light of a never-ending sunrise…

We then continued to the Geysir area where we also had an early lunch.

Strokkur Geyser is the main attraction here and one of the must-sees in Iceland. This geyser erupts every 5-7 minutes, so you can watch it in action several times.

If you have more time, you can walk around and explore this geothermal area deeper. Near Strokkur Geyser, you can also see Geysir . This is the original geyser that was first mentioned in written sources in Europe and it gave name to all others. However, this geyser is dormant and there hasn’t been an eruption for years.

In the afternoon we visited one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, the Golden Waterfall – Gullfoss .

The area around this waterfall is quite large and can be explored via a series of boardwalks and staircases. In the summer, you can walk really close to the waterfall, but in the winter, it’s very icy and the path is closed. Don’t worry though – the best views are accessible, just be careful as it can be very slippery everywhere (that’s why we recommend packing snow traction cleats for your winter trip to Iceland).

TIP: End your day in one of the nicest geothermal pools of Iceland, Secret Lagoon . It’s ideally located on the way from Gullfoss back to your hotel in Hveragerdi. Alternatively, there is also a more expensive option – Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths , which is also located in this area.

DAY 3 – Skogafoss Waterfall – Glacier Hiking – Reynisfjara (Vik)

Our first stop on day 3 of our Iceland winter trip was at another iconic landmark of Iceland – the Skogafoss Waterfall .

This is one of the most impressive landmarks along the South Coast of Iceland and no pictures do it justice.

The best view is from the base of the waterfall which is just near the car parking. However, if it’s not too cold or slippery on the stairs, I encourage you to make an effort and go all the way to the top of the waterfall. The views are well worth the steep climb!

After a visit here, we had a quick lunch on the way and continued to Solheimajokull glacier for a guided glacier hike .

TIP: Book your glacier hike in advance – this will help you plan your time better and you will be certain you can do this activity. Otherwise, it might be difficult to even know where to look. Most companies have their offices in Reykjavik and so there is no one around to even ask for information.

• You can book a short guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull . This tour fits this itinerary the best as it starts at Sólheimajökull Café, not too far from Skogar Museum.
• Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour is another good option for those who want to visit a natural ice cave. It starts from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and can best be done on day 4 of this itinerary.

If glacier hiking or ice caving is not your thing, you can visit the Skogar Museum .

It is divided into three parts: folk museum, turf houses, and transport museum. The turf houses are well worth seeing.

In summer you could easily do both – glacier hiking and Skogar museum, but in winter your sightseeing time in Iceland is limited and you have to choose and plan well.

After the glacier walk, we drove to the beautiful black sand beach at Reynisfjara (near Vik) . This beach is famous for its black sand, rock formations, and impressive basalt columns. It’s one of the places that’s included in all Iceland itineraries, so it attracts lots of people.

This is really one of the must-sees in Iceland and the beach is beautiful and worth a visit in any season and in any weather.

Good to know: The waves here are very sneaky, often flooding the entire beach unexpectedly. It often happens that people are swept off their feet and there have been quite a few serious accidents too. So never walk close to the water here and never turn your back to the sea!

TIP: There is a small cafe where you can get some warm drinks and hide from the wind and the cold for a couple of minutes.

It was so beautiful on the beach that we stayed until the dark. Sunsets are truly out of this world in Iceland in winter!

TIP: There is a new attraction in Vik – Icelandic Lava Show – that wasn’t yet open when we visited. It’s indoors, is open late every day, and it would be a very nice addition to this winter itinerary. If you want to see and feel the heat of real lava, don’t miss this unique opportunity. Book your tickets in advance!

We recommend staying in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area. On this trip, we stayed at Hotel Laki . Some other recommendations based on our other trips in the area include Glacier View Guesthouse in Hrífunes or Magma Hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur .

DAY 4 – Vatnajokull Glacier – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – Diamond Beach

On the fourth day of this winter trip, we continued along the South Coast all the way up to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Our first stop was at Svinafellsjokull Glacier where we made a short walk to one of the many tongues of Vatnajokull Glacier .

This is just a short walk from the parking and is normally doable in winter too. The views are worth it.

In the early afternoon, we reached Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon .

If there is one place you don’t want to miss in Iceland, it’s Jokulsarlon! I’ve been here so many times, in different seasons and all kinds of weather, and it never disappoints.

On this winter trip, we were extremely lucky with the weather and the glacial lake was simply spectacular.

In the summer, you can take a boat trip between the icebergs, but these tours don’t run in the winter. You are not missing much though. You can walk along the coastline of the lagoon and the scenery is just as stunning.

TIP: Don’t miss the so-called Diamond Beach just across the road from Jokulsarlon, and certainly when visiting Iceland in winter.

This beach is located just where the floating icebergs from the nearby lagoon reach the sea. With the wind, many of the icebergs are washed ashore. The cold temperatures and the wind turn this coastline into an amazing winter wonderland.

In the summer, the beach is often empty, or there are just a few smaller pieces of ice. In the winter, you can sometimes see huge chunks of ice here. It’s like walking between the giant diamonds. Absolutely breathtaking!

We stayed on Diamond Beach till sunset and seeing all those icebergs lit up with the setting sun was an unforgettable experience.

I found Jokulsarlon Diamond Beach even more impressive in the winter than the famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon itself.

Good to know: There are two beaches here, one on each side of the bridge. Depending on the wind direction, there might be more ice on one side than on the other. So look around when you are there before deciding which one to visit. And if both look nice and you have time, visit both!

Our hotel for the night was Hotel Smyrlabjorg . If I were to go now, I would recommend staying at the newer Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – it’s the nicest hotel in the area! Alternatively, you can find more information about Jokulsarlon accommodation here .

PRO TIP: This area has very limited accommodation options, so you really have to book a hotel here as soon as you know your travel dates!

The amazing Northern Lights display we witnessed that night exceeded all our expectations. But so did all the rest! I loved Iceland in winter and would have loved it just as much even if we hadn’t seen any auroras.

READ ALSO: All You Need to Know for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

DAY 5 – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon – Skaftafell

We started our day early and made a quick stop at Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon at sunrise . We just couldn’t get enough of the scenery here!

We then continued to the nearby Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon , a short drive further. It’s a smaller and (much) less visited glacial lagoon than Jokulsarlon, but it’s also not to be missed!

If you travel here before mid-November, you can do boat tours between the icebergs. Unfortunately, boats don’t run in the winter months (some stop in September, others in October, and some run till mid-November).

TIP: If you are doing this trip earlier or later in the winter (October or February – April) when the days are longer, you could easily add Stokksnes headland to this itinerary as well.

It’s located a bit further east of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, about 75 minutes drive one-way. So going there will add at least 3 extra hours to your day.

Stokksnes is very scenic and many people find it worth a detour. But don’t try to squeeze in too much if you are traveling in the darkest months! Keep in mind that the roads might be icy too.

If you decide to do that, you could drive there first thing in the morning on day 5 or in the afternoon on day 4 of this itinerary.

On this trip in November, the days were too short for a detour to Stokksnes.

We continued back west to Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park . Summer or winter, you should not skip Skaftafell. It’s a beautiful area with lots of hiking trails.

During this Iceland winter trip, we hiked to the famous Svartifoss Waterfall and continued on the Sjónarnípa trail . The views were simply amazing!

During our previous trip, years ago in summer, we did the Svartifoss – Sjónarsker – Sel walk and the walk to the glacier Skaftafellsjökull.

There are many hiking trails in Skaftafell National Park and quite some of them can be accessible in winter. But it’s best that you ask about current conditions at the visitor center before starting any walk. They will be able to advise you on the best hikes for that specific moment.

The weather is unpredictable in Iceland and even more so in the winter, so what you can do here will depend on the situation at the moment of your visit.

Alternatively, if you want more certainty, book an ice cave tour at Skaftafell . These tours run from October to March – mid April and are one of the best things you can do in Iceland in winter! Because you hike on the glacier and are equipped for walking on ice anyway, it’s a bit more reliable than planning regular hikes.

We stayed in the Kirkjubaejarklauster area, in the same hotel as on DAY 3 of this itinerary.

DAY 6 – Fjardrargljufur Canyon – Eldhraun Lava Field – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

We started our day at another iconic landmark of Iceland – Fjardrargljufur Canyon .

Here, you basically walk on the ridge of the canyon enjoying the views below. There are a few viewing areas too which are probably a safer choice if there is snow or ice on the trails.

It was so cold when we were here, that I can’t even try to explain it in words. But we braved the wind and made a short walk at this majestic canyon.

Afterwards, we drove through Iceland’s largest lava field – Eldhraun – and made a short stop to admire this surreal landscape.

Eldgjárhraun, to the east of Mýrdalssandur, is one of the largest lava flows that ever occurred, during a massive volcano eruption in 974.

The dimensions of this lava field are immense – some 700 km2. For comparison, the total area of Singapore is 648 km2.

Continuing our journey back in the direction of Reykjavik we visited Dyrhólaeyjarviti Lighthouse and made a coastal walk from there to Kirkjufjara beach below.

If you are short on time or if it’s very cold, you can just drive to the lighthouse and enjoy the coastal scenery and the views from there.

The last stop today was another famous South Coast waterfall – Seljalandsfoss . It had been freezing cold over the last few days and the area close to the waterfall was completely frozen. We could hardly walk or even stand here. This is the reason you should pack ice cleats when visiting Iceland in winter!

Needless to say, the path behind the waterfall was closed, but it was still unbelievably impressive. Maybe even more so because it was frozen in winter.

We ended our day with the last stop of our Iceland winter trip – Reykjavik .

We stayed at the Fosshotel Reykjavik for 2 nights. Here you can find our complete guide to the best places to stay in Reykjavik .

DAY 7 – Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

Now I’m not going to make myself popular with Icelanders I suppose, but in my honest opinion, one day is enough for Reykjavik, especially if you have limited time in Iceland. So on this winter trip, we didn’t spend too much time in the city. Here you can read my observations if Reykjavik is worth visiting .

Update: As I’m updating this post after several more recent trips to Iceland, I have to admit that Reykjavik has changed a lot. There is so much more to see and do in the city than before (check out Perlan or the Whales of Iceland exhibition !). Still, if you are short on time, half day to one day is sufficient for Reykjavik because the real beauty of Iceland is in its natural wonders.

One thing you really shouldn’t miss in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja. The view from the church tower is really worth it, but also the church itself is really special, so definitely worth seeing.

TIP: Take a look at our Reykjavik 1-day itinerary for suggestions on what to see and how to plan your time in the city.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

During this winter trip in Iceland, I found that a couple of hours were sufficient to see Reykjavik. I chose to visit the geothermal pool of Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.

Blue Lagoon is extremely popular and touristy, but it’s kind of a must in Iceland so I decided to check it out. After all, there is no better way to end your Icelandic winter trip than sipping a drink while sitting in a hot thermal pool with a mud mask on your face. And before you ask, no, I don’t have a picture of myself with a mud mask…

TIP: If you go to the Blue Lagoon, you’ll have to book your tickets in advance . Here you can book bus transfers to get there from Reykjavik.

Another really nice pool is the recently opened Sky Lagoon . It’s much closer to the city than any others and the views are amazing! Many of our readers say that they much prefer the Sky Lagoon experience over the Blue Lagoon.

TIP: Also for the Sky Lagoon, it’s best to reserve your tickets in advance . You can also opt for a ticket that includes a transfer from the city .

Alternatively, go swimming in one of the local swimming pools in Reykjavik, at a fraction of the cost, and just as fun.

Blue Lagoon has become so busy and quite expensive in recent years. If you are looking for quieter alternatives, you can also visit Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana . Both can be visited by car from Reykjavik or you can join tours that go there.

So this is our Iceland winter trip itinerary for one week in a nutshell. It brings you to the nicest places on the South Coast of Iceland while leaving plenty of time to explore and even do some winter hiking on the way. You could probably squeeze the same Iceland winter road trip itinerary in 4 or 5 days as well, but then you’d have less time left for hiking and sightseeing…

When the days are longer, you can visit pretty much all the same places in 4 days. For more information, please check our very detailed itinerary for the best of Iceland in 4 days .

If you decide to visit Iceland in the warmer months instead, check out this 7 days Iceland itinerary . It covers all the places mentioned in this article and so much more. Because the days are endless in summer and the roads are good, you can indeed see a lot more in the same amount of time. We also have a suggested self-drive Iceland Ring Road itinerary , but we really only recommend doing in summer – early fall.

If you are interested in getting a pdf copy of this winter trip itinerary, complete with daily maps and more details, you can download it by filling in the form below. However, please note that we are not able to update this file on a regular basis, so for the most recent information, please consult this article on our website.

Keep reading for more tips for your Iceland winter trip!

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Organized Tours – Iceland Winter Trip Alternative

If you are not keen on driving in Iceland in winter, consider one of the organized small group multi-day tours, such as this highly-rated South Coast & Blue Ice Cave 2-day tour .

It’s often easier and cheaper to book a multi-day tour in Iceland than do it on your own, especially if you are traveling alone or as a couple and are not used to driving in extreme winter conditions. Furthermore, organized tours often have winter excursions like glacier hiking or ice cave already included in the price.

TIP: If you are visiting Iceland for just a few days, you can base yourself in Reykjavik and book some day trips and excursions from there. Driving up and down to all these places from Reykjavik on your own is not something I would advise in winter. Here you can find our hand-picked selection of the best winter day trips and short tours from Reykjavik .

Good to know: We recommend booking all your tours via a reputable company like GetYourGuide . Their customer service is second to none and they have the most flexible 24hr free cancelation policy. After seeing how some local providers in Iceland refused to reimburse people for canceled tours during the recent crisis, while GetYourGuide reimbursed everyone even within 24 hours, I’m more convinced than ever before that booking tours directly with small providers isn’t ideal.

Update: I received many questions from readers in regard to Iceland itinerary suggestions for shorter or longer trips. Here you can find suggested Iceland itineraries for any trip between 1 day and 2 weeks . Check it out!

Some Practical Tips for Your Iceland Winter Trip

Below are some tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

✓ Planning to rent a car and do a self-drive trip in Iceland following this itinerary? Normally, you don’t need a 4WD for this trip, but I would advise not to rent the smallest car either. And the price difference with 4WD isn’t that big, so if you are in doubt just go for the latter, especially if driving in Iceland in winter . You can find some of the best deals for Iceland car rental here . No matter where and what car you hire, make sure that you take full insurance. It’s a must in Iceland in any season, but even more so in winter.

✓ Traveling to Iceland in winter? Don’t forget good travel insurance for yourself as well!

✓ Wondering what to pack for your Iceland winter trip? Below are some of my hand-picked essentials for Iceland. Here you can find the complete Iceland packing list for winter .

✓ Don’t forget a travel adapter! Iceland uses European plugs .

✓ Looking for the best accommodation deals in Iceland? Check this guide for the best places to stay in Iceland and also this guide for the best places to stay in Reykjavik .

READ ALSO: Iceland Winter Travel Tips

I hope that you found this Iceland winter itinerary useful. Because of the unpredictable weather and chances for road closures, the South Coast of Iceland is one of the best regions to visit in Iceland in winter.

I hope that this article and our tips help you plan an unforgettable winter trip to Iceland! Make sure to also read our other articles that contain many more tips and practical information for your trip. Take a look below!

More tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Good to know: Tips for Visiting Iceland
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Reykjavik & Where to Stay in Iceland
• Near Reykjavik: Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik
• Winter tours: Best Iceland Winter Tours from Reykjavik
• Nice to see: Perlan Museum in Reykjavik
• Auroras: Northern Lights in Iceland (all your questions answered)
• Photography: How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights
• More: Check our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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Friday 9th of February 2024

hi , if I were to follow exactly of this 7 days road trip in March will it still be ok to self drive ? THANKS

Saturday 10th of February 2024

Hi Jessey, March is still winter in Iceland so you never know in advance how the weather or the road conditions will be. It can be dry and beautiful or you can get caught in a snowstorm... So only do a self-drive trip if you have winter driving experience and understand that conditions can change at any time. Otherwise, stay in Reykjavik and book day tours or consider a multi-day trip with a local guide/driver, as already explained in the article above. Have a great trip!

Tam Harrell

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Hi there, I’ve been dreaming of going to Iceland for 10 years! We’re finally able to go this year. I love you article on where to visit. Can you please help me where to stay for and how long I should book for each attraction? That’s where I have a hard time planning.

Thank you so much! Tam Harrell

Hi Tam, all this info is already in the article including the hotels that fit this itinerary. Since it looks like you are planning on traveling in the winter, I strongly encourage you to read the following guides as well: Iceland winter travel tips and driving in Iceland in winter. If you would decide to stay in Reykjavik and make day tours, please see the following guides as well: Where to stay in Reykjavik and Best winter tours from Reykjavik. Hope this helps.

Bineet Desai

Saturday 16th of September 2023

Hi...were the northern lights visible from Jokulsarlon area where you stayed or did you have to book a separate tour for the same. We are a family of 4 planning to visits in Dec.

Sunday 17th of September 2023

@Jurga, Thnx. Your blog has made it super easy for us to plan our trip.

Hi, if the Northern Lights show up and it's not cloudy, you can see them anywhere. So if you are doing a road trip and are staying in rural areas, keep an eye on the aurora forecast every night and you always have a chance to see them. We only recommend taking tours if you are staying in the city (because of the light pollution, weaker auroras are often not visible in town but might be visible in the darker places). You can find more information in our guide to the Northern Lights in Iceland. Have a great trip!

Monday 4th of September 2023

We’re going for 7 days at end of sept to 1st week Oct. I feel like we’re between your 2 itineraries. Should we still go to the. Snell… peninsula ? I noticed it’s not on the winter itinerary. Thanks.

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

@Kathy, yes, sorry. That was due to stupid autocorrect!

@Jurga, thank you so much. I have really enjoyed your blog and information. I suppose the highlands are not an option due to weather? Same with Ahriman island?

Hi Kathy, the first week of October is doable for the summer itinerary. Just to make it clear - you can also visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula in winter, but the roads can be more dangerous and there is more chance for very strong winds. The main reason it's not in the winter itinerary is that the number of daylight hours is really limited and there is only that much that you can fit in a day (or a week). In October, the weather shouldn't be too wintery yet and you still have about 12 hours of daylight in the first week of October (more or less between 7 am and 7pm). So if you start your days early and plan well, you can see a lot. Our 'summer' itinerary should work timing wise, I'm just not sure if Heimaey Island would be worth it at that time of the year (and the Highlands are not an option). So you could spend an extra day on the south coast or somewhere else depending on your preferences. Enjoy your trip!

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Do you have any suggestions for adding in some time at the snfellsnes peninsula?

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Hi JoAnna, yes, absolutely. Please see our travel guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula and also the best things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Just keep in mind that not everything will be just as easily accessible in winter as in the summer. Hope this helps.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

The Ultimate 7-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary

November 2, 2022 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Are you trying to plan an Iceland winter itinerary? From thawing out in hot springs to escaping the cold to seeking it out in ice caves and on glaciers, we’ve got you covered with an adventure-filled itinerary as well as details on where to stay in Iceland in winter. 

Fortunately for you, many of Iceland’s most spectacular natural landscapes are still accessible in the winter, and you might even find they’re cloaked in a beautiful layer of white snow. 

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Iceland in advance to ensure availability! The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets. Here are my top picks for your trip :

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

• Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!)
• Silfra Snorkeling Tour (Includes photos + only small group)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip (Our pick!)
• Whale Watching In Reykjavik (On a luxury yacht)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Great to go with a local)
• Ice Cave Tour And Glacier Hike (Likely to sell out)

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer (Skip the line!)
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket (Includes 7-step spa ritual)
• Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket With Drink (Likely to sell out!)

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

• Hotel South Coast (Great central location)
• Grandi Reykjavik (Includes free breakfast)
• Hotel Kria (Close to black sand beach)
• Hotel Skaftafell (Mid-range price)

From the Snaefellsness Peninsula all the way east to Skaftafell and the glacier lagoons, the landscape is equally stunning wherever you go and is remarkably diverse.

Whether you take Iceland winter tours or stick to exploring on your own, you’re in for a real treat.

How Many Days Do You Need For Your Iceland Winter Itinerary? 

The beauty of this Iceland winter road trip itinerary is that it can be adapted to fit your desires and time constraints.

A week to explore down the south coast and back would be ideal, but anywhere from 4-7 days will give you enough time to really soak in the beauty of the country in winter. 

The limited daylight hours, particularly if you plan an Iceland Itinerary for December, mean you’ll have less time each day to explore, however activities such as bathing in hot springs and viewing the Northern Lights can be done after the sun sets. 

Because the winter weather restricts access to some parts of the country, you have less ground to cover and will stick largely to the south coast. This means that a 4-7 day winter Iceland Itinerary is a reasonable timeline. 

Daylight Hours For Your Iceland Winter Road Trip 

As winter arrives in the land of fire and ice, the days rapidly get shorter ultimately culminating in the winter solstice on December 21 when the country sees just four hours of daylight from approximately 11:30am to 3:30pm. 

If you plan an Iceland Itinerary for January, the daylight hours will increase again to 7 hours by the end of the month giving you a little more time to explore. 

By February you’ll experience 10 hours of daylight as it finally begins to resemble the daylight hours of the rest of Europe.

While the many hours of darkness certainly impact the number of outdoor activities that can be accomplished in one day on a winter Iceland road trip, it also means a higher chance of experiencing ideal conditions to see the Northern Lights. 

Weather On Your Winter Iceland Trip

There’s no arguing against the fact that Iceland winters are cold, however despite the country’s name and its proximity to the Arctic Circle, it’s not as cold as you might think. 

Thanks in part to the warming effects of the Gulfstream, the average winter temperatures are in fact comparable to that of a US city such as New York City. 

Winter temperatures particularly in the capital hover around freezing (32F/0C), however, if you pack appropriately and bundle up, the cold won’t stop you from completing your adventurous itinerary.

The bigger hindrance in the winter is the snow, rain, and often fierce winds making road conditions challenging and sometimes dangerous. Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable all year long. 

If you’re planning a winter trip to Iceland, make sure you continue to check the road conditions. Even the best-maintained roads can become impassable during the winter months.

Ultimate Iceland Winter Itinerary In 7 Days

Day 1: south coast waterfalls .

Iceland’s south coast is known for its spectacular waterfalls. Not only is this collection of waterfalls particularly impressive, but they are all relatively close to one another making them easy to access in one day. 

You can expect large tourist crowds at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss in particular. Their easy accessibility off of the well-maintained Route 1 and their reasonable proximity to Reykjavik make them an appealing stop for your Iceland winter itinerary.

Book Here: Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour

Stop 1: Walk Behind The Cascading Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is the first of the south coast waterfalls you’ll encounter, and it’s certainly one of the most popular. 

This 200-foot waterfall is particularly unique because a path leads around the back allowing you to walk behind the waterfall and feel its sheer force. If you don’t want to get wet, bring a raincoat as you’ll definitely catch some of the sprays as it hits the water below. 

If you choose to visit the waterfall as part of your 7-day winter Iceland Itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to see it take on a whole new kind of beauty as parts of the waterfall freeze and a sprinkling of snow coats the land around it.

This is truly one of my favorite things to do in Iceland!

Stop 2: Wade Through A Cavern To Find Gljúfrabúi

Gljúfrabúi is particularly convenient to visit as it’s a neighbor to Seljalandsfoss. This unique waterfall requires a bit more of an adventure to reach, and ideally, you’d be equipped with waterproof or quick-drying shoes in case the water levels are high. 

To reach Gljúfrabúi on your Iceland winter trip, you’ll follow the end of the Seljalandsfoss trail towards the campground, where you’ll eventually spot a sign for the entrance to the waterfall. From there, you’ll walk over stones through the river or wade through the water if the stones are underwater. 

Inside the cavern, you’ll find a beautiful waterfall cascading down the cavern walls. On a sunny day it’s particularly striking as it’s made even more brilliant by catching the light streaming through the opening above. 

Stop 3: View The Power Of Skogafoss From Below Or Above

Your Iceland winter road trip continues with Skogafoss which is located just a short 25 minutes down Route 1 from Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. It’s nearly equal in height to Seljalandsfoss at 197 feet but beats it in width at an impressive 84 feet wide. 

This thundering waterfall can be viewed from below where you’re sure to get wet from the spray. Or you can choose to work your legs climbing roughly 500 stairs to the top of the waterfall for a view from up above. 

From above you’ll get to see the waterfall’s source, the river Skógá, as well as a view out beyond of the vast south coast landscape. 

Stop 4: Wander Into The Valley Where Kvernufoss Awaits

Visually, Kvernufoss has many similarities to Seljalandsfoss, just on a smaller scale. It also happens to be a neighbor to Skogafoss making it an obvious next stop on your Iceland winter itinerary. 

You’ll drive from Skogafoss to Hotel Edda, which is right next door, where you’ll walk a brief 10-15 minutes into the valley. Navigating the last part of this walk is trickier and sometimes impossible in the winter when the icy ground makes approaching the waterfall dangerous. 

Worst case scenario you can view this 98-foot waterfall from a bit of a distance. It’s still a beautiful site and a peaceful one too thanks to much smaller crowds. 

Where To Stay Near Kvernufoss In Vik

Affordable:  The Barn . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range:  Puffin Hotel Vik . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury:  Black Beach Suites . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 2: Skaftafell And Glacier Lagoons

Day 2 of your Iceland winter road trip itinerary is the kind of day Elsa from Frozen would enjoy thanks to an endless supply of ice-related experiences.

This is the farthest east you’ll venture on this trip before heading back in the direction of Reykjavik. 

From glaciers to floating icebergs you’re about to experience a whole new side of Iceland that fits right in with the country’s name. This is proof of Iceland’s diverse landscape at its finest. 

Stop 1: Explore The Landscapes Within The Skaftafell Nature Reserve 

Unsurprisingly Iceland is home to a number of national parks including Vatnajokull National Park where you’ll find the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. 

This is the perfect opportunity to take a guided ice cave tour . These Iceland winter tours take you over a glacier and through newly discovered or rediscovered ice caves that form each summer and become explorable in the winter. 

Within Skaftafell you’ll also find another of Iceland’s unique and impressive waterfalls, Svartifoss. A 3.5-mile round trip hike takes you by a number of other waterfalls before reaching the cascading Svartifoss backed by beautiful basalt columns.

Book Here: Skaftafell Guided Glacier Hike Day Trip

Stop 2: Escape The Crowds At The Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon offers similar beauty to Jokulsarlon, but on a smaller more intimate scale. Tourists flock to Jokulsarlon but many skip over its neighbor leaving you to enjoy the beauty of Fjallsarlon in peace and quiet. 

If you sit by the water you can hear the ice break and collide, a reminder of nature’s ever-changing existence and power. This is the perfect way to wind down day two of your winter Iceland road trip.

Stop 3: Watch the Icebergs Float To Shore At Jokulsarlon And Diamond Beach

There’s something so serene and peaceful about watching icebergs float on calm waters during your Iceland winter trip.

The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon gives you the opportunity to view these bergs from a distance while listening to the occasional crack of ice as pieces break off the glacier in the background. 

Across the street, you’ll find Diamond Beach, a beautiful black sand beach with crystal clear iceberg chunks dotting its shores. The beauty of Diamond Beach is that it’s always changing as ice melts and new bergs wash to shore. 

Book Here: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour From Reykjavik

Where To Stay Near The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Mid-range:  Reynivellir II . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range:  Skyrhúsid Guest House . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 3: Solheimasandur And Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Day 3 is one of the more relaxed days of your winter Iceland road trip as a light itinerary leaves you with time to wander and fully take in the unique spots you’ll be visiting. 

From an eerie plane wreck to the most well-known of Iceland’s unique black sand beaches complete with dramatic basalt columns, you’re in for an exciting day with the chance to take in a part of Iceland that is different from anything else you’ll experience on this trip. 

Stop 1: Circle The Plane Crash Remains On Solheimasandur Beach

Visiting the wreckage of a plane crash may seem like an odd choice for your winter Iceland Itinerary when you have so much natural beauty to explore around the country, but when that plane crash is smack in the middle of one of Iceland’s black sand beaches, it becomes all the more intriguing. 

A 2-mile hike each way will take you to the Solheimasadur Plane Wreck, the remains of a DC-3 US navy plane from 1973. Thankfully everyone survived the crash, so the story isn’t exceptionally grim, but the scene still paints an eerie picture. 

The white wreckage contrasted with the black sand is a picture every tourist looks to get. Visiting in winter is equally fantastic when the sand might be peppered with white snow. 

Book Here: South Coast and Black Beach ATV Ride

Stop 2: Watch The Raging Atlantic From The Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Iceland is known for its black sand beaches, but Reynisfjara is the most popular of them all. Known for its dramatic waves, the beach can be both stunning and dangerous. Sleeper waves have been known to take out oblivious tourists, so stay alert. 

As long as you’re paying attention and are dressed to brace the cold, the beach is a wonderful stop along your winter Iceland road trip allowing you to take in ocean sounds, admire the unusual rock formations out in the sea, and climb the basalt columns. 

The basalt columns line the back part of the beach rising higher and higher like an enormous church organ. They’ve become a favorite spot for photographs as tourists climb the individual hexagons. 

From the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, you’ll head a couple of hours away to Fludir so you’re in a great position to start Day 4.

Where To Stay In Fludir

Affordable:  Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Blue Hotel Fagrilundur . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 4: Golden Circle and Hot Springs

Iceland’s Golden Circle route is perhaps the most iconic tourist route in the country which means it gets crowded, but it’s iconic for a reason and offers you a glimpse of some of Iceland’s most spectacular natural phenomena. 

Day 4 of your 7-day winter Iceland Itinerary takes you to hot springs, waterfalls, and geysers. By the time you reach your hotel at the end of the day, you’ll be in awe of the power and diversity of nature. 

Book Here: Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik

Stop 1: Grab A Pool Noodle And Float In The Secret Lagoon

Let the hot spring bathing begin! The Secret Lagoon is the first of many opportunities on your Iceland winter itinerary for you to soak in geothermally heated water.

The Secret Lagoon is a man-made pool with water fed from a natural spring. It’s located in a geothermally active area near the town of Fluðir and is a favorite spot for many locals and tourists. 

If you’re looking for the luxury of the Blue Lagoon, this is not it. But this modest pool offers pool noodles to float on, a petite geyser behind the pool, a relaxing setting for recharging and is an ideal way to start your day.

Book Here: Golden Circle Small Group Tour With Secret Lagoon

Stop 2: Stay Warm In The Hrunalaug Hot Springs 

The Hrunalaug Hot Springs consists of one bathtub-sized pool and one slightly larger 8-10 person pool with a changing hut in between. 

As you relax in the hot springs, you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape while you enjoy ideal water temperature that is perfect for keeping you warm as you make your way through day 4 of your Iceland winter itinerary. 

While you’re more than welcome to visit both the Secret Lagoon and the Hrunalaug Hot Springs back to back, you’ll more likely want to pick one over the other as they both serve similar purposes.

Stop 3: Take In The Impressive Width Of Faxafoss

The packed crowds of the most famous Golden Circle stops are still to come, but in the meantime, you can enjoy a lesser-known treasure of this tourist route, the Faxafoss waterfall. 

Faxafoss stands at 105 feet tall which is nothing special compared to the well-known south coast waterfalls, but its width and the power of its crashing water make it a worthwhile stop. 

Another benefit to visiting this natural beauty is its proximity to the greenhouse restaurant Friðheimar where you can get the most delicious all-you-can-eat tomato soup and freshly baked bread to fuel your Iceland winter road trip adventures.

Stop 4: Feel The Spray Of The Two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall

You’ve officially hit the first of the three most iconic Golden Circle stops on your winter Iceland road trip. 

Gullfoss is an impressive, two-tiered waterfall nicknamed the Golden Waterfall due to the rainbow that can often be seen arching over it on a sunny day.

You can view the waterfall from its second drop, or climb the stairs to the top of the waterfall where you can get close enough to feel its misty spray. Either viewpoint is impressive and makes you understand why this stop is among the most famous in Iceland.

Stop 4: Take A Video of The Strokkur Geyser Erupting

Strokkur marks the second of the iconic Golden Circle stops on your winter Iceland Itinerary. Iceland is full of geothermally active regions, but to see an erupting geyser is a rare and unique occurrence. 

In the Haukadalur Valley, you’ll find the Strokkur geyser. It’s a neighbor to another geyser, appropriately named “Geysir” however Geysir is no longer active. Strokkur on the other hand erupts roughly every 5-7 minutes making it easy to witness multiple times if you choose to stick around for a bit. 

As you wait for the next eruption you can wander the area and enjoy bubbling pools of muddy water and steam rising from the ground.

Stop 5: Thaw Out At The Laugarvatn Fontana To End Your Day

A day that starts and ends with a soak in a geothermal bath is an ideal day. You’ll finish day 4 of your Iceland winter itinerary with a stop at the Laugarvatn Fontana thermal baths and spa.

With three mineral pools of varying temperatures, steam baths, a sauna, and a lake bordering the pools if you care to take a cold plunge, you’re in for a real treat. 

You’ll even have the opportunity to pay a little extra to see how rye bread is baked in the hot ground as part of a geothermal bakery tour. And of course, you’ll get to eat some bread after for the ultimate icing on the cake.

Where To Stay In Laugarvatn

Affordable/Mid-range: Hotel Laugarvatn . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Galleri Laugarvatn . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 5: Thingvellir, Selfoss, And The Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Day 5 of your Iceland winter itinerary will allow you to complete the Golden Circle with the third of the most iconic stops before heading towards the steam-filled valleys of Hveragerdi. Multiple continents soaks in hot rivers…the good times and stunning natural landscapes never stop. 

The day offers the perfect mix of relaxation and thrilling adventure. Are you hoping to snorkel in crystal clear waters or sit by a waterfall? All this and more await you as you make your way through the Selfoss and Hveragerdi regions of Iceland. 

Stop 1: Venture Between Continents At Thingvellir National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the meeting point of the Northern American and Eurasian tectonic plates, lava rock, a waterfall…surely this is enough to convince you to add Thingvellir National Park to your Iceland winter road trip itinerary. 

As one of the three most iconic Golden Circle stops, Thingvellir is a thriving tourist destination, so expect crowds. Fortunately, the national park spans a large area so the crowds don’t tend to feel overwhelming. 

The park can be explored any number of ways from walking the rift valley separating the two continents to taking a snorkeling tour through the Silfra Fissure .

Book Here: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Half-Day Trip From Reykjavik

Stop 2: Take A Break And Enjoy The Conveniences Of Selfoss

As one of the larger towns outside of the capital, Selfoss is an ideal place to stop and just regroup before the next adventure of the day. 

In Selfoss, you’ll have access to Bónus, Hagkaup, Krónan, and Nettó, all the major grocery store chains in Iceland. 

You can also grab a casual bite to eat at a place like Subway or Pylsuvagninn (hot dogs), or you can sit down for a longer lunch in a cozy, charming spot like Þrastalundur. 

This stop in Selfoss is also the perfect opportunity to fill up on gas before you head roughly 20 minutes to the next stop on your Iceland winter itinerary, the Reykjadular Hot Springs. 

Stop 3: Break Up A Rewarding Hike With A Soak In The Reykjadalur Hot Springs

A 45-minute moderately difficult hike through a beautiful steam-filled valley will lead you to the ultimate reward, the Reykjadalur Hot Springs , a hot river perfect for bathing.

As you approach the area appropriate for bathing you’ll see the river is divided into sections by short rock walls that create deeper pockets of water just deep enough for you to comfortably sit in. 

For an Iceland winter trip, however, you might have to hike slightly farther upstream to find a warm enough section of the river. When your legs feel rested and you’re ready to head back, you’ll return the same way you came to arrive back at your car.

Where To Stay In Hveragerdi

Affordable:  Hotel Eldhestar . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range/Luxury: The Greenhouse Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury:  ION Adventure Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 6: Snaefelssnes Peninsula

Waterfalls, natural bridges, basalt columns, volcanic craters…the Snaefelssnes Peninsula features a diverse landscape that offers a little bit of everything.

Visiting the Snaefelssnes Peninsula will take you back past Reykjavik and requires extra driving, but it’s a worthwhile stop. 

If you’re starting to slow down towards the end of your winter trip to Iceland, you can choose to eliminate the Snaefelssnes Peninsula and spend all of day 6 and 7 relaxing in the lagoons and exploring the capital instead. 

Book Here: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour From Reykjavik

Stop 1: Snap A Shot Of The Iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirjufellsfoss Waterfall

You might recognize Kirkjufell (church mountain) from an episode of Game of Thrones , or maybe you just saw it plastered on postcards in gift shops throughout the country. Either way, soak in the beauty of this cone-shaped mountain that dominates the surrounding landscape. 

Most people just enjoy the view from Kirkjufellsfoss where you can capture both the waterfall and the mountain in one photograph. Though it’s possible to climb the mountain it must be done with a guide. 

If Northern Lights viewing is on your Iceland winter itinerary, the dark skies and imposing nature of the mountain make Kirkjufell an ideal spot to enjoy the lights when conditions are appropriate.

Book Here: Snaefellsnes Peninsula And Kirkjufell Day Trip

Stop 2: Admire The Unique Londrangar Rock Formation Along The Coast

Londrangar is a short but picturesque stop best viewed from a distance to capture the complete picture of the rocks contrasted with the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

The existence of these castle-like remains of volcanic plugs is a testament to the power and resilience of nature.

Enjoy watching the seabirds riding the thermals and the sounds of the world around you that somehow manage to be simultaneously noisy and peaceful. It’s beautiful in any season, making it a perfect stop for your Iceland winter trip.

Once you’ve taken in the view from afar, you can choose to get a closer look at the unusual rock formations by starting at the lighthouse at Malarrif and making your way over.

Stop 3: Make Your Way Across Arnarstapi’s Natural Bridge

Have you ever wanted to walk across a natural bridge with the ocean waves gently lapping below you? Now’s your chance to add it to your Iceland itinerary for winter. 

The small fishing village of Arnarstapi is home to an impressive natural bridge that’s wide enough for you to comfortably walk over. 

The bridge isn’t always the easiest to find (it’s not Gatklettur, an arched rock you’ll come across earlier along the coastline), but as you continue along the coast from the stone statue of the half-troll/half-man Bardur Snaefellsas, past Gatklettur, to the sign labeled “Midgja,” you’ll find the bridge.

Stop 4: Embrace The Moody Darkness Of The Búdir Black Church

The Búdir Black Church is the ideal place for moody photographs. It’s a striking sight any time of year but is particularly perfect for an Iceland winter itinerary when the black of the church is contrasted with the surrounding landscape blanketed in snow. 

This church has stood in various forms of disrepair and reconstruction since 1703. With the ocean on one side and mountains and glaciers on the other, its isolation within a small village makes it particularly unique.

Add Iceland’s often gloomy weather conditions and the surrounding church graveyard and you have yourself quite the eerie but fascinating site. 

Where To Stay On The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Mid-range:  Hotel Rjúkandi . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range/Luxury: Miðhraun – Lava Resort Check rates: Booking.com

Day 7: Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, And Sky Lagoon

The final day of your 7-day winter Iceland Itinerary has the potential to be the most relaxing. You’ll have the option of visiting two of Iceland’s most luxurious geothermal baths while sipping on a drink and reminiscing about your trip. 

Follow that up with a stroll through the colorful streets of Reykjavik as you learn about Iceland’s rich history and culture. With all the amenities and conveniences of a larger city, you’re sure to enjoy your time in the capital. 

Stop 1: Soak In The Healing Waters Of The Blue Lagoon

At this point, the Blue Lagoon is practically synonymous with Iceland. It’s an iconic tourist spot that has evolved over the years from a local hangout to a luxury tourist destination. 

Mineral-rich waters, a swim-up bar, and a striking lava rock backdrop make for an ideal day of relaxation. Even the most basic entry ticket is pricey, but it’s worth experiencing at least once in your life. 

If you’d like to make a soak in the milky-blue water of the lagoon a part of your Iceland winter itinerary, you’ll need to make sure you book your tickets weeks if not months in advance. 

Book Here: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour

Stop 2: Enjoy A Seven Step Spa Ritual At The Sky Lagoon

What’s better than a luxury bathing experience in geothermally heated waters in the land of fire and ice? Not even having to leave the capital to have this unforgettable experience. 

The Sky Lagoon is a newer addition to Iceland’s geothermal pool landscape, but one that has quickly become a favorite of both locals and visitors alike. 

Rugged rock walls, an infinity pool that offers stunning views of the ocean, and a swim-up bar make the Sky Lagoon an enticing place to recover from your adventurous Iceland winter trip. 

The seven-step ritual however is what truly sets it apart from other luxury bathing experiences such as the Blue Lagoon.

The seven-step ritual begins with a soak in the lagoon, followed by a cold plunge, a 10-minute sauna experience, a cold fog-mist, the use of an exfoliating body scrub, the steam room, and finally a shower, and additional time spent enjoying the lagoon. 

Book Here: Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritual

Stop 3: Explore The Landmarks and Museums In The Reykjavik City Center

One week in Iceland in winter is best spent road-tripping through the country’s unique and impressive natural landscape, but the charming capital city of Reykjavik can be a welcome change of pace. 

Downtown on Laugavegur and the surrounding streets you’ll find restaurants, cafes, bars, and souvenir shops.

Reykjavik is also home to some of Iceland’s most fascinating museums such as the Arbær Open Air Museum which displays old Icelandic sod roof buildings as well as the Maritime Museum on the harbor.

Before leaving, you’ll want to visit one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, the Hallgrímskirkja Church which offers stunning views of Reykjavik and beyond. 

Book Here: Reykjavik Icelandic Food Tour

Where To Stay In Reykjavik

Mid-range:  Hotel Vera . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Kvosin Downtown Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to spend one week in Iceland in winter. Whether you’re arriving at the start of winter or are planning an Iceland Itinerary for February, you’re visiting at a truly magical time of year. 

If you have the full seven days to explore, this Iceland itinerary in winter will help you maximize your trip. If you’re working with limited time, feel free to pick and choose stops as you see fit.

If you have any questions as you begin planning, please let us know in the comments section.

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21 best things to do in Iceland (in Winter) – with photos

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Discover the 21 best things to do in Iceland in Winter in Iceland (in my opinion): 

• waterfalls,
• black beaches
• and much more…

There is much to choose from, but I have selected my top 21 Iceland Winter attractions for you to enjoy!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Best things to do in Iceland in Winter – short answers

In the following article you will see the pictures of 21 fantastic Iceland Winter Attractions to experience. But let me start by saying that even if you don’t stop anywhere, just driving around Iceland in Winter is magnificent. The scenery is a Winter Wonderland.

If you need me to reduce even more than 21 because you are limited in time, my top 5 absolute favorite things to do in Winter in Iceland (the best places to visit) are:

• Visit natural ice caves – For example from Jokulsarlon –  You can book this tour
• The Godafoss waterfall
• The Saxholl crater on a clear day
• Diamond Beach 
• Getting close to a glacier, for example at  Solheimjökull – see options

All the locations listed in this article are accessible in Winter by car. Of course road closure can always happen due to snow and wind – check out the status on road.is and look at my tips about driving in Winter in Iceland .

They are all included in my eBook (with other wonderful ones), the help you easily plan your Winter itinerary :

Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide

• 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 75+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Winter tips to make the most of your time
• 115+ original photos to help you choose

1 – Warm up at the geothermal areas 

Winter in Iceland is not as cold as some may think. But if you are bored of the white of the snow, you can head to a geothermal area to see a little bit more colors. LOL. There are many options around Iceland, I have selected one in the South and one in the North, but you can also find out more options on the Reykjanes peninsula.

1a – Haukadalur and the Strokkur Geyser

Located on the Golden Circle , the Haukadalur geothermal area is the most famous in Iceland and one of the most visited attractions in Winter and in Summer. It is home to Geysir which is not really active. However the Strokkur geyser is. It erupts every 3 to 7 minutes. You can see the bubble forming and then breaking, it is quite fascinating.

1b – Hverir in North Iceland

In North Iceland, the Hverir / Namafjall geothermal area is one of the top things to do around Lake Myvatn in Winter . The area is home to large mud pools and fumaroles. I love the contrast with the surrounding snow.

2 – Get a shower at the many waterfalls – Iceland Winter Highlights

Iceland is famous for its waterfalls . There are many to choose from. In my opinion some are even more beautiful with the coat of snow, especially the small one with frozen water. None of the well-known ones freezes completely though.

Here are a few notes on the major waterfalls:

• Gullfoss on the Golden Circle – Flowing water, beautiful canyon covered in snow – see more photos
• Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast – Flowing, not possible to walk behind in Winter – see more photos
• Skogafoss on the South Coast – Flowing, as impressive in Winter as in Summer – really easy access – see more photos
• Hraunfossar on the Silver Circle – Flowing with some icicles – absolutely breathtaking in Winter – see more photos
• Godafoss in North Iceland – Flowing with stunning icicles – I loved in Winter! a magical moment – see more photos
• Kirkjufellsfoss on the Snaefellsnes peninsula – Flowing with large icicles – the alignment of the unique mountain with the waterfalls is stunning in Winter too – see more photos

Need to rent a car in Iceland?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

3 – Go underground in these Iceland Winter attractions

3a – ice caves.

For everyone, one of the main highlights of a Winter trip in Iceland is visiting an ice-cave. A natural one. You can’t do it in Summer as they become unstable with the heat or disappear. Caves can be visited at different tongues of the glaciers. The most famous tours are from Jokulsarlon. I liked this tour because they look every year for new caves and try showing you both a black and the blue ice caves. Something truly unique that will not be there next year. You can book this tour with a black and a blue cave if conditions permit.

Or you can check out my article about choosing your Ice cave tour .

3b – Vidgelmir Lava Tunnel

There are other lava caves in Iceland but I love this one, especially in Winter.The Vidgelmir lava tunnel is easy to access with just a few staircases and a good pathway all the way. It can also be visited in Summer, but in Winter it has something special. In one area, ice stalagmites form on the lava. I had never seen such a phenomenon. I love the contrast: being in a tunnel created by burning lava combined with ice formations. Guided tours only – you can book here

3c – Ice Tunnel

Another famous underground experience (accessible in Winter and in Summer) is the Ice Tunnel ‘Into the glacier’. The giant 4WD truck drives you up the glacier to access a man made tunnel. At one point you are 40m under ice and snow. It is not beautiful like the natural ice caves, but it is quite an experience! You can book here

4 – Get up close with the glaciers

Iceland is the land of fire and ice. Glaciers cover a large portion of the land. Some of the tongues are quite easy to access and will leave you with unforgettable memories.

4b – Glacier Lagoons

You can see them from the distance with a glacial lagoon at your feet. The most famous one is Jokulsarlon on the picture above. The glacier is further away but it produce icebergs that float in the lagoon before heading to the sea. On my last visit there had been a storm and the lagoon was completely filled with icebergs. It was very impressive. See more photos

4a – Walk on a glacier

And, if you are fit enough, you may want to join a guided tour to walk on a glacier. To see the intense blue and the crevasses. There are several locations to do it. They will provide spikes and safety equipments. It possible on the South Coast at several glaciers – before and after Vik for example at Solheimjökull – see options  or  Skaftafell – see options

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

5 – Spot wildlife and admire the horses

Wildlife is not the main attraction in Iceland, especially in Winter. However there are still a few options for you to enjoy animals.

5a – Reindeers in the East fjords

In Summer, the wild reindeers live in the Central Highlands. However in Winter they come down to the East fjords for the easier conditions. You can see them on the side of the road. Be careful as they may cross sometimes! I know you will want to stop to admire them, but be really careful and don’t stop in the middle of the road!

5b – Whales from Reykjavik or Akureyri

Iceland is the land of Whale Watching. You can do it from Reykjavik, Akureyri or Husavik. Winter is not the best season, because most of them migrate, but you still have a chance to see some. See tour options

5c – Icelandic horses

Those are not wild animals. But if you love horses, the Icelandic horses are adorable and you can find them on the side of the road. Do not feed them unless there is special food available for you at the carpark (like near Haukadalur). You can also book horse back riding activities, even in Winter. See options

5d – Artic Fox

I have been lucky to see a wild artic fox in Winter. However I don’t have a pictures because it was running under the wheels of the vehicle. In Winter, their coats are white, so they are very difficult to spot.

Where to stay in Iceland?

My favorites:

• Reykjavik , capital city:   see best rated accommodations  – or  my article on where to stay
• Selfoss , between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
• Vik,  near waterfalls and glaciers:  see best rated accommodations
• Höfn , gateway to the East fjords:  see best rated accommodations
• Egilsstadir , between fjords and North Iceland:  see best rated accommodations
• Reykjahlid , for the wonders of Lake Myvatn:  see best rated accommodations
• Akureyri , capital of the North:  see best rated accommodations
• Grundarfjordur , on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:  see best rated accommodations

6 – Climb a crater – yes, this is what to do in Iceland in Winter

This you might not have expected, but you can climb a volcanic crater a Winter. It is not that difficult. However I am not talking about the big ones here. Just some small ones on the side of the road.

6a – Saxholl

Climbing Saxholl, on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, was one of my favorite experiences in Iceland in Winter. I was lucky because the visibility was incredible that day. The views from the top of the crater with the lava, the snow, the glacier and the sun… unforgettable! Just be reasonable in case of very strong wind and don’t climb.

6b – Myvatn pseudo-craters

For this one I am cheating a little 🙂 Around a pond by Lake Myvatn are what look like volcanic craters. But they are pseudo-craters created by lava meeting water. It is a very rare phenomenon. I love them so much in Summer! In Winter the experience is surreal. The pond is not visible as covered in snow. So you can only see some black pimples over the white landscapes. At one point I was alone on top of one of them and it felt like being in an Ice Age.

7 – Enjoy the black beaches

Iceland has a lot of black beaches . This is due to the intense volcanic activity. In Winter the contrast of the dark black with the white snow creates and even more intense visual experience.

7a – Diamond beach

Diamond beach is a true gem. This is close to Jokulsarlon on the South Coast. The icebergs escape to the sea but are pushed back towards the beach and end up on the black sand. When the sun is out, they are sparkling like diamonds. Some are white, others blue and a few black. The last time I visited was after a storm and the beach was covered with icebergs of all sizes. Here the scenery is almost similar in Winter and in Summer.

7b – Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is the most famous. When talking about the “Iceland black beach” is normally refers to this one. It is located on the South coast, near the town of Vik.It is a very long black beach with a cave, basalt columns and pillars in the water. If you are visiting, please be extremely careful as the waves can suddenly come a lot higher than the ones before.

7c – Fauskasandur

One of my favorites is Fauskasandur. It is located in the East Fjords. The beach itself has nothing special except for a monolith. But I love the view with the mountain and the small cliff. This is one of my favorite pictures from my last trip (taken in February).

8 – Be wild in lava fields – (best places to visit in Iceland in Winter)

Iceland is full of lava fields created by numerous eruption over time. Some are recent and still very dark, others are old and covered with moss (but you can’t see it in Winter with the snow).

8a – Dimmuborgir

In North Iceland, Dimmuborgir is a famous lava field near Lake Myvatn. Here the formations are giant and your imagination will have a blast discovering strange shapes in the rock. In Winter the landscape is pure black and white, so you might feel a little bit disoriented. If visiting in December, this is the home of the Yule Lads (the local version of Santa Claus). See more photos on my Dimmuborgir in Winter article

8b – Londrangar

On the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a lot of the coast is made from lava cliffs. At Londrangar the legend says that the 2 giant lava plugs are trolls. A viewing platform as been set up so that you can take it all in.

8c – Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is probably the most famous in the Snaefellsnes peninsula. On this coastal walk you can see many lava formations being hit by the waves: simple monoliths, basalt columns, an arch, a bridge, holes… Take your time and look at the details in the rock. Plus if you look inland, you can admire the Arnarstapi mountain and its beautiful pyramid shape.

9 – Stay up to see the northern lights

Most people visit Iceland in Winter to see the Northern Lights. It is the best time to see them, since the nights are longer. But remember there is no guarantee. You need a clear sky and sun activity 18h before. Many hotels offer wake-up calls to inform you when they are visible so that you can sleep and don’t have to check every 15min. And then you just have to hope they are strong. See my article about the Northern lights .

And keep track of your own trip!

Top things to do in Reykjavik in Winter

You may only have a few days to spend in Reykjavik in Winter. In that case, my recommendation is to book day trips to see Nature as this is the best Iceland has to offer. For example:

• Tours to the Golden Circle
• Tours to the South Coast
• Tours of the Snaefellsnes peninsula

But if you are stuck in Reykjavik or just enjoy cities, I recommend:

• The Perlan museum for the circular platform offering views in all directions (such as in the picture above)
• The Sun Voyager sculpture on the waterfront
• The cathedral
• The Flyover 4D cinema for a short but amazing experience flying over Iceland – you can book here
• The museum Whales of Iceland with its life-size replicas – pre-purchase your ticket in your own currency

See my article with the best things to do in Reykjavik in Winter

And to finish, if you want to dream about your travel around Iceland in Winter, here is my summary video to take you travel with me 🙂

Want to see more – the best of Iceland in Winter:

• 35 pictures of Iceland in Winter – read article
• Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips – read article
• 7 Iceland waterfalls in Winter – read article
• Tips for visiting Iceland in Winter –  read article
• Planning an Iceland Winter Road Trip – read article
• Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions – read article
• Driving in Iceland in Winter – read article

Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Want to see more of ICELAND IN WINTER

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Iceland Scenery in Winter – 35 pictures

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Iceland Ice Cave Tours

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Savvy Travel Advice

Visiting Iceland in Winter: Top 18 Winter Activities in Iceland

Last updated: April 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 41 Comments

Visiting Iceland in winter can be a wonderful experience as there are fewer people, beautiful winter landscapes, and chances to see the Northern Lights! There are also a number of fun winter activities to do like skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and joining in on holiday celebrations.

Although some attractions in Iceland close or become inaccessible during the winter, many of Iceland’s most famous spots are still easy to visit, including the Golden Circle, waterfalls, Blue Lagoon, glaciers, black sand beaches, museums, ice caves, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

This post focuses on the best things to do in Iceland during the winter, and we cover everything from heli-skiing to holiday celebrations to Northern Lights tours! We provide information on how to do them independently (when possible) for those who want to rent a car and drive themselves.

We also provide information on how to book winter day tours for those who want to base themselves in Reykjavík and take guided experiences.  

Table of Contents:

How to Travel Around Iceland in Winter

One of the first things you should decide when planning your winter trip to Iceland is how you want to get around the country. The two most popular ways to get around Iceland are by taking a bus tour or by renting a car, but you can also hire a private driver guide or take the public bus. Biking and hiking are not recommended as a way to get around Iceland during the winter months unless you are traveling short distances.

The local public  bus system can get you to all the main cities and towns in Iceland and although not the quickest, it is the best budget option. Buses may not stop at all the attractions you may want to visit so check the routes and schedules to decide if this is a good fit for you.

Note that the Iceland hop-on hop-off buses , with the exception of the hop-on hop-off Reykjavík city sightseeing buses (run daily, year-round), do not run in the winter months.

If you want to travel independently by car, you can rent a car from either of Iceland’s main airports or downtown Reykjavík. In the winter, we’d recommend something with 4-wheel drive and winter tires. We recommend comparing Iceland  rental car prices online here to find the best deal.

If you’d like to travel independently, but would rather have someone else make all the arrangements, you can also  book a  self-drive trip in Iceland  where all the bookings are made for you (e.g., rental car, hotels), but you still travel independently and drive yourself. See our prior post with  Iceland planning tips   to help you decide what option might work best for you.

If you plan to drive, check out our Iceland winter driving tips and advice . Be sure to  check road  and  weather conditions before you set out each day, and I’d also take a look and bookmark the Iceland SafeTravel website .

Here is our recommended 1 week Iceland road trip itinerary , which may be a handy reference for planning your winter trip.

Day Trip Tours from Reykjavík

Many people base themselves in Reykjavík, and then set out in day trips to explore Iceland. This is particularly a good option in the winter months for those who don’t want to drive themselves and want to return to the same hotel or apartment each evening. Day trips can take you to all of the most popular highlights of Iceland, and we’d recommend focusing on western and southern Iceland.

On our trips to Iceland, we’ve used a number of tour operators and booking portals. These include  Iceland Travel ,  Get Your Guide , Guide to Iceland , and Viator . You can see some of our favourite day trips from Reyjkavik here .

Guided Multi-Day Tours

If you are planning to join a multi-day tour, there are a number of operators (most based in Reykjavík) to choose from that can provide longer tours from overnight trips to 2 week tours. Itineraries often include, or include the option to add-on, many of the recommended winter activities covered in this post.

Although this article is geared towards those who are either planning to take day trips or drive themselves, this post can help give you some ideas for the types of activity options and destinations you want to look for in a tour itinerary. When searching for multi-day tours, we’d recommend choosing an escorted tour that is particularly designed for winter such as this 4 day tour .

You can see this curated list of some of the best guided tours of Iceland that range from 2 days to 12 days. It includes tours appropriate for all seasons, including many winter tours.

Top 18 Winter Activities in Iceland 

Now onto our list of recommend top winter activities in Iceland! If you are visiting Iceland in winter, there are limitations as some activities are not available and certain attractions are inaccessible; however, there are also fun things to do in Iceland that you can only do during the winter months.

Our list focuses only on things that you can do in Iceland during the winter months. For each winter activity, we discuss information for both travelers who plan to travel independently by car and for those who want to travel via guided day trips with a base in Reykjavík.

These winter activities are listed in no particular order: 

1. Hunting for the Northern Lights 

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, then you are probably hoping to see the Northern Lights, or the aurora borealis , during your trip. This spectacular natural light show can fill the sky with varying hues of green and red, and can be a magical event to experience. The Northern Lights can be seen from autumn to spring, with the best chance being during the evenings of the winter months. 

Northern Lights By Car

In order to see the Northern Lights you need a combination of several things: high levels of solar activity, darkness (you can only see them at night), clear or partly clear skies, and an absence of light pollution.

Some of these elements you can’t control (e.g., solar activity, cloud cover) so seeing them is partially down to nature and luck. But you can control where you are and if you have a car, you can head to sparsely populated areas where there is little light pollution, clear to mostly clear skies, and the weather forecast shows a chance of the aurora.

Check the aurora forecasts for the best days and times to see them by using online websites, apps, or asking at your hotel (hotel desk staff often post the daily aurora forecasts and many hotels offer a wake-up service if there is activity).

We used the  Icelandic Meteorological Office Aurora Forecast  to monitor activity during our trip as it is probably the best one to use in Iceland, and also got on the list at most of our hotels for the aurora wake-up service.

It can be tricky to get good photos of the Northern Lights. But here is a guide about how to photograph the Northern Lights and includes tips for different types of cameras and smartphones.

Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavík

If you are only going to do one tour while in Iceland in winter, we’d recommend booking a Northern Lights tour. We’d also recommending doing this as a tour rather than trying to hunt for them yourself. Tour operators know where to go to find the darkest spots, know how to interpret the meteorological data, know where they can park, and usually only operate if there’s a chance of seeing them.

Tours are canceled same day if there is no chance of seeing the Northern Lights, and most companies offer a free rescheduling for the following day if the trip is canceled or if you go but don’t see the Northern Lights. Be sure to check the tour conditions so you understand what happens if your tour is cancelled or you don’t see the Northern Lights. 

Northern Lights tours are very popular throughout the winter months, and there are a number of variations available depending on your preferences, including group bus tours like this one and this one , a private tour , and a super jeep tour .

Some Northern Lights tours also include additional experiences like meals, thermal baths, glacier walks, or Super Jeep tours. For example, this tour includes a geothermal bath visit, dinner, and Northern Lights viewing. Or this full day tour includes a classic Golden Circle tour during the day and then Northern Lights hunting in the evening.

All tours include transportation, driver, and guide, and the majority depart from Reykjavík. 

2. Skiing and Snowboarding in Iceland

If you enjoy skiing and are looking for a lesser known European destination, Iceland is a good bet. It is not nearly as well-known or popular as many spots in Europe so the resorts aren’t hugely crowded, and there are almost no trees to accidentally hit!

The resorts are much smaller here, but opportunities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and off-trail skiing. There are also unique opportunities like skiing down to the Ocean, Cat skiing (reaching tops of mountain by snowcat) and even  heli-skiing  in a couple of locations in Iceland. Most ski resorts have runs that cater to both newbies and more experienced skiers.

Although the ski season in Iceland can extend from mid-November to May, most resorts open in December and close by the end of April. However, for the best skiing (and chance of good snow) I’d go in February or March, especially if you are a downhill skier or snowboarder. Because of limited winter hours, almost all ski resorts have lights on their main slopes which allow for night skiing.

If planning to ski or snowboard, check out our ski holiday packing list for a list of things you probably want to pack.

Iceland Ski Trip by Car

You can actually design an entire itinerary around skiing in Iceland as you’ll find ski opportunities in the north, west, south, and east of Iceland! When choosing where to ski, I’d base it on where you plan to travel in Iceland, past ski experience, and the current snow and trail conditions. Just note that driving in the northern and eastern parts of Iceland in winter can be more difficult than in the south and west.  

In western Iceland, there are two Reykjavík area ski slopes . There is Bláfjöll ski resort, which is the largest and most visited ski resort in Iceland, and Skálafell ski resort. Then in the Westfjords you have  Dalirnir near Ísafjörður. In the east, you have a couple of options Stafdalur  and Oddsskarð . Then in the far northwest you have  Tindastóll near Sauðárkrókur.

For those who are visiting Iceland primarily for skiing or snowboarding, I’d recommend basing yourself in northeastern Iceland. Akureyri or nearby would be a good base for the several ski resorts in the area. These include  Hlíðarfjall which is considered Iceland’s premier ski destination and also sits at the highest elevation. It offers pistes that range from beginner level to difficult, cross-country trails, a ski rental shop, and a ski school. 

If you’re planning to spend more than a couple of days skiing in Iceland, I’d invest in the local Ski Pass which allows you to ski at 5 ski resorts in northern Iceland over 5 days so you can try out all the local slopes and save money on day fees.

Heli-skiing is where you are taken to the top of a mountain by a helicopter and then you can ski down. If that sounds like fun you can book a heli-skiing trip on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula (part of the northeast) with Arctic Heli Skiing or Viking Heli Skiing . In some cases you can ski all the way to the ocean.

Note that heli-skiing season usually starts later and runs later than regular skiing at the resorts, often February to June. If heli-skiing is a bit too scary or pricey for your tastes, you can also do cat skiing in northern Iceland with companies such Kaldbaksferðir , where you are taken to the top of the mountain by a snowcat to ski, sled, or snowboard down.

Skiing Tours

You can find a few ski tours in Iceland, including day tours and a multi-day tour, on offer from local operators. However, there are few ski or snowboard oriented tours available in Iceland so the best option for most people is going to be to arrange their own trip. 

We’d recommend booking a taxi or other private transport to and from the ski resorts of your choice. The closest to Reykjavík, which can easily be done as a day trip, is the Bláfjöll ski resort 25 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Bláfjöll is the largest and probably the most popular ski resort in Iceland. It offers family friendly slopes, gear rental, and ski lessons (on weekends).

There is also Skálafell ski resort, which is also about a 25 minute drive from Reykjavík, but it is a much smaller resort than Bláfjöll. You can also fly or take the public bus to Akureyri and hit about a half dozen ski resorts within day tripping distance. 

In deciding on a ski resort, I would base your decision on your location, amount of time, your skill level, and how much you want to ski. If you are short on time or want the most convenient option, I’d visit the ski resorts within driving distance of Reykjavík. If you want to ski a lot, I’d head to Akureyri where there is the highest concentration of skiing opportunities. For the most variety in ski slopes, I’d head to Hlíðarfjall in northern Iceland or Bláfjöll if you are day tripping from Reykjavík.

At most resorts in Iceland you should be able to rent any skiing or snowboarding gear you need (although always best to bring your own ski boots if you own them) but do check ahead.

3.  Celebrating Christmas or New Years in Iceland

Visiting Iceland in winter means you might be around for one of the holiday celebrations that take place at this time of year. Christmas celebrations in Iceland start on December 12th and intensify until December 23rd, Þorláksmessa (St. Þorlákur’s Day), when it is traditional to eat fermented skate (skata) and potatoes and is a big shopping day for many Icelanders.

Around the Christmas season, you can enjoy the holidays lights and decorations, Christmas markets, Christmas carols and concerts, and learning about Icelandic Christmas traditions. Christmas itself is celebrated on December 24th, and it’s traditionally a family affair spent at home. For more of a party atmosphere, you’ll want to be in Iceland for New Years Eve, when it’s traditional to attend a bonfire and set off fireworks. The “end” of Christmas on January 6th (Twelfth Night) is also usually marked with fireworks and bonfires.

Icelandic Holidays By Car

The best place to be for the holidays is probably Reykjavík as there you’ll find the most people, most events, and largest public celebrations. If you are wanting to do some Christmas shopping, you’ll also find the largest number of stores here, and some stores and restaurants stay open on holidays (although many do close). I’d check out local websites or newspapers, or talk to your hotel staff or locals to find out what holiday events will be happening during your visit. 

Another idea if you want to get out of Reykjavík is to head to northern Iceland and visit the Lake Mývatn area. This is the home of the 13 Yule Lads  which are a huge part of the Icelandic Christmas story. The celebrations begin on December 12th and there are a series of family-friendly events in the area leading up to Christmas which include music concerts, buffet holiday meals, family craft workshops, handicraft markets, and an annual bath with the Yule Lads! Akureyri is a good place to base in the north during the holidays.

Icelandic Holiday Tours from Reykjavík

If you are visiting around Christmas, I’d check for Christmas related tours that are being offered. For example this  4 night Christmas tour  includes 4 nights lodging, a 3 day coach tour including the Golden Circle and South Coast, a trip to the Blue Lagoon, a Christmas meal, and a Christmas themed walk. If you are looking to visit both Reykjavík and northern Iceland, I’d check out tours to Akureyri as well.

On New Years Eve you can take a Fireworks Cruise to see the fireworks from the water and celebrate the New Year, or you can take a bonfire tour to experience a number of the traditional local bonfires around the city.

4. Exploring the Wonders of the Golden Circle 

One of the most popular year-round day trips from Reykjavík is to explore the “Golden Circle”, which includes a number of Iceland’s most popular landmarks. These include the mighty 2-tiered Gullfoss waterfall , the bubbling pools and geysers of the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park .

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and contains some of the most important historic, geological, and religious spots in Iceland. It also contains Games of Thrones filming locations !

Golden Circle Self Drive

Driving the Golden Circle makes for a great day out from Reykjavík as you can see some of Iceland’s spectacular natural geological features plus learn a bit about Iceland’s cultural history. If you are driving from Reykjavík, it is about a 40 minute drive to Thingvellir National Park, then 53 minutes further to Geysir, and then 10 minutes further to Gullfoss waterfall.

The route is well-marked and signed. Without stops it takes about 3.5 hours to drive the route round-trip with return back to Reykjavík; however, with stops I’d suggest at least 6 to 7 hours.

In additional to those 3 main stops, you can also consider going snorkeling or  diving at Þingvellir National Park (only if you have certified diving experience), stopping in at the greenhouses at Friðheimar where you can see a geothermal greenhouse and have lunch with food grown there, tasting the locally made ice cream at the  Efstidalur farm  restaurant, or going for a soak at a geothermal bath such as  Fontana Geothermal Baths  or the Secret Lagoon . 

If you are planning to drive the Golden Circle, see our complete guide to driving the Golden Circle .

Golden Circle Tours from Reykjavík

All Iceland tour companies offer Golden Circle day trips from Reykjavík as this is the most popular day trip from the city. If you are looking for a nice day out with stops at all three of the main sites along the Golden Circle, we recommend checking out a Golden Circle tour, such as this classic tour or this popular tour which also includes a stop at Kerid Crater. You can also arrange  a private tour .

If you also want to do the Blue Lagoon, there are a number of tours that include the Blue Lagoon with the Golden Circle, such as  this one .

5. Exploring Ice Caves & Glaciers 

Winter is the perfect time to explore an ice cave, a glacier, or an ice tunnel in Iceland. Tours allow you to actually get inside beautiful ice caves and tunnels so you can see their beautiful blue colors and learn about the formation of glaciers. You can also take tours that allow you to hike or snowmobile on top of glaciers. Iceland has a lot of glaciers and they cover about 11% of Iceland’s surface.

Note that in Icelandic, jökull means glacier or piece of ice. So if you see a word ending in jökull, it is probably the name of a glacier.

Ice Caves & Glaciers Day Trips By Car

Trying to explore an ice cave or tunnel, hike onto a glacier, or drive onto a glacier on your own can be incredibly dangerous if you don’t have the necessary knowledge and equipment. This can be particularly dangerous in the winter when snow can disguise cracks and crevasses in the ice.

We highly recommend only doing these things with a trained guide and proper equipment. There are many private guides and group tours available that can help you safely examine these spots.

If you are not wanting to join a bus tour from Reykjavík, you can drive to the location on your own and join a local tour or guide near the ice cave or glacier. This a great option for those who want to join activities during a road trip around Iceland.

Some ice cave tours offered in the winter include an ice crystal cave tour which departs from Reykjavík, an exploration of ice caves around Vatnajökull glacier with pick-up from Jokulsarlon  Glacier Lagoon (southern Iceland), this ice cave and glacier tour from Gullfoss , and the Into the Glacier tour from Reykjavík.

For glacier exploration we’d recommend checking out this Golden Circle and Langjokull Glacier snowmobile tour from Reykjavik, this hike of Vatnajökull glacier from Skaftafell National Park, or a hike and ice climbing at Solheimajökull glacier . 

If you want to combine some ice cave exploring with a glacier hike, this 4 hour tour from Skaftafell National Park includes both a glacier hike and ice cave tour of Vatnajökull glacier.

Glacier and Ice Cave Day Trips from Reykjavík

All the following tours depart from Reykjavík. If you’d rather depart from another location, see tours listed in the section above. Note that these tours range from low physical activity to needing to be fairly physical strenuous so be sure to read the guidelines and recommendations to find a tour that is a good fit for you.

Ice Caves Tours

There are a number of ice caves in Iceland, and from Reykjavík, we’d recommend this day tour of the   Katla Volcano ice cave .

If you are able to do an overnight trip, we recommend this small group tour which includes an ice cave tour, exploration of the South Shore, a visit to the glacier lagoon, and a Northern Lights hunt.

Ice Tunnel Tours

The Langjökull ice tunnel was made by a group of scientists and engineers on top of  Langjökull glacier , the second largest ice cap in Europe. The 1,800 ft. long ice tunnel and caves are the world’s first and largest man-made ice tunnel, and allows visitors to see the inside of a glacier.

We’d recommend checking out are this tour of the ice tunnel which includes a trip onto the glacier via a ride in a 8-wheel monster truck.

Glacier Tours 

If you are wanting to walk, snowmobile, or take a super jeep tour on top of a glacier, you’ll find there are several options for glacier day trips from Reykjavík. Most of these also include other activities along the South Coast.

Some tours to consider are this Golden Circle drive plus snowmobiling on a glacier, and this Golden Circle tour plus a glacier drive in a jeep , 

6. Enjoying the Glacier Lagoon and South Coast

Another popular drive in Iceland, and for good reason, is the trip along the south coast between Reykjavík and the Glacier Lagoon. This southeastern area of Iceland is home to multiple spectacular waterfalls, a huge expanse of lava field, black sand beaches, glaciers, and a lagoon filled with tiny icebergs. The main attractions in this area are accessible year-round, although may become temporarily inaccessible (e.g., due to a blocked, flooded, or closed road) during or following a storm.

Glacier Lagoon By Car

It is about 230 miles (372 km) from Reykjavík to the  Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon , and it takes about 4.5 hours to drive without stops. Once you get out of Reykjavík, you’ll mostly just follow Route 1 , which is the National Road of Iceland, and forms the famous Ring Road. Highlights along this route include views of the glacier topped volcano  Eyjafjallajökull  (well-known for its 2010 eruption), Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, Reynishverfi’s black sand beach, the village of Vík, and  Vatnajökull National Park .

For a return day trip with stops at all the listed highlights and meals, I would plan on at least 11 or 12 hours. Be sure to check weather forecast and road alerts before setting out.

Driving all the way to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a long drive from Reykjavík, and if you factor in all the stops, it is a long day out. If possible, we’d recommend overnighting here and heading back in the morning so you have more time to explore and don’t have to worry about driving late at night. The eastern part of Iceland also has low levels of light pollution so chances of seeing the Northern Lights are good if there is activity and clear skies.

If you do stay overnight in this area, we’d recommend staying in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík. Around Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you may want to check out  Hotel Klaustur ,   Hotel Geirland ,  Hotel Laki , and the  Eldhraun Guest House . Around Vík, you can check out  Hotel Vik ,  Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka ,  Grand Guesthouse Gardakot ,  Guesthouse Steig , and the  Volcano Hotel .

Glacier Lagoon Tours from Reykjavík

If driving for over 9 hours round trip in potentially bad winter weather doesn’t sound fun, you can take an escorted tour instead and leave the driving up to someone else. We recommend doing this as an overnight tour so you can spend more time exploring, but if you only have the time for a day trip and need to return to Reykjavík the same day, we’d recommend this  Glacier Lagoon and South Shore tour . 

If you are able to do an overnight tour to the South Shore and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, we recommend this small group tour which includes an ice cave tour, exploration of the South Shore, a visit to the glacier lagoon, and a Northern Lights hunt. 

7. Whale Watching

One of the reasons many people travel to Iceland is to see some of its local wildlife, and this includes whales. Iceland is one of the best whale watching destinations in Europe with over 20 whale species found in its waters. A whale watching tour can get you up close to these massive sea mammals, as well as a variety of other sea wildlife.

The main sea animals you are likely to see on a boat tour are the humpback whale, minke whale, fin whale, orca, white-beaked dolphin, and the harbor porpoise. Note that the best time to see whales in Iceland is during the summer months, but you still have a chance to see some species year-round. In fact, winter is the best time to see certain whales such as the Grundarfjördur orcas (killer whales).

If you are interested in the whales around Iceland, you might want to visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition in Reykjavík. It is located near the harbor where most of the whale watching tours leave. The museum provides an immersive learning experience and includes over 20 life-sized models of whales that have been found in Icelandic waters.

Whale Watching Tours

You could get lucky to spot a whale from shore, but your best chance to see one is to join a whale watching tour. The two main departure points in Iceland for whale watching tours are Reykjavík and Húsavík in northern Iceland.

Chances of seeing whales are high from both areas, and Húsavík has been nicknamed the whale watching capital of Europe. In the winter we’d recommend joining a tour in Reykjavík for convenience and the fact that many tour operators don’t operate during the winter in Húsavík.

In Reykjavík, most whale watching tours depart from the Old Harbor, and you can either book a tour in advance or head to Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and book one directly with one of the tour company kiosks at the harbor. Tours generally last between 2 to 4 hours.

This  whale watching tour is a popular one that leaves from the Harbor. Another company that offers well-reviewed whale watching tours are Elding which also operates the Whale Watching Centre . For instance, they offer this 3 hour tour that also includes access to the Whale Watching Centre. They report a 95% success rate of seeing dolphins in the summer months and 80% in the winter months.

NOTE: If you are also interested in seeing seabirds, winter is not a great time to travel to Iceland as there are few sea birds around. Spring and Summer are the best times of years to view sea birds. 

8. Snorkeling & Diving

Snorkeling in winter? No, we’re not completely mad. You can snorkel year round in Iceland, but you’re not going to be heading out to sea or spotting a lot of marine life.  Instead, the snorkeling trip takes place in the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park. This is the site of a submerged crack between the two continental plates that run across Iceland, and the water here is incredibly clear with great visibility.

Being able to snorkel between the Eurasia and North American continental plates is a snorkeling experience like no other!

Snorkeling Trip by Car

The national park does not have any official guides or operators for snorkeling tours or equipment rentals, but there are several companies offering snorkeling tours and gear for those wanting to snorkel at Silfra. There are a number of tours for snorkeling that meet on site at the park like this one . 

As noted earlier you can also dive at two submerged rifts, Silfra and Davíðsgjá, but this is only for experienced divers and you’ll need dry suit certification as well as apply for a dive permit. Or you can join a guided dive (if you have the certification) with an approved operator such as this one . Find out more about diving in the Thingvellir National Park here .

Unless you have dived here before, you’ll probably want to have a guide, and for Silfra we’d recommend doing a guided dive such as this one .

If you are looking for other dives elsewhere in the country we’d recommend checking out this dive company based in Iceland. There are other spots you can dive in Iceland other than Silfra and a local guide can help you explore lesser known sites. For a local dive rental shop you can also check out HAF Sport .

Snorkeling Day Trip Tours from Reykjavík

There are a number of Silfra snorkeling tours that depart from Reykjavík. The tour we suggest with Iceland Travel is the snorkeling plus cave tour   which includes both snorkeling at Silfra plus the opportunity to explore a lava cave with pickup and drop off in Reykjavík. The tour price also  includes all the gear you’ll need, including a full dry suit that will keep you warm and dry even in freezing temperatures. 

9. Exploring the Highlights of Lake Mývatn

Northern Iceland gets far fewer visitors in winter than the rest of Iceland. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here! Located near the town of Akureyri, volcanic Lake Mývatn  is home to a number of natural wonders such as craters, mud pools, massive waterfalls, and geothermal caves.

It is also a popular birding area, although most species are only here in the Spring and Summer months. Akureyri is also a great place to celebrate Christmas.

Lake Mývatn By Car

Making the effort to come up to northern Iceland is definitely rewarding, but bear in mind that winter weather can make for a challenging driving experience. Public buses or domestic flights are also options.

Highlights around Lake Mývatn include the Goðafoss Waterfall, Hverfjall crater, the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar, lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, the Krafla volcano, and hot springs. You’ll definitely want to overnight in the area as there is plenty to explore and you’ll find a number of lodging options in Akureyri . 

Lake Mývatn Day Trip Tours

For a day trip from Reykjavík to Lake Mývatn, we’d recommend taking a look at this tour , which includes domestic flights and stops at Goðafoss Waterfall, the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar, the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, Reykjahlid village, the Krafla volcano, and Mývatn Nature baths. 

If you are searching for Game of Thrones locations in Iceland , this Mývatn tour from Akureyri  includes most of the popular filming locations. plus a soak in the Mývatn Nature baths. 

10. Horseback Riding

Icelandic horses are beautiful creatures, with long shaggy coats that help them withstand the tough Icelandic wintry conditions. They are very photogenic (they even made our Iceland photography guide ) and are unique in that they are one of a few horse breeds where a number of the horses have five distinct gaits.

You are likely to see an Icelandic horse during your trip without much effort as there are many farms with horses around the country, and you can even find a few at the Family Park & Zoo in Reykjavík. But if you want to get really up close, you can interact and ride Icelandic horses by visiting a farm and booking a horseback riding tour.

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tours by Car

There are over a dozen horse farms and riding facilities offering guided horse rides in Iceland, and I’d search in the area of the country you plan to visit. The highest concentration of farms offering riding is within an hour or two driving distance of Reykjavík, but you’ll find them scattered all over the country. At most places, you need to book your riding activity in advance. 

Some places to consider include  Laxnes Horse Farm near Mosfellsbær (just 15 minute drive north of Reykjavík), Íshestar Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður (about 30 minutes south of Reykjavík, book a tour here ), and Langhus Farm in northern Iceland. 

You can also join guided tours or rent horses to ride (for more experienced riders) at Sólhestar (services around Reykjavík and south Iceland, book a tour here ).

Horses aren’t the only big mammals in Iceland, and if you looking for something a bit more wild consider reindeer trekking. If you’re interested in reindeer, then head to eastern Iceland, where you can join an experienced guide on a Reindeer Safari to track down these beautiful animals.

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tours from Reykjavik

There are also a number of tours you can take that focus on Icelandic horseback riding. From Reykjavík you can take a Horseback Riding Lava Tour , which visits the lava fields around either Mt Helgafell or Lake Hvaleyrarvatn. This tour is suitable for riders of any experience level. Some of the tours available at  Laxnes Horse Farm include pick up and drop off in Reykjavík. 

More experienced riders looking for a longer tour might prefer the Horseback Riding Viking Tour , which also departs from Reykjavík. This is a longer experience with both a morning and afternoon ride, and is for intermediate to experienced riders only.

You can see more tours here .

11. Appreciating the Museums & Cultural Attractions of Iceland

Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital city and also the cultural heart of Iceland. Here you’ll find many of the country’s best museums, parks, art, and cultural attractions, and most are open to visitors year-round. But you can also find some interesting cultural spots in other parts of the country, often ones that document a local history, industry, tradition, or saga.

Some of the biggest themes we noted after visiting a number of the country’s museums are art, local history, Icelandic sagas , maritime and fishing culture, and preserved buildings. Spending a few hours visiting some of the country’s museums is a great way to spend a winter afternoon, especially if the weather is not at its best.

Iceland Museums By Car

Reykjavík is easy to explore by foot, car, or public transportation, and many of the city’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other.  Some of the museums and cultural attractions you may want to visit in the capital are the  National Museum of Iceland ,  Hallgrímskirkja Church ,  The Settlement Exhibition ,  Reykjavík Family Park , Perlan Museum ,  Saga Museum ,  Árbaer Open Air Museum , and a number of art museums . Just about all attractions are open year-round in Reykjavík; however, many have reduced winter hours and are likely to be closed on holidays.

Outside of Reykjavík, a car makes it easy to reach all the country’s major museums and cultural attractions. It is easy to mix natural sites with cultural sites on an Iceland road trip itinerary .

The most notable historical attraction is probably  Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park  which is a site of historical, geological, and religious importance because it was the place of the first church, the site of the first parliament in Europe (the Alþingi general assembly), and has a number of notable geological features.

I’d also recommend the folk museum  Skógasafn in the town of Skógar, which is open-air museum complex plus two museums along the South Coast with over 15,000 artifacts and 6 historical buildings. 

Other museums and cultural attractions (many related to the country’s fishing culture and history) include: the  Whale Museum , Lava Centre ,  Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum , the Norwegian House , the  Icelandic Settlement Centre ,  Borgarnes Museum , and the Herring Era Museum . Note that most of these have reduced winter hours and some may open by appointment only in the winter months, so do check the attractions’ website or call ahead.

Iceland Museum tours

Since most of the country’s top museums and cultural attractions (see list above to get you started) are located in and around Reykjavík, we recommend that you are better off exploring on your own on foot or via public transportation.  For museums outside of Reykjavík, I’d book a private tour or join a group tour that goes to the specific museum(s) you are interested in visiting. 

If Thingvellir National Park is on your list, this one is easy as almost all Golden Circle day tours stop here.

12. Visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a region in western Iceland known for its dramatic landscapes, and is accessible year-round. A couple of hours drive north of Reykjavík , this beautiful part of the country is home to a huge glacier as well as waterfalls, beaches, fishing villages, caves, and a glacier. It makes for a very interesting day trip from Reykjavík at any time of the year. 

The most known attraction on the peninsula is the glacier-topped mountain Snæfellsjökull as it was featured in Jules Verne’s  Journey to the Center of the Earth  as an entry point to get to the center of the earth. 

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Drive

The  Snæfellsnes Peninsula makes for a great day trip, and it takes about 2 hours to get from Reykjavík to the eastern side of the peninsula. After leaving Reykjavík, you’ll need to decide to take the undersea tunnel at Hvalfjordur (small fee, can save about 30 minutes) or you can follow along 47, a coastal road.  Once you get there, you can start by exploring either the southern or northern part of the peninsula and then loop around. There are few roads on the peninsula so the route is easy to follow once you get there.

If you start in the north, it is about a 2 hour and 10 minute drive to Stykkishólmur which is the largest town on the peninsula, and then you can head west along the northern part of the peninsula stopping at your choice of places of interest.

Some of the highlights include the town of Stykkishólmur,  Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum ,  Snæfellsjökull National Park , the beautiful Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, the coastal area between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur’s   black-pebbled beach, and the cute wooden church known as Búðakirkja.

Glacier treks, snowmobiling trips, and cave tours are popular activities that can be booked at Snæfellsjökull from local companies (book any activities in advance). You can also book a winter  whale watching tour here th at leaves from Stykkishólmur – see tour details  here .

If you driving this as a day trip and wanted to see all the main highlights, it would be at least a 7 hour road trip round-trip from Reykjavík. However, with stops, I’d recommend at least 9 to 10 hours. Given the limited daylight hours in winter, you’ll want to leave in the morning and you won’t be back in Reykjavík until after dark.

Although this makes a great full day tip, if you have your own car and time, we’d recommend doing it as an overnight trip so you don’t have to rush. The peninsula is also a great place to see the Northern Lights.  If you do decide to overnight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, some lodging options to consider:  Fosshotel Stykkishólmur  (Stykkishólmur),  Our Home Apartments  (Stykkishólmur),  Hotel Egilsen  (Stykkishólmur),  Old Post Office Guest House  (Grundarfjordur),  Fosshotel Hellnar  (Hellnar),  Arnarstapi Guesthouse  (near Arnarstapi), Guesthouse Hof  (near Budir), and  Hotel Budir  (Budir).

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tours from Reykjavík

If you’d rather join a tour and not have to worry about the driving, there are several tours that run in the winter from Reykjavík. These include this popular 11 hour tour , and this 12 hour premium small group tour .

These each offer slightly different experiences and price points, so check them both out to be sure you pick the right tour for you. Each tour include stops at the main highlights on the peninsula, and the main differences are the tour length (10 to 13 hours) and group sizes.

13. Snowmobiling & Other Fun Snow Activities

For most of the winter in Iceland, you can pretty much be guaranteed that you’ll find snow somewhere in Iceland. Snow generally starts falling around November and can last as long as late May or early June, but late December to the end of March are going to be the prime time to visit for snow activities.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding (already covered above), you’ll find opportunities to go ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and ice fishing. Or if those options sound exhausting (or too expensive), you can just head outside and build some snowmen or make snow angels.

Snowmobiling & Snow Activities by Car

It is easy to stop off for some fun in the snow if you are traveling in Iceland during the winter. The highland mountain roads will be closed throughout the winter to regular vehicles (including 4X4s) but many of these areas can still be explored on guided tours with snowmobiles, snowcats, or SuperJeeps. 

If you are coming to Iceland primarily for winter sports or snow activities, I’d recommend checking out offered multi-day treks or highly active winter trips with professional local guides that include activities like long-distance snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, hikes on glaciers, and skiing. However, if you are just looking to try out a winter activity or two on your trip, I’d just book a couple of tours to add onto your Iceland winter road trip .

If you need to rent winter gear while in Iceland (e.g., camping and climbing gear, ice axes, crampons, avalanche safety gear, emergency kits), I’d check out  Everest  in Reykjavík.

If you book a tour, most companies will outfit you with the necessary equipment, but I’d advise bringing along a good pair of waterproof hiking boots, warm layers, gloves, a hat, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof pants if you plan to spend much time in the snow. I would definitely buy and bring along any winter clothing you are going to need on your trip as buying winter clothing in Iceland can be very expensive. 

Note that if you are looking for a sled or sledge to go sledding then you will struggle to find one as it is not a popular activity in Iceland and there are no groomed tracks for tobogganing. So you may want to make your own sled (e.g., buy a plastic trash can lid) and find some snow-covered hills to enjoy. But if you want a real sledding experience, I’d book a Snowcat mountain tour with  Kaldbaksferðir  (located in northern Iceland near Akureyri) and then go sledding down the mountain with one of their own tough-built sleds that were designed to endure the ride down the mountain. 

For those looking to go ice skating, there is normally an outdoor public ice skating ring in Reykjavík over the holidays. There are also indoor ice skating rinks such as the  Reykjavík Skating Hall   and  Egilshöllin  in Reykjavík and The Skate Club in Akureyri. Ice climbers may want to head to Skaftafell, Sólheimajökull, or the icefalls in Kaldakinn, and can join ice climbing tours such as this one .

You’ll find plenty of snowmobiling and snowshoeing opportunities near glaciers and at higher elevations where there is more snow. For snowshoeing, you can go on your own or join a snowshoe day trip such as this introductory one  near Snæfellsjökull National Park and several snowshoe day trips offered by Wide Open . There are a variety of snowmobiling trips available, such as this one which includes the Golden Circle,  and this one   on Mýrdalsjökull glacier which includes Iceland’s southern coast.

For more unusual winter experiences, you can join a dog sledding tour , or go ice fishing on Lake Langavatn.

Snow Activities & Snowmobiling Tours from Reykjavík

Depending on what you are interested in, there are still a lot of winter activities you can do by day tripping from Reykjavík. First, ice skating can be done in the city itself at one of the indoor rinks or at the public outdoor rink that is often open in the winter.

For snowmobiling, there are a lot of tours, but since the best snowmobiling opportunities are 2 to 4 hours away, I’d recommend doing this as part of a longer day trip to make the most of your time. For example, you can go snowmobiling in addition to a Golden Circle SuperJeep tour  or combine a snowmobile tour with a thermal bath visit .

Other snow activities that you can join from Reykjavík include this  ice climbing tour .

14. Winter Hiking 

Iceland is a great country to go hiking, and it has a number of very popular hiking trails. The issue is that the majority of the most popular trails are located in the Highlands and are inaccessible in winter due to snow and ice. However, there are a number of scenic Lowland trails for those wanting to get a taste of hiking in Iceland! Winter hiking opportunities can be found throughout the country, and include inland trails, coastal trails, and even a number of smaller mountains. 

Note that if really want to hike in Iceland’s Highlands area, I’d strongly advise coming in summer or early autumn to hike the popular trails like Laugavegur and  Fimmvorduhals. Attempting to hike these trails in winter is considered unsafe unless you have proper winter mountaineering experience

Hiking Independently With Car

Obviously you need to be prepared for all kinds of winter weather, which can include rain, snow, and hail. Never underestimate the Icelandic weather as it can change rapidly, and it has gotten the better of many hikers. Bring warm layers, waterproof outer layers, good waterproof hiking boots, hat and gloves, and a waterproof hiking bag. 

If you plan to do longer hikes, you’ll also want to get needed navigational gear (e.g., compass, maps), winter weather gear (e.g., crampons, ice axe), safety gear (e.g., rent an emergency beacon), and medical emergency supplies (e.g., first aid kit, emergency blanket). For hiking and climbing gear, check out outdoor and camping supply stores such as  Everest  in Reykjavík.

Before attempting any hike on your own, be sure to learn as much about the hike and trail conditions so you are prepared. Also, be sure to check for weather and safety alerts on the Iceland SafeTravel website , which is run by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. If you plan to go out hiking on your own, you can input your travel plan, contact information, and medical info on the website. You can also rent an emergency beacon at several locations in Iceland so that local search & rescue teams can located you quickly if necessary. 

If you are just looking for some nature hikes near (or even in) the capital (you can even find many trees!), I’d check out the  Heiðmörk nature reserve , Elliðaárdalur , and for an easy central hill hike  Öskjuhlíð .

If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, consider some of the smaller mountains near Reykjavík, most of which take between two and six hours to hike up and down. These include Mt. Mosfell, Mt. Helgafell, Mt. Keilir, and Mt.  Úlfarsfell. Mt. Esjan can also be a possibility if the weather conditions are good (not recommended to go past the Steinn as can be difficult and slippery even in summer!). Note that public buses can take you near the trailheads for many of these hikes.

There are also some lovely coastal, lava field, and hill hikes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that are safe to do year round in good weather conditions. Obviously there are hundreds of other winter hikes in Iceland you could do depending on which part of Iceland you are in, and I’d just consult with local people and check weather conditions for good and safe hikes as you travel. The safety and feasibility of most hiking trails is going to depend entirely on the weather.

If you are looking for more long-distance winter hiking, technical climbing, or mountaineering, I’d highly advise joining a tour or hiring a private local guide. They know where the best places to go are, the gear that is necessary, and what is and is not safe to attempt. I’d check out offerings from companies like Mountain Guides  and  Summit Guides , and if you don’t see what you are looking for, I’d contact them and see if they can help or recommend a local guide.

Connect with local hikers and hiking groups and they can let you know what places they’d recommend (and which they recommend avoiding) in the winter.

Hiking Tours  from Reykjavík

As noted above, there are actually a lot of easy to medium difficulty hikes located near Reykjavík which include local nature and recreation areas as well as smaller mountains. Most of these can actually be reached by taking the public bus or you could take a taxi to the trailhead.

If you are planning on one of the mountains, just be sure to check weather conditions and trail information before setting out.

For those looking for a day trip, you could take a tour like this one that includes a hike along the scenic trail into Reykjadalur and a hot spring stop or this one that includes a hike in the  Thórsmörk (Þórsmörk) Natural Reserve .  For those who are more fit, you can also join a private tour to summit  Snæfellsjökull with Summit Guides .

15. Taking Part in the Winter Festivals

If you are not visiting during Christmas or New Years, you can still catch some of the other fun winter holidays and festivals in Finland. For example there is  Þorrablót (Thorrablot) which is a mid-winter Icelandic festival which includes ancient Norse traditions and feasting on traditional Icelandic foods.

There is also the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík each winter that focuses on celebrating the increasing sun light (after a few months of darkness) and Icelandic culture. Before Lent, there are a number of food-related holidays such as Bolludagur (Bun Day) where it is common to eat cream buns or Sprengidagur (Shrove Tuesday) where it is traditional to eat a big meal with lots of salted meat (lamb being the popular choice). 

Other fun winter festivals in Iceland include the Reykjavík Food & Fun Festival ,  Design March , and the Annual Icelandic Beer Festival. 

Winter Festival Tours

You won’t find many tours for these, as the festivals are probably best enjoyed on your own. The best place to enjoy most of these festivals is in Reykjavík, and they can easily be explored on foot, by car, or by local public transportation. Check the festival website or local papers for the events happening during your visit.

16. Tasting the Local Food & Drink

If you are excited to try out local foods, you definitely need to get yourself on a food tour while you’re in Iceland! Icelandic food is not all about  hákarl (fermented shark, a national dish) and there are also delicious seafood and lamb dishes, flat breads, geothermally grown vegetables, and much more to try. Also check the dates for the annual Food and Fun festival , which is the country’s largest food festival that takes place each winter in Reykjavík.  

Food Tour Day Trips by Car

In terms of food, Iceland is known for a lot of things from shark and lamb to langoustine and salt to fresh berries and skyr .

There are so many things you might want to include on a self-drive food tour such as hot dogs in Reykjavík, vegetables grown at one of the countries geothermal greenhouses (some have attached cafés or restaurants), langoustine soup in Stokkseyri, hákarl at the Shark Museum , fresh skyr or ice cream from Efstidalur II , rye bread from a geothermal bakery at Fontana , and plokkfiskur (a mashed fish soup) which is a traditional staple that can be found at restaurants around the country. You can also purchase a lot of local food products to take home such as sea salt, berry jams, meat jerky, and herbal teas.

To get a sense of the wide range of food from traditional home cooking to the latest innovative  dishes, you’ll want to stop at some of the  farm to table restaurants that dot the countryside as well as the more refined restaurants of Reykjavík.

Note that several restaurants in Reykjavík offer a traditional Icelandic food menu if you are looking for more adventurous Iceland food items (e.g., fermented shark, sheep’s head, whale, horse).  If you are in Reykjavík, you can read some reviews online and put together your own walking tour of some of the best sounding food stops in the city. That way you can burn off some calories in between stops!

Food Tours from Reykjavík

If you are looking for a guided food tour, one excellent option is the Golden Circle food tour , which includes the classic Golden Circle day tour stops plus visits to a local farm, meals, and lots of tastings of local products throughout the day.

In Reykjavik, you might want to try this food walking tour to try some of the cities specialities. If you’d prefer to learn the art of Icelandic cooking, you can also take a cooking class in Reykjavík . This includes a hands on cooking experience, followed by a three-course meal.

It’s not all food either. Iceland has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and you can pair food and beer together on the excellent Beer and Booze tour, which includes ten different beers!

17. Mountain Safaris

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the mountains during the winter without having to hike, ski, or don snowshoes?  Consider heading out on an ATV, a mountain buggy, or even getting a great view of the mountains from above in a helicopter.

Mountain Safari Tours 

I don’t know of any places renting quad bikes or mountain buggies in Iceland, so you’ll probably need to join a tour if you want to do one of these activities. Several companies offer ATV rides, for example you can take a scenic quad biking  tour from Reykjavík. Or if you’d rather see Iceland from above, you can do a helicopter tour which includes the mountainous areas around Reyjkavik!

18. Relaxing in Hot Springs

There is nothing quite like slipping into one of Iceland’s geothermally heated hot springs or swimming pools in the cold winter months! Most hot springs and public pools in Iceland are open year round, so it is easy to add a hot spring to your itinerary.

These range from the world famous Blue Lagoon to the local public baths to lesser known springs away from Reykjavík. Treating yourself to at least one is a must when visiting Iceland in winter!

Iceland’s Hot Springs by Car

Many people want to go to the Blue Lagoon , which given its popularity, we totally understand and it is about a 23 minute car ride from Keflavik airport or a 45 minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. If you want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you must pre-book a timed appointment. See our Blue Lagoon guide for lots of tips for visiting.

If you are looking for a nice alternative to the Blue Lagoon we’d recommend checking out spots like the Secret Lagoon or  Myvatn Nature baths . Both are popular and scenic but less crowded and less expensive than the Blue Lagoon. Of course there are hundreds of geothermal hot springs, swimming pools, and spas in Iceland and here is a good list if you are wanting to visit a number of them on a road trip.

If you are looking for a local experience, I’d join locals at one of the public swimming pools, which generally include a geothermally heated large lap pool, hot tubs of varying temperatures, and a kiddie pool. You’ll find over a dozen of these in Reykjavík alone, plus one in about every Icelandic town of any size. Most popular with locals before and after typical work hours, we found our visits very relaxed in the afternoon. If you are planning to hit the lesser known spots and pubic pools, you’ll want to bring your own towel and any gear as these will not be provided and may not be available to rent or buy on site.

Note that you should never just jump into an unknown hot spring or pool you come across while hiking as some are hot enough to boil an egg, and the water temperature can change rapidly in some spots!

Iceland Hot Spring Tours

The Blue Lagoon can be booked as an easy day trip from Reykjavík with regular shuttle bus departures from the airport and downtown. You can book your Blue Lagoon time slot online here (must have a pre-booked time to visit) and then book a corresponding transfer. You can  book a shuttle here .

You can also book day tours from Reykjavík that include a stop at a thermal bath or swimming pool along with a day of other activities. For the Blue Lagoon, we recommend checking out this list of tours that include a number of day trips to the Blue Lagoon, such as this day tour that includes stops at the main Golden Circle sites, Kerid Crater, and the Blue Lagoon.

If you are looking for a less busy alternative to the Blue Lagoon, there are many tours from Reykjavík that include alternative hot springs as well. For example, geothermal bath stops can be combined with Golden Circle tours (such as this tour ), a  Super Jeep tour of the southern highlands, or while searching for the northern lights . This jam-packed full day tour includes the classic Golden Circle Tour, a stop at a geothermal pool, and lunch at a local Icelandic food stop!

So there are our favorite things to do in Iceland in winter! As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Iceland in winter, so don’t let the shorter days and colder weather put you off.

For more information and advice on planning your trip to Iceland we’d recommend checking out our Iceland trip planning tips , our recommended  7 day winter Iceland itinerary , our guide to 3 days in Iceland , our Iceland winter driving tips , our winter Iceland packing list , and photography highlights guide. Iceland can be an expensive destination and we recommend checking out our tips for traveling to Iceland on a budget . 

Have you visited Iceland in winter, or would you like to? Which of these winter activities would you like to do? Let us know in the comments below!

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John Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:17 pm

What time is most of the limited sunlight in the winter

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:54 pm

Normally the sun rises in the morning and sets in the late afternoon or early evening during the winter in Iceland. This obviously changes a lot each month and the time changes a little each day. December has the shortest days and then they get longer as the winter goes on. So for example if traveling in January, on January 20th, the sunrise is 10:43am and sunset is 4:34pm, but you would still be able to see for a period before and after this during the twilight period. But it does get dark early during the winter so you do want to take the limited sunlight and day lenths into account when planning your travels, particularly for outdoor activities (also good to note if you want to avoid driving in the dark).

Hope that helps and do let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Iceland!

Best, Jessica

December 27, 2023 at 7:16 pm

Are there visitor sites set up to view the volcano? We are traveling in a few weeks to Iceland for a few days.

December 27, 2023 at 7:43 pm

The latest volcanic eruption at Sundhnúkagígar started on December 18th and as an update on December 21st said “there is no discernible volcanic activity in the eruption fissures”.

The latest from the tourism website is that he eruption is best viewed online with a live feed on the media sites mbl.is and ruv.is or from viewing sites from the towns of Reykjanesbær and Vogar. The best way to see it is probably from a helicopter and I think a couple of companies are doing helicopters tours that go over this volcanic site.

But currently there is really nothing to see based on recent live coverage and the area around there is not deemed safe to actually visit that area. the Met office notes that there is still a lot of seismic activity and there could be new fissures opening or another eruptions in the coming days/weeks. So you can check the live footage once in Iceland to see if there is anything to see (and currently viewing areas if any), but if there is another eruption you can normally view it from fairly far away but it will depend on what happens between now and your trip. But as of now, I don’t think there is much to see online or at the viewing sites.

But luckily for travelers, the eruption at Sundhnúkagígar has not interfered with air traffic or most travel plans for visitors except for the closure of roads around the village of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon area. Currently the Blue Lagoon is closed but it may open in a few days, so will likely reopen by the time of your trip if there is no furter eruptions and it is deemed safe. If it is closed during your visit and you want another geothermal spa in that are, you might want to book tickets for the Sky Lagoon .

Hope that helps! Jessica

January 14, 2024 at 5:37 pm

UPDATE: As of January 14th, there was another volcanic eruption near Hagafell mountain and there is currently seismic activity and lava flow in the area. The Blue Lagoon has closed again out of caution for at least a few days and sadly lava is now flowing into the village of Grindavik, causing destruction there. Be sure to check latest updates once your trip starts.

lindsey rim Post author

March 9, 2020 at 1:55 pm

For being such a small country, both geographically and in terms of population size, Iceland has an incredible amount of activities that no visitor should miss! Fortunately, the country’s size also lends itself to being fairly navigable in a short amount of time, even with some essential activities requiring getting out into the wild.

March 10, 2020 at 10:51 am

Hi Lindsey, Indeed, it does pack a lot of punch, especially with natural attractions like waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, geysers, etc. It also has a lot of great activity options and museums and cultural activities. In just the 7 days you can see a lot in a relatively short amount of time because Iceland is fairly compact and lots of things are just off the main highway. If you are planning your trip, just let us know and happy to answer any questions.

Noon Post author

January 8, 2020 at 7:18 am

Love this and love how you write! Will be visiting in Feb – can’t wait!

January 8, 2020 at 10:02 am

Hi Noon, Glad you are enjoying our Iceland articles, and just let us know if you have any questions as you prepare for your trip! Happy travels, Jessica

Leonardo Pissinali Post author

September 10, 2019 at 1:37 am

Nice site with tips of things to do in Iceland

Laurence Post author

September 11, 2019 at 9:55 am

Glad you enjoyed it Leonardo. Wishing you a great trip to Iceland, Jessica

James Post author

April 21, 2019 at 3:03 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica. I love those winter activities in Iceland. It seems both of you are professional. I read many your blogs I really love the way you share your own experiences. My friends and i will keep this blog to be a guide to visit Iceland. Now, I already prepare a jacket for winter – I can say I’m ready for winter trip. Thanks for your sharing.

April 21, 2019 at 3:06 am

Hi James, Sounds like you are already getting prepared for next winter in Iceland! Just let us know if you have any questions and for winter gear, you can see our winter packing list to help with that as well. Best, Jessica

Lauren Post author

March 7, 2019 at 9:47 am

I wasn’t quite brave enough to visit Iceland in winter, but it looks like a spectacular place no matter what season. I love all your ideas of what to do when winter hits! Snowmobiling across Iceland’s landscape would be truly incredible.

March 8, 2019 at 5:46 am

Hi Lauren, Glad you enjoyed reading about our winter adventures in Iceland. Yes, you do need to brave the cold and weather in Iceland in winter, but it is a lot of fun and there are some beautiful winter landscapes then. Best, Jessica

Jon Post author

October 23, 2018 at 11:56 pm

I live in Iceland! You note so many of the wonderful thing to do here in winter, but not just a good place in winter. Reykjavik and Iceland are filled with lots of things to do such as museums like the beautiful attractions like great outdoors, day trips, Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, eco tourism, volcanoes, mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, caves, black beaches and so much more.

October 26, 2018 at 3:39 am

Hi Jon, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, there are so many things to do in Winter in Iceland but also lots to do the rest of the year as well! A beautiful country 😉 Best, Jessica

Stella Gough Post author

September 1, 2018 at 4:02 am

Nice and informative article on things to do in winter in Iceland. So many activities! Thanks for sharing it.

September 1, 2018 at 5:21 am

Hi Stella, Glad you enjoy the article and do let us know if you have any questions about winter activities while planning your trip to Iceland in winter! Best, Jessica

Laura Lynch Post author

January 4, 2018 at 1:31 am

We visited Iceland a few years ago for our first time in the winter. I thought it was going to be impossible to get around to all the awesome things, but it wasn’t. We did come across a blizzard or two and a few road closures, but it didn’t stop us from having a fantastic time.

January 4, 2018 at 10:58 am

Hi Laura, Thanks for sharing your experience driving in Iceland in winter! Yes, the weather can be tricky for driving which is why a guided tour can be a great option for those who do not wish to drive, particularly in the winter months. Glad you still had a fantastic time! Best, Jessica

Kelly Dunning Post author

January 3, 2018 at 12:26 pm

Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time, but I had always thought that I should visit it in summer. However, after reading this I am considering visiting during winter. I think celebrating Christmas and New Years there would be so magical. I would love to take one of the Golden Circle Tours that you mentioned and to visit the ice caves. Whale watching would also be an incredible experience. I see you tasted the fermented shark – what was it like?

January 3, 2018 at 5:30 pm

Hi Kelly, It is a difficult choice whether to visit Iceland in the summer or winter as both have their pros and cons. If you have the chance, I’d do both, maybe the summer first and then return in the winter to focus on the winter activities and holidays. Whale watching in general is best in summer but as noted there are a pod of orcas that have been spotted the last several years only in winter which would be amazing to see (we sadly have not)! Yes, the fermented shark is an acquired taste and to be blunt I thought it was disgusting. On first bite it was OK, and then the taste grew and got much worse! It smells a bit like ammonia as well. However, there was an Icelandic man in the museum who was eating the samples like they were candy so to each their own! Most Icelandic people I think rarely eat shark but for some it is a delicacy. Best, Jessica

Jessica Post author

January 2, 2018 at 9:21 pm

Wow, this was a really helpful and comprehensive post! I had no idea skiing was a thing in Iceland and I definitely didn’t know snorkeling was! I am going to Sweden in search of the Northern Lights in a couple weeks and I am going to use some of your Iceland tips! I think they will translate well! Thanks!

January 3, 2018 at 9:51 am

Hi Jessica, Yes, I don’t think a lot of people know about all the things you can do in Iceland in winter (or other times of the year). Iceland is not really seen as a skiing destination yet by most but there are definitely a lot of opportunities. Snorkeling is year-round and the water stays about the same temp, and is always cold but still. Enjoy your trip to Sweden and I agree, many of these tips should indeed transfer. We also have a winter guide to Finland that may be even more similar in terms of activities! Best, Jessica

Yasha Post author

January 1, 2018 at 1:21 pm

Wow – what a lot of recommendations for things to do in Iceland in winter. There is only one problem – it’s so cold in winter… Ice tunnels, ice caves and glaciers look lovely, but you do look like you need many layers of clothing to visit them. Your photos are just amazing and I admit to being very tempted by the sights, the food and the experiences you outline in this post. It looks as if it is a truly unique place – no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations at the moment.

January 3, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Hi Yasha, Yes, there are loads of things to do in Iceland during winter! It is actually not as cold as you might think, nothing compared to our visits to places like Canada and Finland. The ice caves and tunnels stay about the same temperature year-round so many of them you can visit them year-round (weather dependent of course) and the temperatures vary only by a few degrees year round! You do need to bring warm winter clothing, but we did not need to bring any special winter clothing that we did not already own from living in Scotland 😉 Definitely cold if you are from a warm weather location but not as cold as most people imagine I think. Hope you get a chance to visit Iceland!! Best, Jessica

Marcelle Post author

December 30, 2017 at 1:22 pm

It’s so funny, these two horses, the one with the white mane and grey fur and the fox red one, look like my horses. It’s a dream of mine to visit Iceland in winter time and of course, at least with a day tour on Icelandic horses. I’d love to see the Northern Light, too. It must be like a fairytale come true!

December 30, 2017 at 3:03 pm

Hi Marcelle, Yes, those horses are beautiful so you are lucky to have horses that look like them! There are many farms in Iceland offers tours and horse rides of various durations so that would be a great thing to do when you visit Iceland. Icelandic horse tours are offered year round but come between November and March for best chances to see the Northern Lights! Best, Jessica

Eric Gamble Post author

December 28, 2017 at 1:21 pm

I went to Iceland several years ago at the beginning of March and the end of their winter and absolutely loved it. I went hiking (via car rental) throughout the entire southern part. The only thing I wish I had done was those cave tubes you guys did. How amazing was that?

I loved all the waterfalls, rock formations, and several geothermal pools that are out there. I think if I get a chance to return, I would love to go back in Summer to see it not blanketed in white to see all the beautiful colors hidden beneath the snow!

December 30, 2017 at 1:23 pm

Hi Eric, Sounds like you had a great time and yes the ice tunnels or caves are great places to explore on your next trip. If you enjoy hiking, the best time is definitely the summer when more of the trails would be accessible and you get to see the colors. Hope you get a chance to return!! Best, Jessica

Edoardo Post author

December 27, 2017 at 4:01 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica Norah, thank you for posting your blog post about Iceland winter trips. I always desired to visit Iceland as an independent traveler, and sharing your experience helped me a lot to understand better how to organize myself. The inspirational experience you did are very interesting, so I think I will do something of similar. All the best and happy new year 🙂

December 27, 2017 at 7:11 am

Hi Edoardo, Glad you found our Iceland winter activities post helpful! You might also like our 7 day Iceland itinerary and our Iceland planning posts! Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your own trip to Iceland. Wishing you a wonderful New Year as well!

Happy travels, Jessica

Divya V Post author

December 27, 2017 at 2:00 am

Iceland has been on my winter bucket list for a while now, I hope I take a trip here next year :D. I would wholly watch the northern lights 🙂 and I have heard so much about the Ice Caves! So many great things to do in Iceland in winter time!

December 27, 2017 at 7:08 am

Hi Divya, Hope you get a chance to get to Iceland in 2018! The Northern Lights and ice caves are both definitely worth seeing, but there are also a lot of other things to do in Iceland to keep you busy 😉 Jessica

Leigh Post author

December 23, 2017 at 1:48 pm

I spent 1 night in Reykjavik this summer on a layover, and my next trip will definitely be a winter trip! I only had time for a food tour and the Blue Lagoon, but there is obviously so much to see, and the Northern Lights are a big draw for me!

December 27, 2017 at 7:14 am

Hi Leigh, Yes, 1 night is definitely not very much time to see much of Iceland but glad you got to see a couple of things. Seeing Iceland in winter is definitely becoming more popular but there are a lot of advantages of visiting in summer too (especially if you like hiking, mountains, seabirds, etc.). Hope you get a chance to return! Best, Jessica

Medha Post author

December 22, 2017 at 10:53 pm

Thank you for this comprehensive guide on all the activities possible in Iceland in winter. I am planning my trip in October next year mostly because I want to see the Northen Lights but I struggled in my decision to visit during summer vs winter because I want to make sure I am able to do all the activities and visit all the places. It seems from your guide above that almost all the good stuff is still doable and accessible during winter so I guess it’s not that bad to travel in October 🙂

December 23, 2017 at 8:22 am

Hi Medha, Glad the article was helpful! Yes, like most destinations with seasonal weather, there are going to be trade-offs and different experiences available no matter when you visit. I think most people visit during the summer on a first trip and then maybe come back for winter. We are planning to do it the other way around. But no matter when you go, you can still see many of the main spots in Iceland, although in winter we recommend focusing on the west and south (the area most people visit on a first trip to Iceland any time of the year).

In October, which is autumn, you’ll probably be there too early for some of the winter activities that require a lot of snow like skiing, snowshoeing, & dog sledding but you’ll be able to explore ice caves & ice tunnels, go ice skating, and go snowmobiling during that time of year. Northern Lights can certainly be seen in October (I’d recommend later in October for more dark hours) but it always just depends on the solar activity and weather! During the autumn months, Iceland has its annual international film festival and indie music festival if either of those are of interest. No matter when you visit, I am sure you’ll have fun and best of luck on seeing the Northern Lights!

Seana Turner Post author

December 20, 2017 at 11:43 am

I have to admit I am not much of a cold weather person, but those ice tunnels are pretty cool. I don’t think you could talk me into snorkeling, even with a dry suit, but I would love seeing those horses and the thermal baths. I’m sure the geysers are also amazing, as I loved being in Yellowstone and watching them. Reindeer trekking also sounds fun. I’ve never thought about going to Iceland before, but maybe… it looks more fun in these photos than I would have imagined!

December 20, 2017 at 1:58 pm

Hi Seana! Yes, not everyone is a cold weather travel person. Iceland is not as cold as some may imagine, even in winter, but it is still cold. I agree with you on the snorkeling/diving though! There is a lot to do in Iceland in the winter, but if you want to avoid the cold weather, I’d recommend visiting Iceland in the late Spring to early autumn. There is even more to do then and there are greater opportunities for hiking and spotting wildlife. We loved our winter trip earlier this year, and are tentatively planning to return again next year in late Spring or early Summer! Best, Jessica

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Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland in Winter

Curious about what you can do in Iceland in winter? Quite a lot, as it turns out!

Visiting Iceland in winter gives you the chance to see the country’s stunning landscapes in a magical light. Enjoy thrilling Iceland winter activities like ice caving, snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights. Explore must-see natural attractions such as waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches.

Come to Iceland between October and April and you’ll get more of the top sites to yourself. And at this time of year, you’ll find fewer cars on the roads compared to the peak summer season. This quieter atmosphere only adds to the magic of Iceland in winter.

As for the top things to do in Iceland in winter? Read on to find out.

• Explore winter tours in Iceland to begin planning your adventure

1. Chase the northern lights

If catching sight of the northern lights – or “aurora borealis” – is on your wish list, you’ll want to visit Iceland in the winter months. Why you ask? To see the colours of the aurora clearly you'll need dark skies. In Iceland, the winter period is the darkest time of the year, and the nights are at their longest.

Watching the northern lights illuminate the sky above you is an otherworldly experience you won’t forget. It’s even better when you’re in Iceland, as you can combine night-time aurora excursions with daytime adventures to see the country’s famously beautiful scenery.

Although northern lights sightings are never guaranteed, as it is a natural phenomenon, you have more chance of glimpsing them between October and April. Guided tours to seek them out are a must-do in Iceland in winter.

• Hunt for the aurora on these northern lights tours in Iceland
• Related: Best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland

2. Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve

This may come as a surprise to you, but Icelanders are pretty big on Christmas and New Year’s celebrations . The festive season – “Jólin” – spans November, December and January, with pretty decorations and lights bringing a touch of magic to towns like Reykjavík.

There are plenty of festive traditions to learn about and events that you can join in on at this time of year. Discover who the mythical Yule Lads are on a Christmas walking tour in Reykjavík. Sample typical cuisine that Icelanders prepare on Christmas Eve, such as lamb and fish.

Or attend a New Year’s Eve party to enjoy a gourmet feast with drinks, live entertainment, and unrivalled views of the fireworks from a rooftop lounge. And be sure to go along to one of the community bonfires earlier in the evening. It’s a great Icelandic tradition and one of the top things to do in Iceland in December .

• Experience the festive season in Iceland with these Christmas tours and New Year’s Eve packages

3. Try activities in the snow

As it’s winter you’ll probably want to make the most of the snow in Iceland. And if you’re an active type, you’ll love it here as thereare plenty of opportunities for fun outdoor activities.

How about snowmobiling over a glacier? Embark on a snowmobile tour at Langjökull, the second largest glacier in Iceland, to get your adrenalin pumping. On a clear day, you’ll get to soak up views of the mountains on the horizon as you go.

Better yet, you can combine this snowmobile tour with a journey Into The Glacier . Descend into the icy tunnels of Langjökull that have been carved out to show you what it’s like beneath the surface.

You could also go skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in winter. These are just a few of the many ways to enjoy the snow in Iceland .

• Go snowmobiling on a winter tour of Iceland

4. Tour the Golden Circle

One of the best places to visit in Iceland during winter is the Golden Circle . You might have heard of this hit attraction, but what is it exactly?

The Golden Circle is a short touring route that begins from Reykjavík and takes in a handful of must-see sites in Iceland. Within just a few hours, you can marvel at Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park .

The great thing about exploring the Golden Circle is that you experience the diversity of Iceland’s nature on a day trip from the capital city, Reykjavík. Expect to be amazed by volcanic hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and a rift valley positioned between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

• Discover the Golden Circle from Reykjavík on these multi-day tours

5. Visit icy waterfalls and glacier lagoons

Iceland’s waterfalls – of which there are thousands – are beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. The same can be said for the country’s glacier lagoons, where icebergs float atop blue glacial waters.

Come in winter, though, and you could witness these spectacular sights cloaked in frost, ice or snow.

Discover some of the best waterfalls in Iceland , like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss in the south, or Dettifoss and Goðafoss in the north. Watch as water cascades dramatically from towering heights, sometimes even freezing into icicles.

Be sure to visit Iceland’s glacier lagoons too. You'll see chunks of ice calving into the water and floating towards the sea at Jökulsárlón in South Iceland, or head to Fjallsárlón lagoon nearby. Both of these lagoons are fed by the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice cap in the country.

• Soak up these natural gems on a guided small group tour of Iceland

6. Explore ice caves in Iceland

Want to experience one of the coolest Iceland winter activities? Then don’t miss the chance to go ice caving in a glacier.

To venture into Iceland’s ice caves – located in the Vatnajökull and Kötlujökull glaciers – you must visit between mid-November and early March. That’s because these caverns are naturally formed. The glacial meltwaters freeze every winter and melt once the weather warms up.

This means that each year you could explore a new ice cave with different shapes and tunnels compared to the previous winter. It's difficult not to be amazed by the vivid blue hue and the way the light reflects in these icy chambers.

Don’t forget that you need to join one of the ice cave tours to see this natural wonder. Navigating the tours requires technical experience, so you have to be accompanied by an expert guide.

• Add ice caving to your privately guided Iceland tour

7. Relax in hot tubs and swimming pools

Did you know that Iceland is brimming with hot springs and geothermal pools?

The volcanic landscape blesses the country with naturally heated water that flows up into rivers, and “hot pots” which are dug out of the ground. It’s also diverted to inviting hot tubs and swimming pools all around the country, so you don’t need to look far to find one.

Plunging into the warm, steamy water is just what you need on a frosty winter’s day. Icelanders love this Nordic wellness ritual and will tell you that it’s an unbeatable way to relax and absorb natural minerals.

You might want to do some laps, hit the sauna and steam room, or simply luxuriate in a hot tub and look out over snow-dusted scenery. At certain pools you can also treat yourself to some pampering spa treatments for an indulgent experience.

There are so many hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland to choose from. Among the most famous ones are the Mývatn Nature Baths in North Iceland, and the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon , both accessible from Reykjavík.

At the Blue Lagoon , you can even stay the night if you don’t want the pampering to end!

• Indulge in a stay at the Blue Lagoon Retreat on one of these luxury Iceland packages

8. Drive Route 1 on a road trip

To reach the different parts of Iceland in winter, you could drive around Route 1 on what we call a “Full Circle” road trip. This is the major road in Iceland, also called the Ring Road, which loops around the country.

Driving this route allows you to visit each region, starting from Reykjavík and making your way around South, East, North and West Iceland. You get to soak up dramatic scenery along the way and experience the special charm of each corner of the country.

A particular highlight of driving the Ring Road in winter is that you'll get more opportunities to witness the northern lights. The remote locations on this route are far from light pollution, so you can see the colours dancing in the sky really clearly.

On the other hand, if you don’t fancy driving the whole way, you could explore a section of Route 1. We highly recommend the South Coast of Iceland or West Iceland . Both these areas are accessible from Reykjavík and are packed with impressive sights. You could even combine these two regions to see as much as possible!

• Explore your Iceland road trip options with these winter self-drive packages
• Related: Tips on how to drive in Iceland in winter

9. Ride an Icelandic horse

Icelandic horses are adorable. They’re shaggy, stocky and very hardy. Why? Because these are purebred horses are unique to Iceland and have adapted to the climate over centuries.

Their hardiness comes in handy when the winter sets in. It also means you can go horse riding in Iceland in the snow. Moving through beautiful Icelandic landscapes on horseback is a special experience that allows you to get close to nature.

Another cool thing about Icelandic horses is that they have an additional gait, on top of the standard ones. This four-beat gait, tölt , is smooth and fast – sometimes as fast as cantering!

• Add a horse riding activity to your multi-day vacation package

10. Enjoy winter events and festivals

The weather might get cold, but Iceland doesn’t get sleepy in winter. Depending on when you visit, you could join the locals in attending some of these cultural, traditional and sporting events.

Here’s our pick of interesting winter events and festivals in Iceland:

Tempted to experience Iceland’s winter charm for yourself? You can add as many of these Iceland winter activities to your itinerary as you like. Take your pick from self-drive packages , privately guided or small group tours , and city breaks with day trips .

Get in touch to start planning your adventure in Iceland or to speak to our local experts for more advice. They know Iceland inside out and will use their expertise to personalise a winter tour to suit you.

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

ICELAND FULL CIRCLE CLASSIC - WINTER

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Christmas & new year’s in iceland, related posts, best time to visit iceland: your complete guide.

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10 Things to Do in Iceland in Winter

Learn about the best activities in Iceland during winter

• Visit Iceland In Winter
• Activities in winter
• Northern Lights
• Glacier Hike
• Snowmobiling
• Hot Springs
• Food & Drinks
• Winter Festivals
• Explore Reykjavik

Related tours

Related blogs.

Many visitors to Iceland opt for a winter holiday when the nights, snow and ice are at their most captivating. Here’s a quick guide to the best things to do in Iceland in winter time.

Godafoss waterfall, Iceland in winter

Is Iceland Worth Visiting in Winter?

Absolutely. While it can get cold (it’s not called “Sunland”!), visiting Iceland in winter is always a good idea. Snow blankets the landscapes, the Northern Lights are visible for longer, and it’s the only time of year to experience the country’s unique ice caves .

The colder climate brings some challenges that aren’t there in warmer months, but Iceland winter is an unforgettable experience quite unlike anything else on Earth. In fact, learn how to spend 3 incredible days in winter in Iceland in our blog.

Here’s a quick guide of the best things to do in Iceland in winter.

What is there to do in Iceland in winter?

There are plenty of Iceland winter activities to enjoy. From Iceland winter tours to events and festivals - you can create an Iceland winter itinerary you prefer.

1. See the Northern Lights in Winter

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are among the most enchanting things you’ll see in your lifetime. Caused by sun particles entering the Earth’s atmosphere, the result is a cosmic ballet of dancing lights in the night sky. People travel from all over the world to take a Northern Lights tour .

Northern Lights over the Mountains in Iceland

Because they’re only visible at night, and daylight hours reduce greatly during the winter months, it is the best time of the year to see this phenomenon.

These lights are special even for us Icelanders, and we’re lucky enough to witness them many times. And even for those of us who see them often, the Northern Lights are too wonderful to keep to ourselves. When you see the lights, you call your mom straight away and then jump on social media to tell your friends. Only once you’ve shared it with everybody do you stop to bask in this spectral beauty.

Couple enjoying the Northern Lights in Iceland

If all of this sounds appealing, you can check out our Northern Lights tours , where you can  experience the natural wonder that is the Aurora Borealis.

2. Take an Ice Cave Tour

Crystal Ice Cave in Iceland

Only available in winter, the enchanting ice caves are definitely something you shouldn't miss while visiting Iceland in winter.

These natural phenomena form in glaciers during Iceland’s coldest months, forming spaces, shapes and shades of blue that you’ve never seen before. We have a range of ice cave tours : some combine these visits with a  glacier hike  or a  snowmobile ride , which can take place in  Skaftafell , on  Langjokull  and often on  Solheimajokull .

If you're heading to Jökulsárlón, our Crystal Ice Cave tour includes a Super Jeep transfer to Vatnajökull and back again for your ice cave adventure.

3. Glacier Hike

A glacier hike is one of the most exhilarating activities in Iceland. It can be done together with ice caving or ice climbing or alone. There are several spots where you can go glacier hiking in Iceland. Among the most popular ones are Sólheimajökull , Vatnajökull , Snæfellsjökull , and Langjökull glaciers.

On Solheimajokull glacier, there are several glacier hiking tours to choose from. The Glacier Experience is one of the most popular ones, offering an easy and exciting glacier hike. If you want to add a little bit extra to your experience, choose a glacier hike with an ice climbing option.

Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull glacier, Iceland

If you're looking for an easy hike to Vatnajökull National Park, the Glacier Wonders tour offers spectacular views with a fairly easy hike on the Falljökull glacier tongue. For a longer and more moderate hike, check out the Glacier Explorer . If you want to add more to your experience, choose the Vatnajökull glacier hike with an ice cave tour .

Langjökull glacier offers a one-of-the-kind experience in the man-made ice tunnel . Visit the longest and the 2nd largest glacier in Iceland and see it from the inside!

Man-made ice tunnel in Langjökull glacier, Iceland

4. Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling in Iceland is an adventure you won't likely forget. Imagine driving to the top of the glacier with nothing but mountains and snow surrounding you. A thrilling ride on a snowmobile is just a must-do for every adventure-seeker!

There are snowmobile tours available of the incredible Langjökull Glacier. Combine your snowmobiling experience with  the Golden Circle tour or ice cave  to enhance your experience! If snowmobiling isn't your thing, explore our super jeep tours .

Snowmobiling in Langjokull glacier, Iceland

5. Go Skiing

It should come as no surprise that a country called “Iceland” has embraced skiing!

Skiing has been popular in this country for some time. Our ski areas (we won’t call them resorts because that is not technically what they are) are small and the mountains aren’t particularly high.

Still, downhill skiing in Iceland is a fun experience. Close to Reykjavik, Bláfjöll (or the Blue Mountains) is family-friendly and perfect for beginners. If you want a little more action, Akureyri , the capital of the north, is a very charming city with a wonderful ski area.

Skiing in Iceland

The small but incredibly appealing towns of   Dalvik ,   Isafjordur   and   Siglufjordur   all have ski lifts and slopes worth exploring.

If you end up in Dalvik, it’s worth remembering that this is also one of the best places on the planet to go   whale watching.

6. Hike to the Hot Springs

Winter is prime time for hiking and for visiting geothermal pools and hot springs –  especially in this tour !

Bathing in Geothermal Hot Spring in Iceland

The hot springs in  Reykjadalur  are always a fine way to spend half a day. It’s a relatively easy hike up to a valley where the river meets the hot springs, making it the perfect temperature for a bath.

The  Secret Lagoon  or Gamla Laugin (the old pool) is a delightful place to visit on its own, or as a part of a  Golden Circle Tour .

The Blue Lagoon is probably one of the best Iceland tours in winter, especially if you're looking to warm up.

Northern Lights above the Wooden Cabin in Iceland

If you time your winter visit to Iceland just right, it’s perfect to use the darker hours of the day for a dip, where you could spot the Northern Lights as you float around in the warm water of a hot spring. The pools are also considered a much-needed remedy to soothe tired legs and minds after a long day of hiking and exploring.

Don’t forget to pack the right gear! Getting cold is a sure way to dampen the mood on those hikes. The temperatures won’t be frigid, but we would advise doing some research on how to layer your clothes in an effective way.

Thermal river in Iceland

As luck would have it, we have written a post on   what to wear on a hike .

7. Snorkeling in Silfra

Snorkeling in Iceland in winter? Yes, this might seem crazy at first, but hear this out. Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in Iceland and, truly, all around the world. The temperature in Silfra stays between 2-4°Celsius (35-39°Fahrenheit) throughout the year, making it accessible in all seasons.

Guided snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure during winter, Iceland

What can you expect while snorkeling in Silfra? You can expect to swim in a crack between two tectonic plates drifting apart. These two plates are actually two separate continents - North American and Eurasian. The water in Silfra is so clear that you can easily see 100 meters below you!

Mesmerizing blue water and rocks which can be seen by snorkeling in Silfra, Iceland

The  snorkeling tours  are available with a pick-up from Reykjavik or meeting directly at Silfra, within the Thingvellir National Park.  Into the Blue tour  is particularly popular with beginners. Here you will receive all the necessary equipment (including high-quality dry suits) and a dive master guide to take of you during the whole experience.

Looking to turn your Silfra Fissure visit into a full-day adventure? Look no further than our combo tour. The Black & Blue tour seamlessly blends the thrill of snorkeling with an exploration of underground caves.

8. Food and Drink Tours

The atmosphere changes in Iceland in winter. As nights get longer and the temperature drops, indoor get-togethers get cozier.

Icelandic bars can go shoulder to shoulder with any in the world: the décor tends to be homely or chic, we’re great at cocktails and know what we’re doing when it comes to beer as well.

If you’re not sure where to start, our   beer and drink tours .

Beer and Sea food in the restaurant, Iceland

Icelandic food doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Indeed, we love fresh ingredients, innovation and especially quality seafood. The   Reykjavik Food Walk   will bring you everywhere from classy restaurants to mouth-watering food markets.

Further afield in Stykkisholmur, the   Viking Sushi Tour   is a tasty tour of local seafood delicacies. The tour also includes sightseeing, where you’ll bear witness to incredible landscapes.

9. Enjoy Winter Festivals

Iceland has a number of indoor and (yes) outdoor events in winter. 

These include: 

Iceland Airwaves

A world-famous music fest that draws bands and fans from every corner of the globe. Previous  Iceland Airwaves  performers include Bjork, Vampire Weekend, Robyn and even Yoko Ono. 

Christmas Markets

Iceland is a perfect place for Christmas markets, with its winter wonderland appearance, winter festival atmosphere and – of course – close proximity to Santa Claus! Christmas markets are part of Iceland and pop up throughout the country in December.

Christmas Markets in Iceland

New Year’s Eve

We like to ring in the new year in style, with partying, reflection and (of course) spectacular fireworks. Reykjavik is an especially good place to enjoy NYE celebrations.

We have a full calendar of these events and more in our comprehensive  Iceland festival guide . 

10. Explore the capital

Colorful houses in Reykjavik, Iceland

This dynamic Iceland's capital offers tons of activities all year round, including in winter. If you're visiting Reykjavik for the first time, you can engage in a city walking tour or hop-on hop-off tour .

You can also go for day tours from Reykjavik. For example, this Northern Lights tour is a famous Iceland winter tour from Reykjavik.

Reykjavik, Iceland at night and Northern Lights above the city

Also, we encourage you to check out this Reykjavik city guide before visiting the capital.

See you there!

Many visitors prefer Iceland winter travel, as they can enjoy unique marvels like the Northern Lights and ice caves, before unwinding in a warm spring or comfortable bar. Prepare for your Iceland winter vacation and maybe see you on a glacier sometime soon…

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4 Days in Iceland | The Perfect South Iceland Itinerary

I celand is a wonderful country to visit in a short amount of time. Even if you only have 3 or 4 days in Iceland, you can see a lot of the country and many of its most famous landmarks. 

Because of the island nation’s location between Europe and North America, Iceland makes for an easy stopover location. In fact, IcelandAir even offers free stopovers in Iceland at no additional airfare charge. So, a lot of people who visit the country have just 4 days in Iceland – or less. 

But don’t worry if you only have a few days to spend in this beautiful country. Although you won’t be able to see the entire country in just a few days, you’ll be able to experience a lot, especially if you limit yourself to one general region of the country. 

During our 4-day Iceland trip, we explored the southern coast, which is probably one of the most popular tourist routes. To make your trip planning easier, we’ve laid out our itinerary and all the specifics of our trip, like where we stayed and where we rented our car.

This south Iceland itinerary includes what to see, where to stay, and what to do if you have 4 days in Iceland, plus a few important tips for visiting Iceland in 4 days.

Resources to help you plan the perfect 4-day Iceland trip

• Book a Hotel – Booking.com
• RENT A CAR – discovercars
• Book Tours and excursions – GetYourGuide.com
• Travel insurance – hey mondo
• Packing list – What to pack for Iceland in summer

Things to know before visiting Iceland

Whether you are staying in Iceland for 4 days or several weeks there are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip. Here are a few Iceland travel tips to know before we get into our itinerary for the south coast.

You will have to rent a car

Renting a car and driving around Iceland is the best way to see the country, especially if you are following our 4-day Iceland itinerary.

There are group tours of Iceland that you can join if you prefer to travel by bus or if you want a more organized trip rather than a self-guided adventure. These tours are especially great for those traveling solo who want to meet other people on their trip. 

If you prefer to self-plan and sight-see at your own pace, then this Iceland road trip is perfect for you! Start your Iceland trip planning by reserving a car. You can do so here .

You will stay in a new hotel every night

In order to maximize your 4 days in Iceland, you will be driving a lot! In fact, you will drive for at least 2 hours each day.

You’ll also be staying in a different hotel and town each night. Don’t worry, we have taken the burden out of researching places to stay and listed every hotel or lodge where our family of three stayed during our trip.

You can find links to book the hotels where we stayed in the itinerary below, plus alternatives that come highly rated.

A camper van is another easy and budget-friendly option when road tripping across.

Campervan travel is a popular way to road trip in Iceland because there are numerous campsites in Iceland that are either free or available for a low cost. You will save on lodging and be able to stop and go whenever you feel ready. 

If staying in a new hotel every night isn’t your travel style, many of these stops can also be done as day trips from Reykjavik .

You won’t be able to see everything

Iceland may be a relatively small island nation, but getting around it takes time. With only 4 days in Iceland, you won’t see everything. In fact, this itinerary covers the south coast of Iceland and Golden Circle only. 

You will not be able to drive Ring Road or see the northern or eastern part of the country in such a limited time. You will want to focus on one region of the country only. 

Still, each day of this 4-day Iceland itinerary will be a new adventure and unique experience. You will be able to see many of Iceland’s main attractions, but you will also leave with a desire to come back and explore other areas of the country.

Winter vs. summer in Iceland

If you are visiting in winter, you may want to give yourself more than just 4 days in Iceland following this itinerary.

Depending on the weather, you may have to drive slower, or it might take longer to get to the different attractions during the more extreme winter months. Keep in mind, during the winter months, it also gets darker much earlier.

And in the summer months, you still have sun even at midnight!  We visited in summer, so we didn’t get a chance to see the aurora borealis. But if you visit in winter, a Northern Lights guided tour from Reykjavik comes very highly recommended.

What to see and do during 4 days in Iceland

The south coast and Golden Circle are perhaps the most visited area of Iceland. However, even though we visited Iceland in June, which is their peak tourism season, it didn’t feel overcrowded at all. In fact, many places felt completely desolate and we didn’t see another soul!

We cover all the main attractions that you will see on our Iceland 4-day itinerary below.

This Iceland itinerary includes:

• Blue Lagoon
• Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital

Seljalandsfoss

Reynisfjara beach, diamond beach, jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

• Kerid Volcanic Crater
• Strokkur Geyser

Thingvellir National Park

Day 1: blue lagoon and reykjavik .

Day one of your Iceland itinerary will be the day that you arrive. If coming from North America, you will likely arrive in the morning hours, leaving you a good part of the day to explore.

Blue Lagoon 

Start your first day in Iceland by heading directly to the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is expensive but worth it ! The most visited attraction in Iceland, this man-made wonder is a great place to relax and rejuvenate after a long flight. A soak in the mineral-rich water is a great way for both adults and children to overcome jet lag .  

It is only a 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport to the Blue Lagoon , but it is much further from Reykjavik, where you will spend the first night, so make sure you go to the Blue Lagoon first.

Give yourself at least an hour or two to soak in the milky blue water. Be sure to add a swimsuit to your Iceland packing list and keep it in your carry-on or smaller personal bag if going straight to the Blue Lagoon from the airport. 

There is a storage area near the parking lot at the Blue Lagoon for larger luggage, but you’ll want to have your swimsuit handy, so keep it in a smaller bag that you can store in a locker instead. 

Note: you will want to book your entrance tickets in advance , as THE BLUE LAGOON OFTEN sellS out. 

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland, and it is where about 80 percent of Icelanders live.

Spend at least one day in Reykjavik exploring the walkable city. You can even join a historical walking tour that takes you to some of Reykjavik’s most iconic sights.

If you choose to go at your own pace there are a few things not to miss in Reykjavik.

Hallgrimskirkja 

Hallgrimskirkja church is not only an interesting cathedral, but if you climb the tower, it offers the best views in the city.

One of the most famous cathedrals in Europe , Hallgrimskirkja has a stair-stepped concrete façade and at 244 feet tall, it is one of the tallest structures in Iceland. Although visiting the church is free, there is a fee of approximately $8 USD/adult to go up in the tower.

Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager

The Harpa Concert Hall is another one of the more architecturally interesting modern buildings in Reykjavik.

The Sun Voyager statue is just a short walk from the concert hall. This unique piece of public art is situated right along the water and resembles a Viking ship. A great photo opportunity, it is one of the most recognizable European sculptures , so you won’t want to miss it!

Perlan: Wonders of Iceland

For lunch or an afternoon snack, have one of Iceland’s world-famous hot dogs, then head to Perlan: Wonders of Iceland . Here, you can walk through a man-made ice cave and learn some fascinating facts about Iceland and its history.

Perlan sits on the highest hill in Reykjavik and also offers great views of the city and the water.

For dinner, I recommend heading back to the heart of the city to try some local fare.

Whale watching tour

If you have extra time, or decide to skip Perlan: Wonders of Iceland, you can take an afternoon whale watching tour from Reykjavik .

Whale watching in Iceland is one of the most popular activities.

A 3-hour whale watching tour takes you out to sea on a two-level boat where you have the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, and other sea life. The tour includes an experienced guide who will both entertain and educate you about these magnificent mammals. 

Keep in mind, the summer months are the best time to spot whales in Iceland. While whale-spotting is not guaranteed, if you don’t see any whales on the tour, you are offered a complimentary ticket to try again.

WHERE TO STAY ON NIGHT ONE:

Click the links to check availability.

Where we stayed: Thingholt Apartments, Reykjavik

Alternative hotel: Svala Apartments, Reykjavik

Note: Reykjavik’s compact city center is known for its late-night bars. Our apartment, while cute, was right above a club that didn’t close until 5am.

Since we visited Iceland in summer, we had to sleep with our windows open, so the room didn’t get too hot. Needless to say, it was as if our bed was in the middle of the dance floor.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Reykjavik , the alternative hotel above has excellent reviews and is a 5-minute walk from all the noisy bars.

Day 2: Waterfalls, Vik, and south coast

Your second day during your 4 days in Iceland is all about waterfalls! You’ll see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland during this day of your itinerary. 

Start your day with breakfast in Reykjavik (there are plenty of small cafes in the city center) then head out of town. It will take you roughly an hour and 45 minutes to get to your first stop, Seljalandsfoss .

Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall that can actually be seen from the main highway which runs along the south coast of Iceland. It is one of the country’s most famous, most photographed, and most visited waterfalls.

It is also one of the only waterfalls in Iceland that you can walk behind. The waterfall cascades 200-feet (60 meters) into a pool of water that makes its way down a shallow stream of water, and eventually to the ocean.

The pathway behind the waterfall is an easy walk with a few stairs during the summer. It can easily be done with kids, although small children might need some assistance as the ground is wet, and the stairs and walkway can be slippery. During the winter, the pathway behind the waterfall is closed.

There is a large parking lot that you pay a small fee to park in. You will also find bathroom facilities, a food stand, and a small souvenir shop near the parking lot.

After walking behind Seljalandsfoss, follow the marked path toward your next adventure, Gljúfrabúi Waterfall . This waterfall may have been my favorite in Iceland, mainly because it feels like you are visiting a secret waterfall.

The walk to the entrance of this secret waterfall in Iceland is only about 600 meters from Seljalandsfoss down a well-maintained dirt path.

You will need waterproof shoes or rain boots for this one because it requires a short walk through a shallow creek or river to get into the cave where you can view the waterfall. Although you will be walking through water, it isn’t a treacherous walk. In fact, I was able to do it while holding our 4-year-old daughter.

Once inside the small cave, the waterfall comes into full view, and it is breathtaking. The mist from Gljúfrabúi will definitely get your face, hair, and clothing wet, but the experience is worth it!

Skogafoss is another one of the extremely popular waterfalls in Iceland and rightfully so. Like Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss also cascades 200 feet (60 meters) from a cliff into a shallow river.

This waterfall is surrounded by black sand and the contrast between the water and the sand is striking! Visitors can get super close to the waterfall, which makes for a truly iconic photo.

It is just a short drive from  Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss. This waterfall can also be seen from the highway. It is hard to miss and easy to pull off for a quick stop. There is also a restaurant near Skogafoss where you can enjoy lunch.

If you have extra time, there is a nice hiking path that takes you up the cliff next to the waterfall, to give you a perspective from above.

After visiting some of the country’s most majestic waterfalls, your next stop is to one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – Reynisfjara Beach. This popular beach in Iceland is right outside of the small town of Vik .

With sharp columns that rise from the powerful ocean waves, and the contrast of the white ocean caps breaking along the black sand, it’s easy to see why Reynisfjara is so popular. It is perhaps best known for the unique basalt columned wall that looks like a bunch of stacked rectangular rocks.

The waves and undertow at this beach are strong and violent, so this isn’t a swimming beach. If you’re visiting Iceland with kids, watch them closely and don’t let them get too close to the water’s edge.

Your final stop for the day is the town of Vik. Vik is a small, charming fishing village. It is a great town to base yourself for a few days if you have more than 4 days in Iceland.

You could easily stay in Vik and day trip to the waterfalls, Golden Circle, and glacier lagoons, although your daily drive times will be a bit longer.

We stopped for dinner at Sudur Vik , a cozy restaurant with awesome food, before driving to our next hotel – which was one hour away.

WHERE TO STAY ON NIGHT 2:

Where we stayed: Hotel Geirland, Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Alternative hotel: Magma Hotel, Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Note: If you don’t feel like driving the extra hour from Vik to Kirkjubaejarklaustur , then stay one night in Vik. You can even stay two nights here, and forgo the hotels listed above and below. Although both are incredible places to stay!

In fact, if visiting in wintertime, both hotels would likely be amazing places to witness the Northern Lights as they are remote and away from light pollution.

Again, if you prefer guided tours or simply want to relax and let someone else do the driving, you can book this tour as a day trip from Reykjavik, and it will take you to all the stops listed above.

Day 3: hiking, glaciers, and diamonds

Day three in Iceland will start with a hike to get your blood pumping and work up some body heat. You’re going to need it, because the rest of the day you’ll be surrounded by ice!

We love to hike and be surrounded by nature, so on day three of our 4 days in Iceland we welcomed the chance to get out of the car and walk. After breakfast at our hotel, we drove about an hour to the trailhead of Svartifoss waterfall.

The waterfall hike is located in the area around Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park .

This is an easy hike on a mostly well-maintained, gravel path that you can do with kids. Our four-year-old was able to walk most of the way by herself, only occasionally wanting to ride on her dad’s shoulders or be carried for a few minutes.

The hike to the waterfall took us about an hour and it was roughly a mile and a half. You can either hike a 3.5 mile loop, or head back on the same path.

We chose option two, as it was slightly shorter and we had reservations for a lagoon tour that we needed to make. It is a pretty hike, and takes you to one of the more interesting waterfalls in the country.

Like the column wall at Reynisfjara Beach, Svartifoss is known for its unique rectangular lava columns that surround the waterfall. The design of Hallgrimskirkja church is actually based on this waterfall’s interesting look.

Drive another 30-45 minutes down the road from Svartifoss and you’ll reach Diamond Beach.

Diamond Beach is a beautiful black sand beach in Iceland that gets its name for a very obvious reason. The sand looks like it is studded with giant diamonds. Diamond Beach is nestled at the narrow passageway between the largest glacial lagoon in Iceland and the ocean. 

The “diamonds” on Diamond Beach are actually large chunks of ice that break away from icebergs as they make their way to the ocean and wash ashore. It is free to visit and directly across the highway from the Jokulsarlon Lagoon.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the largest lake in Iceland. It is known for its large icebergs floating around the water.

Not only is Jokulsarlon Lagoon the largest lake, but it is also the deepest lake in Iceland. It has quadrupled in size since 1970 as the glacier is melting at a rapid pace.

One of the most popular activities at the lagoon is to take a boat ride through the brilliant blue icebergs that have broken off of Jokulsarlon glacier. A tour of the lagoon is an educational and eye-opening experience, and one that hopefully makes any visitor more environmentally conscious.

If visiting Iceland with young kids, you can take a pontoon boat ride with a guide that will also provide a lot of great facts and information about the lagoon. If your children are older or you’re visiting Iceland without kids, there are smaller boats and kayaks that will get you even closer to the ice, and even ice cave tours and glacier hikes .

WHERE TO STAY ON NIGHT 3:

Where we stayed: Welcome Hotel Lambafell, Eyvindarholar

Alternative hotel: UMI Hotel, Hvolsvollur

Note: After visiting the lagoon, you’ll begin to make your journey back toward western Iceland and spend the night near the Golden Circle. How far you drive is up to you. We chose to drive to Eyvindarholar , which is near Skogafoss and the other waterfalls we visited on day 2 of this Iceland itinerary.

Regardless, if you only have 4 days in Iceland you will want to stay somewhere near the Golden Circle , to maximize your time on day 4.

Day 4: Golden Circle, Geysers, and Tectonic Plates

The last day of your four days in Iceland is all about the fascinating things that happen under the Earth’s surface. And there is one place in Iceland to experience this better than anywhere else: the Golden Circle .

Located about an hour outside of Reykjavik, this circular loop is tremendously popular among tourists to the country. In fact, there are a lot of Golden Circle tours you can join if you prefer to have a guide.

Kerid Volcanic Crater 

Kerid is a great place to start your Golden Circle adventure. The crater lake was formed by a once-active volcano.

Unlike many of the other sites along the Golden Circle route, there is a small fee to visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater , but it’s well worth it to walk along the edge of the enormous, colorful crater. 

Kerid is located just a 40-minute drive from two of the most popular attractions along the Golden Circle: Thingvellir and the Geyser basin, making it an easy detour or pit stop along your route.

Strokkur Geyser and the Haukadalur Valley

Next, make your way to the Haukadalur Valley . This area of the Golden Circle is the heart of geothermal activity in Iceland. In the Haukadalur Valley you will find geysers, hot springs, and mud pots that reminded me a bit of Yellowstone National Park in the United States.

One of the valley’s claims to fame is the Strokkur Geyser , which predictably erupts about every 15 minutes, spewing water high into the sky and misting onlookers who stand downwind.

The Haukadalur Valley is open to the public 24 hours a day, so if you want to take advantage of the midnight sun in summer, you can visit this area any time of day or night.

Gullfoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. It’s known for its multiple tiers of cascades along a 90-degree bend.

At its highest, the water plunges about 69 feet into the picturesque Hvita River Canyon .

From the parking area for the attraction, you walk down a narrow path and Gullfoss comes into view. The closer you get, the more breathtaking this mighty waterfall becomes. It’s impressive how close you can actually get to this stunning natural wonder.

Although it is now one of Iceland’s top attractions, Gullfoss was once at risk of being dammed up to fuel a hydroelectric plant to generate electricity. Luckily, the attempt failed and Gullfoss is now a protected landmark in Iceland.

Thingvellir National Park is your final stop along the Golden Circle. The national park is a unique place to visit.

Thingvellir straddles the North American and Eurasian continental plates. As the plates have pulled apart over the centuries, you can now walk between the two continents. 

One of the only places where this continental separation is occurring above water, Thingvellir is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see science happening before you.

The UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a fascinating look at geology and how the Earth has formed overtime. But Thingvellir didn’t earn its World Heritage status for its scientific interest.

It was designated a UNESCO site because it is also the home to Iceland’s original parliament.

Those looking for something even more exciting can scuba dive or snorkel between the two tectonic plates. The Silfra Fissure offers visitors clear water and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of course, Silfra snorkeling or diving tours are not activities you can do in winter, as the water is very cold even in the peak of summer. 

Viking Village

After exploring the Golden Circle head back toward Keflavik to prepare for your flight out the next day.

We ate dinner at Fjörugarðurinn , a Viking restaurant in Hafnarfjörður , a port town just outside of Reykjavik.

The Viking restaurant offers authentic Icelandic food with a fun medieval theme. You can also grab dinner in Reykjavik and even spend one final night in Iceland’s capital if you prefer. Although we chose to stay near the airport for our final night.

WHERE TO STAY ON DAY 4 OF 4 DAYS IN ICELAND:

Where we stayed: Hotel Jazz, Keflavik

Alternative hotel : Hotel Berg, Keflavik

Is 4 days in Iceland enough?

While I would have loved to have more than four days in Iceland, unfortunately with limited paid time off and traveling around our daughter’s school schedule, 4 days in Iceland in summer is all we had.

If you have more time to add to your Iceland itinerary, you can explore the entire Ring Road of Iceland and spend a few days in the northern part of the country. 

However, if you are pondering whether a 4-day trip to Iceland is worth it, just know you can’t see or do everything you probably want to in that timeframe. But if you are up for a whirlwind trip, you can still cover a lot of ground in Iceland in 4 days.

You’ll leave Iceland with a lot of incredible memories and possibly a burning desire to return.

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Have a question or comment about our itinerary for 4 days in Iceland? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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CeraVe Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for All Skin Types, 2.5 fl oz

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS (TA-105, Grey)

Action Camera 4K 20MP Sport Camera 40M Waterproof Underwater Camera Volg Video Camera WIFI Wide Angle Helmet Camera EIS Stabilization Dual Microphone

Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in Foldable USB-C Connector

4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent

Vapur Flexible, Collapsible Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle with Detachable Carabiner

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Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Where to get local deals, take a dip in a hot spring and more.

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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Expert recommended travel gear

REI Co-op Trailmade Pants - Men's

REI Co-op Trailmade Pants - Women's

Men's Trail Model 4 Hiking Shoes

Women's Trail Model 4 Hiking Shoes

Michael Josh Large Outdoor Picnic Blanket

CeraVe Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for All Skin Types, 2.5 fl oz

Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Face & Body Gel Cream for Kids with Prebiotic Oat, Clinically Proven 24 Hour Hydration for Soft Skin, Quick Drying and Lightweight, Hypoallergenic, 8 oz

Trailmade Rain Jacket - Men's

Trailmade Rain Jacket - Women's

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS (TA-105, Grey)

Action Camera 4K 20MP Sport Camera 40M Waterproof Underwater Camera Volg Video Camera WIFI Wide Angle Helmet Camera EIS Stabilization Dual Microphone

Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in Foldable USB-C Connector

4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent

Vapur Flexible, Collapsible Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle with Detachable Carabiner

KNIT CUFFED BEANIE

THE NORTH FACE Apex Insulated Etip Glove - Men's

• $39.18 to $41.51

Indoor Instant Privacy Bed Tent for Sleeping,Quick Set-up Bed Canopies,Portable Bed Drapes with Large Space and 3 Doors (Black, Twin)

Manta Sleep Mask - 100% Light Blocking Eye Mask, Zero Eye Pressure, Comfortable & Adjustable Sleeping Mask for Women Men, Perfect Blindfold for Sleep/Travel/Nap/Shift Work

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Lonely Planet Iceland (Travel Guide)

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