Winter Tours & Packages in Iceland

Best Winter Tours & Packages in Iceland

Select starting location

Select dates

Add travelers

Winter Tours & Packages in Iceland

Refine the results by using the filters

Exploring a natural ice cave is a unique experience only available between November and March.

Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon

How often do you normally get to venture inside of a glacier?

3-Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle & South Coast with Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

Above a beautiful lake in Iceland, emerald and violet Northern Lights dance across the sky.

Breathtaking 6-Day Northern Lights Hunting Package of Iceland with Ice Caving

The ice caves beneath the glacier of Vatnajokull look so beautiful that they belong in a fantasy novel more than the real world.

Unforgettable 8-Day Northern Lights Winter Package of Iceland with Ice Caving & National Parks

On a winter self-drive tour, you can visit the Diamond beach in the evening and watch as the sun sets among glistening icebergs.

5-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with the Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The northern lights over Jokusarlon glacier lagoon.

8-Day Guided Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

One of the greatest draws of visiting the Iceland is winter is the chance to explore the ice caves under Vatnajokull glacier.

Ultimate 10-Day Northern Lights Winter Trip to Iceland's Highlands with Ice Caving

The northern lights dancing in the sky above Iceland in winter.

Small Group 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Golden Circle & South Coast

Going into an ice cave is one of the most memorable experiences available to those visiting Iceland.

Small Group 6-Day Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

The sparsely populated Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland is great for aurora hunting.

11-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Holiday of the Complete Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

A person explores the icy wonder-world inside Vatnajokull glacier.

Scenic 4-Day Northern Lights Tour of Vatnajokull Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & the South Coast

Gullfoss waterfall makes up one third of the famous Golden Circle sightseeing trail.

12-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes, South Coast, & Reykjavik

The word 'Aurora' is derived from the Latin words for 'Dawn' and 'Light'.

7-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Ice Caving

A column of steam rises before Iceland's aurora borealis.

Small Group 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation with the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle & South Coast

The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon will soothe any and all aching muscles.

Fun-Filled 3-Day Northern Lights Winter Stopover in Reykjavik with the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon

Oxararfoss waterfall in the snow-covered Thingvellir National Park during winter time.

Breathtaking 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Tour with the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon

The aurora borealis shines above the countryside in Iceland.

Perfect 6-Day Northern Lights Vacation in Iceland

Icebergs glittering as the sun sets on the Diamond beach near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

9-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with Waterfalls & Hot Springs

The Gullfoss waterfall, one of the sights of the Golden Circle, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

Magical 2-Week Northern Lights Winter Road Trip in Iceland with Waterfalls & Glaciers

A frosty view of the mountain Kirkjufell on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Exciting 14-Day Northern Lights Package Tour of the Ring Road with Snaefellsnes & Reykjavik

The northern lights dance across the sky behind one of the most photographed mountains, Mount Kirkjufell on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Magical 13-Day Northern Lights Package Tour of the Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Rays of the winter sun penetrate the beautiful world of one of Vatnajökull's stunning ice caves.

9 Day Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Total Iceland Experience with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon

Hear the thundering noises of Gullfoss waterfall as water tumbles down 32-metres into an ancient canyon

10-Day Guided Tour Package of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Reykjavik

On a two-week winter journey in Iceland, you can experience the ice caves.

14-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Vacation Packages in Iceland

Self drive tours in iceland, tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Morgan W Hizer

Morgan W Hizer

Where to begin! This was absolutely the best trip of my life. I’ve been planning this trip since September of 2023. Guide to Iceland had so much helpful information about the country that assisted in knowing what to expect. If I had any questions they were quick in responding. I did encounter a couple hiccups which I feel was partially out of their control, however they were quick in fixing the situation. I unfortunately didn’t get to see the Northern Lights, nor was I able to do one thing on my journey the way they planned it and it being closed on the day they planned it on the itinerary. Just gives me a reason to come back, so I made peace with it. I’d recommend this and using them to assist in making your dream a reality.

Marty Nikolaus

Marty Nikolaus

This tour with Tröll Expeditions was incredible. I was nervous at first as this was to be my first solo travel experience but the group I met up with and the incredible guide, Jóhann, made this the perfect trip! Tips would be make sure you have wind proof clothing, especially gloves, as the temperatures and precipitation is very doable without the wind cutting through you! Also, please be flexible with the itinerary and the guide. We ran into some severe weather which led to some detours and ultimately we didn't make it to all destinations on the list. With that in mind, our entire group felt the weather added to the "authenticity" of the experience and only made it more memorable! This tour was a great way to get a taste of some of the less crowded areas of the country and has me looking forward to my next trip back!

Ryan Ellis

Everything was perfect. From landing at the airport and being picked up by car rental company, every accommodation, and every tour, it was all taken care of and when I contacted customer service with questions they were quick to reply, I’ve traveled my fair share in my life but this was my first solo journey. I have to admit though, I’m not sure it’s fair to call it solo. Guid to Iceland was there every step of the way. I can’t wait to go back and see the north of the country. This tour took me through amazing sights, breathtaking landscapes and plenty of time to see the capitol as well. The accommodations, especially those guesthouses on people’s farm were amazing. The hosts were polite, welcoming and eager to answer questions. The food was incredible. The guides on the tours continued this, and were courteous and professional. I felt I was always in good hands. It was a trip of a lifetime, that I’ll always cherish. Thank you!!

Andelene Ku

Andelene Ku

Solo traveller to Iceland like me will never feel being as solo by joining a small group of total 10pax for this 8days super Icelandic tour. We had so much funs & laughs during the trip with our amazing, funny, knowledgable & informative tour guide - Palli. And of course, Palli was a verybskillful driver too especially during heavy snowfall days. You have created fantastic life memories for me, thank you Palli & Troll Expeditions. I'm so in love with Iceland!

Winter Travel in Iceland

During winter, Iceland is almost always blanketed in glimmering layer of snow, and tempered by unpredictable weather; be it a frozen starlit stillness, blizzards of dazzling white, or a magnificent display of the Northern Lights , there’s no exact telling what the skies will be up to.

The height of winter only provides a few hours of sunlight each day, meaning you’ll need to be acutely aware of your scheduling, but the majority of Iceland’s attraction, including an abundance of crystal blue ice caves , are accessible.

This also goes for a great number of activities. It is, for instance, a popular choice to go on a snorkelling tour in Silfra fissure during the winter months (many, in fact, believe the cold weather makes the glacial water feel warmer), as well as such activities as dog sledging, whale watching and hot spring hunting. 

By opting for a package, travellers rest easy knowing all accommodation, transfers and tours are prepared and confirmed by Guide to Iceland prior to their arrival. This removes the pressure of logistical planning and dealing with third parties, leaving you free to enjoy Iceland’s frostbitten landscapes to your heart’s content.

Naturally, wintertime means cold temperatures, so you will need to pack the proper clothing for your trip to Iceland. Be sure to include a waterproof jacket and pants, a woolly hat, scarf, gloves, thick socks and sturdy hiking boots.

Frequently asked questions

What's included in a winter vacation package in iceland, during which months can i see the northern lights in iceland, can i book winter packages for christmas or new year's eve in iceland, are there any luggage restrictions on the 2-3 day minibus tours, how much time do we spend at each location for my winter tour in iceland, what are some popular hot springs spas to visit in iceland during winter, which languages does the tour guide speak for my winter tour in iceland, what kind of shoes should i wear on an ice cave excursion on my winter tour in iceland, can i visit the ice caves in iceland during winter, how many people are usually on winter tours in iceland, what happens if i arrive late to a tour or cannot make it to a meeting point because of bad weather or road closures, what is the weather like in iceland during the winter months, is it possible to drive the entire ring road in iceland during winter, what clothing should i pack for a winter trip in iceland, how are driving conditions in iceland during the winter, are there any winter festivals or cultural events in iceland, can i participate in a whale watching tour during the winter in iceland, are there any guided photography tours available in iceland during winter, what wildlife can i expect to see during a winter tour in iceland.

Link to appstore phone

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in Iceland

Book your complete trip with the best companies only

Explore an Ice Cave

Explore an Ice Cave

Visit a Live Volcano

Visit a Live Volcano

Find the Northern Lights

Find the Northern Lights

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

South Coast Tours

Epic Iceland

Best Winter Tours in Iceland

We made a list of the top winter tours in Iceland that we loved the most. A crystal blue ice cave? A glacier hike? Or a Northern Lights tour? What about snowmobiling? Pick your favorite one too!

This post is part of our Winter Iceland articles series:

  • SOUTH ICELAND – best winter places
  • EAST ICELAND – best winter places
  • NORTH ICELAND – best winter places
  • SNÆFELLSNESS – best winter places
  • Winter Icelandic ITINERARY
  • All you need to know about ICELAND IN WINTER
  • How to SEE NORTHERN LIGHTS in Iceland

Map of the best winter tours in Iceland

1.1.1. from jökulsárlón, 1.1.2. from jökulsárlón as a combo with glacier hike, 1.1.3. from reykjavik as a 2-day tour, 1.2.1. from vik, 1.2.2. from reykjavik, 1.2.3. from reykjavik as a combo with the south coast, 1.3. skaftafell ice cave, 1.4.1. from gullfoss as a combo with snowmobiles, 1.4.2. from reykjavik as a combo with snowmobiles, 1.4.3. from reykjavik ice cave only, 2.1. sólheimajökull glacier hike, 2.2. vatnajökull glacier hike, 2.3. skaftafell glacier hike, 3.1. thórsmörk, 3.2. eyjafjallajökull, 4. helicopter tours, 5. horse riding, 6.1. from reykjavik, 6.2. from mývatn and akureyri, 7.1. snowmobiling from mýrdalsjökull, 7.2. snowmobiling from gullfoss, 7.3. snowmobiling + golden circle from reykjavik, 7.4. snowmobiling + ice cave from reykjavik, 7.5. snowmobiling only from reykjavik, 8.1. from reykjavik, 8.2. from húsavik, 8.3. from akureyri, 9. snorkeling between two continents, 10. glacier and ice cave monster truck, 11. photo tours, 12. multi-day tours.

This website may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us cover running costs of this website.

1. Ice caves

best ice cave in iceland

Crystal Blue Ice Cave near Jökulsárlón

Map of the ice caves in Iceland :

The best Ice caves in Iceland are located around Jökulsárlón, and the pickup point is usually at Jökulsárlón or in Hali, the nearby village. If you have a combined tour with something else, for example, the south coast, the tour may start in Reykjavik too but usually does not.

The best ice caves in Iceland are accessible mainly from October to April, as we write in our Iceland in Winter primer . Katla Ice Cave is accessible all year round, though it is considered the second most beautiful.

1.1. Crystal Blue Ice Cave

sapphire ice cave local guide of vatnajokull

Crystal Blue (sapphire) ice cave

In our opinion the most beautiful ice cave in Iceland . There’s no 1-day tour visiting Crystal Blue ice cave from Reykjavik , it’s simply too far from Reykjavik. The only option is to drive to Jökulsárlón yourself, hire a private driver , or take a 2-day tour.

  • Option 1: Local Guide of Vatnajökull tour , 5% discount with the discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Option 2: IcePic Journeys semi-private Photo tour , 10% discount with the discount code: EPICICELAND

The tour no.1 we enjoyed the most in winter in Iceland was undoubtedly the visit to an ice cave combined with a glacier hike . We can highly recommend the ice cave and/or glacier hike tour by Local Guide of Vatnajökull , a 5* reviews company with amazing guides, and also IcePic Journeys for best photo tours.

5% DISCOUNT Code for LocalGuide.is : EPICICELAND

10% DISCOUNT Code for IcePicJourneys.is : EPICICELAND

Why Local Guide and Ice Pic Journeys ? They both try to stay as much away as possible from other tourist groups, have great and knowledgeable local guides, and will take you to all the best spots available in a particular season!

secret ice tunnel iceland

Combo Ice Cave + Glacier hike tour by LocalGuide.is

Not sure if to visit just an ice cave or do a combo tour with a glacier hike? Our recommendation –  definitely go for the combo tour . Not only will it be a much more private experience away from the crowds, you will also see much more and soak up the atmosphere of winter Iceland to the fullest. If you are in at least slightly good shape, you should be totally able to complete this easy all-day hike, including many stops at out-of-this-world places.

The best local tour company for multi-day tours in Iceland is definitely NiceTravel. They have professional and funny local guides and mostly only 5* reviews . They also operate an amazing 2-day Ice Cave tour from Reykjavik that will take you to the Crystal Blue ice cave and to the most beautiful places along the south coast.

5% DISCOUNT Code for NiceTravel.is : EPICICELAND (valid only for our newsletter subscribers)

1.2. Katla Ice Cave

katla ice cave tour from vik

Katla Ice cave tour from Vik

This is a popular ice cave to visit also from Reykjavik because it’s much closer. There are several amazing Katla ice cave tours . The main difference between them is the starting point and whether it’s “just an ice cave” or the tour is combined with some other activity.

  • The best Katla Ice cave tour from Vik , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND23
  • The best and cheapest Katla Ice cave tour from Reykjavik , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND23

A semi-private combo tour of Katla ice cave + South coast from Reykjavik is run by amazing Glaciers and Waterfalls .

10% DISCOUNT Code for GlaciersAndWaterfalls.is : EPICICELAND

Skaftafell blue ice cave

Skaftafell blue ice cave

There’s also a nice smaller ice cave located in Skaftafell park. Here is the best Skaftafell ice cave tour combined with a glacier hike :

  • Skaftafell ice cave + glacier hike tour by Icelandic Mountain Guides, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24
  • Skaftafell ice cave + glacier hike tour by Arctic Adventures, subscribe to our newsletter or contact us for more info and better deals.

1.4. Langjökull Ice Caves

There are two man-made ice caves hidden in the gigantic Langjökull glacier . No worries, the ice caves are no less stunning, even when dug by men! The first, southern Langjökull ice cave, can be visited only as a combo tour with snowmobiles , starting at Gullfoss. The second, the western Langjökull ice cave, can be visited as a day tour from Reykjavik or as a day tour from Reykjavik combined with snowmobiles .

Langjökull ice cave iceland

Langjökull man-made ice cave

The best tour to a Langjökull ice cave is a tour by Mountaineers.is in our opinion. Mountaineers are the best Icelandic snowmobiling company. In this amazing tour starting at Gullfoss, they combine both snowmobiling on a magnificent Langjökull glacier and a visit to a nearby Langjökull ice cave. Highly recommended!

5% DISCOUNT Code for Mountaineers.is : EPICICELAND

Ice Cave tour combined with snowmobiling will take you to the man-made Langjökull ice cave from Reykjavik.

Into the Glacier tour will take you only to the man-made Langjökull ice cave from Reykjavik. You can use a 5% discount code for the tour: EPICICELAND23

2. Glacier hikes

glacier hike in iceland

Amazing Vatnajökull glacier hike by www.localguide.is , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND

The best glacier hikes are run by two companies:

  • Local Guide of Vatnajökull  – 5% discount code on all their tours: EPICICELAND
  • Icelandic Mountain Guides – 5% discount code on all their tours: EPICICELAND24

Both these companies are top-notch tour providers and they run many different types of glacier hikes from the top 3 locations in Iceland for glacier hikes – Sólheimajökull, Skaftafell, and Vatnajökull. 5* reviews are obvious for both Local Guide of Vatnajökull and Icelandic Mountain Guides, and so are the funny and knowledgeable guides. We guarantee you will be happy with all their tours!

Map of the glacier hikes in Iceland :

Sólheimajökull Glacier is the closest huge glacier to Reykjavik . Below are the best glacier hiking tours in Iceland run at Sólheimajökull:

  • Top 3-hour Sólheimajökull glacier hike tour , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24
  • Top ice climbing + Sólheimajökull glacier hike tour , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24

best skaftafell glacier hike tour

Top Skaftafell glacier hike tour run by www.mountainguides.is , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24

  • Top Vatnajökull glacier hiking tour , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Best Vatnajökull glacier hiking Photo tours , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Top Traditional glacier hike tour in Skaftafell , 3.5 hours long, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24
  • Best Ice cave + glacier hike tour in Skaftafell , 3.5 hours long, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24
  • Top Ice cave + glacier hike tour in Skaftafell , 5 hours long, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24

3. Super Jeep tours

thorsmork winter super jeep tour

Thórsmörk winter super jeep tour by www.midgardadventure.is , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND10

Highlands in winter are closed for all cars except super jeeps with local drivers. Does that mean you should not go into the highlands? Not at all! Go, and choose a great winter super jeep tour!

10% DISCOUNT Code for MidgardAdventure.is : EPICICELAND10

Some places look more magnificent and some less in winter, so it’s good to know where to go. For example, Landmannalaugar in winter usually looks like “white hills everywhere”. I.e., Landmannalaugar is definitely more colorful in summer , which many visitors prefer. On the other hand, e.g. Thórsmörk is very versatile and picturesque with many amazing spots also in winter.

thorsmork winter super jeep tour

Private Thórsmörk winter super jeep tour by www.glaciersandwaterfalls.is , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND

By far the best price-to-value super jeep tour to Þórsmörk in Iceland is run by legendary Midgard Adventure ( 10% discount code: EPICICELAND10 ). We guarantee you will be happy with them 🙂 Midgard is a crown jewel among Icelandic companies. The only downside of this tour is that the number of participants can reach as many as 14.

If you are looking for a private Thórsmörk tour, we can highly recommend a private Thórsmörk super jeep tour by Glaciers and Waterfalls, the no.1 family company running private super jeep tours from Reykjavik and the south. Great reviews, great guides, great tours to spots, not all tours go to. And for our readers a 10% discount code: EPICICELAND

eyjafjallajokull glacier super jeep tour

Eyjafjallajökull Winter super jeep tour by www.midgardadventure.is , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND10

Want to head entirely off the beaten track ? Well, what about a crazy drive with a super jeep on a glacier? All the way up to the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano!

Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano super jeep tour is a unique experience you will never forget. It’s operated by 5* rated Midgard Adventure, and our readers can enjoy a 10% discount code on their tours: EPICICELAND10

winter helicopter tour iceland

Winter helicopter tours by www.helicopter.is

Can any viewpoint be better than a bird’s eye viewpoint? Hardly! If you have some extra money, definitely go for a helicopter tour! We can highly recommend a helicopter company being 20+ years in business already, called Nordurflug , or Helicopter.is .

We are very proud to offer our readers a 5% discount on the best Icelandic helicopter tours run by Nordurflug , with the discount code: EPICICELAND

winter horse riding iceland

Tvistur horse rental in Dalvik

If you love Icelandic horses at least half as much as we do, you will love also riding an Icelandic horse in winter! Horse riding is one of the cheapest tours you can experience in Iceland and often also one of the best.

Horse riding in Iceland is also quite weather-proof because you usually don’t need a sunny and clear day for that. Yes, such a day may be much nicer and more comfortable, but it’s not a necessity. That being said, rather avoid stronger rain or too windy days.

The horse-riding tour we enjoyed the most and operates also in winter is, without doubt, www.tvistur.is operating from Dalvik, near Akureyri. Tvistur is a small family company taking care of horses for their entire life. No discount codes this time, let’s leave all the money to a family which deserves it.

6. Northern Lights tours

glaciers and waterfalls aurora tour

Pictures from a guided Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik by Glaciers and Waterfalls , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND

Of course, it’s perfectly possible to see Northern Lights yourself and you don’t need to take any guided tour for that. However, it requires time, knowledge, and skill. If you don’t want to bother with studying how, when and where to see Aurora, you can rather book a guided Northern Lights tour. There are many different northern lights tours in Iceland and we picked the three we consider to be among the best ones – two from Reykjavik and one from Mývatn/Akureyri:

northern lights tour reykjavik

A picture from a guided Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik by Glaciers and Waterfalls , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND

  • Cheapest Aurora tour by minibus , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND23
  • Cheaper Northern Lights super jeep tour , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND23
  • Semi-private Aurora tour by super jeep , by Glaciers and Waterfalls, 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Private and Semi-Private Aurora Photo tours , by IcePic Journeys, 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • An Epic 3-day Northern Lights Super Jeep Hunt , by Midgard Adventure, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND10

northern lights tour myvatn

A picture from a guided aurora tour from Mývatn by Star Travel

  • Cheapest Northern Lights tour by minibus , by Star Travel, 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Semi-private Northern Lights tour by super jeep , by Star Travel, 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Private Northern Lights tour by super jeep , by Star Travel, 10% discount code: EPICICELAND

7. Snowmobiling

snowmobiling gullfoss iceland

Snowmobiling in Iceland

If you are looking for excitement in winter , snowmobiling should satisfy your needs.

Snowmobile tours operate from their bases usually either at Mýrdalsjökull or at Gullfoss. If you want to take a snowmobile tour from Reykjavik, you have to take a combo tour with something else, e.g. Golden Circle, or you have to hire a private driver or private tour.

snowmobiling myrdalsjokull iceland

Snowmobiling from Mýrdalsjökull

Where to go for snowmobiling? We can highly recommend a great snowmobiling tour by Icelandic Mountain Guides , which is one of the best and most reputable Icelandic companies. 5* reviews, professional guides, and amazing tours are all the certainty with Icelandic Mountain Guides.

5% DISCOUNT Code for www.MountainGuides.is : EPICICELAND24

Snowmobile tour by Icelandic Mountain Guides is operated from Mýrdalsjökull and is totally worth a drive there. Mýrdalsjökull is one of the best possible places to go for snowmobiling in Iceland.

snowmobiling from gullfoss

Snowmobiling from Gullfoss

The best snowmobiling company in Iceland with the longest tradition is for many Mountaineers of Iceland . Their base is at Gullfoss, and you can take one of the cheapest snowmobile tours in Iceland from there.

5% PROMO Code for www.Mountaineers.is : EPICICELAND

Mountaineers offer various snowmobiling tours from various bases (Gullfoss and Reykjavik), both as standalone tours or as combo tours. They even offer a “ super fast snowmobiling tour ” for those seeking even more adrenaline. If you are looking for top-notch snowmobiles, definitely take a look at Mountaineers!

  • Option 1: Glaciers and Waterfalls tour , 10% discount with the discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Option 2: Mountaineers tour , 5% discount with the discount code: EPICICELAND

This is a fantastic Snowmobile and Ice Cave tour from Reykjavik that combines both Snowmobiling and Langjökull Ice Cave visit and departs from Reykjavik.

We usually don’t recommend going only for snowmobiling and taking a Reykjavik departure, because the price of this tour is the same as if you went for a combo tour of Snowmobiling and something else. In other words, you can have a longer and richer experience with a different tour for the same buck. But if you insist, here is the Snowmobiling from Reykjavik tour which has good reviews.

8. Whale Watching

north sailing whale watching

Whale watching by North Sailing

Whale watching in winter? No problem! Some companies operate also in winter, and there’s always something to see when sailing the ocean. Warm overalls provided by tour companies will keep you warm.

Here are the two best-rated whale-watching tours from Reykjavik by Elding:

  • Best Traditional Boat Reykjavik whale-watching , 10% discount code : see here .
  • Best Speed Boat Reykjavik whale-watching , 10% discount code : see here .

elding whale watching discount code

Amazing Reykjavik whale-watching by Elding

The best traditional whale-watching company operating 20+ years is called North Sailing . Be sure to check out their tours!

We can also offer our readers a 10% discount on all their tours with the discount code: EPICICELAND

The second best whale-watching spot in Iceland after Húsavík is undoubtedly in Akureyri. And when it comes to the no.1 company operating whale-watching tours from Akureyri, it’s definitely Elding:

  • Top reviewed Traditional Boat Akureyri whale tour by Elding, 10% promo code : see here .
  • Top reviewed Speed Boat Akureyri whale tour by Elding, 10% promo code : see here .

troll silfra snorkelling classic

Silfra snorkeling classic tour

Although a bit colder in winter, still nice and totally worth it!

By far the best company offering Silfra tours is Dive.is – PADI 5 Star Dive Center Iceland . No competitor is anywhere near when it comes to 5* reviews! here are their top snorkeling tours:

  • The most popular and also best-rated Silfra snorkeling tour, meet in Silfra , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND5
  • Best Silfra snorkeling tour with pick-up from Reykjavik , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND5

And here are their top diving tours:

  • Top Silfra Diving tour with meet in Silfra , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND5
  • Best Silfra Diving tour with Reykjavik pick-up , 5% discount code: EPICICELAND5

ice cave monster truck iceland

Ice Cave and Langjökull Glacier by Monster Truck from Gullfoss

Wanna try something different? Something where typical tour companies won’t take you? Well, what about the biggest Glacier Truck in the world? Moreover, here is a 15% discount for the tour with the promo code: EPICICELAND

Sleipnir tours depart from Gullfoss and in winter includes:

  • Langjökull glacier drive by monster truck
  • Langjökull glacier walk
  • Ice Cave visit

iceland photo tours

The most amazing Photo tours by IcePic Journeys. 10% discount code: EPICICELAND

Looking for professional Photo tours at amazing spots? Definitely check out IcePic Journeys , then! Our readers can enjoy a 10% discount on all their tours with the promo code: EPICICELAND .

Ice Pic Journeys it’s by far the best Icelandic photo tour company . They only have 5.0/5 reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, and Facebook as well. They specialize in Ice Cave and Glacier photo tours but also service amazing South Coast photo tours and Highlands photo sessions ! See below the selection of our favorite ones:

  • Northern Lights Photo tour from Reykjavik , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Ice Cave + Glacier hike Photo tour from Jökulsárlón , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Zip Line + Ice Cave Photo tour from Jökulsárlón , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • Crystal Blue Sapphire ice cave Summer Photo tour from Jökulsárlón , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND
  • South Coast Photo tour from Reykjavik , 10% discount code: EPICICELAND

winter multi-day tours iceland

Winter multi-day tour by Arctic Adventures

Coming to Iceland alone? Not renting a car? Want to see the most beautiful places around Ring Road? Then go for a Multi-Day tour! Thanks to a longer tour you don’t have to care about transport or accommodations and you can enjoy all the amazing winter activities in Iceland. For winter ring road tours in Iceland, we highly recommend two local companies:

  • NiceTravel , a smaller Icelandic family company with great local guides and tours, 5% discount code on all tours: EPICICELAND (valid only for our newsletter subscribers)
  • Arctic Adventures , the oldest and biggest tour company in Iceland, with the widest tour selection. Subscribe to our newsletter or contact us for more info and discounts for Arctic Adventures.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

  • Best SUMMER GUIDED TOURS in Iceland
  • Guided TOURS or RENT A CAR in Iceland?
  • 21 BEST DAY TRIPS from Reykjavik
  • CAMPERVAN vs. CAR in Iceland Prices/Pros/Cons.
  • How to Find a NICE WEATHER in Iceland
  • WHEN TO GO to Iceland
  • How to AVOID CROWDS in Iceland

epic iceland facebook group

Posted by Igor

'  data-srcset=

Are there any tours from Vik on 17th December 2023? Thanks

'  data-srcset=

Sure they are, take a look for example at http://www.katlatrack.is , you can also use a 5% discount code: EPICICELAND on their tours.

'  data-srcset=

Are there 6 day ring tours in early April with RIB whale watching and glacier boat tour (I see only Fjallsarlon has boat tour in early April but there’re no tours that go there). I’m not confident driving in early April. Taking public bus is too restrictive and it seems hard to get taxi to get to my final destinations from the bus stations.

I’m not aware of any tour with exactly this combination. Here’s a 6-day Tour by Arctic Adventures (5% discount code: EPICICELAND23) that includes whale watching (traditional boat, multiday tours don’t go for RIB boats), but there’s just normal Jokulsarlon guided visit, no boat tour.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please follow & like us :)

Facebook

Recent Posts

  • How to visit Hornstrandir: Full Hiking Guide 2024
  • Campervan or Car in Iceland? A Big Comparison
  • 21 Best Day Trips from Reykjavik to Take in 2024
  • How to Visit Maelifell Volcano
  • How to visit Eldgjá
  • Guided Tours or Rent a Car in Iceland?
  • 25 Hidden Gems in Iceland Nobody Writes About
  • Snækollur – Hiking the highest peak of Kerlingarfjöll
  • Hveravellir Hot Springs: 2024 Guide + Hiking Trails
  • Top 10 Easiest F-roads in Iceland

epic iceland promo codes

tosomeplacenew

10 Absolutely Best Iceland Winter Tours to book in 2023

Love it? Share it!

Iceland in winter is an amazing time to visit. The landscape in Iceland transforms itself into a mind-blowing winter adventure ground. These absolutely best Iceland Winter tours are handpicked so that you have an awesome trip. 

Winters in Iceland are pretty mild as compared to some of the regions in North America. However, driving on winter roads in Iceland is not easy, especially if you are not used to the terrain. Using these winter tours in Iceland, you can experience the best of winter, where the local guide will take you around in the nicest and safest way possible!

Iceland Winter Tours

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Although the winter months in Iceland are from December to early February, all of the recommended Iceland winter tours start as early as September and continue until March. We have also included some classic tours that can be taken all year round with a winter twist.

Some of the tours are weather-dependent and some not. So here are the best Iceland winter tours that should book for your trip!

10 Best Iceland Winter Tours to book

  • BUCKET-LIST ICE CAVE TOUR > Ice Cave Tour Vatnajökull National Park in Southern Iceland
  • CLASSIC TOUR w/ NORTHERN LIGHTS > South Coast of Iceland Tour with Northern Lights
  • BEST VALUE 3 DAY TOUR  > 3 Day Winter Adventure in Iceland from Reykjavik with 2 nights accommodation included

All the tours mentioned in this post are via GetYourGuide . This is the tour booking agency that we use for all of our travels. They have a great selection of tours, and their website is super user friendly.

Once you book a tour, you will receive the tour information via email. They will send a reminder a few days prior to your trip, and you can manage all the bookings via your GetYourGuide account. 

Should your travel plans change, you can easily cancel the tour and request a full refund, if canceled 24 hours in advance. We have been booking with them for years, and never had any problems!

These winter activities can be arranged as a day trip from Reykjavík, and they come with small group tour options. 

Read our full guide to Best Iceland Tours for any time of the year

1. Ice Cave tour at Vatnajökull National Park in Southern Iceland (2.5 to 3 hours)

🖤 Availability: Ice cave tours are available from mid-November to March

During winters in Iceland, escape to ice caves – a fascinating natural phenomenon   formed by meltwater streams and wind hollowing out tunnels. What results, is stunning helictite-like icicles and ice draperies.

To take an ice cave tour is to marvel at this natural creation with ice formation and turquoise colors – something which is mind-blowing. You have to see it yourself to believe it. These ice caves are also called crystal caves as the interiors shine like a crystal or a diamond .

Ice Cave Tours

There are only two places in Iceland , where you can take an Ice Cave tours  – Vatnajokull National Park and Langjokull Glacier Park. 

Vatnajokull National Park is a natural ice cave. It is located about 5 hours away from Reykjavik. This can be taken as a multi-day tour from Reykjavik, not as a day tour. In this recommended Ice Cave tour, you will e xperience a super-jeep drive to Vatnajökull which is also Europe’s largest glacier. 

A guide will lead the group inside the natural ice cave and spend 45 minutes to an hour inside the glacier. Gear up with a helmet, micro-spikes, and a headlight, if needed. You will be provided with helmets and crampons at the site. Marvel at the stunning creation, take photos, and learn about the glacier and the formation of the cave.

Note: You will have to arrange for transportation to the ice cave, and the tour begins at the site for 2.50 to 3 hours. The next tour – Glacier and Ice Cave – includes transportation as well as an all-round glacier adventure!

✅ BOOK HERE > ICE CAVE TOUR AT VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK 

ALTERNATIVE TOUR > FROM JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON TO VATNAJOKULL ICE CAVE TOUR

2. Langkökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik (11 hours)

🖤 Availability: All year. During winters experience ice cave tours in Iceland, and in summers explore ice tunnels

This is an AWESOME and CONVENIENT TOUR if you are staying in the capital city of Reykjavik. You will depart from Reykjavik in the morning and reach Langjökull Glacier – the second largest glacier in Iceland. Langjokull Glacier Park is a man-made ice cave. 

Iceland Glacier tours winter

This winter experience in Langjökull Glacier is one of a kind – you will walk on a glacier and marvel at its icy-blue hues, ride across the ice surface on an 8 WD truck, and see lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar. 

This recommended winter activity includes a 1-hour guided ice cave tour with all necessary safety equipment. You will be transported from Reykjavik to a modern bus equipped with entertainment amenities.

Then upon reaching closer to the site, you will ride a specially-modified 8WD glacier vehicle on the Langjökull Glacier. Inside the Langkökull Glacier, you are able to see recent and older volcanic eruptions including the infamous –  Eyjafjallajökull.

You will spend 45 minutes to an hour inside the glacier and then head to see the lava waterfalls. 

✅ BOOK HERE > ICE CAVE TOUR FROM REYKJAVIK TO LANGJOKULL GLACIER

3. Glacier Hike Adventure at Skaftafell National Park (5 hours) 

🖤 Availability – All year-round, but winter glacier hiking is more challenging (November to February)

Iceland is rightly called the land of fire and ice. The landscape of Iceland is a result of volcanic activity and glacier formation.  There are 9 main glaciers in Iceland – Snæfellsjökull, Drangajökull, Eiríksjökull, Langjökull, Hofsjökull, Tungnafellsjökull, Vatnajökull, Mýralsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull and Sólheimajökull.

best tours in iceland winter

These glaciers are located in the South or in the Midlands of Iceland. And because of weather and terrain conditions – the snow falls and stays there rather than melting away, making it perfect for winter glacier activities. Also, it’s not every day that you get to walk or explore a glacier!

Take this glacier hiking tour in the wilderness of Skaftafell , and hike across a stunning outlet glacier of Vatnajökull in the company of an expert guide. You will see different ice formations, including deep crevasses and ice sculptures, and get panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park.

The guide will share information about how glaciers are formed and their future. (Vatnajökull glacier has been rapidly shrinking).

✅ BOOK HERE >  GLACIER HIKE TOUR AT SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK – VATNAJOKULL

ALTERNATIVE TOUR > 3-hour glacier winter hiking tour of the Sólheimajökull Glacier, 2 hours from Reykjavik   GLACIER HIKE AT SOLHEIMJOKULL

4. Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik (4 hours)

🖤 Availability – September or early March

If you wish to chase the dancing green lights aka aurora borealis, then take the Iceland Northern Lights Tour ! The tours depart from the capital city of Reykjavik and last 2-4 hours. Typically tours start at 08:30 pm or after. Northern lights sighting occurs between 11:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Northern Lights Iceland Winter Tour

We were taken aboard a bus and to a location, a little outside of Reykjavik. It was super cold that night, so dress warmly as you will be chasing northern lights outside the bus or minivan.

Keep in mind that these tours are weather dependent, which means that if it is raining or cloudy (which could happen in October or early March), the tour might be canceled. In the event, that the Northern Lights tour is canceled – you can get your money back or request a tour the next day.

✅ BOOK HERE > NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR FROM REYKJAVIK 

OTHER NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR > NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE FROM REYKJAVIK 

OR NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPER JEEP TOUR

5. Snowmobiling Tour with Golden Circle from Reykjavik (11 hours)

🖤 Availability – Winter snowmobiling months are from October to February

 A popular winter tour in Iceland is riding a snowmobile and exploring glaciers and wintery-snowy landscapes. One of the most popular snowmobile tours is on the Langjökull Glacier . This tour takes about 10 hours and is excellent as it includes sightseeing at the Golden Circle route.

In the Golden Circle routes, you will explore historic Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Langjokull Glacier. At the Langjokull Glacier, you will have an hour of snowmobiling activity. All the equipment will be provided. 

To enjoy the tour, bring in a valid driving license to operate the snowmobile. Kids are allowed to join in as passengers. Ensure you are wearing good hiking shoes. > Check these hiking boots from Ugg

✅ BOOK HERE > SNOWMOBILING WITH GOLDEN CIRCLE TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK 

6. Snowmobiling Tour on top of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier (3 hours)

🖤 Availability – All year

Snowmobiling tour on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is a 3-hour tour. This tour is perfect for ‘first-time riders’ and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier, and the breathtaking views over south Iceland. 

The tour starts from the base, Gljúfrabúi by Road 249, and then you are driven towards Eyjafjallajökull and up its slopes, onto the glacier base where the snowmobiles are kept. Snowmobiles’ tour is for an hour. All the equipment is provided. 

To enjoy the tour, bring in a valid driving license to operate the snowmobile and wear good hiking shoes .  

✅ BOOK TOUR > SNOWMOBILING ON EYJAFJALLAJOKULL GLACIER 

7. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon exploration from Reykjavik (14 hours)

A 14-hour breakfast-to-dinner sightseeing exploration of the southern coast of Iceland to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – the outlet of the largest glacier in Europe.

Glacier Lagoon Tour

From your hotel in Reykjavik , you will be transferred to the southern coast and the dramatic Glacier Lagoon with floating icebergs and stunning views. We will come face to face with the glacier outlet and walk on the surface. 

On your way back to Reykjavik, you also explore the gorgeous waterfall Seljalandsfoss and visit Iceland’s southernmost village at Vík for dinner. 

✅ BOOK > JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON TOUR

8. South Coast and Northern Lights Winter Tour (12- 17 hours)

🖤 Availability – South Coast is all year. Northern Lights hunting from October to February

This classic tour with a winter twist is a MUST do for your Iceland trip. In this small-group tour, you will experience the South Coast of Iceland with an added Northern Lights hunt in the evening.

Reynisfyara Black Sand Beach The very best guided tours of Iceland handpicked to suit every traveler needs. Whether you like adventure tours or city walking tour, we got you covered.

In the morning, you will explore the Solheimajokull Glacier – an outlet glacier of Myrdalsjokull. Thereafter you will capture the unique black sand beach of Reynisfjara. The beach with its black sands, basalt sea stacks, and basalt column cave, make it ONE of the stunning beaches in Iceland. 

After Reynisfjara, a stop by the charming village of Vik is a must. Stop for lunch or souvenir shopping and then stop by Skogafoss waterfall. The breathtaking view of the fall with water cascading from old sea cliffs is a beauty to behold.

The last stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall – a unique waterfall where you can walk behind it. Until late November you should be able to walk around it. We did it in October and our friends did it in late November. Conditions might be slippery so wear sturdy shoes.

After the day tour, you will be dropped off in Reykjavik for dinner or relaxation time and then in the late evening, you will be picked up again for the Northern Lights tour. 

We took this tour and LOVED it.

✅ BOOK TOUR > SOUTH COAST TOUR WITH NORTHERN LIGHTS

9. Iceland Golden Circle Tour with Secret Lagoon from Reykjavik (9- 10 hours) 

Another classic tour in Iceland – the Golden Circle route with sightseeing at the Þingvellir National Park the stunning Gullfoss waterfalls, and the unique geysers. Enjoy a bus ride from Reykjavik to the Golden Route and then stop at the Secret Lagoon for a thermal dip. 

Secret Lagoon Chase waterfalls & northern lights,soak in geothermal spas, meet horses & pluffy sheeps & explore Reykjavik's colorful lanes in your 3 day Iceland Itinerary

The Secret Lagoon is a good alternative to visiting the famous Blue Lagoon. For Blue Lagoon, for some, you may or may not find a time slot that’s convenient for you. It is also expensive. The Secret Lagoon is an all-natural pool and less touristy. Imagine soaking in it, when there are slight snow showers. 

We enjoyed our time at the Secret Lagoon with light snow drizzle – it was heavenly – the water temperature kept me warm and fuzzy. Read our 3 days in Iceland Itinerary

The Iceland Golden Circle route is a classic tour just like the south coast tour!   

✅ BOOK TOUR > GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR WITH SECRET LAGOON

The Golden Circle drive tour can be combined with Northern Lights as well as whale watching tours. Whale watching is open until November, however, depending on seasonality, it could change.

10. 3 Day Winter Adventure Tour from Reykjavik (3 days)

This winter tour combines the BEST of all in 3 days. Explore the Golden Circle route, the south coast of Iceland, go snorkeling between continents at Silfra and enter a blue ice cave and glacier hike on Europe’s largest glacier – Vatnajökull National Park in Southern Iceland . 

Chase waterfalls & northern lights,soak in geothermal spas, meet horses & pluffy sheeps & explore Reykjavik's colorful lanes in your 3 day Iceland Itinerary

As part of the tour , your experience swimming between the continents will be recorded and you will receive GoPro images to take home as a souvenir. It is a MONEY SAVER option with activities and accommodation for 2 nights in Reykjavik included .

It is a small group adventure, with all planning, researching, and driving are taken care of! 

On this 3 day South Coast , Golden Circle, and ice caving and hiking tour you will explore the following – Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Gullfoss waterfall with Þingvellir National Park winter day activities at the Vatnajökull National Park (hiking and ice caving).

From your hotel in Reykjavik, you will embark on day tours and explore Iceland. For a great price, you will cover sightseeing, transport, guided activities, and entry fees. 

✅ VIEW TOUR > 3 DAY WINTER ADVENTURE TOUR WITH ICE CAVE EXPERIENCE FROM REYKJAVIK

MORE OPTIONS FOR MULTI TOURS

Here are a few other multi day group tours in Iceland, ranging from 2 to 8 days. These winter packages offer accommodation and some meals.

You can mix a few activities together such as the Iceland south coast with Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the blue cave experience, and more – depending on the drive/ Ring Road tour package offered.

✅ 2 DAY ICELAND TOUR > 2 DAY LAVA CAVE, HOT SPRINGS & SNAEFELLSJOKULL NATIONAL PARK TOUR

✅ 3 DAY ICELAND TOUR > 3 DAY GOLDEN CIRCLE, & SOUTH COAST TOUR

✅ 4 DAY TOUR > 4 DAY WINTER ADVENTURE TOUR – BLUE CAVE & GOLDEN CIRCLE

✅ 8 DAY RING ROAD TOUR > 8 DAY SOUTH, EAST AND NORTH ICELAND

Excursions in Iceland Winter and Travel Tips 

Read our full guide on Iceland Travel Tips . This guide has all the tools for planning your trip to Iceland like visa, winter travel, packing items, apps to download, budget tips, what to eat, and where to stay in Iceland.

How challenging is Iceland in winter?

As mentioned the winter months in Iceland are from November to late February. During this time driving on Icelandic roads is difficult. If you are not used to driving in winter conditions, it’s best to take one of these tours and sit back and enjoy it.

Also, keep in mind that most rental cars are manual, and if you require auto transmission it is pricier and has to be reserved in advance. 

If you are visiting Iceland for a short trip, consider staying in Reykjavik – the capital city, and then venture on day tours from here. You don’t need to have access to a private car to enjoy Iceland. These Iceland winter tours from Reykjavik will take care of return transportation, and guide you to the attractions. 

Temperature-wise, Iceland in winter averages from 0 °C (32 °F) on the south coast , and in the north it averages around −10 °C (14 °F). The lowest temperatures in the north go as low as around −25 to −30 °C (−13 to −22 °F). Northern Iceland is colder in winter than its southern counterpart. 

Typically, temperatures in Reykjavík range between -10 °C to 10 °C during winters. 

Packing warm clothing, and layering on is essential to enjoy winter adventure tours.

Note : Winters is a popular time for a visit to Iceland. Winter activities are different from those experienced in many other parts of the world. So definitely add these items to your bucket list and book them as soon as your trip is planned out. From Christmas to a few days after the New Year tours might be booked, so reserve your spot in advance. This is true for accommodation as well. 

Can you drive on the Iceland Ring Road route in winter?

Venturing out on the Ring Road, Iceland’s incredible 1,332-kilometer (820 miles ) route that loops around the island, presents a remarkable winter adventure. This epic journey encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, from snow-dusted mountains and icy waterfalls to geothermal hot spots and stunning coastal views.

But be prepared, winter driving in Iceland can be challenging due to volatile weather, low visibility, and road conditions. Snow, ice, and strong winds are common and daylight is limited. Therefore, ensure your vehicle is well-equipped with winter tires and always check the weather and road conditions before setting off.

If you are not comfortable driving in the snow, consider opting for a winter vacation package with a local tour operator. 

What is the best Iceland Tour company?

We have a few favorite operators who provide Iceland winter guided tours. These operators are based in the capital city (downtown area), and all round trip/ day tours from Reykjavik begins at/near the central bus station.  

  • Reykjavik Sightseeing – We have personally experienced Reykjavik Sightseeing tours and would highly recommend their team of hard-working professionals. They are very prompt in responding to your queries. And they have a variety of packages available (close to 40 tours). 
  • Reykjavik Excursions – Reykjavik Excursions is easily located in the Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport (Fly Bus). We used them to book our airport and Blue Lagoon transfers (For Blue Lagoon, you still have to book a package online, this is just a transfer. They do offer Iceland day tours as well as private tours
  • Arctic Adventures – Ideal for all of your Iceland Adventure Tours like volcano tour, ice caving, glacier hiking, and snowmobile tours.
  • Guide to Iceland – Guided day tours and options for multi-days in Iceland. They offer guided tours to Greenland
  • Grayline – One of the reputable tour companies in Iceland, they promote accessible tourism. They are also one of the oldest tour companies in Iceland. 

Is it worth going to Iceland in winter?

Absolutely, Iceland in winter is truly a wonder to behold! The country transforms into a stunning winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes that are nothing short of magical. 

Moreover, winter nights in Iceland provide the perfect conditions for one of nature’s most spectacular displays – the Northern Lights. The ethereal green, red, and purple hues dancing across the night sky are a sight you’ll never forget. However, do remember that daylight hours are significantly reduced in winter, but the soft winter light lends an enchanting ambiance to the scenery. 

Plus, tourist spots are less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. So, yes, it might be chilly, but the unique experiences that Iceland offers in winter make it absolutely worth a visit.

We hope you enjoyed our list of best winter tours in Iceland. Happy Booking your next Iceland Adventure!

Additional Resources – Prepare for Winter Iceland Tours

  • Reykjavik Guide – Budget activities to do in Reykjavik 
  • Iceland Tips – Prepare for your travel
  • Iceland Itinerary – Guide to experiencing Iceland in 3 days
  • Iceland October Guide – Visit Iceland in October

Essential Europe Guides

  • Europe Trip Guide – If this is your first trip to Europe, read our Europe Planning Guide
  • Europe one week itinerary samples – 27 European Itinerary samples to craft your own
  • Europe winter destinations – Top places to visit in Europe in winter
  • Winter sun destinations – Winter sun destinations for December to February
  • Best Winter Boots for Europe – Our top picks for winter boots
  • Best Walking Shoes for Europe – Comfortable walking shoes in Europe
  • Europe Packing – Get our in-depth packing list for Europe 
  • Winter tours in Europe – Must do Europe winter tours

Pin – 10 Best Iceland Winter Tours to Book

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

Similar Posts

9 Absolute Best Dubrovnik Food Tours to check out

9 Absolute Best Dubrovnik Food Tours to check out

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other! These hand-picked best Dubrovnik food tours are not just about tantalizing your taste buds, but also about getting to know the enticing blend of history, culture, and tradition that shapes the Pearl of the Adriatic!  Strap on your most comfortable shoes and prepare to…

12 Exciting Things to do in Niagara Falls in the Summer

12 Exciting Things to do in Niagara Falls in the Summer

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hotels.com to bring forth some of the stunning wanderlust destinations in the USA. As always the opinions and ideas are my own. Post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Niagara Falls is a historical…

Plan a Day trip to Murano and Burano Islands: Tours + Tips

Plan a Day trip to Murano and Burano Islands: Tours + Tips

Want to plan a Venice day trip to Murano and Burano Islands? We got you covered! In this post, we will share a detailed transportation guide with handpicked Murano and Burano Islands tours that you can embark on with ease! Both Burano and Murano are two of the most important islands in the Venetian Lagoon,…

How to get from Reykjavik to Akureyri

How to get from Reykjavik to Akureyri

Wondering how to get from Reykjavik to Akureyri to check off all of your Iceland bucket list items? You are at the right spot. In this blog post, we will share all the ways to travel from Reykjavik to Akureyri – flights, buses, self-drive, tours, and other tips.  How to get from Reykjavik to Akureyri:…

11 Best Apartment Hotels in Reykjavik Iceland

11 Best Apartment Hotels in Reykjavik Iceland

Planning a trip to Iceland? You must read this detailed guide to the best apartment hotels in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. When you book an apartment hotel or a fully serviced aparthotel, you can take advantage of a kitchenette or a shared kitchen, parking, and spacious accommodation to call it home.  We stayed…

10 EPIC Belfast Giants Causeway Tours to take this year

10 EPIC Belfast Giants Causeway Tours to take this year

Looking for the best value Belfast Giants Causeway tours? We got you covered! We have explored the UNESCO Heritage site on a small group guided tour, and tried multiple operators in the United Kingdom to give you a list of the perfect excursions to choose from! The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most spectacular…

Can I book this 10 Iceland tours in one and how, is there is a tour guide

Hi Catherine,

Yes there will be a tour guide in all the activities. Some do not include transportation and some do, which is highlighted within the post for each tour.

To book all the 10 tours, you will have to book them individually and arrange for accommodation. I would recommend looking at the multi-day option for booking up to a 7-day tour (with accommodation included).

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Iceland is open for travel. Check volcano updates here

  • Language/Currency EN Language EN English CN Chinese $ USD ISK ISK $ USD € EUR CA$ CAD £ GBP

best tours in iceland winter

Winter Tours in Iceland

Best tours and activities for the winter season in Iceland

  • BEST WINTER ACTIVITIES

BEST WINTER ACTIVITIES IN ICELAND

Ice caving tours.

Ice caves are naturally formed in glaciers during winter. They are shaped by the water going through and under the glacier. Each year new ice caves appear, so you'll never know what you'll get even after visiting a number of ice caves the previous year. Ice caving tours are the best and safest way to visit this incredible natural phenomenon.

Inside the Crystal Ice Cave Tour

Northern Lights Tours

The famous aurora borealis appear in the night sky in lots of shapes and mesmerizing colors. Join a  Northern Lights tour  to have your best chance of seeing them. Your experienced guide will lead you to some of the best spots for catching them and tell you more about this magical phenomenon.

Northern Lights dancing in the Winter Sky | South West, Iceland.

Golden Circle Tours

Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most famous touristic routes in Iceland, including three major attractions - Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geyser Geothermal Area. Join one of the Golden Circle tours , where your fun and knowledgeable guide will share the stories about each of those significant places and make your time even more worthwhile.

Inside the Golden Circle Tour | Arctic Adventures

Horseback Riding Tours

Riding an Icelandic horse through the most scenic landscape is probably one of the best ways to experience Icelandic nature and the beauty it has to offer. The Icelandic horse is one of the friendliest animals you can encounter. But don't be fooled by their amiable appearance - these horses are extremely strong and can walk for miles through the rugged landscape. Join one of the  horseback riding tours  and see it for yourself!

Furry Icelandic Horses in Winter

Guided Multi-Day Tour

Multi-day tours  will allow you to see the best of Iceland in a limited amount of time. Go glacier hiking and ice caving in one day and visit a waterfall and black sand beach on the other - the multi-day tours offer a plethora of attractions.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall during Winter in Iceland

Glacier Hiking Tours

Iceland is one of the few places on Earth where you can see glaciers. And the most popular way of exploring them is by going on a glacier hike. Join us on the glacier hiking tours , where the certified glacier guide will walk you safely through the glacial landscape and share the history of the glacier in Iceland.

Inside the Glacier Hike Tour in Skaftafell | Arctic Adventures

ICELAND WINTER TOURS - FAQ

Is winter a good time to visit iceland.

Winter is an excellent time to visit Iceland. Even though summer is considered to be a high season for tourism in Iceland, visiting it during the winter unlocks many new opportunities, such as visiting mesmerizing  ice caves  or seeing the  Northern Lights . So don't be spooked by the cold, dress warm, and plan your winter trip to Iceland!

best tours in iceland winter

Is Iceland cheaper in winter?

Iceland in winter is relatively cheaper compared to summer as it experiences lower tourist crowds. So, even though Iceland is an expensive country, your trip doesn't have to be. Check out our blog post on  traveling to Iceland on a budget  to learn even more money-saving tips!

How many days do you need in Iceland?

It really depends on how many activities you want to do. So we say - the more, the better! Although, the average time span for visiting Iceland is 5-7 days which will allow you to see a considerable amount of its main attractions, such as Reykjavik, South Coast, and Golden Circle. Check out the  multiday tours  to explore more possibilities of what can be done in a limited amount of time!

Is it good to visit Iceland in January?

January is considered to be one of the quieter months. It's when all the fuss from the Christmas holidays is gone. But even so, January is an excellent time to visit Iceland because it's when all the ground is covered in sparkling snow, and it really becomes a winter wonderland. Still not convinced. Check out  this guide on visiting Iceland in January !

best tours in iceland winter

Share our passion for Iceland, get top travel stories & special offers to your inbox

best tours in iceland winter

  • Packing List

Iceland Winter Tours

Iceland Winter Tours | The Best Of The Best 2024

There is a ridiculous range of activities and tours you can experience in Iceland in winter. Let me narrow it down to the very best you can find.

best tours in iceland winter

Banner Title

Necessary Spacing

Here are all of the best tours in one place!

  • The Golden Circle – Book Here
  • Silfra Snorkelling – Book Here
  • The Northern Lights – Book Here
  • Snowmobiling – Book Here
  • Whale Watching – Book Here
  • Glacier Hiking – Book Here
  • The Blue Lagoon – Book Here
  • Diamond Beach – Book Here
  • Ice Caving – Book Here
  • Helicopter Ride – Book Here
  • Food In Reyjkavik – Book Here

In the article below we go into much more detail about each of these incredible tours!

The Best Iceland Winter Tours

If you haven’t really looked into all the Iceland winter tours you can get up to then I assure you, this list will blow your mind. Visitors to Iceland are blessed with a mindboggling array of incredible activities all over the country, especially in the winter months.

If you have already got a pretty good idea of what you want to get up to then don’t click away too soon! I have taken all of the tours that Iceland has to offer in the winter and narrowed them down to the very best, the #1, the creme of the crop!

So, have a read, check out my recommendations and find out how to really maximise your Iceland vacation. Don’t forget to book your airport shuttle first so that you can get on with the important job of having fun!

Golden Circle Tours

I had to start with the most popular activity in the whole of Iceland. The Golden Circle is literally the path most trodden by any and all tourists that visit Iceland, and for good reason. The route consists of three of the most spectacular sights in the south: Thingvellir national park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.

What makes this route so incredibly popular is its outstanding national beauty that really encompasses all that is incredible about Iceland and it’s relatively close proximity to Reykjavik. This means that tour costs stay reasonable as transport costs are kept down.

Strokkur erupting on an Iceland tour in winter

In my opinion, this is the perfect 1st-day activity for anyone looking for a winter tour from Reykjavik and is visiting Iceland in winter. AND if you want to make your first day as memorable as it can possibly be then I highly recommend coupling your Golden Circle tour with a visit to the Secret Lagoon. It isn’t significantly more money and you get to end the day in one of the best geothermal baths in the whole of Iceland.

For the best Golden Circle tour in Iceland click here and for the Golden Circle tour starting with a visit to the Secret Lagoon click here .

Silfra Fissure Snorkelling & Diving Tour

This is one incredible tour that is often overlooked by many people visiting Thingvellir National Park. You may end up going to Thingvellir, seeing the Silfra fissure (it looks like a clear narrow stream from above) and leaving without ever knowing what actually lurks beneath those crystal blue waters.

I’ll tell you – 100m of perfectly clear underwater visibility in between two tectonic plates that are actively drifting apart. This is the only place in the world that you can dive or snorkel between two continents.

Not only that, the fissure is said to contain the clearest natural water and visibility anywhere in the world.

Diving in silfra fissure in Iceland during a tour

I have recommended a tour that uses dry suits which means that you really don’t have to worry about the very low water temperature. Also, if you are already planning a Golden Circle tour and you are thinking about snorkelling the Silfra fissure then I recommend combining the two to save money.

If you are thinking about diving the Silfra fissure then there are certain diving qualifications you will need to have. Have a look here for more information about whether you qualify.

For the best snorkelling experience at the Silfra fissure click here and for a Golden Circle and Silfra fissure combo, click here .

The Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is one of the things that is just a given. You could potentially pass on snowmobiling on a glacier or grabbing a helicopter tour into the mountains if you were on an incredibly strict budget, but you can’t pass on an opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis.

This is one of the easiest and best places to see it in the whole world and is one of the best tours you can do in Iceland in the winter.

There is a good argument that you could see the Northern Lights without having to pay the money for a tour, however, the tour companies know exactly where to go to get the minimum amount of light pollution and the best chance of seeing them.

best tours in iceland winter

Furthermore, if you are a photographer and you are looking to get some stunning images of the Northern Lights then the tour guides will take you to the best spots for great composition, including some incredible backdrops and landscapes.

For the best Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik click here .

Snowmobiling On A Glacier

This is one of the most fun things we did on our Iceland holiday and it is well worth it, especially for couples and small groups. It’s also a fantastic tour to get on in the winter as nearly all of the routes and glaciers are open, so your choices are a lot higher.

Zooming along over a massive never-ending sheet of ice, high up in the mountains is an experience you will never forget, trust me. It is one of the best ways to experience the true remoteness of some of Iceland’s terrain and have a serious amount of fun at the same time!

Snowmobiling In Iceland - With Mountaineers Of Iceland! - Langjökull Glacier!

The best news of all is that one of the best glaciers to snowmobile on is very accessible from Reykjavik, so you don’t even need to travel that far to get there.

They actually pick up from Gullfoss waterfall as well, so if you are just finishing a tour of the Golden Circle then you save quite a lot of money going snowmobiling from Gulfoss, rather than being picked up in Reykjavik.

I have written a complete guide to snowmobiling in Iceland so if you want more information on age requirements, difficulty levels and all of your best options then check it out.

For the very best snowmobile tour in Iceland click here and for the same snowmobile experience coupled with an ice cave AND the secret lagoon click here .

Whale Watching Tour

The best place to go whale watching in Iceland has to be in Husavik in the north, a small yet incredibly beautiful fishing town. However, this is where the choice becomes a little difficult.

Tours from Husavik do not run all the way through the winter, as the roads to the North get cut off when the weather gets too bad.

If this is the case then your only option would be Reykjavik in the south. However, there are a lot fewer species of whale to see in south Iceland so you have to accept that it will not be as fruitful as in the north. Check out our entire guide to whale watching in Reykjavik here or watch our video below about exactly what you can expect!

Saying that, the weather can get very choppy in the north in the winter so you could end up travelling all the way there to have your whale-watching tour cancelled.

Whale Watching In Reykjavik On A Yacht! - Sea Trips Amelia Rose

Firstly you have to decide whether whale watching is up there in your must-do’s for Iceland.

If it is then I recommend making the journey to Husavik to maximise your chances of seeing the best whale-watching sights that Iceland has to offer. If you are 50-50 then I would not recommend taking a whale watching tour in the winter.

For the best whale watching in Husavik click here . Remember to check road conditions if you are driving in the winter as roads can become blocked.

Glacier Hiking & Climbing Tour

There are a number of different winter glacier tours in Iceland that do not involve the actual climbing up the ice. However, I really feel that if you are fit and adventurous enough to be considering a glacier hiking tour then I know you’ll love the idea of doing some ice climbing.

It’ll allow you to experience extreme Iceland and not just be sitting in a heated coach looking through the window.

In this tour, you’ll grab a shuttle up to the glacier after being fitted with all of your specialist ice climbing gear. Then you’ll have a quick lesson on the best techniques for climbing the ice and then you’ll be off.

A man climbing up a glacier with ice climbing equipment on a tour in Iceland in winter

Not many people will be able to say they have climbed up walls of ice and if you are already the adventurous type or an avid climber then this is a great option to make your trip to Iceland a little more physical.

For the best glacier hike and climb in Iceland click here .

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is by far the most famous of all of the geothermal hot springs and lagoons in Iceland. Its huge blue pools and incredible facilities make it an absolute dream of a place to visit.

There is a bar, facial counter, sauna, tables and steam rooms all of which you can swim to so don’t worry about going in the winter as the only time you’ll be cold is when you get out for good!

You will get the option to get a bathrobe with your entry for an additional fee. I recommend doing so as it is much nicer to walk around in something warm, especially in the winter months.

Steam rising from the azure water of the blue lagoon in Iceland

If you don’t have your own vehicle then grab a bus ticket here and sort out entry tickets here . 

You can also pair the Blue Lagoon up with a Golden Circle tour just like the Secret Lagoon. If you are going to be going to the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle then why not save some money and pair them up?

Click here to book a combined ticket for the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and Kerid Crater!

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is roughly 5 hours by car from Reykjavik so if you are going for a short trip then you might not think it is worth it.

However, there is a reason why so many people make the long journey through the south-east. Diamond Beach is a one of kind experience that really takes your breath away.

Huge chunks of ice fall off of the glacier in the huge Jokulsarlon lagoon and slowly break up into smaller pieces. These pieces then make their way out to sea and wash up on the jet black sand of Diamond Beach.

The thousands of sparkling ice diamonds in contrast to the black of the sand is truly mesmerising.

An Iceland winter tour is a great way to see the jet black sands and diamond beach

I recommend going to Diamond Beach by hire car as it is much cheaper. However, if you do not have access to this then there is a fantastic day tour to the area. See Our entire guide to renting a 4×4 in Iceland here.

The southeast coast has some of the most famous and most beautiful coastal landscapes and waterfalls in the whole of Iceland so if you’re thinking about exploring more of the southeast then definitely check out the multi-day tour that encompasses the whole lot.

For the best 1-day Diamond Beach excursion click here . For a complete 2 day tour of the southeast, including Diamond Beach, click here .

Ice Cave Tour

Every year, when the temperature rises slightly in the summer, the glaciers melt a little. This creates brand new magical caverns and caves underneath the majestic sheets of ice.

This means when it comes to the winter, experts go out and try to find these new and incredible caves for people to walk in.

I highly recommend jumping on a natural ice cave tour and not one that is permanent. The natural caves are just that little more magical I think.

One of the best multi-tour experiences you can do is to snowmobile on a glacier, visit a remote ice cave and then finish in the Secret Lagoon. I actually think it’s the best 1-day tour I have ever seen in the whole of Iceland.

You have to take a tour in winter in Iceland to visit the natural ice caves

For the best ice cave tour in Iceland click here . For the incredible snowmobile, ice cave and Secret Lagoon tour click here .

Helicopter Tour

Don’t scroll past because you think that it will be entirely unaffordable. Compared to the other Iceland tours in this list, a budget helicopter tour is actually on the same sort of price point.

There are obviously some very long whole day helicopter tours that will run into the thousands of dollars but there is one that flies from Reykjavik and lands in the mountains to give you an incredible panoramic view of the south coast.

A helicopter on top of a mountain, a picture you can expect if you get a Iceland helicopter tours

I have written an entire guide to helicopter tours in Iceland if you want to check it out. However, if you are wanting to have a look at the best and cheapest helicopter tour you can get your mitts on then have a look here .

Reykjavik Food & Beer Tours

If you’re like me then maybe you want to try real authentic food and beer from every country you visit.

It can be difficult to do this on your own as you don’t know the best places in town or there’s a language barrier that prevents you from asking that you want something a bit more local. That’s where these 2 little gems come in!

If you are already planning to visit Reykjavik in winter then why not spend 4 hours walking the streets and visiting restaurants and shops to try 13 different local dishes from the best places in town. If you are a culinary enthusiast then this is the tour for you.

Or if you’re more into spirits then jump in and taste the unique spirits of Iceland.

For the best Reykjavik food tour click here and for the best Reykjavik spirits tour click here .

Recommended Packing List

It gets pretty cold in Iceland so we have compiled a list of products that you’re going to need to take if you want to make the most out of your trip! Take a look and remember, amazon has deals on all the time so make sure to go through the links to see the current price.

MOERDENG Women's Mountain Waterproof/Windproof Jacket

If you are thinking of going into colder climates then you have to make sure you have a suitable jacket to go along for the ride. This ski jacket is waterproof and windproof which helps keep out the cold and a fleece lining which helps to keep in the warmth. The jacket is also extremely affordable compared to other brands meaning your comfort is no longer going to cost you an arm and a leg!

CAMEL CROWN Fleece Lined Waterproof/Windproof Pants

People often buy really good gloves, hats, boots, and jackets when they are going into colder climates but neglect the need for a good pair of waterproof/windproof trousers to go along with it. These brilliant fleece-lined trousers will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable for those long days in the freezing cold.

Columbia Hiking Boots

You can spend an insane amount of money on hiking boots if you want (trust me, I have) but, unless you're planning on travelling to the Arctic Circle, you simply don't have to break the bank. These amazingly diverse and adaptable boots by Columbia will handle everything you throw at them, whilst keeping your feet dry, warm, and pain-free!

Fleece Lined Long Johns & Base Layer

If you really feel the cold but already have a decent jacket and insulated trousers , then you have to check out these fleece-lined thermal long johns and top base layer. These will fit under your outer clothes and give a massive increase to your warmth whilst paired with other quality winter wear. A must-have for someone who struggles with the cold.

KINGSBOM -40F° Waterproof & Windproof Thermal Gloves

If you need a pair of no-nonsense, warm, waterproof, and windproof gloves that will work with your touch devices then we highly recommend checking out these gloves. I recommend getting slightly larger than you think as the sizing is on the small size.

HOT FEET Winter Boot Socks

If you're going to be wearing boots, especially in colder climates, then you need to grab yourself a decent set of cold-weather socks. These thermal socks from HOT FEET don't break the bank and will keep your feet warm in some of the coldest weather. You also get 8 pairs!

ICEWEAR Vík Hat

A gorgeous 100% Icelandic wool hand-knitted hat to keep your head warm in the coldest situations. It would make a perfect gift/souvenir for anyone who is travelling to Iceland or has travelled to Iceland and forgotten to pick one up when they were there!

100% Cotton Cable Sweater

Cotton is the way to go to keep you warm on cold nights staring up at the beautiful starry sky, surrounded by ice and snow. This is from Amazon Basics so you're not paying a premium for a famous brand but you're still getting that thick cotton quality.

Classic Ear Warmers

Jade prefers wearing ear muffs because it gives her more options to style her hair whilst also keeping her little ears warm. If that sounds like something you might struggle with then check out these fantastic ear warmers that come in a variety of colours!

Panasonic LUMIX LX10

Saving Money On Iceland Winter Tours

We all know that Iceland tours can cost a pretty penny, therefore saving money whilst planning them is a must. Luckily there are a few things you can do to keep the cost down straight away. Try planning out exactly what winter tours you want to arrange in Iceland before you start booking.

Combining Tours

Combining tours in Iceland is a great start to saving money. You will be amazed at the number of strange combinations of tours you can get in Iceland.

This will end up saving you considerable money as a large percentage of the tour cost is transport. If you can visit multiple places and do multiple activities in the same rough area then the transport fees will be kept at a minimum.

Hire Vehicle

Consider renting a hire vehicle as many of the tours have multiple pickup zones. For example, the snowmobile tours pick up from either Reykjavik or Gullfoss. It is around an additional $50 each to be picked up from Reykjavik. If there is more than one of you travelling then it is much cheaper to hire a vehicle and make your way to a cheaper pickup point. And you get the added benefit of being able to arrange an epic road trip if you want!

You can also check prices and availability using the search box below.

Packed Lunch

Many of these tours stop for lunch breaks or snacks throughout the tours. They will always stop outside a restaurant or cafe for convenience. However, Iceland is not the cheapest place in the world for eating out so save yourself some money by preparing a packed lunch before your outing.

Anywhere else in the world I might not recommend this due to the hassle but you will be amazed at the money you will save.

Tipping is not expected at all in Iceland so do not feel like you have to shell out at the end of the tour to your friendly guide. It isn’t considered rude to tip in Iceland so if you really want to then feel free but you could save yourself some money with no guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a good selection of iceland winter tours.

Yes, the only activities that are not as good in winter are puffin watching (considering they are not there in the winter) and whale watching, due to the weather and whale migrations.

What Are The Best Iceland Winter Tours?

In my opinion, combining a Golden Circle tour with the snowmobiling, ice cave and Secret Lagoon tour is probably the best combination of tours you can do in Iceland.

Are Iceland Winter Tours Quieter Than In The Summer?

The winter in Iceland is much quieter than the summer however this can mean that tour operators just run fewer tours and they are as crowded. What is definitely true is that the locations will be considerably less busy in the winter than in summer.

Click on the image to repin this post!

There is a ridiculous range of activities and tours you can experience in Iceland in winter. Let me narrow it down to the very best you can find.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

APRIL SALE Extended:   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Winter 2025 Tours & Vacation Packages Iceland

40 iceland vacation packages in december, january and february.

Six Days in Iceland Tour

  • Northern Lights

Six Days in Iceland

Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle

Absolutely fantastic Roman our CEO was brilliant in every aspect of our tour.5 Stars all the way

6 Day Around Iceland Minibus Tour Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Coach / Bus
  • Sightseeing

6 Day Around Iceland Minibus Tour

Excellent tour operator that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone interested in an adventure in Iceland! I went during the winter and I really appreciated having an experienced tour guide/van driver who knew how to navigate the snow/ice/wind safely! I know I definitely couldn't have done that myself. Thank you Tröll Expeditions for the memories!

6 Day - Around Iceland Adventure Tour

6 Day - Around Iceland Adventure

Loved every second of the tour,gunnar the guide was excellent, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. And the group was just a good size to make friends.

Iceland Adventure: Northern Lights & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour

Iceland Adventure: Northern Lights & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Iceland including the Blue Lagoon (Winter, 6 Days) Tour

Iceland including the Blue Lagoon (Winter, 6 Days)

  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Northern Lights Escape Tour

Northern Lights Escape

This has been an incredible experience I will never forget. Stefan, our tour guide, was funny, knowledgeable and obviously in love with his country and so so excited to share it with us. Our group was amazing and Iceland was an amazing wonderland. The landscape was stunning and breathtaking and one of a kind. Even though we didn’t see the northern lights (weather and solar activity) I honestly don’t feel like I missed out. It’s just an invitation to come back to this wonderland. Please take this tour. It will change your life.

7 Day - Complete Iceland Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

7 Day - Complete Iceland

Great tour guide. Trip was interesting and enjoyed meeting all the new people who cam on the trip. The website was horrible not user friendly in the least. It took a very long time to finally connect to a human. Bad for older people to understand and navagate

8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour Tour

8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour

Amazing Tour with Troll Expeditions! Thales, our guide/driver was fabulous, he took us to many extra stops along the way. All the hotels were nice. Iceland was a dream come true, highly recommend Troll Expeditions.

Premium Iceland in Winter Tour

Premium Iceland in Winter

Iceland North & South - 6 days Tour

Iceland North & South - 6 days

Our tour guide, Hjalti was amazing! The hotels were lovely and of course the nature was magnificent. My only complaint is that bc this tour wasn’t very physically active, it brought out the worst type of people, those who don’t care about the wonders of Iceland, but rather only about their Instagram accounts.

3 Day - Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice Cave Tour

3 Day - Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice Cave

Fantastic! Iceland is like no other place on earth. Our three day tour covered the most popular destinations. Our tour guide and driver, Martin, was very knowledgeable and had us entertained the whole time. This tour was the highlight of our round the World Tour. Definitely a Bucket List destination! Of course it depends on the weather. We had great weather during our trip. I highly recommend this tour!!?

5 Day - Snaefellsnes, South Coast and Northern Lights Tour

5 Day - Snaefellsnes, South Coast and Northern Lights

Fantastic with awesome guides.

8 Day - Ultimate Iceland Highlight Hitter Tour

8 Day - Ultimate Iceland Highlight Hitter

Was not aware it was a 6 day tour with 2 separate day tours added in. This may have changed my mind. I understand that some things have to be changed due to the weather but the last day I thought we would see some other things not JUST the snowmobile ride. I understand that not all places are open at that time of year but some places we stayed were in the middle of nowhere with barely any food or only the hotel to eat.

8 Day - Iceland Northern Lights Tour Tour

8 Day - Iceland Northern Lights Tour

Excellent. Amazing scenery, tour guide was exceptional, providing a flexible itinerary when inclement weather impacted the schedule. His historical, geological and local knowledge was amazing.An incredible tour.

What people love about Iceland Tours in Winter

Great attention to detail. Enthusiast tour leader. Loved the adventure!
Excellent tour operator that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone interested in an adventure in Iceland! I went during the winter and I really appreciated having an experienced tour guide/van driver who knew how to navigate the snow/ice/wind safely! I know I definitely couldn't have done that myself. Thank you Tröll Expeditions for the memories!
It was an amazing experience! Our guide Thrust was the best! Thanks for taking us to such nice places.

Destinations

  • South Iceland Winter 2025 / 2026 (17)
  • Iceland South Coast Winter 2025 / 2026 (8)
  • Northern Lights Winter 2025 / 2026 (7)
  • Iceland Northern Lights Winter 2025 / 2026 (6)
  • Scandinavia Northern Lights Winter 2025 / 2026 (5)
  • Iceland Ring Road Winter 2025 / 2026 (5)
  • Iceland Golden Circle Winter 2025 / 2026 (5)
  • December 2025 (40)
  • January 2026 (21)
  • February 2026 (20)

More Departures

  • Spring 2024 tours (89)
  • Summer 2024 tours (179)
  • Fall / Autumn 2024 tours (192)
  • Winter 2024 / 2025 tours (127)
  • Spring 2025 tours (125)
  • Summer 2025 tours (60)
  • Fall / Autumn 2025 tours (75)
  • Iceland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
  • Best 7 Day Iceland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
  • Best 10 Day Iceland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
  • What is the best time to visit Iceland in 2024/2025?
  • Weather in Iceland in 2024/2025

Protect Your Trip »

The 17 best iceland tours: northern lights, waterfalls & more.

Enjoy glacier hikes, whale watching cruises and the northern lights on these Iceland tours.

The Best Iceland Tours

Aerial drone view of Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset, Iceland

Getty Images

With terrain shaped by volcanic eruptions and shifting tectonic plates and the surrounding waters filled with glaciers, icebergs and whales, Iceland is like no other place on Earth. It's also an ideal spot to observe a seasonal phenomenon above the Earth: the northern lights  (or aurora borealis).

The following Iceland tours, determined by U.S. News to be the best available thanks to expert input and traveler sentiment, provide ideal ways of experiencing all that this extraordinary place has to offer. All of these excursions are conducted by knowledgeable guides eager to share their insights into their country's special features.

Ice Lagoon Adventure Tours – Zodiac Boat Tour

Price: Adults from 14,900 Icelandic króna (about $108); kids from 8,900 króna (about $65) Duration: 75 minutes

Explore the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon – part of Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Europe's largest glacier – aboard an inflatable rigid boat on this expedition. In addition to icebergs and the glacial wall, you might also spot wildlife like seals and various bird species. Tourgoers consistently describe the guides as passionate and knowledgeable, and say photo opportunities abound. Trips are available from May through October several times a day, with departures in both the morning and the afternoon. The park containing the lagoon sits in the southeast part of the country, about 236 miles from Reykjavik . Ice Lagoon Adventure Tours also runs private excursions.

Check prices & availability on:

NiceTravel – Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Kerid Volcano

Price: Adults from $218; kids from $123 Duration: 11 hours

Visit the Golden Circle's top sights, including Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss, plus a volcanic crater and a pristine lagoon on this daylong journey. The park is of both geological and historical significance as it straddles a fault line between two tectonic plates and was the site of a Viking parliament that ruled for hundreds of years starting in A.D. 930. Other highlights include Geysir, a hot spring that shoots plumes of vapor into the air; Gullfoss (aka the Golden Waterfall) over which water cascades down more than 100 feet into a narrow canyon; Kerid, a colorful red-earth volcanic crater; and a two-hour stop at the heated waters of the popular Blue Lagoon. Tour-takers invariably find the scenery spectacular and the guides friendly and informative, though a few found the bus to be too small for the number of people on the tour. Tours happen daily all year long. Pickup from various locations in Reykjavik occurs between 8:30 and 9 a.m. and minibuses return to the city around 8 p.m.

Reykjavik Sailors – Whale Watching

Price: Adults from 11,990 króna (about $87); kids from 5,995 króna (about $44) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

While April to October is considered peak season for whale watching off Iceland's coast, humpback, minke and orca whales, as well as porpoises and dolphins, inhabit the waters all year. Reykjavik Sailors, located on Reykjavik's Old Harbour, offers whale watching boat trips throughout the year. Tourgoers report spotting ample wildlife, and appreciate the knowledgeable, friendly guides.

Transportation from area hotels is available for an additional fee. Snacks and beverages are available aboard the boat, which features outdoor viewing platforms as well as heated indoor space. Reykjavik Sailors also operates tours of the northern lights, among other options.

Arctic Adventures – Crystal Ice Cave Tour Iceland

Price: Adults from about $161; kids from around $137 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Take a ride in an off-roading vehicle from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to the edge of the massive Vatnajökull glacier and then hike to a natural ice cave on this small-group excursion. The tour, which is limited to 14 travelers, also allows you to witness the result of calving – the process of icebergs breaking off of glaciers. Tourgoers frequently praise the capable and personable guides. Many reviewers called this the highlight of their trip to Iceland.

Trips depart from the lagoon daily from October to mid-April beginning at 9:20 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. While the hike to the cave is rated as easy, children younger than 6 are not allowed on this trip. All of the necessary safety equipment is included in the cost of the tour. Arctic Adventures conducts a variety of ice cave tours, glacier hikes and more.

The Best Iceland Tours

BusTravel Iceland – South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach Tour

Price: Adults from 13,990 króna (about $103); kids from 6,995 króna (about $52) Duration: 10 hours

This daylong outing affords opportunities to explore the glaciers, volcanos and other distinctive features of Iceland's southern coast . Highlights include Skógafoss, a nearly 200-foot waterfall beside the Eyjafjallajökull volcano; the slightly taller Seljalandsfoss waterfall; Reynisfjara, a beach on the north Atlantic Ocean with black volcanic sand and basalt columns; a stop for lunch in the fishing village of Vik; and Sólheimajökull glacier. Tour-takers consistently call the scenery extraordinary and the guides informative, though they do warn that it is a long day.

Transportation from various Reykjavik locations is available for an additional charge. Pickups occur between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Prices do not cover any food and drink in Vik. Note: Reaching the glacier involves walking on uneven ground. BusTravel Iceland also leads tours exploring the Golden Circle, the northern lights and more.

Your Friend in Reykjavik – Walk With a Viking

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $29 Duration: 2 hours

See the sights of Reykjavik on this two-hour walking tour of the city's center. Highlights include Harpa (an incredible performance venue), Hallgrímskirkja church, the Parliament building and Reykjavik harbor, as well as the first Viking house. Tour-takers find this stroll to be a great way to get to know the city and recommend taking the tour on one of your first days in Iceland. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as great storytellers and eager to answer any questions.

Groups of up to 12 depart from Ingólfur Square daily at 10 a.m. and 1 and 5 p.m. Your Friend in Reykjavik offers a variety of tours, including food tours, cooking classes, adventure tours and more.

Troll Expeditions – Snorkeling in Silfra

Price: From 19,900 króna (about $145) Duration: 3 hours

Snorkel between tectonic plates in the only place where that's possible during this adventure. Located in Thingvellir National Park about a 30-mile drive northeast of Reykjavik, Silfra fissure lies in the space where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates have slowly moved apart. Its water, from the melted ice of the Langjökull glacier, is exceptionally clean, boasting visibility of about 330 feet. Snorkelers laud the attentive, professional guides as well as the one-of-a-kind experience.

Snorkeling trips are available year-round at least twice a day; start times vary depending on the season. Groups are limited to six people. There are age, weight and health restrictions for this tour; check with the company before you book to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. Troll Expeditions also offers guided glacier hikes, day trips and multiday excursions around the country to the South Coast, Ring Road and more.

Wake Up Reykjavik – Reykjavik Food Tour

Price: Adults from 16,900 króna (about $123); kids from 9,900 króna (about $72) Duration: 3 hours

Sample an array of Icelandic cuisine on this walking tour of downtown Reykjavik. Try eight traditional dishes, including fish and grass-fed lamb, as well as ice cream and street food. (Vegetarians and those with allergies or other dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated.) Between stops, you'll stroll past notable sites, such as the Parliament building and city hall. Travelers praise the pace of the tour and the dishes featured. Reviewers also applauded guides for their humor and the depth of their knowledge about Iceland's history and culture.

Tours start outside Harpa concert hall every day beginning at 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wake Up Reykjavik also organizes day trips to the Golden Circle, the South Coast and more.

Adventure Vikings – Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling

Price: From 18,990 króna (about $138) Duration: 2 to 4.5 hours

Explore the pristine glacial waters between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on this snorkeling tour in Silfra, one of the world's top dive sites. Part of Thingvellir National Park, Silfra fissure is the result of the two tectonic plates separating at a rate of about 2 centimeters per year. The fissure is filled with water from Langjökull glacier that's been filtered through lava fields, making it incredibly pure. Snorkelers rave about the Silfra fissure's beauty and praise the guides for their attention to safety.

The tour lasts up to 4.5 hours depending if round-trip transportation from Reykjavik is needed. Prices include use of snorkeling equipment. You can rent a wearable GoPro camera for an additional 6,900 króna (around $51). Tours are available year-round. Snorkelers must be at least 12 years old; groups have no more than six people per guide. Participants preferring to don a less restrictive (but also less warm) wetsuit instead of a dry suit have that option. There are height and weight requirements for this tour. Adventure Vikings also leads surfing and stand-up paddleboarding tours, among other outings.

The Best Iceland Tours

Special Tours – Northern Lights by Boat

Price: Adults from 12,990 króna (about $95); kids from 6,495 króna (about $48) Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Enjoy the unique opportunity to observe the northern lights from the ocean on this two- to three-hour boat ride. You'll depart from Old Harbour in Reykjavik and be in the perfect viewing location away from the city lights after about a 20-minute cruise. Along the way, guides regale passengers with stories, myths and scientific facts about the aurora borealis. Travelers praise the amazing views as well as the humorous, helpful guides. Others appreciated the company's backup plan: If the conditions aren't favorable for viewing the lights from the water, you can hunt for the lights by bus, or choose one of the company's other tours (such as a daytime whale watching excursion) at no charge.

Cruises are available nightly in the fall and winter. Departure times vary by time of year, but boats typically sail at 10 p.m. in September and mid-March to mid-April; they depart at 9 p.m. from October to mid-March. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. The company also offers whale watching excursions, fishing trips and more.

ĺshestar – Lava Tour

Price: Adults from 15,900 króna (about $117); kids from 11,925 króna (about $87) Duration: 2 hours

Admire the green hillsides and lava fields just outside Reykjavik on this two-hour small-group horseback riding tour. The stables are located about 10 miles south of the city center; round-trip transportation is available if you don't have your own car. Travelers frequently describe riding an Icelandic horse as a fantastic experience, and they generally appreciate the professionalism of the staff who lead the outing.

Rides depart every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost includes the use of helmets and boots, as well as post-ride coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Round-trip transportation from Reykjavik is available for an additional fee and starts an hour before the tour. Groups are limited to 20 participants; all must be at least 7 years old and weigh less than 240 pounds. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary. Longer, multiday trail rides, as well as private tours are also available.

BusTravel Iceland – Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour

Price: Adults from 16,990 króna (about $125); kids from 8,495 króna (about $62) Duration: 11 hours

In addition to its tours of the southern coast, BusTravel Iceland offers a daylong tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an area northwest of Reykjavik that boasts black sand beaches, lava fields, beautiful waterfalls , rock formations and more. Highlights include Berserkjahraun lava fields, which date back to a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago; the 1,520-foot Kirkjufell (aka Church Mountain); the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls; Snaefellsjökull National Park and the cliffs of Arnarstapi harbor, once a bustling fishing area. Travelers typically enjoy both the dramatic landscapes and the guides' commentary.

Tours last approximately 11 hours. Pickup from various Reykjavik locations is available for an additional fee. Tours are available daily starting at 8 and 9 a.m.

CityWalk Reykjavik – Free Walking Tour Reykjavik

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Stroll among the main attractions of downtown Reykjavik , including the statue of Jón Sigurðsson and the Harpa concert hall, on this approximately two-hour, 1.3-mile tour. Guides will regale you with stories concerning Icelandic history, as well as lore involving elves, Vikings and more, which tour-takers deem highly entertaining.

Walks start at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. every day at the Austurvöllur (the city's main square) and conclude at city hall. Bookings open up about five days in advance. While there's no fee for this tour, guides do appreciate tips. There are no age or group-size limits. CityWalk Reykjavik does offer a slightly longer, small-group tour for a fee.

Check availability on:

The Best Iceland Tours

GeoIceland – Premium Golden Circle Tour

Price: Adults from 18,900 króna (about $140); kids from 14,900 króna (about $110) Duration: 9 hours

Visit the rift between two tectonic plates, the powerful waterfall and the geothermal area comprising Iceland's famed Golden Circle and more on this daylong tour. In addition to the high cliffs of the rift valley in Thingvellir National Park, the often rainbow-adorned Gullfoss waterfall and the hot spring Geysir, this tour stops at the Kerid volcanic crater, as well as a tomato farm. Tour-takers frequently cite both the stunning scenery and the friendly, amusing guides as highlights of this journey.

Buses depart from the Aurora Reykjavik museum daily at 9 a.m. and return approximately nine hours later. Prices include admission to all attractions, but exclude lunch at the tomato farm's restaurant. GeoIceland also runs tours that depart from other cities in Iceland, including Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn area.

Iceland Everywhere Tours – Northern Lights Midnight Adventure Tour

Price: From 15,800 króna (around $115) Duration: 3 to 5 hours

Spend the night searching for the northern lights on this seasonal outing. During the trip, guides not only provide information about the aurora borealis, local history and Icelandic culture, but also assist participants with finding the right setting on their cameras or smartphones to capture the best images. Free professional photographs are also available if you'd prefer to simply admire the sky. Reviewers rave about the colorful lights and appreciate the small size of the group. Several travelers also called out the insightful guides as a highlight.

These minibus rides happen every night from September to mid-April starting at 9 p.m. and last from three to five hours. Transportation from area hotels is available. There is a maximum of 15 participants per each tour. Iceland Everywhere Tours also offers guided excursions to the South Coast and the Golden Circle.

Funky Iceland – The Funky Food & Beer Walk

Price: Adults from 18,000 króna (about $131); kids from 7,500 króna (about $55) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy a culinary adventure on this three-hour walking tour of Reykjavik. The tour has five food stops featuring nine traditional Icelandic dishes, such as lamb stew, dried fish and fermented shark, as well as five locally crafted beers. Foodies tend to relish the savvy guides' insights into Icelandic culture and cuisine. Tours start outside the Hallgrímskirkja Church at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Groups range in size from two to eight people.

Icelandic Mountain Guides – Blue Ice Experience

Price: Adults from 18,999 króna (about $138); kids from 13,299 króna (about $97) Duration: 3.5 hours

Hike among the ice formations, crevasses and frozen ridges of the enormous Vatnajökull glacier on this small-group expedition. Outings of up to 15 people commence at the welcome center at Skaftafell (about 200 miles southeast of Reykjavik) and last about 3.5 hours, including up to 1.5 to two hours on the ice. Past participants consistently describe the scenery as stunning and the guides as professional and informative.

Tours are available multiple times a day, beginning at 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Children younger than 10 may not join the tour. Prices include the use of ice axes, harnesses and crampons. Icelandic Mountain Guides operates a variety of glacier walks, snowmobile tours and guided hikes.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best Hotels in Reykjavik
  • The Northern Lights in Iceland: How to See Them
  • The Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises for 2024 & Beyond
  • The Best Places to Visit in Europe
  • The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Iceland , Tours , Travel , Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 10 best harry potter tours in london.

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Iceland Trippers Logo

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

Skogafoss waterfall partially frozen in the wintertime with snow surrounding it

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.

sitting on a rock looking out at the Godafoss waterfall covered in snow and icicles and a landscape behind it including a mountain also draped in snow

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. 

walking along the water on the black sand beach with a stormy sky over the Vestrahorn mountain during your Iceland winter itinerary

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. 

wearing a red raincoat at the base of the thundering Skogafoss waterfall

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.

driving down a road in Iceland in the winter with everything covered in snow as you complete your Iceland winter itinerary

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!

Seljalandsfoss in the winter with the surrounding area partially covered in snow and the vast south coast landscape turned brown

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. 

standing on a boulder at the base of the waterfall Gljufrabui watching the water stream through from the opening in the top of the cavern

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

Kvernufoss waterfall slightly reduced in size due to being partially frozen with icicles and snow around it

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

Svartifoss waterfall with basalt columns framing it and icicles and snow surrounding it

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.

wearing a white bathing suit and standing in the water of the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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

best tours in iceland winter

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

the Northern Lights over the plane crash on the Solheimasandur black sand beach

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

sitting on top of a basalt column at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach looking out at the Atlantic Ocean

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

tourists spending part of their Iceland winter itinerary soaking in the Secret Lagoon in the winter with snow sprinkled mountains in the background

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.

a snowy landscape and snow covered changing hut surround the Hrunalaug Hot Springs, a stop on your Iceland winter itinerary

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.

a sideview of the Faxafoss waterfall with a brown winter landscape surrounding it

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.

Gullfoss Waterfall partially frozen in the winter with snow surrounding it

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.

Strokkur geyser erupting with a cloud streaked blue sky in the background

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

A look at two of the geothermal pools at Laugarvatn Fontana surrounded by rocks with the main building in the background

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

four snorkelers swimming in the clear water of the Silfra Fissure

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. 

the Northern Lights over Selfosskirkja in the town of Selfoss

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

steam rising from the river water of the Reykjadalur Hot Springs on a sunny day as you complete your Iceland winter itinerary

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

snow covering Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss with the Northern Lights overhead

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.

Londrangar in the distance with a snowy rock wall in the foreground and the Atlantic Ocean crashing up against the rocks

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.

standing on top of the Arnarstapi natural bridge over the Atlantic Ocean with snow sprinkled over the rocks

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

the Budir black church in the winter with the ground and mountains around it covered in snow

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

soaking in the very blue water of the Blue Lagoon with no one else around surrounded by lava rock

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

A girl in red swimsuit with manmade rocks with steam coming over the infinity edge

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

a look out at the city of Reykjavik during the winter with a mountain in the background covered with snow

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.

Guy and girl on horseback riding along the beach under a colorful sky

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

best tours in iceland winter

  • Testimonials

logo 1

Travel to Iceland in Winter to Explore Northern Lights

Travel to Iceland   and join one of our Iceland winter tours to avoid crowds and experience the dazzling glory of Northern Lights, the twinkling spectaple also known as Aurora Borealis. Less tourists, lower rates and additionally much more cultural life and arctic chill. Return home with unforgettable memories and breathtaking picures taken on this beautuful journey. Iceland is truly amazing in any season.

Oh, and by the way, along with New York, Berlin, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, London, Sydney and Hong Kong, REYKJAVIK is in the top 10 best places in the world to celebrate New Year's Eve! Please check out our New Year's special Iceland tours under this link:  http://nordicsaga.com/new-years-in-iceland

Travel to Iceland and join one of our Iceland winter tours to avoid crowds and experience the dazzling glory of Northern Lights, the twinkling spectaple also known as Aurora Borealis. Less tourists, lower rates and additionally much more cultural life and arctic chill.

Northern Lights Exploration - Small Group

Northern Lights Exploration - Small Group

Explore the best of Western, Southern & Southeast Iceland in the winter: discover the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Black lava beach. A bestseller with up to 98% chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Max. 16 people

Northern Lights Exploration

Northern Lights Exploration

Explore the best of Western, Southern & Southeast Iceland in the winter discover the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Black lava beach. Climb a volcano, embark on a fjord cruise, stop at a shark farmer, meet Icelandic horses on a farm, see turf farmsteads and churches. A bestseller with up to 98% chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Max. 35 people.

Guided Iceland Circle & Northern Lights

Guided Iceland Circle & Northern Lights

See the best of Iceland in the shortest possible time on this guided circle tour around the island. Enjoy a leisurely group tour on Iceland’s ring road, combining nature, soft adventure, and cultural experiences. Fortnightly departures on Fridays, all year-round! Group size - max. 30 people

Around Iceland Express

Around Iceland Express

The Land of Northern Lights

The Land of Northern Lights

Bestseller to explore South Iceland during the winter with a focus on the Northern Lights. Visit Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon, the Black lava beach, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfall, the Golden Circle, meet Icelandic horses on a farm and see the Northern Lights. Optional Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull and Northern Lights by boat cruise from Reykjavík. Excellent value for money and a short stay in Iceland.

Hidden Powers & Northern Lights of Iceland

Hidden Powers & Northern Lights of Iceland

Reykjavik - Thingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss - South Shore - Vatnajokull National Park - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Hveragerdi - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavik A great introduction to Iceland and its unique wonders, many of the classic natural wonders, including the Golden Circle area, the Glacier Lagoon and Reynisfjara Beach, a glimpse into Icelandic life with activities like meeting Icelandic horses and a visit to a geothermal bakery Max. group size - 36 people

Hidden Powers And Northern Lights Small Group

Hidden Powers And Northern Lights Small Group

See first-hand Iceland’s amazing natural forces on this best-selling winter visit to Iceland’s beloved Golden Circle, South shore and Vatnajokull regions, in a small group setting Max. group size-16 people

Iceland Complete Winter

Iceland Complete Winter

COMPLETE ICELAND RING ROAD - AURORA EDITION Reykjavik - Geysir - Gullfoss - Skogar - Dyrholaey - Vik - Skaftafell - Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Hofn - East Fjords - Egilsstadir - Lake Myvatn - Akureyri - Siglufjordur - Skagafjordur - Borgarnes - Borgarfjordur - Thingvellir - Reykjavik Group size - max. 24 people

Snaefellsnes, South Iceland & Northern Lights

Snaefellsnes, South Iceland & Northern Lights

South Coast, Golden Circle and Ice Caving

South Coast, Golden Circle and Ice Caving

Will we see the northern lights.

Unfortunately, there is no 100% guarantee of spotting the Northern Lights. It's a natural phenomenon depending on many factors. However, being in the right place at the right time can help, and the guides are doing their best to help you to see this wonder.

When is the best time to see the Northen Lights?

The best time is from from late September to late March/ early April. During this time, the Arctic sky is dark enough for the Northern Lights to be visible in the right conditions.

What to wear in Iceland in winter?

Dress in layers, ideally wool, waterproof and windproof outer layer, thermal underwear is a must.Watergroof gloves, winter hat and a scarf.

What are the best places to see the Northen Lights?

The best places to see the Northen Lights are outskirts of the town in the countryside where it is dark enough, with as little as possible light pollution.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Private Order
  • Travel Insurance

Nordic Saga Tours Division of Bridges Unlimited Inc. 18518 Bothell Way NE, Ste. # B Bothell, WA 98011

Nordic Saga Tours Europe, UAB Kranto St. 23-17 Panevezys, Lithuania EU +37068471702

[email protected] toll-free: (800)848-6449 local: 425-487-2835 (4TRAVEL)

best tours in iceland winter

Iceland winter vacations

Escape to a snowy wonderland with these Iceland winter vacation packages. Chase the Northern Lights, explore ice caves, and marvel at glistening glaciers. And with your itinerary, transport, and accommodation organized for you, booking is a breeze.

  • Packages designed by local experts
  • Extend your trip with extra days
  • Add winter activities like ice caving
  • 24/7 helpline in Iceland

31 trips found

The Northern Lights over a lake in south Iceland

Iceland Ultimate Day Tripper with Northern Lights

Combine a stay in wintry Reykjavík with guided day tours into the frosted countryside.

Person exploring glacier ice cave in Iceland

Iceland Active Winter Wellness

Combine thrilling activities with blissful hot spring visits.

Reykjavik and Mount Esja covered in snow

Christmas Wonders of Iceland Group Adventure

Spend Christmas in Iceland and glimpse waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and more

Person with torch admiring the northern lights in Iceland

Northern Lights Ring Road Group Adventure

Explore jaw-dropping landscapes and learn about local culture from an expert guide.

Jökulárslón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

Winter Wonders of Iceland – Big Group Adventure

Set off on a wintry adventure around the south coast.

Þingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament

Winter Wonders of Iceland – Small Group Adventure

Discover top attractions in winter with a local guide.

Mountaineers of Iceland Langjökull snowmobile tour

Active Iceland Fire and Ice Expedition

Experience glaciers up close and walk in the footsteps of lava.

 Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

Iceland Waterfall & Glacier Adventure

Witness water in all of its wonderful forms.

The Goðafoss waterfall during the winter surrounded by snow

Iceland Ring Road Winter Group Adventure

Travel around this winter wonderland with an expert guide.

An interesting view of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Iceland Glacier & Hot Spring Winter Road Trip

Fire meets ice on this wintry adventure.

two people hiking along lagoon at night with green northern lights in the sky

Ice Adventure Day Tripper with Northern Lights

The super customizable one.

A snowy road on the Snæfellsnes peninsula

Iceland Ring Road Winter Adventure with Snæfellsnes

The ultimate Iceland winter road trip.

Showing 12 of 31 trips

About our Iceland winter vacations

  • Choose from self-drive or bus tours
  • Secure your booking with 5% deposit
  • Flexible departure dates
  • Trusted by travelers for 40 years

Don’t take our word for it

See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

FAQs about Iceland winter tours

Is it worth going to iceland in winter.

It’s 100% worth it! Iceland is a winter wonderland full of things to see and do at this time of year. Although it gets chilly, it’s probably not as cold as you think.

Many attractions remain open year-round, especially along the south coast and in the Reykjavík area. In fact, some natural sights like waterfalls look even more spectacular covered in snow and ice.

Then there are some things you can only do in winter. For example, ice caves are open just in the coldest months. And if a Northern Lights tour is on your list, then you’ll need the dark skies that winter provides.

Is Iceland dark in the winter?

Yes, in Iceland the days are shorter in the wintertime and so there’s more darkness. The darkest months are December and January, with days gradually getting longer again toward the summer.

Shorter hours of daylight give you more time to spot the Northern Lights though. The long evenings can also be really cozy, especially around Christmas when the lights are on. The drawn-out, salmon-tinted sunrises and sunsets are spectacular too.

How cold is Iceland in winter?

It’s undeniably chilly in Iceland in wintertime, but it’s not as cold as other countries on the same latitude. Thanks to the warming currents of the Gulf Stream, it rarely drops more than a few degrees below freezing in most of the country.

February is the coldest month, with the average temperature being around 1°C (33°F). In the countryside, it’s often a couple of degrees colder. That said, temperatures still don’t plunge to the icy depths you see in North America or continental Europe.

The wind can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests though. So make sure you bring plenty of warm layers (see our suggested packing list below).

Check out this guide to Iceland’s weather and climate for more on what to expect.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland in winter?

Absolutely! The star attraction in the wintertime is the Northern Lights. In fact, they’re only visible in the dark, so you have to go in winter if you want to see them. Longer nights means more time to chase them down.

As they’re a natural phenomenon, no one can guarantee you’ll see them for sure. In order to catch a sighting, you’ll need:

  • Plenty of darkness (away from the city)
  • Clear skies
  • High levels of solar activity

Fortunately, winter gives you darkness in spades. On a Northern Lights tour package , you can even join a special expedition to search for them.

If you’re lucky and conditions are right, you might just get to spot them. We think the rarity of the Northern Lights is what makes them all the more special!

Learn more with this guide to the Northern Lights and find out the best places to see the aurora borealis in Iceland .

What can you do in Iceland in the winter?

You have the chance to see Iceland’s other famous attractions in their winter costume. Take the Golden Circle, with its frosted Gullfoss waterfall or Strokkur geyser surrounded by solid ice.

There’s a lot going on culture-wise in winter too. The famous Iceland Airwaves music festival takes place in November . Then of course, there’s Christmas in December and New Year’s in January .

Here’s even more ideas for what you could get up to when visiting Iceland in winter:

  • Wander around Þingvellir National Park , the ancient Viking parliament
  • Take a warming dip in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon as the snow falls
  • Join an ice cave tour under one of Iceland’s frozen glaciers
  • Rent a car and go waterfall-hopping in South Iceland
  • Marvel as dense clouds of steam rise from hot springs
  • Use the long evenings to hunt down the Northern Lights
  • Watch baby icebergs float out to sea at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
  • Go snowmobiling on a glacier on a guided excursion
  • Tour Reykjavík’s many interesting museums and galleries
  • Shop for lopapeysur , traditional Icelandic woolen sweaters

How many days do you need in Iceland in winter?

You’ll find winter tours to Iceland of all sorts of different lengths. The right number of days for you depends on what you want to experience.

On a long weekend of 3 or 4 days in Iceland, you could see classics like the Golden Circle or chase the Northern Lights .

With 5 to 7 days to spend, you can venture further afield and explore Iceland in its winter costume. Explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula , known as ‘Iceland in Miniature’, with its very own glacier. Or spot frosted waterfalls on the south coast.

In a week or more, you could go on an Iceland Ring Road trip . It can be tricky with the daylight hours from November to February , so if this is your plan it might be better to go in October or March . That way you’ll have longer days to fit in all the sights.

For more suggestions for winter trips, see this guide to how many days you need in Iceland in winter .

Thinking about visiting Iceland in summer instead? Check out these Iceland summer vacations .

How do you get around Iceland in winter?

Just as in summer, you have a whole load of different ways to travel around Iceland in winter.

Multi-day trips by bus are a popular option for winter. On one of these, you’ll base yourself in Reykjavík and join different excursions by bus each day. This means you don’t have to worry about driving yourself.

Another car-free option is a guided group tour , where you explore Iceland with the same bunch of travelers for your whole trip. You have the option to join a small or large group, and you’ll all get around together by bus.

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, you could go for a private tour . Your very own driver-guide will take you around Iceland by jeep, showing you their favorite spots and hidden gems.

Of course, for ultimate freedom you could take an Iceland winter self-drive tour . This means you can go where you want, whenever you want. Read on for more info on driving in Iceland in winter.

Is driving in Iceland during winter safe?

Yes, it’s possible to drive safely in Iceland during the winter. Although it can be icy or snowy, main roads are cleared regularly both in Reykjavík and near countryside attractions.

And the weather’s not always bad in winter, in fact it can be really bright and sunny! So don’t forget your sunglasses for your Iceland winter self-drive trip. Check out our Travel Guide for more Iceland driving tips .

All that said, you should be prepared for conditions to be different to what you’re used to back home. Winter storms might mean you have to tweak your Iceland itinerary. If you book a package from us, we can organize this all for you via our 24/7 helpline.

If you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving, you could join a multi-day tour by bus or guided group tour.

How do I book my Iceland winter trip?

With Iceland Tours, booking is easy. All you need to do is pick your package and we take care of arranging everything for you.

Start by browsing the Iceland winter tours on this page. You’ll find different travel styles, including self-drive, guided group, and privately guided trips.

Once you’ve found the package for you, simply book from the package page. You can customize your trip by choosing your accommodation type and adding extra days. If you go for a self-drive, you’ll also be able to select your rental car.

We’ll confirm your booking and send all your travel documents via email.

When should I book my flights?

It’s a good idea to figure out your trip dates first of all. With almost all our travel styles, you can start your trip on any day you like. The exception is guided group tours, which have fixed departure dates.

You can start searching for flights around these dates to get an idea of what’s available. Then, book your package and wait for your confirmation. Once you have that, you’re all set to go ahead and finalize your flight booking.

Iceland is well connected by air to Europe and North America. There are daily flights to international hubs and flights to major cities across these continents multiple times a week.

What should I pack for a winter trip to Iceland?

Even though Iceland doesn’t get as cold as some of its neighbors, it’s still wintertime. Depending on where you live, you might not be used to the cold and conditions. With that in mind, it makes sense to come prepared.

Here’s an Iceland winter packing list to help you out:

  • Waterproof winter coat with insulated lining
  • Sweaters, fleeces, and other warm layers
  • Thermal underlayers and thick socks (pack extra in case they get wet)
  • Gloves, scarf, and wooly hat
  • Sturdy walking boots with good grip
  • Swimming gear for the hot springs

It’s also a great idea to bring a decent pair of sunglasses. They will help protect you against the low-lying sun, especially if you plan to drive. Also, if there’s snow on the ground and it’s a sunny day, it can get pretty bright!

For more tips, see our Iceland winter packing guide .

Explore ways to travel

Get inspired, midnight sun in iceland – your guide.

Get the lowdown on this natural phenomenon that takes place during summer in Iceland.

Iceland in Summer vs Winter

Which season is best to visit? Get the lowdown.

Sky Lagoon in Iceland – Your Ultimate Guide

Find out what's on offer at Reykjavík's trendiest spa.

13 Best Places to Visit in Iceland

Don’t miss these 13 best spots to go in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Full Suitcase Travel Blog

9 Best Iceland Winter Tours & Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 23, 2023

9 Best Iceland Winter Tours & Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter

Are you traveling to Iceland in winter, but don’t want to deal with the stress of driving in winter conditions ? I am getting so many questions from readers just like you, people who are keen to discover Iceland in winter, but rather do it by taking organized winter day trips from Reykjavik . So I made this selection of the best winter tours in Iceland that should help you when planning your trip. Find out!

While you cannot expect to visit the whole country from just one location, you can still see quite a lot of Iceland by taking organized tours and day trips from Reykjavik, also in winter.

In this post, I share my hand-picked selection of the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter . Even if you are making a short stopover in Iceland, in addition to the main highlights in Reykjavik , you can also see some of the main highlights of Iceland by taking these tours. See how!

Top Winter Experiences in Reykjavik:

  • Golden Circle with Kerid Crater .
  • Northern Lights Tour .
  • South Coast Day Tour .
  • Sky Lagoon .
  • Blue Lagoon .

PRO TIP: Since the daylight hours are limited in winter, one of the best ways to see all the main sights of the South Coast in a short time is by taking a 2-day tour from Reykjavik . It limits the driving and allows you to get further from the city – all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Plus, most of the multi-day tours also include a visit to the nicest natural ice caves in that area (which is very hard to do on a day trip from Reykjavik).

Hand-picked selection of the very best Iceland day trips from Reykjavik in winter

Best Iceland Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik

Below, you will find a selection of the best and most popular organized Iceland winter tours from Reykjavik. For each of the excursions, I picked the very best options available based on the length of the trip, group size, and of course, the itinerary.

You will see that most of the Iceland winter tours that I recommend here are bookable through GetYourGuide, rather than e.g. Viator or directly with a company. The reason is simple – GetYourGuide offers an easy cancellation option with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance . And that is a nice insurance to have in Iceland in winter!

I did lots of research and listed only the best winter tours from Reykjavik. So all you have to do is pick one that fits your itinerary, way of travel, and budget and enjoy your trip to Iceland.

TIP: If you are visiting Iceland in the warmer months, you may want to check our hand-picked selection of the best guided tours in Iceland for all seasons .

Best Iceland Winter Tours from Reykjavik – OVERVIEW

1. golden circle, 2. southern iceland: waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches.

  • 3. South Iceland – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • 4. Northern Lights Tours

5. Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Laugarvatn Fontana Lagoon

  • 6. Glacier hiking and ice caving
  • 7. Snaefellsnes Peninsula
  • 8. Best 2-in-1 combination winter tours from Reykjavik
  • 9. Themed winter day trips from Reykjavik (horse riding, lava caves, and more)

These are the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter:

Golden Circle is the most popular day trip from Reykjavik at any time of the year, and it can easily be visited in winter as well.

What can you expect to see? The three main highlights of the Golden Circle are the spectacular Geysir area with the incredibly active Stokkur geyser that goes off every 5-10 minutes, Gullfoss waterfall , and Thingvellir National Park .

The most popular Golden Circle day trips from Reykjavik take about 8 hours, but there are somewhat shorter afternoon trips available as well, or you can opt for a combination trip with for example snorkeling, Blue Lagoon, etc. For the best 2-in-1 combination day trips from Reykjavik , see further down. And here are the best Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik :

  • Full-Day Premium Golden Circle Tour by Minibus (includes tomato tasting at Friðheimar Farm).
  • Golden Circle Full-Day Grand Tour from Reykjavik .
  • Golden Circle Afternoon Tour (6hrs starting at +-11 AM in winter).

TIP: Make sure to check the best 2-in-1 tours further below, because Golden Circle can easily be combined with e.g. a visit to geothermal pools nearby. It’s a good way to relax after a busy day AND you see more on the same day without having to pay for transportation twice.

Oxararfoss along the Golden Circle - a must in any Iceland itinerary

If you have a chance, try to see at least some of the South Coast of Iceland . It’s one of the nicest areas that you can visit on a day trip from Reykjavik, also in winter.

What can you expect to see? The main highlights of the South Coast tours are the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the black sand beach of Vik (Reynisfjara). The description often mentions a glacier as well, but these tours don’t actually go on the glacier – you will see it in the distance, or in the best case drive up to one of the glacier tongues.

You can find my selection of the best glacier and ice caving tours further in this article. In the meantime, here are the best Reykjavik day trips to the South Coast of Iceland :

  • Highly rated and most popular South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik .
  • South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik. This tour is the best price/quality option for families: kids 0-11 yrs travel free, older kids pay half the price. Most other tours offer free trips for kids under 7 or 9.
  • Iceland’s South Coast Day Tour by Minibus. One of the best-rated South Coast tours.
  • Combination tour of South Coast & Glacier Hike . A great option, especially if you have no time to do the two separately.

READ ALSO: Top Things to See and Do on the South Coast of Iceland

Gljufrabui waterfall near Seljalandsfoss in Southern Iceland

3. South Iceland & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

I have to be honest with you – I have really mixed feelings about taking a Jökulsárlón day trip from Reykjavik and certainly in winter. To me, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is no. 1 among the best must-see places in Iceland . However, it’s such a long drive from Reykjavik! You are going to be sitting on the bus the entire day.

Most Jokulsarlon day trips from Reykjavik don’t even run in winter as the daylight hours are simply too short. But for those who are short on time and absolutely want to see Jokulsarlon, here are the two best (and only) options for Jokulsarlon winter day trips from Reykjavik .

  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik . This tour is the most popular option, has great reviews, and runs daily in winter.
  • Small-Group Jokulsarlon Day Tour. This is a very similar tour, but the group size is smaller.

TIP: If you have some extra time and aren’t bound to staying in Reykjavik, I strongly advise doing a 2-day South Iceland tour instead of two separate day trips to the South Coast and Jokulsarlon. This tour offers great value as it also includes a visit to an ice cave (value of about 200 EUR and one of the best winter activities in Iceland ).

Diamond Beach at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

4. Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik

Seeing the Northern Lights was one of the main reasons why I traveled to Iceland in winter . On a good night, you might be lucky and see the auroras in Reykjavik too, but the light pollution makes it more difficult. That’s why you have bigger chances to see the Northern Lights outside of the city.

Taking the Northern Lights tour is increases your chances of actually catching the auroras. The tour companies always keep an eye on the radar and will do their best to bring you to locations where the chances of seeing auroras are the highest for that specific night.

There are many tours available. Some go by big bus, some others offer a private 4WD experience (this can be really pricey), or you can even take a boat and watch the Northern Lights from the water.

Good to know: Nobody can guarantee that you will actually get to see the Northern Lights. You might think that it’s better to wait to book a tour till you see what the aurora forecast looks like, but the best (= small group) tours actually sell out pretty quickly. So it’s up to you to decide if you want to take the risk. I advise booking your Northern Lights tour in advance in order to avoid disappointment. If the forecast looks really bad, you can always cancel the tour up to 24 hrs in advance (if you book via GetYourGuide, as we recommend).

TIP: Book your Northern Lights tour at the beginning of your stay in Reykjavik – some tours offer a second tour free of charge the next day if you don’t see the Northern Lights the first time.

Below is the selection of the best Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik . All these tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so if the weather is bad or aurora activity is really low, you can cancel it the day before.

  • Northern Lights Tour by Big Bus . This is the best-rated big bus Northern Lights tour that I was able to find. It also includes a visit to the Aurora Museum and a free retry if you haven’t seen the lights on the first day. This tour offers the best value of them all.
  • Northern Lights by Boat. This tour is quite popular and has really good reviews too. Just beware that it can get really cold on the water. The good thing is that you can stay inside and only come out when the auroras are visible. Many of our readers reported that they really enjoyed boat tours.

You may want to know that it’s also extremely difficult to get any good pictures of the auroras from a boat. You need a tripod and long aperture for the Northern Lights, and so ideally you stand on a solid surface, but if you don’t care about photography, then a boat tour is a very good option.

If you want to learn a bit more about photographing the Northern Lights, check this post: How to find and photograph the Northern Lights – beginner’s guide.

LEARN MORE: Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Northern Lights in Iceland

Visiting geothermal pools is one of the musts in Iceland (and one of the most popular excursions from Reykjavik in winter). Below are some of the best geothermal pools that you can also visit on a day trip from Reykjavik in winter :

Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular attraction. Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it’s busy. But there’s nothing better than to soak in a hot geothermal pool after a long cold winter day.

Blue Lagoon is located about 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik and if you don’t have a car it’s best to book the Blue Lagoon bus transfer from Reykjavik . Note that you have to pre-book Blue Lagoon tickets in advance as well. Or you can book a trip that combines Blue Lagoon with a day trip to the Golden Circle (note that you’ll still have to buy the Blue Lagoon tickets separately).

Sky Lagoon is located very close to the city center and is absolutely not to be missed. Its 7-step SPA ritual is amazing and the sea views will leave you in awe. This is our readers’ favorite geothermal pool in Iceland. If you want to visit, you absolutely need to reserve a ticket in advance . You can also opt for a ticket that includes a bus transfer .

Secret Lagoon is a smaller, less crowded, and cheaper geothermal pool. It’s located along the Golden Circle. It’s much less fancy than the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon and the experiences are actually very different, but each is unique in its own way. If you don’t have a car, the best way to visit is with a Golden Circle tour that includes Secret Lagoon admission tickets .

Another less known, but really beautiful geothermal pool is Laugarvatn Fontana Lagoon . Its location close to the Golden Circle makes it a perfect day trip from Reykjavik in any season. Here’s a highly-rated tour that combines the Golden Circle with Fontana Lagoon .

Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most popular tourist attraction

6. Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving

Glacier hiking is one of the most popular excursions that you can do in Iceland the whole year round. Whereas visiting a natural ice cave can best be done in winter, usually not before the end of October – November. Some winter excursions are more adventurous and offer ice climbing as well.

I don’t know about ice climbing, but glacier hiking and ice caving can be done by anyone in a reasonable physical condition. Kids under a certain age are not allowed (varies per tour). As for older people, we had a couple of 70-year-olds in our group on a glacier and despite their concerns, they had no difficulties with it. Safety equipment is provided, but you have to wear sturdy waterproof walking shoes to fit the crampons on.

And since I sometimes get this question – no, it’s really not a good idea to walk on a glacier without a guide. You may also want to read our complete guide to glacier hiking in Iceland for more information. Check it out via the link below!

LEARN MORE: Iceland Glacier Hike

Here are the best glacier hiking winter day trips from Reykjavik :

  • Glacier Hiking& South Coast from Reykjavik .
  • Reykjavík Combo Trip: Glacier Hiking & Ice Climbing Day-Tour .

And here are some of the best winter tours from Reykjavik that visit ice caves:

  • From Reykjavik: Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour . Note that this is a man-made ice cave.
  • Katla Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik . This is the only natural ice cave that can be visited year-round, and one of the few that you can visit as a day trip from Reykjavik in winter.

The best natural ice caves are actually located near Skaftafell National Park or Jokulsarlon area. Those are difficult to visit on a day trip from Reykjavik. If you don’t plan to rent a car and self-drive, it’s easiest to visit the natural ice caves on a 2-day trip like this one .

Visiting a natural ice cave - one of the best things to do in Iceland in winter

7. Snæfellsnes National Park

Snæfellsnes Peninsula is located North of the city and is another popular day trip from Reyjavik, also in winter. This is a wonderful place to visit and there is so much to see and do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula !

However, driving conditions in winter here are usually even more unpredictable than on the South Coast. Therefore, taking an organized day trip is probably the best way to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in winter.

Here is the best Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour that you can do as a day trip from Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes full-day trip .

Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss - must see when visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland

8. Best 2-in-1 Combination Winter Tours from Reykjavik

Sometimes it might be interesting to combine several excursions in one . It not only saves you time but money as well.

Below are some of the best combination tours that you can do from Reykjavik in winter. Just beware that the daylight hours are short in winter. While it’s perfectly ok to enjoy the Secret Lagoon in the dark, some other combinations may not be ideal during the darkest winter months.

Here are some of the best winter day tours from Reykjavik that combine several places/ activities in one day:

  • Golden Circle and Silfra snorkeling. This tour is extremely popular and is often sold out, also in winter.
  • Secret Lagoon Early Access & Golden Circle: Full-Day Tour .
  • Golden Circle and Fontana Wellness Tour .
  • Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Transfer Small-Group Tour .
  • Golden Circle and Lava Caving .
  • Combo Snorkel in Silfra Fissure & Lava Caving . Great value.

9. More Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik

Here is a small selection of other popular winter day trips from Reykjavik. These are not ‘must-see’, but less touristy and well worth it if you have some time to spare after you have seen all the main landmarks.

  • Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields .
  • Lava Cave .
  • Silfra Snorkeling Tours .

Silfra Fissure snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park in Iceland

Are you interested in a FREE Printable Packing List for Iceland in Winter?

Sign up for Full Suitcase newsletter and we will send it to you right away. So that you don’t forget to pack any of the essentials and enjoy your Icelandic winter adventure even more!

Agree with  Full Suitcase Privacy Policy

Please check your mailbox to confirm subscription. If you don’t see the email right away, please check Promotions and Spam folders.

best tours in iceland winter

So, this is my hand-picked selection of the best tours, excursions, and day trips that you can do from Reykjavik during the winter months.

If you are visiting Iceland in winter, make sure to also read our guide on what to pack and what to wear in Iceland in winter . Right or wrong clothing can make or break your trip so travel well prepared.

TIP: If you are looking for accommodation for Reykjavik, take a look at our detailed guide on where to stay in Reykjavik .

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

  • Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
  • Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
  • Accommodation: Where to Stay in Iceland & Where to Stay in Reykjavik
  • Top places: Best Things to Do in Iceland
  • Important to know: Iceland Winter Travel Tips
  • Itinerary: The Best Iceland Winter Itinerary & Iceland One Week Itinerary & Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
  • Reykjavik: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik & Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik & 1 Day in Reykjavik
  • Must-see in the city: Perlan Museum in Reykjavik
  • Auroras: Northern Lights in Iceland & How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights

READ ALSO: Check our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and travel tips!

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

Iceland winter tours and the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wayne Krauss

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

We will be in Reykjavik DEC 23 thru 26. We have 2 full day trips booked already ... Golden Circle and Southern Sites. Will there be enough light to see all of these natural sites? Should we opt for half day trips starting in the mid morning? Blue Lagoon can be done anytime and chasing the N Lights in the evening. Just a little guidance for Iceland

Our other places destinations are Tromso, Helsinki, Estonia and Ivalo for the igloos.

Looking forward to it all

LOVE LOVE LOVE your blogs and very happy that I stumbled upon them.

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Hi Wayne, if you book tours, you have to rely that local guides know what they are doing. They'll normally drive when it's still dark to maximize the daylight hours to see the main sights. Yes, Blue Lagoon can be done when it's dark and it's really nice. However, more and more people tell us that they prefer the Sky Lagoon by far, plus it's closer to the city, so you may want to check it out as well. Both have to be booked well in advance. And if you are lucky, you may get to see auroras from there too (but the chances are always higher on a tour since they drive to the places where there is less cloud coverage that specific night). If you still have extra time on the half days in Reykjavik, just explore the city. Take a look at this guide for some ideas what to do. Many readers tell us that they loved Icelandic food tours. If you need guidance for Tromso, we have tons of winter articles as well. See here. Have a great trip!

Monday 12th of June 2023

I need guidance from an expert like you. I am planning to go to Iceland between Nov 19 returning from Iceland Nov 26. I was advised not to stay in Reykjavik but to go to Vik also. I am traveling solo I do not feel confortable driving there by myself. I do not want to take 8 or 11 hours tour, I will take tours, small groups> i hope I can find them :) I know I will not be able to see everything but I want a slow pace vacation.

What would you recommend me? What itinerary or how to get to Vik, what to do in Vik, what is the most iconic, interesting, must see around Vik

I was recommended this hotel in Reykjavik and I was looking Puffin Hotel Vik in booking.com I do not want a sharable room, I want my own room and private bathroom. :

I appreciate your time and advice in advance.

Sincerely, Celestina

I forgot to mention, I was recommended to visit one more city besides Reykjavik, Vik was suggested since it is closer to Reykjavik. Your thoughts, please

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Celstina, a few things: Vik is not a city, more of a village. Apart from Reykjavik, there are no cities in Iceland. Akureyri is somewhat bigger and a few others, but it's nothing like what you are probably imagining. Most people go to Vik to see the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. There are a few other tourist attractions, but the beach is the main reason to go.

Since you are visiting in the winter season, indeed, it's better not to drive if you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions. Also, it's practically impossible to do much without a car since public transport will not get you to the nicest places. So you really have to consider tours.

I recommend doing a 2-3 day organized tour of the South Coast (they'll all stop in Vik and show you all the highlights there). For the rest, stay in Reykjavik, do some day trips nearby, visit all the hot springs, etc. For the city itself, take a look at our recommendations here.

For all tour suggestions, please see our recommendations in the article. For a multi-day tour of the South Coast, I recommend a winter tour like this one. Among all the highlights of the South Coast, it includes a visit to the natural ice caves as well. Plus, you'll be in the countryside for 2 nights so you have better chances to see auroras without having to look for a tour outside the city. This tour includes accommodation with private bathrooms.

For accommodations in the city, take a look at this guide for the best places to stay in Reykjavik.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 11th of January 2023

We will be coming from the US and arrive early April 2nd and leave the 8th in the late afternoon. We have kids ages 6,11, and 6 adults. We will be in Reykjavík and plan on doing day trips. We would like to see the northern lights, the blue lagoon, and a circle tour. Can you help us decide which days would be best to do each thing? I know I’d like to do the northern lights early in the week so if we need to rebook we can.

Not sure with the time change which day that would be best. Also, not sure if doing the blue Lagoon on its own day or the last day before going home makes more sense.

Thanks for your advice.

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Hi Melissa, you have plenty of time for those excursions, so I think you can even do more than this. Anyway, I would book them all as early in the trip as possible. In case the weather is really bad and they get cancelled or if you don't see the Northern Lights and want to try again, it's always better to have a few extra days for that. Also, some Northern Lights tours offer a second try free of charge if you don't see them the first time. For example, this bus tour or this small-group tour. Another reason to book aurora tours early in your trip is that April is really the end of the season. The nights get shorter and shorter and so there is less chance to see them as it doesn't get dark enough later in the month. But the first week you still have good chances, so fingers crossed! Also, all the tours we recommend offer free cancelation or rescheduling (if there's availability), so you can always adjust your bookings as the trip gets closer based on the weather forecast. For the Blue Lagoon, you can do it in combination with the Golden Circle, e.g. a tour like this. Or you can do the two separately. There are also many other tour combinations, also with other hot pools like e.g. this Golden Circle tour with Secret Lagoon. If you go to the Blue Lagoon separately, you can book entrance tickets with transfers from Reykjavik. You really need to book entrance tickets in advance! I also highly recommend Sky Lagoon, but they don't allow kids under 12 so that might be trickier. One other day trip to consider is the a tour of the South Coast. It's really worth it! Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Monday 12th of December 2022

Thank you for detailed itenary. However after reading the post I see that planning a trip in Winter for 4 days is not possible without booking tours. Can you please help guide best top things we cannot miss in our 4 days trip to Iceland in month of January or February.

Thank you again for guidance

Hi Nish, a self-drive trip is possible, but not advisable in the winter if you aren't comfortable with potentially bad road conditions, snowstorms, etc. So, indeed, in that case, it's best to take tours. With 4 days in winter, I highly recommend the following (not necessarily in this order): One day in Reykjavik city. A 2-day tour for the South Coast, Jokulsarlon, and an ice cave. A day tour to the Golden Circle, potentially in combination with the Blue Lagoon. If you don't want to do the 2-day tour, you could just opt for a South Coast tour or one that visits Jokulsarlon and quickly stops at a few other places, but with 2 days, you'll see so much more and spend less time in the car. Plus, you'll be out of the city for one night and have better chances to see the Northern Lights if the conditions are right. An alternative to the two tours above is a 3-day tour that covers pretty much the same places. With a 3-day tour, you'll have even more time outside the city, so more chance for auroras and even less time in the car since you don't have to return to Reykjavik. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Monday 5th of December 2022

Thank you for your blog and the article, this is amazing and extremely helpful! Me and my friend are planning to visit Reykjavik in February. He can drive, so we are planning to rent a car from the airport. So I have a question - do you think it's possible to cover most of the amazing places in Iceland without booking a tour? For example, just drive to Golden Circle and see the geysers and waterfalls by ourselves? Do you think we can stay somewhere around the area of Gullfoss waterfalls so we don't have to return to Reykjavik the same day or even travel South to Black sand beach the next day?

Looking forward for an answer!

Tuesday 6th of December 2022

Hi Alina, if your friend has winter driving experience and is comfortable with driving in any conditions (ice, snowstorms, wind...), then yes, renting a car can be a good option. Just stay flexible and always check if there are any official warnings on driving conditions. You can find more info in our guide to driving in Iceland in winter. You may also want to read our tips for visiting Iceland in winter. For where to go, check our Iceland winter itinerary for some ideas on how to plan your time. If you are driving, it's best not to go back to Reykjavik, indeed, and just make a road trip. Good luck with the planning!

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

5 best winter day trips from Reykjavik (+ longer Iceland Winter tours)

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 )

If you only have a few days to enjoy Iceland in winter, you may want to book:

  •  winter day trips from Reykjavik
  • or short Iceland winter tours,

To make the experience a little easier (especially if driving on the snow and ice is not your thing). Below is my selection of the best options to consider.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

best tours in iceland winter

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 Iceland Winter tours – Summary

Why book a tour.

In Summer, I definitively recommend renting a car and exploring on your own on a road trip . However, the winter conditions can be daunting for most people: the snow, the ice, the wind… If you have never driven on the snow, you should not start in Iceland! In that case booking small group tours are a great option. The drivers are locals and experienced (for most companies). And they keep an eye on the conditions to adapt the program as needed.

Plus, with a driver, you can just sit and admire the magnificent winter landscapes .

Driving in Iceland in winter

5 Best Winter day trips from Reykjavik

Below is a summary of my selection of the some of the best tours to considers. I will share more details and pictures in the article below.

If you only have a couple of days, the best day trips from Reykjavik are the same as in Summer – just select your dates to see if a company is running also in Winter. Go on the links and enter the dates to see what is available:

  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula  –  my favorite with a little bit of everything (waterfalls, lava cliffs, craters, fjords…)-  see availability and book  
  • Golden Circle – a classic with waterfall, geyser and a national park –  see availability and book
  • West South Coast – Land of waterfalls and black sand beaches – see availability and book
  • Silver Circle – with the ice tunnel, a lava tube and colorful waterfalls – see availability and book
  • A northern light tour (with no guarantee of course) – book

Iceland winter tour minibus at the foot of the Saxholl crater

Ice cave tour from Reykjavik in Winter

If visiting an ice cave is high on your list, know that they are quite far away from Reykjavik, better to book a 2 or 3 day tour along the South Coast that includes a cave visit. See 2 day tour availability and book

Best Iceland Winter tours

But if you have longer, you can also fin great winter tours all around Iceland with a small group. For example this one covers: Golden circle, South Coast, East Fjords, Myvatn, Akureyri, Snaefellsnes peninsula. You can just sit and admire the views. Learn more about the program, see availability and book

Best day trips from Reykjavik in Winter

Golden circle winter day trip.

Why choose this tour?

The Golden Circle is the most famous tour in Iceland. It is a loop North East of Reykjavik. It offers a good variety of sights with history and natural highlights.

Golden Circle Winter day trip from Reykjavik

  • Thingvellir National park – you get to walk one of the paths in a cut of the Earth’ crust. This is a fascinating natural place and also a significant historical place for Iceland 
  • Haukadalur and Strokkur – To appreciate the power of the Earth, you will stop at the Haukadalur geothermal area. The famous Geysir geyser will not be blowing, but the Strokkur geyser does every 3 to 8 minutes. So, you will have many opportunities to appreciate its impressive blow. And don’t forget to explore the rest of the area for more fascinating features.
  • Gullfoss – It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland as it flows inside a narrow canyon. make sure to take the paths and stairs to admire it from various angles.
  • See more pictures on my article about the Golden Circle in Winter
  • No better side to sit on, on the bus
  • Considering these are very touristic spots, the marked walking paths are maintained – but it can always get icy, so carry spikes ( see options ) that you can add on your shoes at any time
  • Toilets, shops and food court at both sites

See availability of tours and book

Snaefellsnes day tour in winter

I love the Peninsula. It is often referred to as Iceland in miniature. A tour will give you a snapshot of many of the Icelandic landscapes : fjords, waterfalls, volcanic craters, lava cliffs. Those are some of my favorite sceneries, especially in winter.

Snaefellsnes day tour in Winter from Reykjavik

  • Kirkjufell – the mountain with a fascinating shape and its 2 waterfalls that are partially frozen in Winter
  • Londrangar – fascinating lava cliffs with troll legends
  • Arnarstapi and its coastal walk with lava formations such as arches.
  • See more pictures on my article about Snaefellsnes in Winter .
  • At Kirkjufell, make sure to walk all the way down to the second waterfall
  • Don’t try walking on the icy river, it is still a river (I saw someone fall into the freezing water…)
  • No facilities at the stops, your driver will stop at cafés along the way.

First half of the South Coast – Seljalandsfoss to Vik

This tour takes you to 2 of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is a world of giant cliffs and grandiose views.

South Coast winter day tour from Reykjavik

  • Seljalandsfoss – this is the famous waterfall where you can walk behind in Summer. However, note that in Winter it is not possible. They close it as it become extremely dangerous.
  • Skogafoss – I love this waterfall. It is a very impressive and white shower curtain. You can get close at the bottom. And you can also climb the staircase on the cliff to see the top.
  • Reynisfjara – one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland. the cliffs have a cave, basalt columns and seastacks.
  • Be really careful on the beach. The waves are dangerous and can come up very quickly. 
  • For better views, sit on the left side of the bus in the morning and the right side on the return!
  • Food trucks and toilets on the carparks

Silver Circle

The Silver circle is less famous than the Golden circle. It is more expensive because you have to pay access to 2 attractions, but the experiences are quite unique and different from anything else on the island.

Silver Circle day tour from Reykjavik in Winter

  • Hraunfossar and Barnafoss – the water comes in intense shades of blue, and it trickles through the lava and rushes through a canyon. In winter, this is one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland .
  • The Ice Tunnel – it is not like visiting a natural ice cave. The blue is intensified by lights. But it is quite fun to walk deep under a glacier and to learn more about them.
  • Vildgelmir – this is a lava tube that you can explore with a guide. The mouth entrance is impressive and the visit fascinating. Plus, in Winter, ice stalagmites are forming inside the cave!
  • Both sides of the bus are good
  • Toilets at all sites
  • It can always get icy, so carry spikes ( see options ) that you can add on your shoes at any time

Can you see Ice caves on a day trip from Reykjavik in Winter?

Most touristy natural ice caves are around Jokulsarlon lagoon. It is a 5h drive from Reykjavik if conditions are good. Therefore, you cannot do it on a day trip.Some closer caves may be offered during some season, but it is still a lot of driving jut to see a cave (you won’t have time to see other places). Cave visits are mostly offered on 2- or 3- day tours (or longer). See further in this article.

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…

best tours in iceland winter

Northern light tours from Reykjavik in Winter

It is extremely rare that the lights are strong enough for you to see them from Reykjavik. There is too much light produced by the city. You have to book a tour that starts in the evening and takes you out to chase them, and hopefully find them.

However the lights appearance depends on the magnetic activity in the days before and the cloud cover. There is no guarantee.

The tours on land are the most common. There is a large variety of options. You can take a bus tour, a small group tour or a private tour. The smaller the tour, the more flexibility you have to find a place to see the lights.

  • BUS TOUR – One of the cheapest options is to go on a bus tour. You leave from Reykjavik and the driver takes you to the best spots he knows depending on the forecast – Check out Program, availability and Price
  • SMALL GROUP TOUR – This is my favorite option (price / quality), it is easier to go from one spot to another chasing the northern lights because you can gather everyone more quickly and you can go off the beaten tracks – Check out options
  • PRIVATE TOURS – check out options

You can also opt to get away from the land lights on the sea. Sometimes the clouds are stuck on land, but the sky can be clear over the water and you could better see the lights. There are Northern light cruises departing from Reykjavik. Make sure to wear extra warm clothes (and they will provide extra on board). The wind on the boat will be even colder than on land. Check out options

Northern lights in Iceland in Winter

Iceland Winter tours with Ice caves – South Coast 2 or 3 days

Now if you have several days in Iceland and the ice cave is a must for you. Then you should book a 2-day or 3-day tour along the South Coast.

South coast glacier Iceland tours from Reykjavik in Winter

  • Seljalandsfoss – this is the famous waterfall where you can walk behind in Summer. However, note that in Winter it is not possible. They close it as it becomes extremely dangerous.
  • Jokulsarlon Lagoon – the most famous glacier lagoon and its river joining the sea. You can admire the icebergs detaching from the glacier and floating in the lagoon
  • Diamond Beach – across from the lagoon is a black sand beach where the icebergs are pushed back by the tide. I love it even more that the lagoon. You can walk to the blue, white and black icebergs. It is fascinating!
  • Ice caves – there are several caves to be visited in the area. Just be aware that they change every year. You may not see something similar to what they show you on the pictures… Learn more about ice caves in my dedicated article.
  • Be really careful on the beaches. The waves are dangerous and can come up very quickly. 
  • For better views, sit on the left side of the bus when driving towards the East and on the right side on the return!
  • Considering these are a very touristic spots, the marked walking paths are maintained – but it can always get icy, so carry spikes ( see options ) that you can add on your shoes at any time

See 2-day tour availability and book

And a 3 day tour will add the golden circle to a similar itinerary.

See 3-day tour availability and book

Full Ring Road and Snaefellsnes – 8-day Iceland Winter Tour

If you are lucky enough to have 10 days to visit Iceland in Winter, I recommend booking this 8-day tour . The program will take you all around the ring road and to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. And you can organize with one or two days in Reykjavik before or after.

The tour will be in a minibus (so not 50 people…)

8 day Iceland Winter Tour

Most of the tour guides I have met are passionate about their country and love showing its beauty to tourists. Just note that due to the weather conditions, the program can change at the last minute. However, they are used to it and will always do their best for you to see as much as possible.

8 day Iceland Winter Tour group

You will see:

  • The Golden Circle with the classic 3 stops: Geyser, Thingvellir National Park and the Gullfoss waterfall
  • The South Coast with waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier walk, glacier lagoon and diamond beach
  • The East Fjords – a beautiful drive and a few stops including black sand beaches. Plus, in winter the reindeer come live in this area. So, there is a good chance you may see some.

East fjords

  • The Lake Myvatn area , my favorite region in Iceland in Summer. There is a little less to see in winter, but it is still fascinating. You will see the Hverir geothermal area and the Dimmuborgir giant lava formations. Maybe you will want to relax at the Myvatn Baths. Or if you don’t want to, you can ask your guide to take you to the pseudo-craters while the others relax.
  • Akureyri , the capital of the North. This is where many whale tours depart from. You might get lucky, but opportunities are less in winter
  • Drive back south and do a loop on the Snaefellsnes peninsula – you will finish with even more magnificent landscapes with an in-depth tour of the peninsula because you are staying in a hotel nearby, so you have a full day to tour it!

Learn more about the program, see availability and book

Lake Myvatn - Hverir geothermal area

Want to see more of Iceland in Winter:

  • Best things to do in Iceland in Winter – read article
  • 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:

Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide

Small Mainland Portugal Algarve ebook cover

  • 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

And keep track of your own trip!

Iceland Winter road trip Journal 2

Want to see more of ICELAND IN WINTER

PREVIOUS: 

Things to do in Reykjavik in Winter

NEXT: 

Iceland Scenery in Winter – 35 pictures

Iceland in Winter Travel Guide

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr LoireLovers.fr CorsicaLovers.fr Provencelovers.fr

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Iceland is open: volcano update

Suggested Results

  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • Self-Drive i
  • Privately Guided i
  • Guided Small Groups i
  • Multi-Day i
  • Northern Lights i
  • Honeymoon & Romance i
  • Solo Travel i
  • All Types & Themes
  • All Iceland Tours
  • Best Sellers
  • Special Offers
  • Book With Confidence i
  • ICELAND IS OPEN i
  • Iceland Volcano Update i
  • Why book with us i
  • Travel Update
  • Booking Terms i
  • Sustainability Policy i
  • Iceland at a Glance i
  • Useful Information i
  • Iceland Attractions i
  • Iceland Blog i
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

  • Best of South Iceland - Winter

Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon

(6 days / 5 nights).

  • Travel Style
  • Multi-Day Tours

Idyllic South Iceland & Northern Lights Awaits

Spend 6 splendid days exploring the best-known attractions of south Iceland during the tranquil winter season. Visit the geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes of the Golden Circle, bathe in the famous milky blue water of the Blue Lagoon, survey the majestic south coast of Iceland, and hunt for the majestic northern lights. On your final full day, you have the chance to design your own adventure by embarking on a thrilling optional activity or enjoying a relaxing day in Reykjavik. This tour takes you to the countryside during the days while you enjoy the convenience of being based in Reykjavik in the evenings.

Interested in a similar small group tour instead? Interested in a similar tour but as a self-drive package?

6 days / 5 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 266230 ISK

— why book with nordic visitor.

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Quality and value for your money
  • Local experts in Iceland and trusted suppliers
  • Customisable and personal tour options
  • Carbon offsetting included

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the famous Golden Circle route
  • Feel the power of the thundering waterfall Gullfoss
  • Marvel at eruptions at the Geysir geothermal region
  • Search for majestic northern lights
  • Bathe in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
  • Photograph the jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches
  • Stroll around  Reykjavík  and visit popular landmarks

Travel style

Multi-day tours i, best seller i , city break i , classic i , northern lights i, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Blue Lagoon

Mýrdalsjökull, katla & sólheimajökull, seljalandsfoss, reynisfjara & reynisdrangar.

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavík & Northern Lights

On arrival to Keflavik International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Reykjavik. You can stroll the charming capital city, visit museums, and explore landmarks. Downtown Reykjavík offers numerous excellent restaurants, cafés, coffeehouses, and bars, for those who want to experience the renowned Reykjavík nightlife.

In the evening, get ready to search for the otherworldly northern lights. You will join a guided small group bus tour with a knowledgeable driver that will find a great spot to view the white, green and sometimes red lights dancing and flickering in the sky.

Spend the next five nights in Reykjavik.

Day 2: Reykjavík City Walk & Blue Lagoon

After breakfast, enjoy an exclusive walking tour in the heart of Reykjavík. You’ll join a small group and a friendly local guide. The tour starts at Ingólfur Square (“Ingólfstorg”) in the city centre.  

Over the course of the 2-hour walk, your guide will introduce you to the bustling downtown area. They will also point out great restaurants, charming cafés and museums in the area.

The highlights you’ll see on this tour include the Harpa concert hall, the old harbour area, the parliament building, the Reykjavík pond and more! This is a great way to see the best of the Icelandic capital and get some insider knowledge on hidden gems in the city.

Later in the afternoon, you will be picked up for a bus transfer to the famous Blue Lagoon spa. Here, you can spend your time bathing in the heated geothermal outdoor pool, which is rich in silica and soothing for your skin. There is also a mask bar, a sauna and steam room to take advantage of. Or enjoy a spa treatment (must be booked in advance).

After relaxing in the warm waters, you can choose to dine at the luxurious Lava Restaurant on-site, before taking the bus back to Reykjavík.

Spend the night in Reykjavík.

Day 3: Exploring the Golden Circle

Today you visit some of Iceland’s most famous attractions with a small guided group tour of the classic “Golden Circle” route in South Iceland. You will start the day heading to Hveragerði where the bus will make a short stop before continuing on your journey.

One of the many highlights you’ll see today is the impressive Kerið Crater. Other attractions include the magical two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and the spouting hot springs of Geysir . While Geysir lies dormant, its neighbour Strokkur erupts every few minutes, gushing steam and water high into the air.

The last stop of the day is Þingvellir National Park , a place of great historical and geological significance. It is also one of Iceland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Þingvellir is the site of the country’s first parliament and is located along the edge of the great rift between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

Day 4: The South Coast - Glaciers and Black Sand Beaches

Enjoy a guided group tour along the striking south coast of Iceland on another day of adventures. Start your journey with a stop at the picture-perfect, 60-metre-high (197-foot-high) Skógafoss waterfall. Next you’ll stop at  Reynisfjara , a hauntingly beautiful black sand beach. You will then continue towards the town of Vík where you’ll make a photo stop at the local church, which offers expansive views of the landscape.

Then it is time to head back along the south coast. You will stop at Sólheimajökull glacier where you will learn everything about glaciers and the area. The last highlight of the day is the picturesque Seljalandsfoss  waterfall, which is 40 metres (131 feet) high. Its main attraction, besides the scenery, is the pathway leading behind the waterfall, giving you a chance to admire the falls from all angles. Later, you’ll return to Reykjavík.

Day 5: Your Icelandic Adventure

Today is up to you! You could choose to join an exciting optional activity like snorkeling in the Silfra fissure at Þingvellir National Park, or riding a stocky and adorable Icelandic horse, or even venturing inside a glacier. The Into the Glacier tour is highly recommended. You would be transported to Húsafell in the west, transfer to a customised vehicle to climb the glacier, and get to explore the actual ice in Iceland from the inside.

If you are up for a more leisurely day, you could choose to relax in Reykjavik. Options include visiting a local swimming pool, checking out museums, or strolling the charming streets to see where the day takes you. Keep in mind that your travel consultant can fulfill customised requests like renting a car or booking activities that you enjoy.

Spend the night in Reykjavik

Day 6: Departure from Reykjavík

Depart to Keflavik International Airport via a semi-private transfer. If your flight is in the afternoon, you will have time to visit some of Reykjavik´s boutiques or museums. You may also opt to take an exciting optional activity (not included).

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass with Transfer

Upgrade: northern lights super jeep tour, wonders of iceland & áróra planetarium show, flyover iceland, atv bike tour - mountain safari - 1 hour, helicopter sightseeing - geothermal tour, helicopter sightseeing - reykjavík summit, horse riding from reykjavík, the tasty reykjavík food walk, upgrade: premium entrance at blue lagoon, upgrade: super jeep & snowmobiling, add on: glacier walk, into the glacier by bus, snorkelling in silfra, whale watching from reykjavík, snæfellsnes peninsula day tour, upgrade: private airport transfer - departure.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

  • One private transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík
  • Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 5 nights
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Reykjavík City Centre
  • Guided Small Group Northern Lights Bus Tour
  • Blue Lagoon: Experience Comfort Package (including entrance, towel and a drink)
  • Return transfer from Reykjavík to/from the Blue Lagoon
  • Guided Small Group Bus Tour of the Golden Circle
  • Guided Small Group Bus Tour of the South Coast
  • One semi-private transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport on departure
  • Carbon offsetting the package
  • Nordic Visitor's Iceland Travel Guide
  • Map of Reykjavík and detailed personal itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline
  • Taxes & service fees

Not included

  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Meals, drinks & entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
  • Any services not listed above as “Included”

Optional Extras

  • Cancellation Protection

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this multi-day tour in Iceland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Iceland Travel Guide .

On a multi-day tour, Nordic Visitor books your accommodation and excursions for a self-guided travel experience. That means you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own as well as planned, guided day tours. 

Each activity is run by a different tour operator, so you’ll get to meet a few local guides throughout your trip. 

You can rest assured that Nordic Visitor only works with a small number of handpicked suppliers that meet our high standards. The activities you’ll participate in are all extremely well rated so you’re sure to have a memorable time.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. On arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map and detailed Iceland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll always be able to reach us on your trip by calling our 24/7 helpline.

Yes, when you book your Iceland tour with Nordic Visitor, you always get airport transfers to and from Keflavík Airport included. This will be a private, shared or bus transfer, depending on your itinerary. Please check the details of your tour to confirm.

If you add extra nights to your stay before or after the scheduled trip, we’ll rearrange your transfers to fit your new itinerary.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your travel consultant if you have any specific requests about optional activities or services.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

Due to the nature of this tour and activities included, it’s not recommended for families with young children. That said, it is suitable for well-travelled, active children of 12 years or older. If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

On your multi-day tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our local Iceland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

During the booking process, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Iceland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please  contact us  to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a Reykjavík-based travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Iceland. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Iceland on the website of Iceland’s  Directorate of Immigration . If you do require a visa, they maintain a list of local embassies that can assist you with the process. 

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Iceland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it. 

Read more about visas, airports and airlines in the  getting to Iceland  section of our travel guide.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Iceland for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore, what you want to see in Iceland and any events you might like to attend.

In summer, June to August , you’ll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, compared to the winter. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. 

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September . These shoulder season months have more tour and attraction availability.

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter, apart from the Christmas holiday season. This is the ideal time to try to spot the northern lights.

Find out what  annual Icelandic events and festivals  are on in our travel guide. Or read more about the  best time to visit Iceland  on our blog.

Because of its northerly location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has limited daylight in winter. 

Around Christmastime, from early December until late January, you can expect an average of 4–5 hours of daylight. These extended hours of darkness give you a higher chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Iceland .

Yes! Wintertime is the right season to visit Iceland if you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis). You can experience the northern lights between October and March, with peak visibility from December through February. 

For the best chances of seeing them, a self-drive tour is ideal. It means you have the flexibility of deciding when and where to go. To enjoy the aurora at its brightest, you’ll want to head into or even stay in the countryside, away from city lights.

Please note that as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even if you go out on a specific northern lights excursion, you might not see them, depending on the conditions or cloud cover. 

Read our Iceland northern lights guide to learn more.

The winter climate in Iceland is generally mild compared to other Northern European countries. That said, the temperature can drop below freezing at times. And the Atlantic winds can make it feel colder than it is. 

You can expect average temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and -1°C (30°F). Throughout winter (October to April), the weather conditions are very changeable, so you could experience rain, snow, sun and cold winds. 

For more information on the local climate, read this guide to Iceland weather conditions . 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. Your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Your scheduled journey to the Blue Lagoon is by bus, with up to 70 travellers. When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive vouchers with all your transfer details.

Children must be at least 2 years old to visit the Blue Lagoon. And it’s mandatory for children aged 2 to 8 to wear inflatable armbands while in the lagoon. These are provided free of charge. 

Please note that only 2 children under the age of 10 can be admitted into the lagoon per guardian.

Iceland’s winters are chilly although not as cold as you may expect. As you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, we recommend bringing plenty of layers to stay warm and dry.

Here is a recommended winter packing list for your trip to Iceland:

  • Durable insulated jacket, which should be waterproof
  • Robust walking boots with a good grip
  • Mid-layers such as a fleece or woollen jumper
  • A few pairs of warm hiking socks
  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Swimwear for visiting geothermal pools or spas
  • Backpack for daily adventures
  • Electronic equipment such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for exploring in the snow or glacier excursions
  • And don’t forget your camera!  

For more information, check out this  Iceland packing list .

Breakfast at your Iceland accommodations is always included when you travel with Nordic Visitor.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 2,000–3,000 ISK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 3,000–6,000 ISK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 7,000 ISK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us . 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

You can get in touch with our Iceland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Iceland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

  • Which credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland
  • What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
  • Which languages do Icelanders speak (yes, English is one of them!)
  • How to get a refund on tax-free shopping
  • As well as tipping, buying souvenirs, and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Iceland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Keflavík?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will hand over your welcome package with hard copies of your travel documents. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2 PM and 4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel so you can start exploring before check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. 

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. This means conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

These should tide you over until you’re in Iceland to take your own pictures.

Reynisdrangar and Reynisfjara in South Iceland

Reynisdrangar and Reynisfjara in South Iceland

Geysir Iceland

Geysir Iceland

Northern Lights in Iceland

Northern Lights in Iceland

Gullfoss Waterfall in South Iceland

Gullfoss Waterfall in South Iceland

Blue Lagoon in Iceland in winter ©Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon in Iceland in winter ©Blue Lagoon

Skógafoss covered in snow

Skógafoss covered in snow

+5 more from this tour

View over Reykjavík in winter

Þingvellir National Park in winter

Northern Lights over Hallgrimskirkja Church

View of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland in winter

Winter in Reykjavik

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

I had a lovely time

I had a lovely time on my tour and liked that everything was planned out for me with local tour companies.

Sydnee, Canada

Best of south iceland - winter, december 2023, memorable stay in iceland.

We had an amazing time in Iceland! Thanks to Nordic Visitor for arranging everything and making sure we had an amazing and memorable stay in Iceland.

Beatrice, United States

Best of south iceland - winter, november 2023, wonderful holiday.

Overall the tours provided were great! The local guides were experienced and knowledgeable. I wanted a more relaxed tour so this was just perfect, not rushed, not running around trying to catch everything. And joining a different group everyday enabled me to meet different people and make new friends everyday. I had an overall wonderful, worry-free relaxing holiday.

Grace, Malaysia

We really enjoyed it.

We usually use a private person to arrange our trips, this was the first time we ever used a tour company. This entire experience ended up being more than we expected. We really enjoyed it all.

Elizabeth, United States

We enjoyed our experience.

We had no problems during our stay. Everything was planned and organised well. We enjoyed our experience and would book again with Nordic Visitor.

April, United Kingdom

Perfect trip.

Perfect trip. Marko's advise was pivotal on the perfection of my trip. Without his reassurances I might not have gone!

Monica, United States

Accommodation.

Relax in a top city hotel or guesthouse that is highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.

Look forward to sleeping soundly in Iceland. The accommodation you’ll stay in is conveniently located in Reykjavík for pickups for your day trips. Rest assured that you’ll stay in one of the best possible properties, as we only choose accommodation that has received excellent reviews from previous customers.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you’ll stay in standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses or charming country hot..

With Superior accommodation, you’ll enjoy standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses. You might also stay in superior..

Price per person from

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

A new year’s to remember, northern lights, super jeeps and nye party, a christmas to remember, super jeeps, glaciers & blue lagoon, golden circle classic - winter, golden circle, blue lagoon & northern lights, golden circle classic, golden circle & blue lagoon, best of south iceland - winter / attractions.

friends swimming in the sky lagoon

Best of South Iceland - Winter / Included

Best of south iceland - winter / guided small groups, send request, send to inbox.

Would you like to refer to this tour at another time or on another device? Send the tour details directly to your email inbox for future references.

Share this tour with a friend. If you think they may be interested, send the tour details directly to your friend's email inbox for future references.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Email has been successfully sent!

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help

best tours in iceland winter

Book These 10 Best Iceland Tours To Uncover The Wonders Of The Land Of Fire And Ice

I celand is a magical destination that can be life-changing. From the incredible colors of the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, there is no shortage of memorable experiences to enjoy here. The Land of Fire and Ice is full of natural wonders that can be discovered as part of a guided tour. Whether travelers are driving the Icelandic Ring Road or basing themselves in cozy hostels in Reykjavík for day trips, these are some of the top sights and tours to experience.

South Coast Full Day Tour

Go beyond the capital city of Iceland with this full-day tour of Iceland’s south coast from the capital, Reykjavík . Top attractions that the tour visits include the famous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Sólheimajökull glacier. Travelers can also spot puffins and glimpse Eyjafjallajökull Volcano during the excursion. Transportation is included, but travelers should bring cash for buying lunch and snacks throughout the day since meals are not part of the ticket price for this tour.

  • Tour: South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik
  • Cost: From $112.00
  • Duration: 10 hours
  • What’s Included: Wi-Fi on the bus, hotel pick up and drop off, and an Icelandic treat.

Book this tour

Golden Circle Day Trip From Reykjavík

The Golden Circle is a must-do day trip from Reykjavík when visiting Iceland. The tour encompasses three natural wonders of Iceland which are the Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur at Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. The full-day tour includes bus transportation from a hotel in Reykjavík and allows travelers time at each stop to appreciate the incredible scenery, take photos, and ask the tour guide questions. Meals are not included in this full-day tour, so budget cash accordingly for lunch and snacks at stops along the way.

  • Tour: Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik
  • Cost: From $79.30
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • What’s Included: Professional tour guide, bus transfer, Wi-Fi on board

Related: Midnight Sun And Hot Springs: 10 Best Places To Relax In Iceland

Snorkeling Between Continents

Iceland offers the unique opportunity to swim between two continents at the Silfra Fissure. This waterway occurs where the North American and European tectonic plates meet and is located inside beautiful Thingvellir National Park. Travelers can show up ready for an adventure with no prep work on their part. All necessary gear is provided to stay warm and dry while swimming and snorkeling in this cold waterway. The views of the clear blue water from below are exceptional and are captured through GoPro photos during the tour. There is no additional fee to receive these photos.

  • Tour: Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included
  • Cost: From $168.79
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • What’s Included: Professional English-speaking Guide, snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure, GoPro photos from the tour, help from a Certified PADI dive / Dive-master, drysuit, snorkeling equipment, hot drinks, and cookies

Local Foodie Adventure

Enjoying the local cuisine is one of the best ways to learn about a destination, so why not take a food tour while in Reykjavík? This tour allows travelers to sample food from a variety of eateries and food trucks in the city, tasting an array of traditional Icelandic foods. Guests will try Icelandic street food, homemade ice cream, and the famous Icelandic hot dogs. The small group tour is limited to 12 people to ensure a personalized experience that allows travelers to ask questions.

  • Tour: Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
  • Cost: $119.00
  • What’s Included: Tour guide, 4–5 stops, 8+ dishes to try

Related: Discovering The Unusual: Top 10 Weird Foods To Eat In Iceland

Blue Lagoon Ticket And Transport

The Blue Lagoon is a staple for travelers visiting Iceland. The hot, inviting mineral water is an otherworldly shade of blue, and the in-water bar is a fun feature of the experience. Relaxing here for a full day is worthwhile, especially for the tour price. Book in advance to avoid disappointment since this attraction is so popular among tourists. The package allows travelers to book the Comfort or Premium ticket for the Blue Lagoon and add a bus transfer if necessary. The Comfort ticket includes a towel, one beverage, and a silica face mask, while the Premium ticket also includes a bathrobe and algae face mask.

  • Tour: Blue Lagoon Ticket with Optional Transportation
  • Cost: From $169.43
  • What’s Included: Bus transfer, Premium or Comfort Entrance Ticket

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

Travelers who find themselves in northern Iceland in Akureyri have a whole new set of attractions to explore in this part of the country. The half-day tour includes a chance to soak in the Myvatn hot springs and view the incredible cascades of Godafoss waterfall. The tour also stops at the craters of Skútustaðir and the lave fields of Dimmuborgir. The tour ticket price also includes a packed lunch. This is a great opportunity to explore the northern highlights of Iceland in a single day.

  • Tour: Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri
  • Cost: From $154.00
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • What’s Included: Transportation and Wi-Fi on the bus

Whale Watching Tour From Reykjavík

Whale watching is a top thing to do in Iceland, so travelers can embark on this exciting adventure to look for majestic creatures off the coast of Reykjavík. The peak season for whale watching is from June to August. While companies can never guarantee that travelers will spot whales while on the tour, the success rates for this tour is extremely high, with 95% success during the summer months and 80% success in the winter. Guests are provided with the necessary gear to remain warm and comfortable on board the ship in every season.

  • Tour: The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
  • Cost: From $87.00
  • What’s Included: Live guide, overalls, raincoats, blankets, admission to Wildlife Exhibition, free Wi-Fi on board

Related: 10 Best Iceland Hotels That Showcase The Charms Of The Land Of Fire And Ice

Icelandic Horse Back Riding Tour

The Icelandic Horse is a unique creature that is the only horse breed in Iceland. Among their many interesting and unique traits is the ability to perform one or two additional gaits: Tolt and, sometimes, pace. Riding through the Icelandic countryside on horseback is a magical experience that will stay with travelers for a lifetime. Before getting on the horse, guests of the tour are fitted with helmets for safety and briefed on how to ride. The tour is suitable for all levels of experience.

  • Tour : Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik
  • Cost: From $118.94
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • What’s Included: Helmet, boots, rain gear, tea or coffee

Hike Inside A Volcano

See the inside of Iceland’s dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano on this small group tour that is limited to a maximum of 18 guests. The tour is led by an expert travel guide and takes guests to the Blue Mountains of Iceland where they will journey inside the volcano to see the geological remnants of an eruption that took place 4,000 years ago. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included as part of the package price.

  • Tour: Inside the Volcano: Small Group Thrihnukagigur Hike and Tour from Reykjavik
  • Cost: From $367.02
  • Duration: 5 to 6 hours
  • What’s Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, helmet, harness, and safety equipment, light refreshments

Northern Lights Sightseeing Tour

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a bucket-list activity and travelers can do their best to have this experience by booking a guided tour. There is never a guarantee of seeing the lights, but they are best seen from November to March when skies are dark and days are short. The tour takes travelers outside the city, away from light pollution, to improve the chances of spotting the phenomena. Guests also enjoy delicious homemade hot chocolate made from real Icelandic chocolate to help keep warm.

  • Tour: #1 Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos
  • Cost: From $141.60
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • What’s Included: Professional local driver and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi on board, cinnamon buns, wool blanket, professional photos

Book These 10 Best Iceland Tours To Uncover The Wonders Of The Land Of Fire And Ice

Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

VIDEO: Tips for taking a dream vacation to Iceland

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.

best tours in iceland winter

"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

best tours in iceland winter

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.

best tours in iceland winter

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.

best tours in iceland winter

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.

best tours in iceland winter

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.

best tours in iceland winter

Editor’s Picks

best tours in iceland winter

Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

  • Apr 25, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

It's not too late to book summer travel deals, these expert tips make it easier

  • Apr 30, 2024

best tours in iceland winter

Google reveals top destinations for summer vacation 2024

  • Apr 09, 2024

Expert recommended travel gear

best tours in iceland winter

REI Co-op Trailmade Pants - Men's

best tours in iceland winter

REI Co-op Trailmade Pants - Women's

best tours in iceland winter

Men's Trail Model 4 Hiking Shoes

best tours in iceland winter

Women's Trail Model 4 Hiking Shoes

best tours in iceland winter

Michael Josh Large Outdoor Picnic Blanket

best tours in iceland winter

CeraVe Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for All Skin Types, 2.5 fl oz

best tours in iceland winter

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

best tours in iceland winter

Trailmade Rain Jacket - Men's

best tours in iceland winter

Trailmade Rain Jacket - Women's

best tours in iceland winter

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)

best tours in iceland winter

Action Camera 4K 20MP Sport Camera 40M Waterproof Underwater Camera Volg Video Camera WIFI Wide Angle Helmet Camera EIS Stabilization Dual Microphone

best tours in iceland winter

Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in Foldable USB-C Connector

best tours in iceland winter

4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent

best tours in iceland winter

Vapur Flexible, Collapsible Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle with Detachable Carabiner

best tours in iceland winter

KNIT CUFFED BEANIE

best tours in iceland winter

THE NORTH FACE Apex Insulated Etip Glove - Men's

  • $39.18 to $41.51

best tours in iceland winter

Indoor Instant Privacy Bed Tent for Sleeping,Quick Set-up Bed Canopies,Portable Bed Drapes with Large Space and 3 Doors (Black, Twin)

best tours in iceland winter

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

best tours in iceland winter

[Weighted Sleep Mask

best tours in iceland winter

Lonely Planet Iceland (Travel Guide)

Up next in travel—.

best tours in iceland winter

Southwest Airlines CEO says airline may reevaluate open seating after financial loss

best tours in iceland winter

No cuts: Proposed bill could change skipping the security line at the airport

Shop editors picks, sponsored content by taboola.

IMAGES

  1. The 10 Best Guided Tours in Iceland

    best tours in iceland winter

  2. Easy Glacier Walks in Iceland

    best tours in iceland winter

  3. The Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide For All Seasons

    best tours in iceland winter

  4. Why you should visit Iceland in Winter

    best tours in iceland winter

  5. The Ultimate Winter Itinerary for Iceland

    best tours in iceland winter

  6. Top 10 Things To Do In Iceland In Winter : Iceland Winter Activities

    best tours in iceland winter

VIDEO

  1. One-week Iceland Winter Expedition, February 2024

  2. I Went To Iceland (Winter Travel Vlog)

  3. WINTER IS BACK IN REYKJAVIK ICELAND WALKING TOUR

  4. Crafting Your Glacial, Coastal, and Celestial Adventure

  5. Iceland Winter 2024 January

  6. ICELAND Winter Photo Tour // OLEG REST

COMMENTS

  1. Best Winter Tours & Vacation Packages in Iceland

    Ultimate 10-Day Northern Lights Winter Trip to Iceland's Highlands with Ice Caving. Tour starts. Keflavík Airport (KEF), Iceland. Starting time. Flexible. Duration. 10 days. Ending place. Keflavík Airport (KEF), Iceland.

  2. Best Winter Tours in Iceland

    Sólheimajökull Glacier is the closest huge glacier to Reykjavik. Below are the best glacier hiking tours in Iceland run at Sólheimajökull: Top 3-hour Sólheimajökull glacier hike tour, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24. Top ice climbing + Sólheimajökull glacier hike tour, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24.

  3. 10 Best Iceland Winter 2024 Tours & Trips

    What people love about Iceland Tours in Winter. Roselee Eads 18 Nov, 2023. 5. Absolutely a fantastic trip on every way. Great trip leader. Stefan! Northern Lights Escape. Terese Roberts 1 Apr, 2024. 5.

  4. 10 Absolutely Best Iceland Winter Tours to book in 2023

    Table of Contents. 10 Best Iceland Winter Tours to book. 1. Ice Cave tour at Vatnajökull National Park in Southern Iceland (2.5 to 3 hours) 2. Langkökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik (11 hours) 3. Glacier Hike Adventure at Skaftafell National Park (5 hours) 4.

  5. The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Iceland In Winter

    Average Sunlight In Iceland During Winter. In October there are roughly 8 ½ hours of sunlight from approximately 9 until 5.30. The days then continue to get shorter until the shortest daylight day of the year, 21 st December, where there are 4 hours of daylight from approximately 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

  6. Winter Tours in Iceland

    Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most famous touristic routes in Iceland, including three major attractions - Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geyser Geothermal Area. Join one of the Golden Circle tours, where your fun and knowledgeable guide will share the stories about each of those significant places and make your time ...

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

    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.

  8. Iceland Winter Tours

    Ice Cave Tour. Every year, when the temperature rises slightly in the summer, the glaciers melt a little. This creates brand new magical caverns and caves underneath the majestic sheets of ice. This means when it comes to the winter, experts go out and try to find these new and incredible caves for people to walk in.

  9. 10 Best Iceland Winter 2025 Tours & Trips

    Find the best tours & trips in Iceland in Winter 2025 with TourRadar. Choose from 39 tours with 1289 real tour reviews. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! APRIL SALE: Discover and book at up to 60% off! Ends on 1 May, 2024 ... Fabulous 8 day winter tour round Iceland, packed with adventures and plenty of photo stops. ...

  10. 17 Best Iceland Tours of 2024: Northern Lights & More

    Arctic Adventures - Crystal Ice Cave Tour Iceland. Price: Adults from about $161; kids from around $137. Duration: 2 to 3 hours. Take a ride in an off-roading vehicle from the Jökulsárlón ...

  11. The Ultimate 7-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary

    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. ... 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 ...

  12. Best Iceland Winter Tours & Packages Trips, Iceland Excursions in

    See first-hand Iceland's amazing natural forces on this best-selling winter visit to Iceland's beloved Golden Circle, South shore and Vatnajokull regions, in a small group setting. Max. group size-16 people. $2,390.00 per person. 6 days. 5 nights. Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024.

  13. Iceland Winter Vacation Packages 2024/2025

    Combine a stay in wintry Reykjavík with guided day tours into the frosted countryside. From. €787.00 p.p. €915.00 p.p. View trip. Best seller Self-drive. 8 days / 7 nights Code: SD36.

  14. Iceland Winter Tour Packages 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor

    When you book Iceland winter vacation packages with Nordic Visitor, you get: Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your winter tour. Simply follow these steps: 1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour. 2. Confirm your package. 3. Check your confirmation email.

  15. 9 Best Iceland Winter Tours & Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter

    Here is the best Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour that you can do as a day trip from Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes full-day trip. Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss - Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Öndverðarnes Lighthouse in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 8. Best 2-in-1 Combination Winter Tours from Reykjavik.

  16. 5 best winter day trips from Reykjavik (+ longer Iceland Winter tours)

    Vik area: see best rated hotels - e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal. Content. Best Iceland Winter tours - Summary. Best day trips from Reykjavik in Winter. Northern light tours from Reykjavik in Winter. Iceland Winter tours with Ice caves - South Coast 2 or 3 days. Full Ring Road and Snaefellsnes - 8-day Iceland Winter Tour.

  17. 6 Day Multi Day : Best of South Iceland Winter : Nordic Visitor

    Idyllic South Iceland & Northern Lights Awaits. Spend 6 splendid days exploring the best-known attractions of south Iceland during the tranquil winter season. Visit the geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes of the Golden Circle, bathe in the famous milky blue water of the Blue Lagoon, survey the majestic south coast of Iceland, and hunt ...

  18. Book These 10 Best Iceland Tours To Uncover The Wonders Of The ...

    Tour: South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik Cost: From $112.00 Duration: 10 hours What's Included: Wi-Fi on the bus, hotel pick up and drop off, and an Icelandic treat.

  19. 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.