best places to visit in iceland winter

Best Winter Activities in Iceland

Natural Ice Caves in Icelandic Glaciers

The northern lights in iceland, bathing in hot springs in iceland, glacier hiking in iceland, dogsledding in iceland, snowmobiling in iceland, snorkelling and diving in iceland, skiing and snowboarding in iceland, sightseeing in iceland.

• New Year's Eve in Iceland

When is the winter season in Iceland? What are the best things to do in winter in Iceland?  What winter activities can you join? What are the best winter tours in Iceland ? Read this to find all the answers to your questions about things to do in Iceland in winter. 

The Icelandic winters are mainly known for the northern lights. The Icelandic winters are not as cold as one would expect, considering how north Iceland is. The Gulf Stream which brings warm ocean from the gulf of Mexico keep the weather in Iceland temperate during winter

In comparison, northern American cities such as Boston and Chicago have a lower average temperature during winter than Reykjavik . So, even though there is ice in the name of the country, it doesn't get as cold as you would expect this far north.

Top Winter Self Drive Tours

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

During the height of winter, from November to February, you can usually expect a lot of snow and ice and stormy weather. There will also be clear and crisp days in between. This is when driving conditions, in Iceland can be bad and driving in the countryside should only be attempted by those who are familiar with driving in difficult and icy conditions.

The temperature averages between -10 to 5 C. That's not considering the wind chill, which can make you feel like it's even colder than that. So layer up! 

• See also:  Driving in Iceland Safely

• See also:  Climate, the Weather and the Northern Lights in Iceland

With that said, there are plenty of exciting winter activities on offer, besides sightseeing and the northern lights! If you want a package of all the best things to do, then check out this  Iceland winter package , which includes a visit to an ice cave, hunting down the Northern Lights, a tour of the Golden Circle , and entry to the Blue Lagoon . You can also check out this 3-day winter tour of the South Coast , which also takes you to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and inside a blue ice cave.

The natural ice caves that that can be found in Iceland's glaciers are among the most beautiful and unique natural attractions you can find in the country. Every winter ice caves form in Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier. And every summer, they melt or fall apart. Therefore, you can only visit ice caves in Iceland during the winter.

This temporary existence of each cave makes each ice cave totally unique. The caves vary in size and shape, sometimes there are many of them, and sometimes there are few. All of them are breathtaking and have an alluring palette of the color blue.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Ice Caves in Iceland

As the caves can only be visited during wintertime, this is our number one recommendation of what to see during Iceland's wintertime! They are only accessible from around October and November until March.

Vatnajokull glacier is in the South of Iceland, with ice cave locations close to the town of Hofn . It's a 5-6 hour drive from Reykjavik. However, there is no shortage of beautiful natural wonders along the way, including waterfalls, hot springs and dormant volcanoes. So if you are driving from Reykjavik, then we recommend taking AT LEAST two days to go and see it. If you're pressed for time, then you can go on a day tour by flight to the ice caves .

If you drive yourself to the starting location, then you can join this  tour to the ice caves . Or go on this 3-day self-drive tour .

Top Ice Cave Tours

The northern lights are stunningly beautiful, but they are very unpredictable. There needs to be a clear sky to see them, and they vary in strength. Many people come to Iceland to see these gorgeous lights - and it's not hard to imagine why! On a good day, you can see the lights dance across the sky in various colors, ranging from white to green to pink and purple!

We like to think of the northern lights as a bonus to an otherwise great trip, as seeing them can't be guaranteed. However, the longer you spend in the country, the likelier it is that you will see them! So if you really want to see the aurora borealis in action, you should at least spend a week in the country.

Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays

• Check out this  7-day Northern Light Self Drive Tour .
• Or read more about the  Northern Lights  in Iceland

Winter isn't all about ice and snow! You can bathe in hot springs all year round - but they are especially delightful in the wintertime. The most famous geothermal spa in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon , that's also Iceland's most visited attraction, along with the Golden Circle . A trip to the Blue Lagoon is often combined with other activities, such as a sightseeing tour or horseback riding. As it is very close to Keflavik International Airport it's also often visited on the way to or from the airport.

The Sky Lagoon was opened in the Reykjavik capital region in the year 2021 and has already become very popular and a premier spot for geothermal bathing in Iceland. Its infinity pool which overlooks the ocean is definitely worth trying, with a drink from the in-water bar.

On the way to the Golden Circle, you can find the Fontana geothermal baths , located by Lake Laugarvatn . They are a perfect addition to the Golden Circle. What's most notable for this geothermal spa is that the baths are built directly above a steaming hot spring. There is also a pool to lounge in with a beautiful view over the lake itself. You can book a tour of the Golden Circle with a relaxing soak at Fontana  which is a great way to end the day.

In addition to the hot springs, there are a number of swimming pools in Iceland , that all include at at least a few hot tubs and steam baths. There's a swimming pool in almost every town you will go through and many swimming pools in Reykjavik  as well. This is a cheaper option than the natural baths and where you will meet a lot of locals, some of whom go there daily!

For a full overview of all the options available, check out our 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland and you're sure to find what you're looking for!

Top Hot Spring Tours in Iceland

Iceland has many glaciers, the biggest ones are Vatnajokull, Langjokull , Hofsjokull and Myrdalsjokull . Hofsjokull is the hardest one to reach as it is in the interior of Iceland, but the other ones are fairly easily accessible for travelers. Most glacier hiking tours during the winter are at Solheimajokull in south Iceland, which is a part of Myrdalsjokull glacier.

Even on a sunny and clear day, you need to make sure that you are dressed warmly and take extra layers of clothing with you, since you never know if the weather is going to change. As you can imagine, it can get pretty cold on top of a glacier! Also, make sure that you wear good hiking boots that cover your ankles. You will be provided with crampons to attach to your boots, making it easier to get a grip on the snow and ice.

Glaciers are continually moving, crawling forwards, and melting, creating incredible landscapes in the process! When on a glacier hiking tour, you'll definitely see ice and snow but also a lot of sand, ash or rocks that the ice digs out, like paint on a white canvas. The ice can also contain deep cracks and crevasses that may be hidden with snow, so it's important that you go with a guide that knows the glacier and the area well and can take you on a safe route such as this hiking tour on Solheimajokull glacier .

To experience a snowy white winter landscape that isn't easily found in most places around the world, you should definitely look into going on a glacier hiking tour! You can even try your hand at glacier climbing as well, ice axe in hand!

Top Glacier Tours

Any nature and dog lover shouldn't miss out on exploring the icy landscapes of Iceland with the help of some furry friends! You can go on a 2-hour intimate tour of only 1-2 people on each sled, carried by adorable Siberian husky dogs that love nothing more than running on powdery snow.

Each sled is controlled by a musher and pulled by 6-8 dogs. Your musher will teach you how to work with these highly-trained dogs and the basics of dog sledding. This type of tour is ideal for families with children, or any adventure seeker looking to do something different.

Check out our selection of dog sledding tours in Iceland and find the one that works best for you.

Top Dog Sledding Tours

Snowmobiling is available all year round on both Langjokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. Most snowmobile tours include an hour on the snowmobile. You will zoom across the snowy plains high up on the glacier and have spectacular views on clear days. This is a great trip to go on if you want a little bit of action and adrenaline, but also taking time to take in the landscape, as you're in control of your own snowmobile. Therefore, it's a great way to explore a glacier and have some fun!

This snowmobile tour at Langjokull is combined with the Golden Circle , a perfect day trip combination for first-timers in Iceland!

Not all snowmobile tours are in the south of the country, you can also go on a snowmobile tour from Akureyri in North Iceland .

Top Snowmobile Tours

Perhaps not what you'd think of as a winter activity, but both snorkeling tours and diving tours are available all year round in Iceland. Iceland's most famous diving location is Silfra , a crystal clear ravine at Thingvellir National Park where you can dive or snorkel between tectonic plates with a visibility of up to 120 meters!

The water in Silfra stays the same temperature all year round, so there's not much difference in diving there, whether it's during the summer or the winter. The temperature is only about 35 F (2 C) all year round, so the dives and the snorkeling are generally done in drysuits that will keep you warm despite the almost freezing water.

Top Snorkeling Tours

Surprisingly, skiing and snowboarding are not massively popular in Iceland - or at least not in Reykjavik. The reason: Not enough snow!

Although Iceland gets a fair bit of snow each year, the country's temperate weather means that the snow tends to melt every few days, and not enough stays put for a stable ski season. On top of that, the weather is sometimes too windy to open the ski resorts.

However, there are at least a couple of great ski resorts that are worth a visit in Iceland. The one near Reykjavik, is Blafjoll . Another in the north of Iceland, near Akureyri, is Hlidarfjall . There you can rent gear, including skis and snowboards.

All ski resorts are moderately priced, and you can choose to get a 1, 2 or 3-hour pass. If you rent a car in Iceland , you can get to Blafjoll from Reykjavik, it's about a 30 minute drive. Hlidarfjall is also located a short drive from Akureyri, making it easy to reach if you're up north.

Now you should know that there is no shortage of fun activities you can engage in while visiting Iceland during the winter. However, in the end, Iceland's strength is it's unique natural beauty, and that is also on full display during winter.

Therefore, we definitely recommend taking the time to either go on sightseeing tours of some of the natural wonders around the country, or rent a 4x4 vehicle and go on your very own self-driving tour during winter and see the winter wonderland for yourself.

The most famous sightseeing tour, the Golden Circle, consists of Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur erupts every few minutes and the Golden Waterfall, Gullfoss .

Gullfoss is especially impressive during wintertime, as it is surrounded by icicles, and the thundering water bursts through layers of thick ice! Strokkur never fails to spout scolding hot water up in the air, no matter what the temperature is above ground. And Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, is beautiful and rich in history.

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

The South Coast has the beautiful waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss  and the stark, black sand beach Reynisfjara  with the picturesque sea stacks  Reynisdrangar near the shore. In the south you can also find the glacier lagoon Jokulsarlon and the nearby Diamond Beach . You can drive the south coast yourself or take a look at our wide selection of South Coast tours .

New Year's Eve in Iceland

If you are spending New Year's Eve in Iceland , expect to see a lot of fireworks!

Icelanders like to gather with their families and friends for dinner on New Year's Eve, then go out to bonfires that are lit around the city, before going out and lighting tons of fireworks! On every street corner in Reykjavik, there will be fireworks and sparkling lights going in every direction, before and after midnight.

So if you're thinking of coming to Iceland over the winter, there is no shortage of things to do!

• Find out more about Christmas in Iceland here

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 25, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Top Experiences in This Iceland Winter Itinerary:

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

7 – day Iceland winter trip itinerary and map

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

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

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

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

You will need to rent a car for this trip! We personally use and recommend this website for the best deals for car rental in Iceland and beyond. Don’t forget to get the full insurance!

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

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

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

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

Best self-drive Iceland winter itinerary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The area around this waterfall is quite large and can be explored via a series of boardwalks and staircases. In the summer, you can walk really close to the waterfall, but in the winter, it’s very icy and the path is closed.

Don’t worry though – the best views are accessible, just be careful as it can be very slippery everywhere (that’s why we recommend packing snow traction cleats for your winter trip to Iceland).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the early afternoon, we reached Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 5 – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon – Skaftafell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 7 – Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep reading for more tips for your Iceland winter trip!

Organized Tours – Iceland Winter Trip Alternative

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

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

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

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

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

Some Practical Tips for Your Iceland Winter Trip

Below are some tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

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

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

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Iceland Winter Travel Tips

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

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

More tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

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

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

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Friday 9th of February 2024

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

Saturday 10th of February 2024

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

Tam Harrell

Monday 2nd of October 2023

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

Thank you so much! Tam Harrell

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

Bineet Desai

Saturday 16th of September 2023

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

Sunday 17th of September 2023

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

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

Monday 4th of September 2023

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

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

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

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

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

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

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

Saturday 5th of August 2023

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

Savvy Travel Advice

Visiting Iceland in Winter: Top 18 Winter Activities in Iceland

Last updated: April 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 41 Comments

Visiting Iceland in winter can be a wonderful experience as there are fewer people, beautiful winter landscapes, and chances to see the Northern Lights! There are also a number of fun winter activities to do like skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and joining in on holiday celebrations.

Although some attractions in Iceland close or become inaccessible during the winter, many of Iceland’s most famous spots are still easy to visit, including the Golden Circle, waterfalls, Blue Lagoon, glaciers, black sand beaches, museums, ice caves, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

This post focuses on the best things to do in Iceland during the winter, and we cover everything from heli-skiing to holiday celebrations to Northern Lights tours! We provide information on how to do them independently (when possible) for those who want to rent a car and drive themselves.

We also provide information on how to book winter day tours for those who want to base themselves in Reykjavík and take guided experiences.  

Table of Contents:

How to Travel Around Iceland in Winter

One of the first things you should decide when planning your winter trip to Iceland is how you want to get around the country. The two most popular ways to get around Iceland are by taking a bus tour or by renting a car, but you can also hire a private driver guide or take the public bus. Biking and hiking are not recommended as a way to get around Iceland during the winter months unless you are traveling short distances.

The local public  bus system can get you to all the main cities and towns in Iceland and although not the quickest, it is the best budget option. Buses may not stop at all the attractions you may want to visit so check the routes and schedules to decide if this is a good fit for you.

Note that the Iceland hop-on hop-off buses , with the exception of the hop-on hop-off Reykjavík city sightseeing buses (run daily, year-round), do not run in the winter months.

If you want to travel independently by car, you can rent a car from either of Iceland’s main airports or downtown Reykjavík. In the winter, we’d recommend something with 4-wheel drive and winter tires. We recommend comparing Iceland  rental car prices online here to find the best deal.

If you’d like to travel independently, but would rather have someone else make all the arrangements, you can also  book a  self-drive trip in Iceland  where all the bookings are made for you (e.g., rental car, hotels), but you still travel independently and drive yourself. See our prior post with  Iceland planning tips   to help you decide what option might work best for you.

If you plan to drive, check out our Iceland winter driving tips and advice . Be sure to  check road  and  weather conditions before you set out each day, and I’d also take a look and bookmark the Iceland SafeTravel website .

Here is our recommended 1 week Iceland road trip itinerary , which may be a handy reference for planning your winter trip.

Day Trip Tours from Reykjavík

Many people base themselves in Reykjavík, and then set out in day trips to explore Iceland. This is particularly a good option in the winter months for those who don’t want to drive themselves and want to return to the same hotel or apartment each evening. Day trips can take you to all of the most popular highlights of Iceland, and we’d recommend focusing on western and southern Iceland.

On our trips to Iceland, we’ve used a number of tour operators and booking portals. These include  Iceland Travel ,  Get Your Guide , Guide to Iceland , and Viator . You can see some of our favourite day trips from Reyjkavik here .

Guided Multi-Day Tours

If you are planning to join a multi-day tour, there are a number of operators (most based in Reykjavík) to choose from that can provide longer tours from overnight trips to 2 week tours. Itineraries often include, or include the option to add-on, many of the recommended winter activities covered in this post.

Although this article is geared towards those who are either planning to take day trips or drive themselves, this post can help give you some ideas for the types of activity options and destinations you want to look for in a tour itinerary. When searching for multi-day tours, we’d recommend choosing an escorted tour that is particularly designed for winter such as this 4 day tour .

You can see this curated list of some of the best guided tours of Iceland that range from 2 days to 12 days. It includes tours appropriate for all seasons, including many winter tours.

Top 18 Winter Activities in Iceland 

Now onto our list of recommend top winter activities in Iceland! If you are visiting Iceland in winter, there are limitations as some activities are not available and certain attractions are inaccessible; however, there are also fun things to do in Iceland that you can only do during the winter months.

Our list focuses only on things that you can do in Iceland during the winter months. For each winter activity, we discuss information for both travelers who plan to travel independently by car and for those who want to travel via guided day trips with a base in Reykjavík.

These winter activities are listed in no particular order: 

1. Hunting for the Northern Lights 

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, then you are probably hoping to see the Northern Lights, or the aurora borealis , during your trip. This spectacular natural light show can fill the sky with varying hues of green and red, and can be a magical event to experience. The Northern Lights can be seen from autumn to spring, with the best chance being during the evenings of the winter months. 

Northern Lights By Car

In order to see the Northern Lights you need a combination of several things: high levels of solar activity, darkness (you can only see them at night), clear or partly clear skies, and an absence of light pollution.

Some of these elements you can’t control (e.g., solar activity, cloud cover) so seeing them is partially down to nature and luck. But you can control where you are and if you have a car, you can head to sparsely populated areas where there is little light pollution, clear to mostly clear skies, and the weather forecast shows a chance of the aurora.

Check the aurora forecasts for the best days and times to see them by using online websites, apps, or asking at your hotel (hotel desk staff often post the daily aurora forecasts and many hotels offer a wake-up service if there is activity).

We used the  Icelandic Meteorological Office Aurora Forecast  to monitor activity during our trip as it is probably the best one to use in Iceland, and also got on the list at most of our hotels for the aurora wake-up service.

It can be tricky to get good photos of the Northern Lights. But here is a guide about how to photograph the Northern Lights and includes tips for different types of cameras and smartphones.

Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavík

If you are only going to do one tour while in Iceland in winter, we’d recommend booking a Northern Lights tour. We’d also recommending doing this as a tour rather than trying to hunt for them yourself. Tour operators know where to go to find the darkest spots, know how to interpret the meteorological data, know where they can park, and usually only operate if there’s a chance of seeing them.

Tours are canceled same day if there is no chance of seeing the Northern Lights, and most companies offer a free rescheduling for the following day if the trip is canceled or if you go but don’t see the Northern Lights. Be sure to check the tour conditions so you understand what happens if your tour is cancelled or you don’t see the Northern Lights. 

Northern Lights tours are very popular throughout the winter months, and there are a number of variations available depending on your preferences, including group bus tours like this one and this one , a private tour , and a super jeep tour .

Some Northern Lights tours also include additional experiences like meals, thermal baths, glacier walks, or Super Jeep tours. For example, this tour includes a geothermal bath visit, dinner, and Northern Lights viewing. Or this full day tour includes a classic Golden Circle tour during the day and then Northern Lights hunting in the evening.

All tours include transportation, driver, and guide, and the majority depart from Reykjavík. 

2. Skiing and Snowboarding in Iceland

If you enjoy skiing and are looking for a lesser known European destination, Iceland is a good bet. It is not nearly as well-known or popular as many spots in Europe so the resorts aren’t hugely crowded, and there are almost no trees to accidentally hit!

The resorts are much smaller here, but opportunities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and off-trail skiing. There are also unique opportunities like skiing down to the Ocean, Cat skiing (reaching tops of mountain by snowcat) and even  heli-skiing  in a couple of locations in Iceland. Most ski resorts have runs that cater to both newbies and more experienced skiers.

Although the ski season in Iceland can extend from mid-November to May, most resorts open in December and close by the end of April. However, for the best skiing (and chance of good snow) I’d go in February or March, especially if you are a downhill skier or snowboarder. Because of limited winter hours, almost all ski resorts have lights on their main slopes which allow for night skiing.

If planning to ski or snowboard, check out our ski holiday packing list for a list of things you probably want to pack.

Iceland Ski Trip by Car

You can actually design an entire itinerary around skiing in Iceland as you’ll find ski opportunities in the north, west, south, and east of Iceland! When choosing where to ski, I’d base it on where you plan to travel in Iceland, past ski experience, and the current snow and trail conditions. Just note that driving in the northern and eastern parts of Iceland in winter can be more difficult than in the south and west.  

In western Iceland, there are two Reykjavík area ski slopes . There is Bláfjöll ski resort, which is the largest and most visited ski resort in Iceland, and Skálafell ski resort. Then in the Westfjords you have  Dalirnir near Ísafjörður. In the east, you have a couple of options Stafdalur  and Oddsskarð . Then in the far northwest you have  Tindastóll near Sauðárkrókur.

For those who are visiting Iceland primarily for skiing or snowboarding, I’d recommend basing yourself in northeastern Iceland. Akureyri or nearby would be a good base for the several ski resorts in the area. These include  Hlíðarfjall which is considered Iceland’s premier ski destination and also sits at the highest elevation. It offers pistes that range from beginner level to difficult, cross-country trails, a ski rental shop, and a ski school. 

If you’re planning to spend more than a couple of days skiing in Iceland, I’d invest in the local Ski Pass which allows you to ski at 5 ski resorts in northern Iceland over 5 days so you can try out all the local slopes and save money on day fees.

Heli-skiing is where you are taken to the top of a mountain by a helicopter and then you can ski down. If that sounds like fun you can book a heli-skiing trip on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula (part of the northeast) with Arctic Heli Skiing or Viking Heli Skiing . In some cases you can ski all the way to the ocean.

Note that heli-skiing season usually starts later and runs later than regular skiing at the resorts, often February to June. If heli-skiing is a bit too scary or pricey for your tastes, you can also do cat skiing in northern Iceland with companies such Kaldbaksferðir , where you are taken to the top of the mountain by a snowcat to ski, sled, or snowboard down.

Skiing Tours

You can find a few ski tours in Iceland, including day tours and a multi-day tour, on offer from local operators. However, there are few ski or snowboard oriented tours available in Iceland so the best option for most people is going to be to arrange their own trip. 

We’d recommend booking a taxi or other private transport to and from the ski resorts of your choice. The closest to Reykjavík, which can easily be done as a day trip, is the Bláfjöll ski resort 25 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Bláfjöll is the largest and probably the most popular ski resort in Iceland. It offers family friendly slopes, gear rental, and ski lessons (on weekends).

There is also Skálafell ski resort, which is also about a 25 minute drive from Reykjavík, but it is a much smaller resort than Bláfjöll. You can also fly or take the public bus to Akureyri and hit about a half dozen ski resorts within day tripping distance. 

In deciding on a ski resort, I would base your decision on your location, amount of time, your skill level, and how much you want to ski. If you are short on time or want the most convenient option, I’d visit the ski resorts within driving distance of Reykjavík. If you want to ski a lot, I’d head to Akureyri where there is the highest concentration of skiing opportunities. For the most variety in ski slopes, I’d head to Hlíðarfjall in northern Iceland or Bláfjöll if you are day tripping from Reykjavík.

At most resorts in Iceland you should be able to rent any skiing or snowboarding gear you need (although always best to bring your own ski boots if you own them) but do check ahead.

3.  Celebrating Christmas or New Years in Iceland

Visiting Iceland in winter means you might be around for one of the holiday celebrations that take place at this time of year. Christmas celebrations in Iceland start on December 12th and intensify until December 23rd, Þorláksmessa (St. Þorlákur’s Day), when it is traditional to eat fermented skate (skata) and potatoes and is a big shopping day for many Icelanders.

Around the Christmas season, you can enjoy the holidays lights and decorations, Christmas markets, Christmas carols and concerts, and learning about Icelandic Christmas traditions. Christmas itself is celebrated on December 24th, and it’s traditionally a family affair spent at home. For more of a party atmosphere, you’ll want to be in Iceland for New Years Eve, when it’s traditional to attend a bonfire and set off fireworks. The “end” of Christmas on January 6th (Twelfth Night) is also usually marked with fireworks and bonfires.

Icelandic Holidays By Car

The best place to be for the holidays is probably Reykjavík as there you’ll find the most people, most events, and largest public celebrations. If you are wanting to do some Christmas shopping, you’ll also find the largest number of stores here, and some stores and restaurants stay open on holidays (although many do close). I’d check out local websites or newspapers, or talk to your hotel staff or locals to find out what holiday events will be happening during your visit. 

Another idea if you want to get out of Reykjavík is to head to northern Iceland and visit the Lake Mývatn area. This is the home of the 13 Yule Lads  which are a huge part of the Icelandic Christmas story. The celebrations begin on December 12th and there are a series of family-friendly events in the area leading up to Christmas which include music concerts, buffet holiday meals, family craft workshops, handicraft markets, and an annual bath with the Yule Lads! Akureyri is a good place to base in the north during the holidays.

Icelandic Holiday Tours from Reykjavík

If you are visiting around Christmas, I’d check for Christmas related tours that are being offered. For example this  4 night Christmas tour  includes 4 nights lodging, a 3 day coach tour including the Golden Circle and South Coast, a trip to the Blue Lagoon, a Christmas meal, and a Christmas themed walk. If you are looking to visit both Reykjavík and northern Iceland, I’d check out tours to Akureyri as well.

On New Years Eve you can take a Fireworks Cruise to see the fireworks from the water and celebrate the New Year, or you can take a bonfire tour to experience a number of the traditional local bonfires around the city.

4. Exploring the Wonders of the Golden Circle 

One of the most popular year-round day trips from Reykjavík is to explore the “Golden Circle”, which includes a number of Iceland’s most popular landmarks. These include the mighty 2-tiered Gullfoss waterfall , the bubbling pools and geysers of the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park .

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and contains some of the most important historic, geological, and religious spots in Iceland. It also contains Games of Thrones filming locations !

Golden Circle Self Drive

Driving the Golden Circle makes for a great day out from Reykjavík as you can see some of Iceland’s spectacular natural geological features plus learn a bit about Iceland’s cultural history. If you are driving from Reykjavík, it is about a 40 minute drive to Thingvellir National Park, then 53 minutes further to Geysir, and then 10 minutes further to Gullfoss waterfall.

The route is well-marked and signed. Without stops it takes about 3.5 hours to drive the route round-trip with return back to Reykjavík; however, with stops I’d suggest at least 6 to 7 hours.

In additional to those 3 main stops, you can also consider going snorkeling or  diving at Þingvellir National Park (only if you have certified diving experience), stopping in at the greenhouses at Friðheimar where you can see a geothermal greenhouse and have lunch with food grown there, tasting the locally made ice cream at the  Efstidalur farm  restaurant, or going for a soak at a geothermal bath such as  Fontana Geothermal Baths  or the Secret Lagoon . 

If you are planning to drive the Golden Circle, see our complete guide to driving the Golden Circle .

Golden Circle Tours from Reykjavík

All Iceland tour companies offer Golden Circle day trips from Reykjavík as this is the most popular day trip from the city. If you are looking for a nice day out with stops at all three of the main sites along the Golden Circle, we recommend checking out a Golden Circle tour, such as this classic tour or this popular tour which also includes a stop at Kerid Crater. You can also arrange  a private tour .

If you also want to do the Blue Lagoon, there are a number of tours that include the Blue Lagoon with the Golden Circle, such as  this one .

5. Exploring Ice Caves & Glaciers 

Winter is the perfect time to explore an ice cave, a glacier, or an ice tunnel in Iceland. Tours allow you to actually get inside beautiful ice caves and tunnels so you can see their beautiful blue colors and learn about the formation of glaciers. You can also take tours that allow you to hike or snowmobile on top of glaciers. Iceland has a lot of glaciers and they cover about 11% of Iceland’s surface.

Note that in Icelandic, jökull means glacier or piece of ice. So if you see a word ending in jökull, it is probably the name of a glacier.

Ice Caves & Glaciers Day Trips By Car

Trying to explore an ice cave or tunnel, hike onto a glacier, or drive onto a glacier on your own can be incredibly dangerous if you don’t have the necessary knowledge and equipment. This can be particularly dangerous in the winter when snow can disguise cracks and crevasses in the ice.

We highly recommend only doing these things with a trained guide and proper equipment. There are many private guides and group tours available that can help you safely examine these spots.

If you are not wanting to join a bus tour from Reykjavík, you can drive to the location on your own and join a local tour or guide near the ice cave or glacier. This a great option for those who want to join activities during a road trip around Iceland.

Some ice cave tours offered in the winter include an ice crystal cave tour which departs from Reykjavík, an exploration of ice caves around Vatnajökull glacier with pick-up from Jokulsarlon  Glacier Lagoon (southern Iceland), this ice cave and glacier tour from Gullfoss , and the Into the Glacier tour from Reykjavík.

For glacier exploration we’d recommend checking out this Golden Circle and Langjokull Glacier snowmobile tour from Reykjavik, this hike of Vatnajökull glacier from Skaftafell National Park, or a hike and ice climbing at Solheimajökull glacier . 

If you want to combine some ice cave exploring with a glacier hike, this 4 hour tour from Skaftafell National Park includes both a glacier hike and ice cave tour of Vatnajökull glacier.

Glacier and Ice Cave Day Trips from Reykjavík

All the following tours depart from Reykjavík. If you’d rather depart from another location, see tours listed in the section above. Note that these tours range from low physical activity to needing to be fairly physical strenuous so be sure to read the guidelines and recommendations to find a tour that is a good fit for you.

Ice Caves Tours

There are a number of ice caves in Iceland, and from Reykjavík, we’d recommend this day tour of the   Katla Volcano ice cave .

If you are able to do an overnight trip, we recommend this small group tour which includes an ice cave tour, exploration of the South Shore, a visit to the glacier lagoon, and a Northern Lights hunt.

Ice Tunnel Tours

The Langjökull ice tunnel was made by a group of scientists and engineers on top of  Langjökull glacier , the second largest ice cap in Europe. The 1,800 ft. long ice tunnel and caves are the world’s first and largest man-made ice tunnel, and allows visitors to see the inside of a glacier.

We’d recommend checking out are this tour of the ice tunnel which includes a trip onto the glacier via a ride in a 8-wheel monster truck.

Glacier Tours 

If you are wanting to walk, snowmobile, or take a super jeep tour on top of a glacier, you’ll find there are several options for glacier day trips from Reykjavík. Most of these also include other activities along the South Coast.

Some tours to consider are this Golden Circle drive plus snowmobiling on a glacier, and this Golden Circle tour plus a glacier drive in a jeep , 

6. Enjoying the Glacier Lagoon and South Coast

Another popular drive in Iceland, and for good reason, is the trip along the south coast between Reykjavík and the Glacier Lagoon. This southeastern area of Iceland is home to multiple spectacular waterfalls, a huge expanse of lava field, black sand beaches, glaciers, and a lagoon filled with tiny icebergs. The main attractions in this area are accessible year-round, although may become temporarily inaccessible (e.g., due to a blocked, flooded, or closed road) during or following a storm.

Glacier Lagoon By Car

It is about 230 miles (372 km) from Reykjavík to the  Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon , and it takes about 4.5 hours to drive without stops. Once you get out of Reykjavík, you’ll mostly just follow Route 1 , which is the National Road of Iceland, and forms the famous Ring Road. Highlights along this route include views of the glacier topped volcano  Eyjafjallajökull  (well-known for its 2010 eruption), Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, Reynishverfi’s black sand beach, the village of Vík, and  Vatnajökull National Park .

For a return day trip with stops at all the listed highlights and meals, I would plan on at least 11 or 12 hours. Be sure to check weather forecast and road alerts before setting out.

Driving all the way to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a long drive from Reykjavík, and if you factor in all the stops, it is a long day out. If possible, we’d recommend overnighting here and heading back in the morning so you have more time to explore and don’t have to worry about driving late at night. The eastern part of Iceland also has low levels of light pollution so chances of seeing the Northern Lights are good if there is activity and clear skies.

If you do stay overnight in this area, we’d recommend staying in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík. Around Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you may want to check out  Hotel Klaustur ,   Hotel Geirland ,  Hotel Laki , and the  Eldhraun Guest House . Around Vík, you can check out  Hotel Vik ,  Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka ,  Grand Guesthouse Gardakot ,  Guesthouse Steig , and the  Volcano Hotel .

Glacier Lagoon Tours from Reykjavík

If driving for over 9 hours round trip in potentially bad winter weather doesn’t sound fun, you can take an escorted tour instead and leave the driving up to someone else. We recommend doing this as an overnight tour so you can spend more time exploring, but if you only have the time for a day trip and need to return to Reykjavík the same day, we’d recommend this  Glacier Lagoon and South Shore tour . 

If you are able to do an overnight tour to the South Shore and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, we recommend this small group tour which includes an ice cave tour, exploration of the South Shore, a visit to the glacier lagoon, and a Northern Lights hunt. 

7. Whale Watching

One of the reasons many people travel to Iceland is to see some of its local wildlife, and this includes whales. Iceland is one of the best whale watching destinations in Europe with over 20 whale species found in its waters. A whale watching tour can get you up close to these massive sea mammals, as well as a variety of other sea wildlife.

The main sea animals you are likely to see on a boat tour are the humpback whale, minke whale, fin whale, orca, white-beaked dolphin, and the harbor porpoise. Note that the best time to see whales in Iceland is during the summer months, but you still have a chance to see some species year-round. In fact, winter is the best time to see certain whales such as the Grundarfjördur orcas (killer whales).

If you are interested in the whales around Iceland, you might want to visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition in Reykjavík. It is located near the harbor where most of the whale watching tours leave. The museum provides an immersive learning experience and includes over 20 life-sized models of whales that have been found in Icelandic waters.

Whale Watching Tours

You could get lucky to spot a whale from shore, but your best chance to see one is to join a whale watching tour. The two main departure points in Iceland for whale watching tours are Reykjavík and Húsavík in northern Iceland.

Chances of seeing whales are high from both areas, and Húsavík has been nicknamed the whale watching capital of Europe. In the winter we’d recommend joining a tour in Reykjavík for convenience and the fact that many tour operators don’t operate during the winter in Húsavík.

In Reykjavík, most whale watching tours depart from the Old Harbor, and you can either book a tour in advance or head to Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and book one directly with one of the tour company kiosks at the harbor. Tours generally last between 2 to 4 hours.

This  whale watching tour is a popular one that leaves from the Harbor. Another company that offers well-reviewed whale watching tours are Elding which also operates the Whale Watching Centre . For instance, they offer this 3 hour tour that also includes access to the Whale Watching Centre. They report a 95% success rate of seeing dolphins in the summer months and 80% in the winter months.

NOTE: If you are also interested in seeing seabirds, winter is not a great time to travel to Iceland as there are few sea birds around. Spring and Summer are the best times of years to view sea birds. 

8. Snorkeling & Diving

Snorkeling in winter? No, we’re not completely mad. You can snorkel year round in Iceland, but you’re not going to be heading out to sea or spotting a lot of marine life.  Instead, the snorkeling trip takes place in the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park. This is the site of a submerged crack between the two continental plates that run across Iceland, and the water here is incredibly clear with great visibility.

Being able to snorkel between the Eurasia and North American continental plates is a snorkeling experience like no other!

Snorkeling Trip by Car

The national park does not have any official guides or operators for snorkeling tours or equipment rentals, but there are several companies offering snorkeling tours and gear for those wanting to snorkel at Silfra. There are a number of tours for snorkeling that meet on site at the park like this one . 

As noted earlier you can also dive at two submerged rifts, Silfra and Davíðsgjá, but this is only for experienced divers and you’ll need dry suit certification as well as apply for a dive permit. Or you can join a guided dive (if you have the certification) with an approved operator such as this one . Find out more about diving in the Thingvellir National Park here .

Unless you have dived here before, you’ll probably want to have a guide, and for Silfra we’d recommend doing a guided dive such as this one .

If you are looking for other dives elsewhere in the country we’d recommend checking out this dive company based in Iceland. There are other spots you can dive in Iceland other than Silfra and a local guide can help you explore lesser known sites. For a local dive rental shop you can also check out HAF Sport .

Snorkeling Day Trip Tours from Reykjavík

There are a number of Silfra snorkeling tours that depart from Reykjavík. The tour we suggest with Iceland Travel is the snorkeling plus cave tour   which includes both snorkeling at Silfra plus the opportunity to explore a lava cave with pickup and drop off in Reykjavík. The tour price also  includes all the gear you’ll need, including a full dry suit that will keep you warm and dry even in freezing temperatures. 

9. Exploring the Highlights of Lake Mývatn

Northern Iceland gets far fewer visitors in winter than the rest of Iceland. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here! Located near the town of Akureyri, volcanic Lake Mývatn  is home to a number of natural wonders such as craters, mud pools, massive waterfalls, and geothermal caves.

It is also a popular birding area, although most species are only here in the Spring and Summer months. Akureyri is also a great place to celebrate Christmas.

Lake Mývatn By Car

Making the effort to come up to northern Iceland is definitely rewarding, but bear in mind that winter weather can make for a challenging driving experience. Public buses or domestic flights are also options.

Highlights around Lake Mývatn include the Goðafoss Waterfall, Hverfjall crater, the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar, lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, the Krafla volcano, and hot springs. You’ll definitely want to overnight in the area as there is plenty to explore and you’ll find a number of lodging options in Akureyri . 

Lake Mývatn Day Trip Tours

For a day trip from Reykjavík to Lake Mývatn, we’d recommend taking a look at this tour , which includes domestic flights and stops at Goðafoss Waterfall, the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar, the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, Reykjahlid village, the Krafla volcano, and Mývatn Nature baths. 

If you are searching for Game of Thrones locations in Iceland , this Mývatn tour from Akureyri  includes most of the popular filming locations. plus a soak in the Mývatn Nature baths. 

10. Horseback Riding

Icelandic horses are beautiful creatures, with long shaggy coats that help them withstand the tough Icelandic wintry conditions. They are very photogenic (they even made our Iceland photography guide ) and are unique in that they are one of a few horse breeds where a number of the horses have five distinct gaits.

You are likely to see an Icelandic horse during your trip without much effort as there are many farms with horses around the country, and you can even find a few at the Family Park & Zoo in Reykjavík. But if you want to get really up close, you can interact and ride Icelandic horses by visiting a farm and booking a horseback riding tour.

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tours by Car

There are over a dozen horse farms and riding facilities offering guided horse rides in Iceland, and I’d search in the area of the country you plan to visit. The highest concentration of farms offering riding is within an hour or two driving distance of Reykjavík, but you’ll find them scattered all over the country. At most places, you need to book your riding activity in advance. 

Some places to consider include  Laxnes Horse Farm near Mosfellsbær (just 15 minute drive north of Reykjavík), Íshestar Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður (about 30 minutes south of Reykjavík, book a tour here ), and Langhus Farm in northern Iceland. 

You can also join guided tours or rent horses to ride (for more experienced riders) at Sólhestar (services around Reykjavík and south Iceland, book a tour here ).

Horses aren’t the only big mammals in Iceland, and if you looking for something a bit more wild consider reindeer trekking. If you’re interested in reindeer, then head to eastern Iceland, where you can join an experienced guide on a Reindeer Safari to track down these beautiful animals.

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tours from Reykjavik

There are also a number of tours you can take that focus on Icelandic horseback riding. From Reykjavík you can take a Horseback Riding Lava Tour , which visits the lava fields around either Mt Helgafell or Lake Hvaleyrarvatn. This tour is suitable for riders of any experience level. Some of the tours available at  Laxnes Horse Farm include pick up and drop off in Reykjavík. 

More experienced riders looking for a longer tour might prefer the Horseback Riding Viking Tour , which also departs from Reykjavík. This is a longer experience with both a morning and afternoon ride, and is for intermediate to experienced riders only.

You can see more tours here .

11. Appreciating the Museums & Cultural Attractions of Iceland

Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital city and also the cultural heart of Iceland. Here you’ll find many of the country’s best museums, parks, art, and cultural attractions, and most are open to visitors year-round. But you can also find some interesting cultural spots in other parts of the country, often ones that document a local history, industry, tradition, or saga.

Some of the biggest themes we noted after visiting a number of the country’s museums are art, local history, Icelandic sagas , maritime and fishing culture, and preserved buildings. Spending a few hours visiting some of the country’s museums is a great way to spend a winter afternoon, especially if the weather is not at its best.

Iceland Museums By Car

Reykjavík is easy to explore by foot, car, or public transportation, and many of the city’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other.  Some of the museums and cultural attractions you may want to visit in the capital are the  National Museum of Iceland ,  Hallgrímskirkja Church ,  The Settlement Exhibition ,  Reykjavík Family Park , Perlan Museum ,  Saga Museum ,  Árbaer Open Air Museum , and a number of art museums . Just about all attractions are open year-round in Reykjavík; however, many have reduced winter hours and are likely to be closed on holidays.

Outside of Reykjavík, a car makes it easy to reach all the country’s major museums and cultural attractions. It is easy to mix natural sites with cultural sites on an Iceland road trip itinerary .

The most notable historical attraction is probably  Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park  which is a site of historical, geological, and religious importance because it was the place of the first church, the site of the first parliament in Europe (the Alþingi general assembly), and has a number of notable geological features.

I’d also recommend the folk museum  Skógasafn in the town of Skógar, which is open-air museum complex plus two museums along the South Coast with over 15,000 artifacts and 6 historical buildings. 

Other museums and cultural attractions (many related to the country’s fishing culture and history) include: the  Whale Museum , Lava Centre ,  Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum , the Norwegian House , the  Icelandic Settlement Centre ,  Borgarnes Museum , and the Herring Era Museum . Note that most of these have reduced winter hours and some may open by appointment only in the winter months, so do check the attractions’ website or call ahead.

Iceland Museum tours

Since most of the country’s top museums and cultural attractions (see list above to get you started) are located in and around Reykjavík, we recommend that you are better off exploring on your own on foot or via public transportation.  For museums outside of Reykjavík, I’d book a private tour or join a group tour that goes to the specific museum(s) you are interested in visiting. 

If Thingvellir National Park is on your list, this one is easy as almost all Golden Circle day tours stop here.

12. Visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a region in western Iceland known for its dramatic landscapes, and is accessible year-round. A couple of hours drive north of Reykjavík , this beautiful part of the country is home to a huge glacier as well as waterfalls, beaches, fishing villages, caves, and a glacier. It makes for a very interesting day trip from Reykjavík at any time of the year. 

The most known attraction on the peninsula is the glacier-topped mountain Snæfellsjökull as it was featured in Jules Verne’s  Journey to the Center of the Earth  as an entry point to get to the center of the earth. 

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Drive

The  Snæfellsnes Peninsula makes for a great day trip, and it takes about 2 hours to get from Reykjavík to the eastern side of the peninsula. After leaving Reykjavík, you’ll need to decide to take the undersea tunnel at Hvalfjordur (small fee, can save about 30 minutes) or you can follow along 47, a coastal road.  Once you get there, you can start by exploring either the southern or northern part of the peninsula and then loop around. There are few roads on the peninsula so the route is easy to follow once you get there.

If you start in the north, it is about a 2 hour and 10 minute drive to Stykkishólmur which is the largest town on the peninsula, and then you can head west along the northern part of the peninsula stopping at your choice of places of interest.

Some of the highlights include the town of Stykkishólmur,  Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum ,  Snæfellsjökull National Park , the beautiful Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, the coastal area between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur’s   black-pebbled beach, and the cute wooden church known as Búðakirkja.

Glacier treks, snowmobiling trips, and cave tours are popular activities that can be booked at Snæfellsjökull from local companies (book any activities in advance). You can also book a winter  whale watching tour here th at leaves from Stykkishólmur – see tour details  here .

If you driving this as a day trip and wanted to see all the main highlights, it would be at least a 7 hour road trip round-trip from Reykjavík. However, with stops, I’d recommend at least 9 to 10 hours. Given the limited daylight hours in winter, you’ll want to leave in the morning and you won’t be back in Reykjavík until after dark.

Although this makes a great full day tip, if you have your own car and time, we’d recommend doing it as an overnight trip so you don’t have to rush. The peninsula is also a great place to see the Northern Lights.  If you do decide to overnight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, some lodging options to consider:  Fosshotel Stykkishólmur  (Stykkishólmur),  Our Home Apartments  (Stykkishólmur),  Hotel Egilsen  (Stykkishólmur),  Old Post Office Guest House  (Grundarfjordur),  Fosshotel Hellnar  (Hellnar),  Arnarstapi Guesthouse  (near Arnarstapi), Guesthouse Hof  (near Budir), and  Hotel Budir  (Budir).

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tours from Reykjavík

If you’d rather join a tour and not have to worry about the driving, there are several tours that run in the winter from Reykjavík. These include this popular 11 hour tour , and this 12 hour premium small group tour .

These each offer slightly different experiences and price points, so check them both out to be sure you pick the right tour for you. Each tour include stops at the main highlights on the peninsula, and the main differences are the tour length (10 to 13 hours) and group sizes.

13. Snowmobiling & Other Fun Snow Activities

For most of the winter in Iceland, you can pretty much be guaranteed that you’ll find snow somewhere in Iceland. Snow generally starts falling around November and can last as long as late May or early June, but late December to the end of March are going to be the prime time to visit for snow activities.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding (already covered above), you’ll find opportunities to go ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and ice fishing. Or if those options sound exhausting (or too expensive), you can just head outside and build some snowmen or make snow angels.

Snowmobiling & Snow Activities by Car

It is easy to stop off for some fun in the snow if you are traveling in Iceland during the winter. The highland mountain roads will be closed throughout the winter to regular vehicles (including 4X4s) but many of these areas can still be explored on guided tours with snowmobiles, snowcats, or SuperJeeps. 

If you are coming to Iceland primarily for winter sports or snow activities, I’d recommend checking out offered multi-day treks or highly active winter trips with professional local guides that include activities like long-distance snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, hikes on glaciers, and skiing. However, if you are just looking to try out a winter activity or two on your trip, I’d just book a couple of tours to add onto your Iceland winter road trip .

If you need to rent winter gear while in Iceland (e.g., camping and climbing gear, ice axes, crampons, avalanche safety gear, emergency kits), I’d check out  Everest  in Reykjavík.

If you book a tour, most companies will outfit you with the necessary equipment, but I’d advise bringing along a good pair of waterproof hiking boots, warm layers, gloves, a hat, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof pants if you plan to spend much time in the snow. I would definitely buy and bring along any winter clothing you are going to need on your trip as buying winter clothing in Iceland can be very expensive. 

Note that if you are looking for a sled or sledge to go sledding then you will struggle to find one as it is not a popular activity in Iceland and there are no groomed tracks for tobogganing. So you may want to make your own sled (e.g., buy a plastic trash can lid) and find some snow-covered hills to enjoy. But if you want a real sledding experience, I’d book a Snowcat mountain tour with  Kaldbaksferðir  (located in northern Iceland near Akureyri) and then go sledding down the mountain with one of their own tough-built sleds that were designed to endure the ride down the mountain. 

For those looking to go ice skating, there is normally an outdoor public ice skating ring in Reykjavík over the holidays. There are also indoor ice skating rinks such as the  Reykjavík Skating Hall   and  Egilshöllin  in Reykjavík and The Skate Club in Akureyri. Ice climbers may want to head to Skaftafell, Sólheimajökull, or the icefalls in Kaldakinn, and can join ice climbing tours such as this one .

You’ll find plenty of snowmobiling and snowshoeing opportunities near glaciers and at higher elevations where there is more snow. For snowshoeing, you can go on your own or join a snowshoe day trip such as this introductory one  near Snæfellsjökull National Park and several snowshoe day trips offered by Wide Open . There are a variety of snowmobiling trips available, such as this one which includes the Golden Circle,  and this one   on Mýrdalsjökull glacier which includes Iceland’s southern coast.

For more unusual winter experiences, you can join a dog sledding tour , or go ice fishing on Lake Langavatn.

Snow Activities & Snowmobiling Tours from Reykjavík

Depending on what you are interested in, there are still a lot of winter activities you can do by day tripping from Reykjavík. First, ice skating can be done in the city itself at one of the indoor rinks or at the public outdoor rink that is often open in the winter.

For snowmobiling, there are a lot of tours, but since the best snowmobiling opportunities are 2 to 4 hours away, I’d recommend doing this as part of a longer day trip to make the most of your time. For example, you can go snowmobiling in addition to a Golden Circle SuperJeep tour  or combine a snowmobile tour with a thermal bath visit .

Other snow activities that you can join from Reykjavík include this  ice climbing tour .

14. Winter Hiking 

Iceland is a great country to go hiking, and it has a number of very popular hiking trails. The issue is that the majority of the most popular trails are located in the Highlands and are inaccessible in winter due to snow and ice. However, there are a number of scenic Lowland trails for those wanting to get a taste of hiking in Iceland! Winter hiking opportunities can be found throughout the country, and include inland trails, coastal trails, and even a number of smaller mountains. 

Note that if really want to hike in Iceland’s Highlands area, I’d strongly advise coming in summer or early autumn to hike the popular trails like Laugavegur and  Fimmvorduhals. Attempting to hike these trails in winter is considered unsafe unless you have proper winter mountaineering experience

Hiking Independently With Car

Obviously you need to be prepared for all kinds of winter weather, which can include rain, snow, and hail. Never underestimate the Icelandic weather as it can change rapidly, and it has gotten the better of many hikers. Bring warm layers, waterproof outer layers, good waterproof hiking boots, hat and gloves, and a waterproof hiking bag. 

If you plan to do longer hikes, you’ll also want to get needed navigational gear (e.g., compass, maps), winter weather gear (e.g., crampons, ice axe), safety gear (e.g., rent an emergency beacon), and medical emergency supplies (e.g., first aid kit, emergency blanket). For hiking and climbing gear, check out outdoor and camping supply stores such as  Everest  in Reykjavík.

Before attempting any hike on your own, be sure to learn as much about the hike and trail conditions so you are prepared. Also, be sure to check for weather and safety alerts on the Iceland SafeTravel website , which is run by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. If you plan to go out hiking on your own, you can input your travel plan, contact information, and medical info on the website. You can also rent an emergency beacon at several locations in Iceland so that local search & rescue teams can located you quickly if necessary. 

If you are just looking for some nature hikes near (or even in) the capital (you can even find many trees!), I’d check out the  Heiðmörk nature reserve , Elliðaárdalur , and for an easy central hill hike  Öskjuhlíð .

If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, consider some of the smaller mountains near Reykjavík, most of which take between two and six hours to hike up and down. These include Mt. Mosfell, Mt. Helgafell, Mt. Keilir, and Mt.  Úlfarsfell. Mt. Esjan can also be a possibility if the weather conditions are good (not recommended to go past the Steinn as can be difficult and slippery even in summer!). Note that public buses can take you near the trailheads for many of these hikes.

There are also some lovely coastal, lava field, and hill hikes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that are safe to do year round in good weather conditions. Obviously there are hundreds of other winter hikes in Iceland you could do depending on which part of Iceland you are in, and I’d just consult with local people and check weather conditions for good and safe hikes as you travel. The safety and feasibility of most hiking trails is going to depend entirely on the weather.

If you are looking for more long-distance winter hiking, technical climbing, or mountaineering, I’d highly advise joining a tour or hiring a private local guide. They know where the best places to go are, the gear that is necessary, and what is and is not safe to attempt. I’d check out offerings from companies like Mountain Guides  and  Summit Guides , and if you don’t see what you are looking for, I’d contact them and see if they can help or recommend a local guide.

Connect with local hikers and hiking groups and they can let you know what places they’d recommend (and which they recommend avoiding) in the winter.

Hiking Tours  from Reykjavík

As noted above, there are actually a lot of easy to medium difficulty hikes located near Reykjavík which include local nature and recreation areas as well as smaller mountains. Most of these can actually be reached by taking the public bus or you could take a taxi to the trailhead.

If you are planning on one of the mountains, just be sure to check weather conditions and trail information before setting out.

For those looking for a day trip, you could take a tour like this one that includes a hike along the scenic trail into Reykjadalur and a hot spring stop or this one that includes a hike in the  Thórsmörk (Þórsmörk) Natural Reserve .  For those who are more fit, you can also join a private tour to summit  Snæfellsjökull with Summit Guides .

15. Taking Part in the Winter Festivals

If you are not visiting during Christmas or New Years, you can still catch some of the other fun winter holidays and festivals in Finland. For example there is  Þorrablót (Thorrablot) which is a mid-winter Icelandic festival which includes ancient Norse traditions and feasting on traditional Icelandic foods.

There is also the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík each winter that focuses on celebrating the increasing sun light (after a few months of darkness) and Icelandic culture. Before Lent, there are a number of food-related holidays such as Bolludagur (Bun Day) where it is common to eat cream buns or Sprengidagur (Shrove Tuesday) where it is traditional to eat a big meal with lots of salted meat (lamb being the popular choice). 

Other fun winter festivals in Iceland include the Reykjavík Food & Fun Festival ,  Design March , and the Annual Icelandic Beer Festival. 

Winter Festival Tours

You won’t find many tours for these, as the festivals are probably best enjoyed on your own. The best place to enjoy most of these festivals is in Reykjavík, and they can easily be explored on foot, by car, or by local public transportation. Check the festival website or local papers for the events happening during your visit.

16. Tasting the Local Food & Drink

If you are excited to try out local foods, you definitely need to get yourself on a food tour while you’re in Iceland! Icelandic food is not all about  hákarl (fermented shark, a national dish) and there are also delicious seafood and lamb dishes, flat breads, geothermally grown vegetables, and much more to try. Also check the dates for the annual Food and Fun festival , which is the country’s largest food festival that takes place each winter in Reykjavík.  

Food Tour Day Trips by Car

In terms of food, Iceland is known for a lot of things from shark and lamb to langoustine and salt to fresh berries and skyr .

There are so many things you might want to include on a self-drive food tour such as hot dogs in Reykjavík, vegetables grown at one of the countries geothermal greenhouses (some have attached cafés or restaurants), langoustine soup in Stokkseyri, hákarl at the Shark Museum , fresh skyr or ice cream from Efstidalur II , rye bread from a geothermal bakery at Fontana , and plokkfiskur (a mashed fish soup) which is a traditional staple that can be found at restaurants around the country. You can also purchase a lot of local food products to take home such as sea salt, berry jams, meat jerky, and herbal teas.

To get a sense of the wide range of food from traditional home cooking to the latest innovative  dishes, you’ll want to stop at some of the  farm to table restaurants that dot the countryside as well as the more refined restaurants of Reykjavík.

Note that several restaurants in Reykjavík offer a traditional Icelandic food menu if you are looking for more adventurous Iceland food items (e.g., fermented shark, sheep’s head, whale, horse).  If you are in Reykjavík, you can read some reviews online and put together your own walking tour of some of the best sounding food stops in the city. That way you can burn off some calories in between stops!

Food Tours from Reykjavík

If you are looking for a guided food tour, one excellent option is the Golden Circle food tour , which includes the classic Golden Circle day tour stops plus visits to a local farm, meals, and lots of tastings of local products throughout the day.

In Reykjavik, you might want to try this food walking tour to try some of the cities specialities. If you’d prefer to learn the art of Icelandic cooking, you can also take a cooking class in Reykjavík . This includes a hands on cooking experience, followed by a three-course meal.

It’s not all food either. Iceland has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and you can pair food and beer together on the excellent Beer and Booze tour, which includes ten different beers!

17. Mountain Safaris

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the mountains during the winter without having to hike, ski, or don snowshoes?  Consider heading out on an ATV, a mountain buggy, or even getting a great view of the mountains from above in a helicopter.

Mountain Safari Tours 

I don’t know of any places renting quad bikes or mountain buggies in Iceland, so you’ll probably need to join a tour if you want to do one of these activities. Several companies offer ATV rides, for example you can take a scenic quad biking  tour from Reykjavík. Or if you’d rather see Iceland from above, you can do a helicopter tour which includes the mountainous areas around Reyjkavik!

18. Relaxing in Hot Springs

There is nothing quite like slipping into one of Iceland’s geothermally heated hot springs or swimming pools in the cold winter months! Most hot springs and public pools in Iceland are open year round, so it is easy to add a hot spring to your itinerary.

These range from the world famous Blue Lagoon to the local public baths to lesser known springs away from Reykjavík. Treating yourself to at least one is a must when visiting Iceland in winter!

Iceland’s Hot Springs by Car

Many people want to go to the Blue Lagoon , which given its popularity, we totally understand and it is about a 23 minute car ride from Keflavik airport or a 45 minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. If you want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you must pre-book a timed appointment. See our Blue Lagoon guide for lots of tips for visiting.

If you are looking for a nice alternative to the Blue Lagoon we’d recommend checking out spots like the Secret Lagoon or  Myvatn Nature baths . Both are popular and scenic but less crowded and less expensive than the Blue Lagoon. Of course there are hundreds of geothermal hot springs, swimming pools, and spas in Iceland and here is a good list if you are wanting to visit a number of them on a road trip.

If you are looking for a local experience, I’d join locals at one of the public swimming pools, which generally include a geothermally heated large lap pool, hot tubs of varying temperatures, and a kiddie pool. You’ll find over a dozen of these in Reykjavík alone, plus one in about every Icelandic town of any size. Most popular with locals before and after typical work hours, we found our visits very relaxed in the afternoon. If you are planning to hit the lesser known spots and pubic pools, you’ll want to bring your own towel and any gear as these will not be provided and may not be available to rent or buy on site.

Note that you should never just jump into an unknown hot spring or pool you come across while hiking as some are hot enough to boil an egg, and the water temperature can change rapidly in some spots!

Iceland Hot Spring Tours

The Blue Lagoon can be booked as an easy day trip from Reykjavík with regular shuttle bus departures from the airport and downtown. You can book your Blue Lagoon time slot online here (must have a pre-booked time to visit) and then book a corresponding transfer. You can  book a shuttle here .

You can also book day tours from Reykjavík that include a stop at a thermal bath or swimming pool along with a day of other activities. For the Blue Lagoon, we recommend checking out this list of tours that include a number of day trips to the Blue Lagoon, such as this day tour that includes stops at the main Golden Circle sites, Kerid Crater, and the Blue Lagoon.

If you are looking for a less busy alternative to the Blue Lagoon, there are many tours from Reykjavík that include alternative hot springs as well. For example, geothermal bath stops can be combined with Golden Circle tours (such as this tour ), a  Super Jeep tour of the southern highlands, or while searching for the northern lights . This jam-packed full day tour includes the classic Golden Circle Tour, a stop at a geothermal pool, and lunch at a local Icelandic food stop!

So there are our favorite things to do in Iceland in winter! As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Iceland in winter, so don’t let the shorter days and colder weather put you off.

For more information and advice on planning your trip to Iceland we’d recommend checking out our Iceland trip planning tips , our recommended  7 day winter Iceland itinerary , our guide to 3 days in Iceland , our Iceland winter driving tips , our winter Iceland packing list , and photography highlights guide. Iceland can be an expensive destination and we recommend checking out our tips for traveling to Iceland on a budget . 

Have you visited Iceland in winter, or would you like to? Which of these winter activities would you like to do? Let us know in the comments below!

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John Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:17 pm

What time is most of the limited sunlight in the winter

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:54 pm

Normally the sun rises in the morning and sets in the late afternoon or early evening during the winter in Iceland. This obviously changes a lot each month and the time changes a little each day. December has the shortest days and then they get longer as the winter goes on. So for example if traveling in January, on January 20th, the sunrise is 10:43am and sunset is 4:34pm, but you would still be able to see for a period before and after this during the twilight period. But it does get dark early during the winter so you do want to take the limited sunlight and day lenths into account when planning your travels, particularly for outdoor activities (also good to note if you want to avoid driving in the dark).

Hope that helps and do let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Iceland!

Best, Jessica

December 27, 2023 at 7:16 pm

Are there visitor sites set up to view the volcano? We are traveling in a few weeks to Iceland for a few days.

December 27, 2023 at 7:43 pm

The latest volcanic eruption at Sundhnúkagígar started on December 18th and as an update on December 21st said “there is no discernible volcanic activity in the eruption fissures”.

The latest from the tourism website is that he eruption is best viewed online with a live feed on the media sites mbl.is and ruv.is or from viewing sites from the towns of Reykjanesbær and Vogar. The best way to see it is probably from a helicopter and I think a couple of companies are doing helicopters tours that go over this volcanic site.

But currently there is really nothing to see based on recent live coverage and the area around there is not deemed safe to actually visit that area. the Met office notes that there is still a lot of seismic activity and there could be new fissures opening or another eruptions in the coming days/weeks. So you can check the live footage once in Iceland to see if there is anything to see (and currently viewing areas if any), but if there is another eruption you can normally view it from fairly far away but it will depend on what happens between now and your trip. But as of now, I don’t think there is much to see online or at the viewing sites.

But luckily for travelers, the eruption at Sundhnúkagígar has not interfered with air traffic or most travel plans for visitors except for the closure of roads around the village of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon area. Currently the Blue Lagoon is closed but it may open in a few days, so will likely reopen by the time of your trip if there is no furter eruptions and it is deemed safe. If it is closed during your visit and you want another geothermal spa in that are, you might want to book tickets for the Sky Lagoon .

Hope that helps! Jessica

January 14, 2024 at 5:37 pm

UPDATE: As of January 14th, there was another volcanic eruption near Hagafell mountain and there is currently seismic activity and lava flow in the area. The Blue Lagoon has closed again out of caution for at least a few days and sadly lava is now flowing into the village of Grindavik, causing destruction there. Be sure to check latest updates once your trip starts.

lindsey rim Post author

March 9, 2020 at 1:55 pm

For being such a small country, both geographically and in terms of population size, Iceland has an incredible amount of activities that no visitor should miss! Fortunately, the country’s size also lends itself to being fairly navigable in a short amount of time, even with some essential activities requiring getting out into the wild.

March 10, 2020 at 10:51 am

Hi Lindsey, Indeed, it does pack a lot of punch, especially with natural attractions like waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, geysers, etc. It also has a lot of great activity options and museums and cultural activities. In just the 7 days you can see a lot in a relatively short amount of time because Iceland is fairly compact and lots of things are just off the main highway. If you are planning your trip, just let us know and happy to answer any questions.

Noon Post author

January 8, 2020 at 7:18 am

Love this and love how you write! Will be visiting in Feb – can’t wait!

January 8, 2020 at 10:02 am

Hi Noon, Glad you are enjoying our Iceland articles, and just let us know if you have any questions as you prepare for your trip! Happy travels, Jessica

Leonardo Pissinali Post author

September 10, 2019 at 1:37 am

Nice site with tips of things to do in Iceland

Laurence Post author

September 11, 2019 at 9:55 am

Glad you enjoyed it Leonardo. Wishing you a great trip to Iceland, Jessica

James Post author

April 21, 2019 at 3:03 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica. I love those winter activities in Iceland. It seems both of you are professional. I read many your blogs I really love the way you share your own experiences. My friends and i will keep this blog to be a guide to visit Iceland. Now, I already prepare a jacket for winter – I can say I’m ready for winter trip. Thanks for your sharing.

April 21, 2019 at 3:06 am

Hi James, Sounds like you are already getting prepared for next winter in Iceland! Just let us know if you have any questions and for winter gear, you can see our winter packing list to help with that as well. Best, Jessica

Lauren Post author

March 7, 2019 at 9:47 am

I wasn’t quite brave enough to visit Iceland in winter, but it looks like a spectacular place no matter what season. I love all your ideas of what to do when winter hits! Snowmobiling across Iceland’s landscape would be truly incredible.

March 8, 2019 at 5:46 am

Hi Lauren, Glad you enjoyed reading about our winter adventures in Iceland. Yes, you do need to brave the cold and weather in Iceland in winter, but it is a lot of fun and there are some beautiful winter landscapes then. Best, Jessica

Jon Post author

October 23, 2018 at 11:56 pm

I live in Iceland! You note so many of the wonderful thing to do here in winter, but not just a good place in winter. Reykjavik and Iceland are filled with lots of things to do such as museums like the beautiful attractions like great outdoors, day trips, Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, eco tourism, volcanoes, mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, caves, black beaches and so much more.

October 26, 2018 at 3:39 am

Hi Jon, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, there are so many things to do in Winter in Iceland but also lots to do the rest of the year as well! A beautiful country 😉 Best, Jessica

Stella Gough Post author

September 1, 2018 at 4:02 am

Nice and informative article on things to do in winter in Iceland. So many activities! Thanks for sharing it.

September 1, 2018 at 5:21 am

Hi Stella, Glad you enjoy the article and do let us know if you have any questions about winter activities while planning your trip to Iceland in winter! Best, Jessica

Laura Lynch Post author

January 4, 2018 at 1:31 am

We visited Iceland a few years ago for our first time in the winter. I thought it was going to be impossible to get around to all the awesome things, but it wasn’t. We did come across a blizzard or two and a few road closures, but it didn’t stop us from having a fantastic time.

January 4, 2018 at 10:58 am

Hi Laura, Thanks for sharing your experience driving in Iceland in winter! Yes, the weather can be tricky for driving which is why a guided tour can be a great option for those who do not wish to drive, particularly in the winter months. Glad you still had a fantastic time! Best, Jessica

Kelly Dunning Post author

January 3, 2018 at 12:26 pm

Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time, but I had always thought that I should visit it in summer. However, after reading this I am considering visiting during winter. I think celebrating Christmas and New Years there would be so magical. I would love to take one of the Golden Circle Tours that you mentioned and to visit the ice caves. Whale watching would also be an incredible experience. I see you tasted the fermented shark – what was it like?

January 3, 2018 at 5:30 pm

Hi Kelly, It is a difficult choice whether to visit Iceland in the summer or winter as both have their pros and cons. If you have the chance, I’d do both, maybe the summer first and then return in the winter to focus on the winter activities and holidays. Whale watching in general is best in summer but as noted there are a pod of orcas that have been spotted the last several years only in winter which would be amazing to see (we sadly have not)! Yes, the fermented shark is an acquired taste and to be blunt I thought it was disgusting. On first bite it was OK, and then the taste grew and got much worse! It smells a bit like ammonia as well. However, there was an Icelandic man in the museum who was eating the samples like they were candy so to each their own! Most Icelandic people I think rarely eat shark but for some it is a delicacy. Best, Jessica

Jessica Post author

January 2, 2018 at 9:21 pm

Wow, this was a really helpful and comprehensive post! I had no idea skiing was a thing in Iceland and I definitely didn’t know snorkeling was! I am going to Sweden in search of the Northern Lights in a couple weeks and I am going to use some of your Iceland tips! I think they will translate well! Thanks!

January 3, 2018 at 9:51 am

Hi Jessica, Yes, I don’t think a lot of people know about all the things you can do in Iceland in winter (or other times of the year). Iceland is not really seen as a skiing destination yet by most but there are definitely a lot of opportunities. Snorkeling is year-round and the water stays about the same temp, and is always cold but still. Enjoy your trip to Sweden and I agree, many of these tips should indeed transfer. We also have a winter guide to Finland that may be even more similar in terms of activities! Best, Jessica

Yasha Post author

January 1, 2018 at 1:21 pm

Wow – what a lot of recommendations for things to do in Iceland in winter. There is only one problem – it’s so cold in winter… Ice tunnels, ice caves and glaciers look lovely, but you do look like you need many layers of clothing to visit them. Your photos are just amazing and I admit to being very tempted by the sights, the food and the experiences you outline in this post. It looks as if it is a truly unique place – no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations at the moment.

January 3, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Hi Yasha, Yes, there are loads of things to do in Iceland during winter! It is actually not as cold as you might think, nothing compared to our visits to places like Canada and Finland. The ice caves and tunnels stay about the same temperature year-round so many of them you can visit them year-round (weather dependent of course) and the temperatures vary only by a few degrees year round! You do need to bring warm winter clothing, but we did not need to bring any special winter clothing that we did not already own from living in Scotland 😉 Definitely cold if you are from a warm weather location but not as cold as most people imagine I think. Hope you get a chance to visit Iceland!! Best, Jessica

Marcelle Post author

December 30, 2017 at 1:22 pm

It’s so funny, these two horses, the one with the white mane and grey fur and the fox red one, look like my horses. It’s a dream of mine to visit Iceland in winter time and of course, at least with a day tour on Icelandic horses. I’d love to see the Northern Light, too. It must be like a fairytale come true!

December 30, 2017 at 3:03 pm

Hi Marcelle, Yes, those horses are beautiful so you are lucky to have horses that look like them! There are many farms in Iceland offers tours and horse rides of various durations so that would be a great thing to do when you visit Iceland. Icelandic horse tours are offered year round but come between November and March for best chances to see the Northern Lights! Best, Jessica

Eric Gamble Post author

December 28, 2017 at 1:21 pm

I went to Iceland several years ago at the beginning of March and the end of their winter and absolutely loved it. I went hiking (via car rental) throughout the entire southern part. The only thing I wish I had done was those cave tubes you guys did. How amazing was that?

I loved all the waterfalls, rock formations, and several geothermal pools that are out there. I think if I get a chance to return, I would love to go back in Summer to see it not blanketed in white to see all the beautiful colors hidden beneath the snow!

December 30, 2017 at 1:23 pm

Hi Eric, Sounds like you had a great time and yes the ice tunnels or caves are great places to explore on your next trip. If you enjoy hiking, the best time is definitely the summer when more of the trails would be accessible and you get to see the colors. Hope you get a chance to return!! Best, Jessica

Edoardo Post author

December 27, 2017 at 4:01 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica Norah, thank you for posting your blog post about Iceland winter trips. I always desired to visit Iceland as an independent traveler, and sharing your experience helped me a lot to understand better how to organize myself. The inspirational experience you did are very interesting, so I think I will do something of similar. All the best and happy new year 🙂

December 27, 2017 at 7:11 am

Hi Edoardo, Glad you found our Iceland winter activities post helpful! You might also like our 7 day Iceland itinerary and our Iceland planning posts! Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your own trip to Iceland. Wishing you a wonderful New Year as well!

Happy travels, Jessica

Divya V Post author

December 27, 2017 at 2:00 am

Iceland has been on my winter bucket list for a while now, I hope I take a trip here next year :D. I would wholly watch the northern lights 🙂 and I have heard so much about the Ice Caves! So many great things to do in Iceland in winter time!

December 27, 2017 at 7:08 am

Hi Divya, Hope you get a chance to get to Iceland in 2018! The Northern Lights and ice caves are both definitely worth seeing, but there are also a lot of other things to do in Iceland to keep you busy 😉 Jessica

Leigh Post author

December 23, 2017 at 1:48 pm

I spent 1 night in Reykjavik this summer on a layover, and my next trip will definitely be a winter trip! I only had time for a food tour and the Blue Lagoon, but there is obviously so much to see, and the Northern Lights are a big draw for me!

December 27, 2017 at 7:14 am

Hi Leigh, Yes, 1 night is definitely not very much time to see much of Iceland but glad you got to see a couple of things. Seeing Iceland in winter is definitely becoming more popular but there are a lot of advantages of visiting in summer too (especially if you like hiking, mountains, seabirds, etc.). Hope you get a chance to return! Best, Jessica

Medha Post author

December 22, 2017 at 10:53 pm

Thank you for this comprehensive guide on all the activities possible in Iceland in winter. I am planning my trip in October next year mostly because I want to see the Northen Lights but I struggled in my decision to visit during summer vs winter because I want to make sure I am able to do all the activities and visit all the places. It seems from your guide above that almost all the good stuff is still doable and accessible during winter so I guess it’s not that bad to travel in October 🙂

December 23, 2017 at 8:22 am

Hi Medha, Glad the article was helpful! Yes, like most destinations with seasonal weather, there are going to be trade-offs and different experiences available no matter when you visit. I think most people visit during the summer on a first trip and then maybe come back for winter. We are planning to do it the other way around. But no matter when you go, you can still see many of the main spots in Iceland, although in winter we recommend focusing on the west and south (the area most people visit on a first trip to Iceland any time of the year).

In October, which is autumn, you’ll probably be there too early for some of the winter activities that require a lot of snow like skiing, snowshoeing, & dog sledding but you’ll be able to explore ice caves & ice tunnels, go ice skating, and go snowmobiling during that time of year. Northern Lights can certainly be seen in October (I’d recommend later in October for more dark hours) but it always just depends on the solar activity and weather! During the autumn months, Iceland has its annual international film festival and indie music festival if either of those are of interest. No matter when you visit, I am sure you’ll have fun and best of luck on seeing the Northern Lights!

Seana Turner Post author

December 20, 2017 at 11:43 am

I have to admit I am not much of a cold weather person, but those ice tunnels are pretty cool. I don’t think you could talk me into snorkeling, even with a dry suit, but I would love seeing those horses and the thermal baths. I’m sure the geysers are also amazing, as I loved being in Yellowstone and watching them. Reindeer trekking also sounds fun. I’ve never thought about going to Iceland before, but maybe… it looks more fun in these photos than I would have imagined!

December 20, 2017 at 1:58 pm

Hi Seana! Yes, not everyone is a cold weather travel person. Iceland is not as cold as some may imagine, even in winter, but it is still cold. I agree with you on the snorkeling/diving though! There is a lot to do in Iceland in the winter, but if you want to avoid the cold weather, I’d recommend visiting Iceland in the late Spring to early autumn. There is even more to do then and there are greater opportunities for hiking and spotting wildlife. We loved our winter trip earlier this year, and are tentatively planning to return again next year in late Spring or early Summer! Best, Jessica

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

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Iceland In Winter

August 16, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Thinking of visiting Iceland in winter? You will not be disappointed. Winter in Iceland is an adventure you will never forget. While Iceland is a beautiful country whatever time of year, winter in Iceland is magical.

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)

Rather than the landscape being buried under snow it somehow seems to be enhanced by it. Waterfalls are cloaked with icicles, a golden light seems to always be present and the snow and ice make this prehistoric land looked even more mystical.

There is no need to be worried about visiting Iceland in the winter; as long as you are flexible with your plans and check the weather forecast before you travel anywhere you will have a safe and enjoyable trip. In fact, winter is one of the Best Times To Go To Iceland!

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about spending winter in Iceland, things to do in Iceland in the winter, and what things you need to put on your Iceland winter Itinerary.

Table of Contents

Is Winter A Good Time To Visit Iceland?

In our opinion, there is no bad time to visit Iceland and it really depends on what you want to do while in Iceland and the type of holiday you prefer. If you decide to spend the winter in Iceland you are likely to find it cheaper and less crowded, which is a great advantage.

However, the real advantage of spending winter in Iceland is you have a greater chance of seeing the northern lights. You might even find yourself snow hiking, visiting ice caves, or bathing in warm geothermal pools.

Winter in Iceland is a unique, unforgettable experience.

Make sure to check out our Detailed Winter In Iceland Travel Itinerary!

Average Winter Weather In Iceland

When most people think of Iceland in the winter they think of freezing temperatures and bitterly cold conditions.  In reality, winter in Iceland is pretty mild due to being located on the Gulfstream.

The average winter temperature in Iceland is just about freezing 20-35*F [0 to -5C] and while it can get colder and warmer in general the temperature hovers around the freezing mark.

The weather can be unpredictable and there can be quite a bit of snowfall. Some places can get snowed in but this is not the norm.  Be prepared for the wind which can feel bitter and make it feel colder than it is.

We recommend you pay close attention to the weather forecast and only travel when it is totally safe to do so.

To give you some perspective, a Reykjavik winter can hover between -10 and +10 (14-15*F) New York and Chicago regularly experience colder winters.

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.

The days then tend to get longer from there, gradually up until March where the days tend to be longer than the rest of Europe.

We have visited Iceland many times during winter and the shorter days are actually really crazy to experience! It is like the sunset lasts the entire day. There is nothing like it!

How to Drive In Iceland In Winter

If you are thinking of visiting Iceland in winter you may be nervous about driving during the winter months. If you are renting a car in Iceland during the winter, then this section is for you!

Being worried about driving in Iceland in the snow is understandable as most of us don’t have a lot of experience of driving in snow and icy conditions.  However, if we as Floridians had no problem with it I’m sure you will be fine too.

When spending winter in Iceland it’s important that you drive carefully and slowly. Not all roads are cleared and there could be black ice patches so take it easy. It can be tempting to speed as the roads are often clear but don’t; it’s illegal and dangerous.

 All rentals cars come equipped with snow tires during the winter months so you will not need a 4×4 vehicle unless you choose to have one.

Since it is unsafe to drive the whole Iceland Ring Road during winter, we don’t recommend spending extra on a 4×4 unless you really want to. All of the Best Stops In South Iceland do not require a 4×4 to see!

Before any trip just be prepared.  Make sure you have looked at the forecast, have a full tank of gas, and always pack some food, water, and blankets just in case you get stranded. If the forecast says don’t drive, don’t even if it is just a wind warning, the wind can get pretty bad and cars can get blown off the road. 

Some roads will be closed but the ring road that circumnavigates the entire island is always open unless otherwise specified so check online before you travel. When we say “always open” take that with a grain of salt. The roads in the Eastfjords are often closed in winter for weather and the north may be closed as well.

  If you stay away from the F or H roads, and The Highlands and the North when the weather forecast is bad, you are unlikely to come across any really dangerous conditions.  Generally, if you stick to the South you will be fine.

We also recommend you always use your headlights as it is dark a lot and even the daylight hours can seem gloomy.

If you do get into trouble the emergency number in Iceland is “112.” Or call the roadside assistance number that comes with your rental car if it is not an emergency.

Cost Of Travel To Iceland in Winter

Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world so visiting Iceland in winter means you are going at the cheapest time.

Rental cars, hotels, and tours will all be less than they are if you visit in the warmer months.

However, gas will not be cheaper, and filling an economy car will cost between $80-$100 so make sure you factor in that cost.

Some restaurants may drop their food prices but don’t expect this. A simple meal like a burger and chips can cost around $30-$40, a gas station meal will likely be around $15-$20. It’s expensive and if you want to drink alcohol buy it at duty-free, you will pay about $8 for a glass of beer and $10 for a glass of wine.

You can save money by buying food at the grocery store and making your own but these stores do not sell alcohol. 

When planning your winter in Iceland make sure you have a healthy budget for food or be prepared to cook for yourself.

What To Wear During Winter In Iceland

When packing for winter in Iceland you do need to give what you are taking a bit of thought. We have found you often need more than you think because things get wet and may take some time drying. Having good sturdy winter boots is essential and you will need a coat/jacket that is wind and rainproof.

If visiting Iceland in winter think about layering, an inner layer that is worn directly on the skin that breathes and has moisture-wicking, a middle layer that will insulate and heat, and an outer layer that will protect against the wind and rain.

The best investment for your Icelandic winter trip is a waterproof and windproof jacket, waterproof trousers, and waterproof snow boots.  If money is tight concentrate on these three items and buys second-hand if you need to.

The objective is to stay warm and dry so anything that helps in those terms is well worth the investment.

A few things to also think about is that due to snow you may not be able to wheel your suitcase very far so either go with a backpack or make sure you can carry your case.

Here are the things we recommend for your winter in Iceland packing list.

Waterproof and Windproof Coat

The right jacket in Iceland can make your winter holiday a great one or a cold miserable one. You want a solid jacket that is both waterproof and windproof. For winter in Iceland, we recommend a jacket with an Omni-tech base layer and a waterproof shell. A good jacket is worth the investment. And if you are thinking of taking pictures yellow or red looks great against the winter Iceland backdrop. We like the  Columbia Women’s Superpipe Slope 3 in 1 Interchange Winter Omni Heat 650 Down Ski Jacket . Terrence wears this  Columbia Men’s Action Jacket .

Waterproof trousers

Waterproof trousers or snow pants are a great idea for your winter in Iceland. Snow Pants tend to be thicker and padded like the ones you would wear skiing and waterproof trousers are generally trousers you can slip on over say hiking trousers or jeans so they don’t get wet. It depends on what you intend to do so think about your Iceland winter itinerary and choose accordingly. We love these  Columbia Storm Surge Pant and the Columbia Women’s Arctic Air Omni-Tech Ski Snowboard Pants . Terrence loves the  Columbia Men’s Snow Gun Pants .

Winter Boots/Snow boots or waterproof shoes.

When traveling in Iceland in winter a good pair of waterproof shoes or boots are essential. There is nothing worse than walking around with cold feet. There are so many different types and styles so choose what suits you and your Iceland winter itinerary. Make sure the soles are certified to keep your feet warm to temperatures below 0*F to ensure you are purchasing a good pair. Victoria wears the Columbia Minx Mid II Omni-Heat Winter Boot and Terrence wears the Columbia Bugaboot Plus Omni-Heat Michelin Snow Boot .

A Balaclava

The perfect winter in Iceland accessory. Cheap doesn’t take up a lot of space and won’t be blown off your head like hats can be. They will also keep the cold wind off your face, which you will thank us for. We find Balaclavas like this work well.

Waterproof Gloves. 

Like everything else in Iceland in the winter packing list make sure your gloves are waterproof if not your hands may spend most of the day wet, there may be snow and ice everywhere. You don’t have to get snow gloves unless you want to; just make sure whichever you get are waterproof and are padded enough to keep you warm. Victoria loves these Touch Screen Waterproof Warm Gloves and Carhartt Women’s Quilts Insulated Breathable Glove with Waterproof Wicking Insert gloves . Terrence tends to ear something like this Snow gloves like these  HighLoong Men Ski Snowboard Gloves Waterproof Thinsulate Cold Winter-Black . 

Thermal Tights or Fleeced leggings and a long sleeved top.

Investing in some good thermal tights, leggings, long johns, or leggings are a must, and paired with a long sleeve top these will keep you toasty warm.  If you will be wearing them directly on your skin make sure they are breathable and moisture-wicking as you will sweat.  Thermal underwear or an equivalent that covers you from head to toe while not necessarily attractive is required to combat the wind.

Victoria loves these Premium Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings and these  32 Degrees Women’s Heat Scoop Neck Thermal Tops . This is also one of your favorites Hanes Women’s V-Notch Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt . We tend to pack Pack at least 3-4  good long sleeve shirts each. Terrence wears a thermal top and thermal leggings .

 Light Thermal Jacket

You probably won’t need to wrap up for an arctic adventure every day and some days it may be warmer. On these warmer days, you may want to ditch the heaver study coast in favor of a lighter thermal one.  Having a light thermal jacket with Omni-heat technology is a great idea and your larger coat can be put over the top if needed. We love this  light thermal jacket with Omni-heat technology .

Hiking Pants/Trousers

You can of course if you want to wear jeans or any other trousers but we find hiking pants more comfortable in particular if they are ones which have a bit of stretch in them. Hiking pants tend to be on the thin side so you will need something warmer under them. Whatever you wear though is liking to get muddy so make sure you’re not wearing your best trousers as they will get ruined. These Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Straight Leg Pant are Victoria’s favorites and Terrence likes this  pair of hiking pants .

For the days when a balaclava is not necessary a wool hat may do just the job. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something that you can pull over your ears and is functional. Victoria wears a Tough Headwear Cable Knit Beanie .

Do not spend winter in Iceland without a pack of wool socks . Wool is the single best fabric for keeping you warm and you won’t want to do the trip without them, believe me, we tried.

Things you might not think you will need but you will.

A swimsuit or swim trunks.

The hot springs will be warm when you are traveling to Iceland in winter so you will want to make the most out of it by taking a dip. In our minds, this is totally essential on your winter trip to Iceland.

Polarized Sunglasses. 

If you have been skilling you will know why you need polarized sunglasses during a winter trip to Iceland. Sun reflecting off snow and ice can be very harmful to your eyes. It’s also impossible to keep your eyes open if this is happening and believe us you will want to see the amazing scenery.  Polarized sunglasses offer more protection but normal sunglasses will do if you don’t have polarized ones.

Filtered Water Bottle

You can drink water straight from the tap and we have even seen some people drinking straight out of the streams in Iceland. However, everyone reacts to bacteria differently so we suggest a filtered water bottle or something like a life straw just to be on the safe side.

Obviously, you will also need your sleepwear and outfits for days you decide not to venture out and cozy up inside.

Where To Plan Your Iceland Winter Itinerary

If you are spending winter in Iceland it’s best to focus on the south coast of Iceland. You are less likely to come across road closures and inclement weather.

We love the south coast of Iceland and it is the safest place for a winter trip.

The south coast has lots of natural wonders to keep you busy, from dramatic waterfalls to black beaches you are unlikely to miss out on anything a visitor in warmer weather can get a glimpse at.

As with any winter Iceland itinerary makes sure you make allowances for the few daylight areas, only climb stairs and areas around waterfalls if it is safe to do so, and stick to the main highway. 

Places you can visit in the south include Reykjavik,  Skogass waterfall, Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, The Blue Lagoon, and much more.  As you can see winter in Iceland means you miss out on none of the usual tourist spots.

Winter in Iceland allows you to see most of the places that Iceland has become known for at a time when they are likely to be less busy. 

Visiting The Blue Lagoon During Winter In Iceland

The blue lagoon in Iceland in the winter is well worth the time, in our opinion.

Visiting the blue lagoon in winter can be somewhat of an extraordinary experience. If you are lucky you may catch the northern lights or be there when the snow starts to fall.   We’ve visited during the winter on several occasions  year-round

The Lagoons water is naturally heated by mineral-rich thermal springs and stays toast all year round (37-40°C/98-104°F). It’s a great treat for your skin and a fantastic way for you to relax and just enjoy the experience.

The lagoon is about 45 minutes away from Reykjavik and if you don’t have a car you can get bus transfer or book a tour. You will need to pre-book and there are various offers with added extras. We recommended going as early as you can as by noon the place will be buzzing with people.

There are places to store luggage and lockers to keep belongings. All purchases are charged to your smart wristband so no need to worry about your wallet while enjoying the lagoon.

Please note before entering you are required to shower naked and while a lot go for the communal showers there are private shower stalls.

The Lagoon is large and the water temperature varies so you can always find a spot that is perfect for you.

Before you go in protect your hair and jewelry as the minerals in the water can play havoc with them. We recommend using the conditioner in the shower and leaving it in your hair and taking off all your jewelry and storing it safely in your locker.

There is a restaurant on-site and you can go in your bathrobe and slippers (provided in some entry levels). It is one of the best places to see on your Iceland Itinerary!

It’s definitely worth a visit if you are spending Iceland in the winter or any month.

Best Winter Tours In Iceland

If you want to go to Iceland in the winter and don’t want to drive, no worries. There are some great ours available most starting in Reykjavik.

Here are some of our favorite winter in Iceland tours.

Magnificent Iceland Winter: Aurora Borealis & Golden Circle

This day trip allows you to see many breathtaking sights and if the Gods are looking down on you, the northern lights.

The tour starts in Reykjavik and then you get to experience Thingvellir Park, Geysir, Gulfoss waterfall, and the Kerid volcanic crater.

Then weather permitting after a short rest you get set for your Northern Lights Tour and if the conditions are just right you will be in for a jaw-dropping experience.

This tour lasts for 9 hours and starts at 10 am. Pre-booking is required. The tour also picks up from most hotels where access is available.

Check Rates: Magnificent Iceland In Winter

Vatnajökull Glacier: Ice Cave Tour

You can’t come to Iceland in the winter without visiting some ice caves.  On this tour, you will explore the blue ice caves in Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. The tour begins from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Southeast Iceland and is relatively easy going. The 4×4 Superjeep gets close to the cave entrance without much effort.

 There is nothing as spectacular as the stunning blue ice and the beautiful views for which Vatnajökull is famous.

The 2½ hour tour begins from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon; there you meet your professional glacier guide and a 4×4 Superjeep takes you to and from the glacier.

Check Rates: Vatnajokull Ice Cave Tour

From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

If our description of the Blue lagoon had you wanting to jump into the warm waters right away then this is the tour for you. You spend the afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, entrance fee included, then you have some free time to relax before setting off on The Northern Lights Tour.  

You are always taken to the best locations to see the northern lights at that moment but of course, nothing is guaranteed, and if you don’t see anything you are welcome to join the tour again, free of charge.  

The tour is an 8-hour experience beginning at 1 p.m. and the pickup is from the bus terminal in Reykjavik.

Check Rates: Blue Lagoon And Northern Lights Tour

From Reykjavik: Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling Tour

For those that like their winter in Iceland with a few thrills then this 1-hour snowmobile ride in the vast snowfields of Langjökull Glacier might be right up your street. Experience the landscape like a local and see how breathtaking this country really is.

This tour lasts 8 hours and includes a return transfer to and from  Reykjavik, snowsuit, helmet, and gloves are provided.

Check Rates: Glacier And Snowmobiling Tour

Best Things To Do In Iceland In Winter

There is so much to do in Iceland in the winter from ice skating to ice caving from hot geezers to snuggling up in front of the fire. Winter in Iceland has something for everyone.

Here is a list of 5 things to do in Iceland in the winter that we think you will enjoy.

Experience a Frozen Waterfall

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a trip to a waterfall and in winter these waterfalls truly are spectacular. While the waterfalls take your breath away in a warmer month, in winter they take on a more mysterious and otherworldly quality. They really are a sight to behold.

Svartifoss Waterfall, situated in Vatnajokull National Park at Skaftafell, is overrun with visitors in the summer, but in winter you may be one of only a few people there.

Seeing these black falls draped in ice really is a sight to see. The unique black volcanic rock stands tall competing with long icicles hanging overhead as the high falls partially freeze. It’s a sight to behold.

You will have to hike 1.5km to get there and the terrain will be snowy and icy and the path can get slippery. Don’t attempt this unless you have crampons or microspikes to put on your shoes. The hike is uphill and will take about 45 minutes each way.

Make sure you are entirely comfortable hiking in these conditions before you set off.  When you arrive grab a map from the visitors center. You will pass two other waterfalls on your way, Magnusarfoss and Hundafoss. They are far less impressive but worth a short stop never the less.

If this waterfall feels a little too adventurous for you Skogafoss Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, is easily accessible, just next to the Ring Road. Just like the rest of Iceland, Skogafoss is spectacular whenever you visit. Seeing this waterfall cascade from snow-covered hills is a sight you will never forget.

Explore a plane wreck

When most people think of things to do in Iceland in the winter I bet the plane wreck pops into most heads. The famous plane wreck at Solheimasandur Beach is, you be pleased to know accessible in winter. However, bear in mind that you will have a 4 km round trip from the car park so be prepared.

The plane has stood in this spot since Saturday, Nov 24, 1973, when a forced landing was required by the pilot due to icing. This really is a unique thing to do in Iceland in winter and the photos you can get will be phenomenal.

The walk is relatively easy on a flat rocky beach and be aware you won’t be able to see the plane until you come over the hill and almost upon it. If you are visiting Iceland in the winter this is a great thing to add to your itinerary because it isn’t as busy as the warmer months and you may be able to get a picture easier.

Visit a Glacier Lagoon

No visit to Iceland would be complete without a trip to Jokulsarlon. We believe it is one of the most beautiful sights in Iceland and it has lots of contenders so that is really saying something.

Formed by meltwater for the nearby Vatnajokull glacier it really is a sight to behold. Huge chunks of ice break off the glacier and float into the lake before being swept into the sea. These icebergs are speckled with black and turquoise and some are thousands of years old.

The zodiac and amphibian boat tours won’t be running in the winter but you can still get an amazing view of the lagoon from the lakeshore.

Across the road you can visit Diamond Beach, so-called because the icebergs wash onto the black sand beach and some chinks of ice glisten like diamonds. And when snow covers the beach the spectacular looks even more awe-inspiring.

It’s free and you are guaranteed that no two visits will look the same due to the ever-changing nature of the lagoon.

Chase down the northern lights.

The number one reason to visit Iceland in the winter is to see the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. 

This is the one thing that really sways a visit to Iceland in the winter over the summer months. The dark skies and the right conditions make for one of nature’s most impressive shows. Seeing the sky dancing with green, purple, and orange-red hues is an experience we will never forget. 

If you want to chase down the Northern lights you have two options. You can take a tour or self-drive to the location. The tours are affordable and the tour guides are more knowledgeable about where the best locations on that particular evening will be. If you self-drive you will have more time to stay at the location but you might not be in the best area that particular evening.

December through March tends to be the times when the lights are more visible but you can see them September through April if you are lucky. And like everything in nature, there is no guarantee and your visit may be an unsuccessful one. The weather changes quickly and the conditions have to be right to see this spectacular so count seeing them as a blessing rather than a has to happen thing.

Walk on a Black Sand Beach

One of the best things to do in Iceland in the winter is to visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. We guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Near the fishing village, Vik in southern Iceland visiting this place in winter gives it a whole different perspective. Even if you have seen this beach in the warmer months please go visit in winter it’s special.

Prepare yourself it will be cold and most likely very windy so dress as warm as you can. We stopped on the way back to the car to get a hot chocolate at a little touristy café, it was much needed.

What makes this place so special in the winter is how white little balls of snow and ice mix with the back sand, couple this with crashing high waves against the step-like rock formations and you are standing in one of the most atmospheric locations we have ever experienced, it looks out of this world.

I hope we have convinced you that visiting Iceland in the winter is well worth it. There is so much to see and do and the sights really are magical with the added touch of winter. Please let us know how your winter in Iceland goes and whatever you decide to do we know you will have an amazing time.

For more information to plan your Iceland winter itinerary take a look at 60 Best Stops On Your Iceland Ring Road Itinerary , 10 Epic Iceland Glacier Tours Worth Your Money and 10 Best Places To See In South Iceland .

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21 best things to do in Iceland (in Winter) – with photos

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Discover the 21 best things to do in Iceland in Winter in Iceland (in my opinion): 

• waterfalls,
• black beaches
• and much more…

There is much to choose from, but I have selected my top 21 Iceland Winter attractions for you to enjoy!

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

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Best things to do in Iceland in Winter – short answers

In the following article you will see the pictures of 21 fantastic Iceland Winter Attractions to experience. But let me start by saying that even if you don’t stop anywhere, just driving around Iceland in Winter is magnificent. The scenery is a Winter Wonderland.

If you need me to reduce even more than 21 because you are limited in time, my top 5 absolute favorite things to do in Winter in Iceland (the best places to visit) are:

• Visit natural ice caves – For example from Jokulsarlon –  You can book this tour
• The Godafoss waterfall
• The Saxholl crater on a clear day
• Diamond Beach 
• Getting close to a glacier, for example at  Solheimjökull – see options

All the locations listed in this article are accessible in Winter by car. Of course road closure can always happen due to snow and wind – check out the status on road.is and look at my tips about driving in Winter in Iceland .

They are all included in my eBook (with other wonderful ones), the help you easily plan your Winter itinerary :

Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide

• 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 75+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Winter tips to make the most of your time
• 115+ original photos to help you choose

1 – Warm up at the geothermal areas 

Winter in Iceland is not as cold as some may think. But if you are bored of the white of the snow, you can head to a geothermal area to see a little bit more colors. LOL. There are many options around Iceland, I have selected one in the South and one in the North, but you can also find out more options on the Reykjanes peninsula.

1a – Haukadalur and the Strokkur Geyser

Located on the Golden Circle , the Haukadalur geothermal area is the most famous in Iceland and one of the most visited attractions in Winter and in Summer. It is home to Geysir which is not really active. However the Strokkur geyser is. It erupts every 3 to 7 minutes. You can see the bubble forming and then breaking, it is quite fascinating.

1b – Hverir in North Iceland

In North Iceland, the Hverir / Namafjall geothermal area is one of the top things to do around Lake Myvatn in Winter . The area is home to large mud pools and fumaroles. I love the contrast with the surrounding snow.

2 – Get a shower at the many waterfalls – Iceland Winter Highlights

Iceland is famous for its waterfalls . There are many to choose from. In my opinion some are even more beautiful with the coat of snow, especially the small one with frozen water. None of the well-known ones freezes completely though.

Here are a few notes on the major waterfalls:

• Gullfoss on the Golden Circle – Flowing water, beautiful canyon covered in snow – see more photos
• Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast – Flowing, not possible to walk behind in Winter – see more photos
• Skogafoss on the South Coast – Flowing, as impressive in Winter as in Summer – really easy access – see more photos
• Hraunfossar on the Silver Circle – Flowing with some icicles – absolutely breathtaking in Winter – see more photos
• Godafoss in North Iceland – Flowing with stunning icicles – I loved in Winter! a magical moment – see more photos
• Kirkjufellsfoss on the Snaefellsnes peninsula – Flowing with large icicles – the alignment of the unique mountain with the waterfalls is stunning in Winter too – see more photos

Need to rent a car in Iceland?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

3 – Go underground in these Iceland Winter attractions

3a – ice caves.

For everyone, one of the main highlights of a Winter trip in Iceland is visiting an ice-cave. A natural one. You can’t do it in Summer as they become unstable with the heat or disappear. Caves can be visited at different tongues of the glaciers. The most famous tours are from Jokulsarlon. I liked this tour because they look every year for new caves and try showing you both a black and the blue ice caves. Something truly unique that will not be there next year. You can book this tour with a black and a blue cave if conditions permit.

Or you can check out my article about choosing your Ice cave tour .

3b – Vidgelmir Lava Tunnel

There are other lava caves in Iceland but I love this one, especially in Winter.The Vidgelmir lava tunnel is easy to access with just a few staircases and a good pathway all the way. It can also be visited in Summer, but in Winter it has something special. In one area, ice stalagmites form on the lava. I had never seen such a phenomenon. I love the contrast: being in a tunnel created by burning lava combined with ice formations. Guided tours only – you can book here

3c – Ice Tunnel

Another famous underground experience (accessible in Winter and in Summer) is the Ice Tunnel ‘Into the glacier’. The giant 4WD truck drives you up the glacier to access a man made tunnel. At one point you are 40m under ice and snow. It is not beautiful like the natural ice caves, but it is quite an experience! You can book here

4 – Get up close with the glaciers

Iceland is the land of fire and ice. Glaciers cover a large portion of the land. Some of the tongues are quite easy to access and will leave you with unforgettable memories.

4b – Glacier Lagoons

You can see them from the distance with a glacial lagoon at your feet. The most famous one is Jokulsarlon on the picture above. The glacier is further away but it produce icebergs that float in the lagoon before heading to the sea. On my last visit there had been a storm and the lagoon was completely filled with icebergs. It was very impressive. See more photos

4a – Walk on a glacier

And, if you are fit enough, you may want to join a guided tour to walk on a glacier. To see the intense blue and the crevasses. There are several locations to do it. They will provide spikes and safety equipments. It possible on the South Coast at several glaciers – before and after Vik for example at Solheimjökull – see options  or  Skaftafell – see options

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

5 – Spot wildlife and admire the horses

Wildlife is not the main attraction in Iceland, especially in Winter. However there are still a few options for you to enjoy animals.

5a – Reindeers in the East fjords

In Summer, the wild reindeers live in the Central Highlands. However in Winter they come down to the East fjords for the easier conditions. You can see them on the side of the road. Be careful as they may cross sometimes! I know you will want to stop to admire them, but be really careful and don’t stop in the middle of the road!

5b – Whales from Reykjavik or Akureyri

Iceland is the land of Whale Watching. You can do it from Reykjavik, Akureyri or Husavik. Winter is not the best season, because most of them migrate, but you still have a chance to see some. See tour options

5c – Icelandic horses

Those are not wild animals. But if you love horses, the Icelandic horses are adorable and you can find them on the side of the road. Do not feed them unless there is special food available for you at the carpark (like near Haukadalur). You can also book horse back riding activities, even in Winter. See options

5d – Artic Fox

I have been lucky to see a wild artic fox in Winter. However I don’t have a pictures because it was running under the wheels of the vehicle. In Winter, their coats are white, so they are very difficult to spot.

Where to stay in Iceland?

My favorites:

• Reykjavik , capital city:   see best rated accommodations  – or  my article on where to stay
• Selfoss , between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
• Vik,  near waterfalls and glaciers:  see best rated accommodations
• Höfn , gateway to the East fjords:  see best rated accommodations
• Egilsstadir , between fjords and North Iceland:  see best rated accommodations
• Reykjahlid , for the wonders of Lake Myvatn:  see best rated accommodations
• Akureyri , capital of the North:  see best rated accommodations
• Grundarfjordur , on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:  see best rated accommodations

6 – Climb a crater – yes, this is what to do in Iceland in Winter

This you might not have expected, but you can climb a volcanic crater a Winter. It is not that difficult. However I am not talking about the big ones here. Just some small ones on the side of the road.

6a – Saxholl

Climbing Saxholl, on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, was one of my favorite experiences in Iceland in Winter. I was lucky because the visibility was incredible that day. The views from the top of the crater with the lava, the snow, the glacier and the sun… unforgettable! Just be reasonable in case of very strong wind and don’t climb.

6b – Myvatn pseudo-craters

For this one I am cheating a little 🙂 Around a pond by Lake Myvatn are what look like volcanic craters. But they are pseudo-craters created by lava meeting water. It is a very rare phenomenon. I love them so much in Summer! In Winter the experience is surreal. The pond is not visible as covered in snow. So you can only see some black pimples over the white landscapes. At one point I was alone on top of one of them and it felt like being in an Ice Age.

7 – Enjoy the black beaches

Iceland has a lot of black beaches . This is due to the intense volcanic activity. In Winter the contrast of the dark black with the white snow creates and even more intense visual experience.

7a – Diamond beach

Diamond beach is a true gem. This is close to Jokulsarlon on the South Coast. The icebergs escape to the sea but are pushed back towards the beach and end up on the black sand. When the sun is out, they are sparkling like diamonds. Some are white, others blue and a few black. The last time I visited was after a storm and the beach was covered with icebergs of all sizes. Here the scenery is almost similar in Winter and in Summer.

7b – Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is the most famous. When talking about the “Iceland black beach” is normally refers to this one. It is located on the South coast, near the town of Vik.It is a very long black beach with a cave, basalt columns and pillars in the water. If you are visiting, please be extremely careful as the waves can suddenly come a lot higher than the ones before.

7c – Fauskasandur

One of my favorites is Fauskasandur. It is located in the East Fjords. The beach itself has nothing special except for a monolith. But I love the view with the mountain and the small cliff. This is one of my favorite pictures from my last trip (taken in February).

8 – Be wild in lava fields – (best places to visit in Iceland in Winter)

Iceland is full of lava fields created by numerous eruption over time. Some are recent and still very dark, others are old and covered with moss (but you can’t see it in Winter with the snow).

8a – Dimmuborgir

In North Iceland, Dimmuborgir is a famous lava field near Lake Myvatn. Here the formations are giant and your imagination will have a blast discovering strange shapes in the rock. In Winter the landscape is pure black and white, so you might feel a little bit disoriented. If visiting in December, this is the home of the Yule Lads (the local version of Santa Claus). See more photos on my Dimmuborgir in Winter article

8b – Londrangar

On the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a lot of the coast is made from lava cliffs. At Londrangar the legend says that the 2 giant lava plugs are trolls. A viewing platform as been set up so that you can take it all in.

8c – Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is probably the most famous in the Snaefellsnes peninsula. On this coastal walk you can see many lava formations being hit by the waves: simple monoliths, basalt columns, an arch, a bridge, holes… Take your time and look at the details in the rock. Plus if you look inland, you can admire the Arnarstapi mountain and its beautiful pyramid shape.

9 – Stay up to see the northern lights

Most people visit Iceland in Winter to see the Northern Lights. It is the best time to see them, since the nights are longer. But remember there is no guarantee. You need a clear sky and sun activity 18h before. Many hotels offer wake-up calls to inform you when they are visible so that you can sleep and don’t have to check every 15min. And then you just have to hope they are strong. See my article about the Northern lights .

And keep track of your own trip!

Top things to do in Reykjavik in Winter

You may only have a few days to spend in Reykjavik in Winter. In that case, my recommendation is to book day trips to see Nature as this is the best Iceland has to offer. For example:

• Tours to the Golden Circle
• Tours to the South Coast
• Tours of the Snaefellsnes peninsula

But if you are stuck in Reykjavik or just enjoy cities, I recommend:

• The Perlan museum for the circular platform offering views in all directions (such as in the picture above)
• The Sun Voyager sculpture on the waterfront
• The cathedral
• The Flyover 4D cinema for a short but amazing experience flying over Iceland – you can book here
• The museum Whales of Iceland with its life-size replicas – pre-purchase your ticket in your own currency

See my article with the best things to do in Reykjavik in Winter

And to finish, if you want to dream about your travel around Iceland in Winter, here is my summary video to take you travel with me 🙂

Want to see more – the best of Iceland in Winter:

• 35 pictures of Iceland in Winter – read article
• Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips – read article
• 7 Iceland waterfalls in Winter – read article
• Tips for visiting Iceland in Winter –  read article
• Planning an Iceland Winter Road Trip – read article
• Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions – read article
• Driving in Iceland in Winter – read article

Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Want to see more of ICELAND IN WINTER

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Iceland Scenery in Winter – 35 pictures

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Iceland Ice Cave Tours

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The Complete Guide to Visiting Iceland in Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Brilliant Things to Do in Iceland in Winter

Feast your eyes on the northern lights.

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

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

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

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

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

Dive Into Iceland’s Natural Hot Springs

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

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

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

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

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

Discover The Golden Circle

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

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

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

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

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

Spend Christmas in Reykjavik

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

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

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

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

Fly Over Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the Ice Caves & Go Glacier Hiking

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

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

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

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

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

Horseback Riding in Iceland

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

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

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

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

Explore Some of Iceland’s Best Museums

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

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

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

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

Eating and Drinking Your Way Through Winter in Iceland

Where to drink.

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

Kaffibarinn

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

Magic Ice Bar

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

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

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

Where to Eat

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

Grillmarkaðurinn

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

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

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

Where to Stay When Visiting Iceland in the Winter

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

Exeter Hotel (Mid-Range)

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

Check Prices and Availability

Umi Hotel (Luxury)

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

Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit to Iceland during Winter

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

Iceland in Winter: Map

Iceland in Winter: Read Next

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

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

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

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