iceland winter excursions

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Winter Tours in Iceland

Best tours and activities for the winter season in Iceland

• BEST WINTER ACTIVITIES

What our travelers are saying about winter tours

Best winter activities in iceland, ice caving tours.

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

Northern Lights Tours

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

Golden Circle Tours

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

Horseback Riding Tours

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

Guided Multi-Day Tour

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

Glacier Hiking Tours

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

ICELAND WINTER TOURS - FAQ

Is winter a good time to visit iceland.

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

Is Iceland cheaper in winter?

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

How many days do you need in Iceland?

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

Is it good to visit Iceland in January?

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

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Iceland winter vacations

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

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

31 trips found

Iceland Ultimate Day Tripper with Northern Lights

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

Iceland Active Winter Wellness

Combine thrilling activities with blissful hot spring visits.

Christmas Wonders of Iceland Group Adventure

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

Northern Lights Ring Road Group Adventure

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

Winter Wonders of Iceland – Big Group Adventure

Set off on a wintry adventure around the south coast.

Winter Wonders of Iceland – Small Group Adventure

Discover top attractions in winter with a local guide.

Active Iceland Fire and Ice Expedition

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

Iceland Waterfall & Glacier Adventure

Witness water in all of its wonderful forms.

Iceland Ring Road Winter Group Adventure

Travel around this winter wonderland with an expert guide.

Iceland Glacier & Hot Spring Winter Road Trip

Fire meets ice on this wintry adventure.

Ice Adventure Day Tripper with Northern Lights

The super customizable one.

Iceland Ring Road Winter Adventure with Snæfellsnes

The ultimate Iceland winter road trip.

Showing 12 of 31 trips

About our Iceland winter vacations

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

Don’t take our word for it

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

FAQs about Iceland winter tours

Is it worth going to iceland in winter.

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

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

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

Is Iceland dark in the winter?

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

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

How cold is Iceland in winter?

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

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

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

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

Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland in winter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What can you do in Iceland in the winter?

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

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

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

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

How many days do you need in Iceland in winter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do you get around Iceland in winter?

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

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

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

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

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

Is driving in Iceland during winter safe?

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

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

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

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

How do I book my Iceland winter trip?

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

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

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

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

When should I book my flights?

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

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

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

What should I pack for a winter trip to Iceland?

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

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

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

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

For more tips, see our Iceland winter packing guide .

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Best Winter Tours in Iceland

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

This post is part of our Winter Iceland articles series:

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

Map of the best winter tours in Iceland

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

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1. Ice caves

Crystal Blue Ice Cave near Jökulsárlón

Map of the ice caves in Iceland :

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

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

1.1. Crystal Blue Ice Cave

Crystal Blue (sapphire) ice cave

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

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

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

5% DISCOUNT Code for LocalGuide.is : EPICICELAND

10% DISCOUNT Code for IcePicJourneys.is : EPICICELAND

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

Combo Ice Cave + Glacier hike tour by LocalGuide.is

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

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

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

1.2. Katla Ice Cave

Katla Ice cave tour from Vik

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

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

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

10% DISCOUNT Code for GlaciersAndWaterfalls.is : EPICICELAND

Skaftafell blue ice cave

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

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

1.4. Langjökull Ice Caves

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

Langjökull man-made ice cave

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

5% DISCOUNT Code for Mountaineers.is : EPICICELAND

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

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

2. Glacier hikes

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

The best glacier hikes are run by two companies:

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

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

Map of the glacier hikes in Iceland :

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

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

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

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

3. Super Jeep tours

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

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

10% DISCOUNT Code for MidgardAdventure.is : EPICICELAND10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winter helicopter tours by www.helicopter.is

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

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

Tvistur horse rental in Dalvik

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

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

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

6. Northern Lights tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling in Iceland

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

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

Snowmobiling from Mýrdalsjökull

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

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

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

Snowmobiling from Gullfoss

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Whale Watching

Whale watching by North Sailing

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

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

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

Amazing Reykjavik whale-watching by Elding

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

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

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

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

Silfra snorkeling classic tour

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

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

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

And here are their top diving tours:

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

Ice Cave and Langjökull Glacier by Monster Truck from Gullfoss

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

Sleipnir tours depart from Gullfoss and in winter includes:

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

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

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

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

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

Winter multi-day tour by Arctic Adventures

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

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

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

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

Posted by Igor

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

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

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

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

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10 Absolutely Best Iceland Winter Tours to book in 2023

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

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

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

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

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

10 Best Iceland Winter Tours to book

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✅ BOOK HERE > ICE CAVE TOUR AT VATNAJOKULL NATIONAL PARK 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik (4 hours)

🖤 Availability – September or early March

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

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

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

✅ BOOK HERE > NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR FROM REYKJAVIK 

OTHER NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR > NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE FROM REYKJAVIK 

OR NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPER JEEP TOUR

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

🖤 Availability – Winter snowmobiling months are from October to February

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

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

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

✅ BOOK HERE > SNOWMOBILING WITH GOLDEN CIRCLE TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK 

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

🖤 Availability – All year

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

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

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

✅ BOOK TOUR > SNOWMOBILING ON EYJAFJALLAJOKULL GLACIER 

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

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

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

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

✅ BOOK > JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON TOUR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We took this tour and LOVED it.

✅ BOOK TOUR > SOUTH COAST TOUR WITH NORTHERN LIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

✅ BOOK TOUR > GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR WITH SECRET LAGOON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE OPTIONS FOR MULTI TOURS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excursions in Iceland Winter and Travel Tips 

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

How challenging is Iceland in winter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the best Iceland Tour company?

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

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

Is it worth going to Iceland in winter?

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources – Prepare for Winter Iceland Tours

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

Essential Europe Guides

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

Pin – 10 Best Iceland Winter Tours to Book

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

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

Hi Catherine,

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

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

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Winter 2024 Tours & Vacation Packages Iceland

121 iceland vacation packages in december, january and february.

• Northern Lights
• Christmas & New Year

Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle

Excellent in all respects. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

6 Day - Around Iceland Adventure

Arctic adventure is strongly recommended, lots of bonus stops and get to enjoy the best local cruisin

Northern Lights Exploration - 8 days

Our guide was amazing. He was great at keeping us informed of our destinations, comfort stops and any changes due to weather. He was so knowledgeable about everything we saw and it was a wonderful learning experience. Can’t recommend enough!

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour

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

8 Days Northern Lights Exploration

Really amazing time in Iceland

5 Days Land of Northern Lights

Had a great time, beautiful sightseeing (including Northern Lights 4 times), fun group of people and very knowledgeable tour guide!

Premium Iceland in Winter

Land of the Northern Lights - 5 days

This was a masterful tour and I will never forget it

• Hiking & Trekking

7 Day - Complete Iceland

Absolutely wonderful. Our guide (DiDi) was awesome, the vehicle was excellent, and the accommodations were all fabulous. Having an experienced outdoorsman as our guide instilled a sense of confidence when the weather turned rotten. I really liked the smaller sized group (20). When I return, I will definitely use Arctic Adventures again.

Northern Lights Escape

A thoroughly enjoyable trip with a great itinerary. Never too long driving, lots to see and do. Even the early sunset didn’t affect our activities too much

8 Day - Ultimate Iceland Highlight Hitter

Great opportunity to experience the wonders of the Ring Road in safety and comfort. Our guide was competent in the faceb of challenging road and weathet conditions.

10 Days Complete Iceland | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)

A great trip and highly recommended!

5 Day - Snaefellsnes, South Coast and Northern Lights

Airport pick up and drop off will be much better appreciated if provided. Costs will not be a factor for us if offered.

8 Days Guided Iceland Circle

It was an excellent trip for the value. Our guide was a wealth of information and friendly. our driver was very smooth and amazing on her ability to know exactly where the buses body was in some tight parking lots as well as handling everyone's bags and by second day recognized whose bag was whose. Would recommend better communication between front desk of hotel about pick-up for first day. The main office may have known time and location but front desk persons did not have that information.

Iceland Discovery

seamless, no glitches, hiccups or issues from booking entirely online...whenever i texted w questions, they got right back....an awesome value for my money... am planning next year already!!!! thank you for wonderful experience

What people love about Iceland Tours in Winter

Great attention to detail. Enthusiast tour leader. Loved the adventure!

10/10 tour- Couldn’t have asked for a better itinerary!! We saw northern lights on two nights and each day had a fantastic day filled with a mix of beautiful sights, historical information, educational and our tour guide added lots of folklore. Everything from stories about the Vikings, early settlements and the trolls. We added the ice caves tour. All agreed you would never see so much on your own! This was our first group tour- we usually do solo traveling- 26 people on our tour from all over the world- sounds big but was actually 10 families/couples, so was perfect size to meet so many great people! At so many of the stops you can break off (walking to waterfalls/climbing the volcano) so you were not on top of people the entire time. Do your research on food as meal variety was limited- not by tour but hotel restaurants had limited items- lamb, fish and usually a burger. Stopping at Market first day helped to work around food allergies - bought GF snacks/bread for the trip. Comfortable coach bus- great driver! If you want to see Iceland this is the trip!! You won’t regret this tour.

Destinations

• South Iceland Winter 2024 / 2025 (61)
• Iceland South Coast Winter 2024 / 2025 (41)
• Northern Lights Winter 2024 / 2025 (22)
• Iceland Northern Lights Winter 2024 / 2025 (18)
• Iceland Golden Circle Winter 2024 / 2025 (16)
• Scandinavia Northern Lights Winter 2024 / 2025 (14)
• Iceland Ring Road Winter 2024 / 2025 (11)
• West Iceland Winter 2024 / 2025 (7)
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Winter 2024 / 2025 (6)
• Thingvellir National Park Winter 2024 / 2025 (6)
• December 2024 (100)
• January 2025 (81)
• February 2025 (95)

More Departures

• Spring 2024 tours (121)
• Summer 2024 tours (174)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 tours (184)
• Spring 2025 tours (116)
• Summer 2025 tours (59)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 tours (74)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 tours (40)
• Iceland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Iceland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Day Iceland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• What is the best time to visit Iceland in 2024/2025?
• Weather in Iceland in 2024/2025

International Versions

• Deutsch: Island im Winter 2024
• Français: Circuits et voyages organisés Islande Hiver 2024
• Español: Circuitos por Islandia en invierno 2024
• Nederlands: Winter 2024 Rondreizen en Tours in Ijsland

• Packing List

Iceland Winter Tours | The Best Of The Best 2024

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

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Necessary Spacing

Here are all of the best tours in one place!

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

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

The Best Iceland Winter Tours

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

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

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

Golden Circle Tours

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

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

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

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

Silfra Fissure Snorkelling & Diving Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Northern Lights

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

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

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

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

For the best Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik click here .

Snowmobiling On A Glacier

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whale Watching Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glacier Hiking & Climbing Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Lagoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ice Cave Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Helicopter Tour

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

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

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

Reykjavik Food & Beer Tours

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Packing List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saving Money On Iceland Winter Tours

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

Combining Tours

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

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

Hire Vehicle

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

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

Packed Lunch

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a good selection of iceland winter tours.

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

What Are The Best Iceland Winter Tours?

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

Are Iceland Winter Tours Quieter Than In The Summer?

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

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The Best Winter Tours and Activities in Iceland

• Michael Chapman
• March 11, 2024

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There are many fantastic activities during winter in Iceland, be it glacier hiking, ice caving, or snowmobiling. So, put on your woolly hat, drape your shoulders in a scarf, and let’s explore the many exciting options that an Icelandic winter has in store. 

The winter season in Iceland lasts between November and March. During that time, this otherwise green and pleasant land becomes blanketed with ice and snow, and the nights become so long as to cast each day in perpetual twilight.

It should be understood from the outset that there are many activities in Iceland that can be done in both the winter and summer. Great examples are visiting a lava cave, snorkelling or scuba diving in Silfra Fissure , sightseeing on the Golden Circle route, and many more.

Nevertheless, some activities are far better suited to the winter, and these should be prioritised during your visit. Most activities can be taken part in as single tours, but it is often the case that many will be included as part of a full itinerary, such as this Golden Circle Super Jeep tour with Snowmobiling . 

What glacier tours are available during the winter in Iceland?  

They don’t call Iceland “the land of ice and fire” for no reason. While it may be true that the country’s fearsome volcanoes have dominated global headlines in recent years, its glaciers remain as impressive and domineering as ever. 

There are 269 glaciers in Iceland, the largest among them being Vatnajökull , which covers around one-tenth of the entire country. With that in mind, it should come as little surprise that this mighty ice cap in southeastern Iceland is a popular choice for glacier tours.

Other tours take place at Langjökull – located in the western Highlands – as well as Mýrdalsjökull, and its outlet glacier Sólheimajökull, which are just north of the quaint coastal village, Vík í Mýrdal. There are also opportunities to explore Snæfellsjökull glacier, on the western promontory of Iceland.

Go hiking up a glacier 

Equipped with spiky crampons, walking poles, and the gumption to experience new heights, hiking Iceland’s glaciers remains a beloved activity amongst winter travellers. 

Like true mountain men, hikers will revel in the crevasses, moulins, and natural ice sculptures that characterise the pristine glacial landscape. Besides, such dizzying heights allow for breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding countryside.  

Experience the thrill of snowmobiling 

Die-hard adrenaline junkies may want to take their exploration of Iceland’s glaciers to the next level. Well, in such a case, there is no better option than taking to the ice on a snowmobile.

With the wind in their hair and the throttle at their thumbs, snowmobiling tours allow guests to cover far more ground (or ice, strictly speaking,) in a way that is both intensely memorable and incredibly fun.

Groups are led by certified guides who will be sure to provide their guests not only with clear leadership and instructions but also with the necessary equipment, including a protective helmet and outerwear.  

Both beginner and experienced riders alike are quite capable of taking part in a snowmobile tour. Anyone 18 years old or beyond, with a regular driving licence, is free to operate their own machine. Those without a licence can perch a ride as a passenger. 

The best places to take a snowmobiling tour during the winter in Iceland are at the glaciers Langjökull, Mýrdalsjökull, Vatnajökull, and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. 

Discover crystal blue ice caves  

Beneath Iceland’s mighty ice caps, glittering caverns of sapphire entice visitors to behold their glory each winter season. Ice-caving tours are far easier than they sound, with many having accessible walkways that let you revel in the natural splendour of these frozen environments.

The vast majority of ice caves are naturally formed, with the most popular located beneath Katla and Vatnajökull. There is one notable exception however – the man-made ice tunnels built beneath Iceland’s largest ice cap, Langjökull, best enjoyed as part of the Into The Glacier experience. 

In certain locations around the country, it is even possible for guests to try their hand at ice climbing. While not for the faint of the heart, scaling a wall of frozen water is an experience without comparison. 

Experienced, certified guides will equip new climbers with ice axes and a harness, before relaying all the necessary steps to hone their skills on the ice. Two of the best places to try ice climbing in Iceland are Sólheimajökull glacier and Skaftafell Nature Reserve . 

Experience the Northern Lights in Iceland 

One of the greatest reasons for visiting Iceland in the winter is the chance to witness an astonishing dance – the Northern Lights! Otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis , Iceland’s skies will, from time to time, erupt in a flurry of colours. Green ribbons. Pink waves. Yellow crests, and dashes of red. 

Ancient Icelanders once treated these solar patterns with wary suspicion. They considered them omens of events to come. Today, they are widely appreciated as synonymous with just how magical winter in Iceland can be. 

As with any natural phenomena, there can be no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights. But our ability to predict when and where they might appear is better than it ever has been before. There are many dedicated tour operators who will escort you to the best stops, as well as offer handy tips on how best to photograph them. 

If you’re planning to seek out this phenomenon for yourself, be sure to keep an eye on the Aurora Forecasts. That way, you will know when solar activity is at its strongest. Also, plan to seek them out on nights devoid of cloud cover, in locations with little light pollution. 

What wildlife tours are available during the winter in Iceland? 

It might seem too cold for them, but many animals live in Iceland during the winter. With that said, many of the migratory birds that make Iceland their summer home leave during the winter, but that does not mean there are no opportunities to find wildlife. So what are some of the more popular wildlife tours available during this season? 

Whale-watching in the winter in Iceland 

Whale-watching tours are available in both the winter and summer in Iceland, but the colder season does present some unique opportunities. For one thing, playing witness to the snowy Icelandic landscape from the deck of a seafaring vessel feels strangely fitting for a country so intertwined with the ocean.

There are many whales and dolphins that can be seen in Icelandic coastal waters. Some of the most common species include Minke whales, Humpbacks, and Harbour porpoises. In some areas, it may also be possible to spot Sperm whales, Orcas, and even our planet’s largest living mammal, the mighty Blue whale.

There are also a variety of departure points for your whale-watching adventure. Reykjavik, of course, provides the chance to see these majestic animals in the waters of Faxaflói Bay . Other popular places include northern towns like Akureyri and Húsavík. To the west, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Ólafsvík and Grundarfjörður also provide fantastic sea tours. 

Before embarking on your whale-watching trip, make sure to wear warm layers, a woolly hat, and gloves. To help you stay warm, operators will provide you with outer thermal wear. But winter accessories are still crucial to avoid the sharpness that comes with brisk sea winds. 

Ride Icelandic Horses in winter 

It is possible to ride Iceland’s majestic, yet stumpy horses in summer and winter, but the latter offers such a fantastic perspective of the landscape, it would seem careless not to give it a special mention. 

Taking to the saddle, your guide will lead you down hidden trails, passing through twisted lava fields and farmland meadows nestled beneath a glittering coat of snow. As your appreciation of Iceland’s rural terrain grows, so too will your love of this special horse breed. 

Horse riding tours are open to both beginner and experienced riders, and your guide will set the pace not only to your ability level, but also your confidence riding. 

With that said, working in close proximity to animals can be nerve-wracking for some people. But if it’s any consolation, Icelandic horses are considered a highly intelligent and patient breed, so have no fear saddling up upon these miniature mounts.   

Soak in Iceland’s Spas and Hot Springs in winter 

There are countless ways of staying active during the winter in Iceland, but on vacation, a more appealing option can be to simply slow down, relax, and unwind. 

In such circumstances, the nation’s luxury geothermal spas and steamy hot springs provide the perfect antidote. Note that hot springs describe pools that are found naturally within the landscape; the former are specific attractions that will often require pre-booking. 

Feel the heat in Luxury Spas across Iceland 

There are many fantastic mineral-rich spas to choose from. As Iceland’s most famous luxury retreat, the Blue Lagoon is an obvious choice. With its milky blue waters and silica-rich mud masks, it is little wonder that this geothermal bath has become one of Iceland’s best-known attractions. 

Surrounded by the dark volcanic fields of the Reykjavik Peninsula, many guests choose to stop by the Blue Lagoon either at the beginning or the end of their vacation. This is for the simple fact that Keflavík Airport is only a short distance away. 

But there are many other great spas to choose from. One of the newest to the scene is the Sky Lagoon , only a five-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik and boasting a stunning infinity pool. 

This horizon edge on the water allows for great views of the ocean. More than that – the President of Iceland’s iconic residence. Guests can also take part in their healing wellness ritual. It includes a warm sauna inside a reconstructed turfhouse, a mist shower, a refreshing cold plunge. 

There are many other spas located elsewhere across the country. In Reykholt, for instance, Krauma Baths offer serenity and comfort through warm waters fed by Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. 

Not far away, in the village of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon adds a sense of authenticity to your experience. It is built beside the steaming hot pockets of the Hverahólmi geothermal area. The Secret Lagoon is well known as the oldest outdoor geothermal pool in Iceland. 

In the north, Myvatn Nature Baths has delighted guests since first opening in 2004 with its placid blue waters and lakeside views. 

Embrace nature with Iceland’s hot springs 

For anyone hoping to avoid the inevitable artificiality that comes with Iceland’s luxury spas, the nation’s naturally-formed hot springs might be a better bet. 

But first, a word of warning – temperatures can vary greatly between hot springs, so make sure not to hurt yourself by jumping in without checking their heat levels first. 

Hrunalaug is one of the more isolated, yet widely beloved hot springs. This small, but local-favourite is closeby to Flúðir village. You will need to venture off the beaten track to find it. Whilst not built-up by any means, Hrunalaug does have a small and rustic changing hut on-site. It provides some level of shelter when changing in and out of your swimsuit. 

Another popular hot spring – or should we say, river – can be discovered amidst the sloping hillsides of Reykjadalur Valley. Nearby to Hveragerði town, the hot river can be visited after a beautiful 3 km [1.8 mi] hike. Please be vigilant that some parts of the river are much hotter than others. So do be sure to, at least, dip a toe in before jumping in with abandon. 

In Summary 

For those who can handle the cold weather, Iceland’s winter season promises a variety of experiences like nowhere else can. 

Be you an adventure-seeker or a travelling homebody, you’re promised memories sure to stick with you for years to come. 

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Winter Tours in Iceland

Imagine marvelling at frozen landscapes during the day and hunting the northern lights at night. Your personal travel consultant will book all your accommodation, activities and transportation for your winter tour of Iceland.

39 tours available

Prices per adult based on bookings for two

• Northern lights tours
• New Year's packages
• Christmas in Iceland
• Winter self drive

ALTERNATIVES

• Family trips
• Honeymoon & romance
• Summer tours

Sorry, we found no tours matching your criteria.

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Northern Lights Circle Tour

Winter Highlights & Northern Lights

Ice cave & glacier lagoon.

Natural Wonders of Iceland - Winter

Best of south & west iceland - winter, south & west iceland classic - winter, iceland full circle classic - winter, south iceland at leisure - winter, best of south iceland - winter, golden circle, south coast & blue lagoon, a new year's to remember, northern lights, super jeeps and nye party, glacier lagoon & northern lights, a christmas to remember, super jeeps, glaciers & blue lagoon, new year's in iceland, golden circle, northern lights & nye party, active iceland - winter, snowmobiling, ice tunnel & golden circle, new year's & northern lights, best of south iceland & new year's eve party, northern lights circle tour - private.

1217702 ISK

Reykjavik, Waterfalls, Northern Lights

Winter highlights - private, golden circle classic - winter, golden circle, blue lagoon & northern lights, golden circle & south coast - winter, south iceland classic - winter, south iceland & into the glacier - winter, south & west iceland at leisure - winter, christmas & new year's in iceland, northern lights & new years eve fun, iceland full circle at leisure - winter, best of south & north iceland - winter, golden circle, south coast & lake mývatn, northern lights adventure in the westfjords, reykjavik, northern lights, golden circle express - winter, classic south coast - winter, golden circle & south coast - winter - private, iceland full circle classic - winter - private.

1598386 ISK

Christmas & Northern Lights

Best of south iceland, christmas in the countryside, south iceland & northern lights, iceland luxury adventure - winter, northern lights, winter wonders & blue lagoon retreat.

1157452 ISK

Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter

Northern lights, south iceland & blue lagoon retreat.

1794264 ISK

Iceland Ring Road in Luxury - Winter

2602922 ISK

Iceland Luxury Escape at Leisure - Winter

2328410 ISK

Iceland Luxury Adventure at Leisure - Winter

1639689 ISK

South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private

1220182 ISK

South Iceland at Leisure Winter - Private

1026450 ISK

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About Your Iceland Winter Tour

Visit Iceland in winter to witness ethereal scenery and chase the aurora borealis. You could explore Iceland on a guided or self-guided tour, with a personalised itinerary designed by local travel experts. When you book Iceland winter vacation packages with Nordic Visitor, you get:

• An authentic winter travel experience arranged by an established and trusted agency • A dedicated travel consultant who will organise your tour • All relevant bookings for your chosen package • A detailed online personal itinerary and travel guide • Hand-picked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 emergency phone support for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your winter tour. Simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

WHY CHOOSE NORDIC VISITOR

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our cancellation insurance free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

You are in good hands

Unexpected weather or event? No problem. Nordic Visitor will handle any unforeseen situations during your trip. Your travel consultant will rework your itinerary, re-booking your accommodation and activities while keeping you safe and informed. Our emergency 24/7 helpline means we’re only a call away.

Trusted local travel experts

Since 2002, Nordic Visitor has been helping visitors experience the best of Iceland. Our local travel consultants all know Iceland inside out and will use their unrivalled expertise to plan your dream trip.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Stress-free experience

Relax and look forward to your tour while Nordic Visitor arranges everything on your behalf. Your dedicated travel expert will provide you with a complete itinerary, having made all the bookings before you arrive in Iceland. We’ll also be on hand throughout your trip should you need us at any point.

Customisable tour options

These winter packages include recommended tours and routes for your time in Iceland. However, we will happily tailor your itinerary according to your preferences. We can add extra nights, activities, upgrades and destinations to your liking, so that you experience Iceland in a way that suits you perfectly.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event that the company experiences insolvency.

WINTER TOUR REVIEWS

Find out what our wonderful clients thought of their winter trip around Iceland.

Beatrice United States

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

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

Scott United Kingdom

We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it.... read more

We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it. Iceland is an amazing place and I am sure we will be back and will use Nordic Visitor again!

YOUR WINTER TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS

With its snow and ice-draped landscapes, glowing northern lights and inviting hot springs, the Land of Fire and Ice is dazzling in wintertime. On your winter tour of Iceland, you could:

• Discover the famous Golden Circle route to see Gullfoss waterfall , Strokkur geyser and Þingvellir National Park
• Head out on a northern lights tour from Reykjavík to see the aurora borealis dancing in the night sky
• Soak up the sight of floating icebergs at the magical Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Visit Iceland's largest national park to step inside naturally formed ice caves in Vatnajökull
• Embark on a guided glacier hike in the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve
• Stroll along Reynisfjara and other frosted black sand beaches on the South Coast
• Bathe in natural hot springs and geothermal spas such as the Blue Lagoon
• Gaze at icy waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss , Skógafoss and Goðafoss
• Explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula to see the volcano and lava fields of Snæfellsjökull National Park

ADVICE ABOUT ICELAND IN WINTER

Prepare for your winter tour with these Iceland travel guides.

Northern Lights Guide

Learn more about this natural wonder and how to prepare for seeing it

Climate & weather conditions

How icy is Iceland? You might be surprised

Winter driving in Iceland

In a country where 'ice' is part of the name, it's good to be prepared

What to pack

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all types of weather

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ICELAND WINTER TRAVEL

To learn more about what it’s like to visit Iceland in winter and the sort of tours you can do, read on. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about Iceland winter vacation packages here.

Alternatively, find out how to make a booking , have a look at our FAQs , or learn about our flexible  Book With Confidence travel plan.

1. WHEN IS WINTER IN ICELAND?

Iceland experiences its winter season from October to April. At this time of year, the weather is colder and the nights are longer, but Iceland becomes a winter wonderland that is beautiful to explore. You’ll also get the chance to see the northern lights between October and April.

2. HOW COLD DOES IT GET IN WINTER?

Iceland does get cold in winter, but considering its latitude, the temperatures are milder than you would think. Its temperate maritime climate is owed to the Gulf Stream, and means that temperatures generally don’t get too far below 0°C (32°F).

Over the winter period, average temperatures in Reykjavík range from -1°C (30°F) to 6°C (42°F). The coldest months are December, January and February, when there is a higher chance of snow.

It’s important to bear in mind that Iceland’s weather is changeable, so you could experience sun, snow, wind and rain in a day! Find out more about Iceland’s weather and climate on our online travel guide.

3. HOW MANY HOURS OF DAYLIGHT DOES ICELAND HAVE IN WINTER?

In Iceland the days are shorter in winter than in summer. However, since winter lasts from October to April, there is a big difference in daylight hours across this period. You could experience anything from 3-17 hours of daylight in winter!

The days are shortest in December as this is when the winter solstice takes place, so expect between 3-5 hours of daylight. After the solstice has passed, the sunrise takes place earlier and earlier each day. This means that by April you get between 13-17 daylight hours.

The best thing about Iceland’s short days is that you have more chance of catching the northern lights. The dark winter nights make it possible to see the colours of the aurora borealis dancing in the sky. During summer, though, it is too light at night to spot them.

Read more about Iceland’s daylight hours , or explore our northern lights guide for viewing tips including checking the aurora forecast and where to go.

4. HOW MUCH SNOW DOES ICELAND GET IN WINTER?

Iceland experiences snow at higher altitudes in winter, although the snow sometimes settles at lower levels too. Snowfall is more common in the colder months of December, January and February. Although given Iceland’s unpredictable weather, it could happen almost anytime!

You’re also likely to get more snow in North Iceland and East Iceland, as well as in the Westfjords. The countryside looks incredibly beautiful when dusted in snow and frost, making for a real winter wonderland .

5. WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND IN THE WINTER?

There are plenty of exciting things to do in Iceland in winter, from exploring natural sites to soaking up the local culture. This is just one of the reasons why top publications have named it one of the best places to visit in Northern Europe this year .

Here is a list of the best winter activities in Iceland:

• Visit icy waterfalls and glacier lagoons
• Hunt for the northern lights
• Embark on an ice caving adventure
• Relax in hot tubs and geothermal pools
• Snowmobile or hike over glaciers
• Discover Iceland’s Christmas traditions
• Ride an Icelandic horse in the snow
• Explore Route 1 on a road trip
• Try snowshoeing or skiing
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the locals

For more inspiration, discover the top things to do in Iceland in winter and 10 ways to enjoy the snow in Iceland on our experts’ blog.

6. HOW DO YOU GET AROUND ICELAND IN WINTER?

There are various ways you can travel around Iceland in winter. You could rent a car for a self-drive tour , or have someone else do the driving instead.

A road trip in Iceland in winter gives you the freedom to explore as you please. You could visit South Iceland or West Iceland in a few days, or discover more of the land by driving the Ring Road that circles the country.

If you’d prefer not to drive, you have a few other options instead. You could enjoy the exclusivity of a private tour , with a personal guide who will take you around Iceland and share their insider knowledge with you.

Alternatively, join a small group tour to discover Iceland with a guide and other like-minded travellers. Or opt for a multi-day tour to base yourself in Reykjavík or Akureyri and go on day trips when it suits you. That way you get a mix of independent travel and guided excursions, without needing to drive.

Discover more travel tips on how to explore Iceland on the Nordic Visitor blog.

7. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE IN WINTER CONDITIONS?

To drive in Iceland between October and April, you should be aware of certain road rules. Here are some tips to help you prepare for winter driving in Iceland .

You must keep your headlights on, even in daylight. Drive slowly in case of ice and open your car doors with care when it’s windy. You should also bear in mind that some mountain passes and roads may close due to adverse weather conditions.

We recommend that you check the latest weather updates before setting off each day. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and SafeTravel websites are two trusted resources. The latter also has an app that locates your vehicle should you need any assistance on the road.

With the appropriate 4x4 rental car and awareness of weather conditions, winter driving in Iceland can be a great way to tour the country.

Plus, when you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, you get the advice and support of a personal travel consultant to ensure your trip runs smoothly. They will rearrange your itinerary should anything unexpected arise.

8. ARE WINTER TYRES COMPULSORY?

Winter tyres are not compulsory but are highly recommended if you’re driving between the months of November and April. They provide extra traction on icy roads and so are ideal for driving outside of urban areas like Reykjavík.

It is much safer to drive a 4x4 vehicle in winter in Iceland. That’s why our winter self-drive packages include 4x4 car rentals which come with winter tyres.

9. HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I SPEND IN ICELAND IN WINTER?

You can spend as much time as you like in Iceland in winter! There is so much to see and do that it really depends on how many days or weeks you have to spare.

For a short break in Iceland, your best bet is to explore Reykjavík and the surroundings. Within 4 days you could visit the capital’s many fantastic museums, shops, galleries and restaurants. There are thermal pools to swim in and festive markets at Christmastime.

You could also see top sights like Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and the Geysir geothermal area, which includes the hot spring Strokkur. These are all part of the Golden Circle route in the south. You can experience the Golden Circle on a day trip from the capital, or over the course of a few days.

Or extend your route and see more of South Iceland. In 7 days you’d get to visit black sand beaches, glaciers, and other breathtaking natural attractions that the South Coast is known for. Don’t miss the chance to bathe in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, an inviting geothermal pool.

Another great option is to visit West Iceland. Enjoy a northern lights adventure in the remote Westfjords, or head to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Called “Iceland in miniature”, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is just 90 kilometres (56 miles) long and has a bit of everything. Discover volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, hot springs and fishing villages here.

If you have between 10 days and 2 weeks to spare, then you’ll get to see the many beautiful corners of Iceland. As well as the southern and western regions, you can explore East Iceland and North Iceland too by travelling the country’s Ring Road.

Venture east to admire fjords and gaze upon the mighty Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs float on the blue waters. Continue north to Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn area to marvel at the Krafla volcano, mud pools and craters. You can warm up with a dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Essentially, the more days you have to spend in Iceland in winter then the more you will get to experience. You’ll also increase your chances of spotting the northern lights!

10. CAN I CHOOSE THE ARRIVAL DATE?

Yes, you can select and book Nordic Visitor arrival dates online. After picking the right tour package for you, choose your dates online or speak to one of our Iceland travel consultants .

Please note that if you are joining a small group tour, these packages have fixed start dates because this allows us to organise the most cost-effective services for you. However, you can always add extra nights before or after the group tour dates.

11. HOW MUCH CAN I CUSTOMISE MY TOUR?

Nordic Visitor packages are flexible, so you can always customise your Iceland tour to suit you. If you’d like to spend more time in a particular destination, you can request this when booking your tour online. Your dedicated travel consultant will get in touch to confirm the extra days with you.

Simply choose the package you like and then ask us about tailoring your tour. You will have your own personal travel consultant who can offer destination suggestions and modify your package according to your needs and preferences.

Bear in mind that if you want to book a small group tour, the duration and route will be fixed as you are travelling with other visitors. But we can of course customise your tour by adding extra nights to the beginning or end of your trip.

12. WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHT TICKETS?

We recommend that you book your flights after your Nordic Visitor tour has been confirmed. You can always check flights for dates and prices, but only purchase them once your travel consultant has secured your package bookings. This is no more than 2 working days after you receive your email confirmation of payment.

Once your Nordic Visitor consultant has confirmed your tour, you will have all of the details you need to buy suitable flights. We can book your airport transfer in Iceland once you let us know the flight details.

13. WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I WEAR IN ICELAND IN WINTER?

Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!”

In winter you should prepare for cold temperatures, wind, rain and snow. That way you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country regardless of the weather.

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, we recommend wearing:

• Warm layers
• An insulated jacket
• Protective outerwear
• Good sturdy boots
• A hat, scarf and gloves

Read more about what to wear in Iceland on our blog.

14. WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR ICELAND IN WINTER?

Iceland is known for its ever-changing weather, so we advise that you be as prepared as possible. In winter you should bring warm layers with you to be comfortable with the cooler temperatures.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in winter:

• An insulated and waterproof jacket
• Walking boots
• Fleece jumpers
• Lightweight wool underlayers
• Waterproof or winter trousers
• Thermal underwear and socks
• Swimwear and sandals

The reason we recommend packing swimwear is so you can visit Iceland’s hot springs and geothermal pools . The locals love their hot spring bathing and it’s a great way to relax after exploring the great outdoors!

For more in-depth tips on what to bring, check out our packing guide for Iceland .

If you’re keen to put your holiday plans into motion or need more advice on visiting Iceland in winter, get in touch. Our local travel experts will be happy to help.

Our Icelandic phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog articles

Best times and places to see the northern lights in iceland, 10 ways to enjoy the snow in iceland, a little something about the northern lights, top 10 things to do in iceland in winter.

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

• Testimonials

Travel to Iceland in Winter to Explore Northern Lights

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

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

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

Northern Lights Exploration - Small Group

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

Northern Lights Exploration

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

Guided Iceland Circle & Northern Lights

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

Around Iceland Express

The Land of Northern Lights

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

Hidden Powers & Northern Lights of Iceland

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

Hidden Powers And Northern Lights Small Group

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

Iceland Complete Winter

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

Snaefellsnes, South Iceland & Northern Lights

South Coast, Golden Circle and Ice Caving

Will we see the northern lights.

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

When is the best time to see the Northen Lights?

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

What to wear in Iceland in winter?

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

What are the best places to see the Northen Lights?

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

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

The Ultimate 7-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary

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

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

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

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

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

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

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

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

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

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daylight Hours For Your Iceland Winter Road Trip 

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

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

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

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

Weather On Your Winter Iceland Trip

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

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

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

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

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

Ultimate Iceland Winter Itinerary In 7 Days

Day 1: south coast waterfalls .

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

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

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

Stop 1: Walk Behind The Cascading Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

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

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

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

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

Stop 2: Wade Through A Cavern To Find Gljúfrabúi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 4: Wander Into The Valley Where Kvernufoss Awaits

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

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

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

Where To Stay Near Kvernufoss In Vik

Affordable:  The Barn . Check rates: Booking.com

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

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

Day 2: Skaftafell And Glacier Lagoons

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

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

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

Stop 1: Explore The Landscapes Within The Skaftafell Nature Reserve 

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

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

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

Book Here: Skaftafell Guided Glacier Hike Day Trip

Stop 2: Escape The Crowds At The Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay Near The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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

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

Day 3: Solheimasandur And Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

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

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

Stop 1: Circle The Plane Crash Remains On Solheimasandur Beach

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

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

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

Book Here: South Coast and Black Beach ATV Ride

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Fludir

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

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

Day 4: Golden Circle and Hot Springs

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

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

Book Here: Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik

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

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

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

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

Book Here: Golden Circle Small Group Tour With Secret Lagoon

Stop 2: Stay Warm In The Hrunalaug Hot Springs 

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

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

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

Stop 3: Take In The Impressive Width Of Faxafoss

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

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

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

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

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

Gullfoss is an impressive, two-tiered waterfall nicknamed the Golden Waterfall due to the rainbow that can often be seen arching over it on a sunny day.

You can view the waterfall from its second drop, or climb the stairs to the top of the waterfall where you can get close enough to feel its misty spray. Either viewpoint is impressive and makes you understand why this stop is among the most famous in Iceland.

Stop 4: Take A Video of The Strokkur Geyser Erupting

Strokkur marks the second of the iconic Golden Circle stops on your winter Iceland Itinerary. Iceland is full of geothermally active regions, but to see an erupting geyser is a rare and unique occurrence. 

In the Haukadalur Valley, you’ll find the Strokkur geyser. It’s a neighbor to another geyser, appropriately named “Geysir” however Geysir is no longer active. Strokkur on the other hand erupts roughly every 5-7 minutes making it easy to witness multiple times if you choose to stick around for a bit. 

As you wait for the next eruption you can wander the area and enjoy bubbling pools of muddy water and steam rising from the ground.

Stop 5: Thaw Out At The Laugarvatn Fontana To End Your Day

A day that starts and ends with a soak in a geothermal bath is an ideal day. You’ll finish day 4 of your Iceland winter itinerary with a stop at the Laugarvatn Fontana thermal baths and spa.

With three mineral pools of varying temperatures, steam baths, a sauna, and a lake bordering the pools if you care to take a cold plunge, you’re in for a real treat. 

You’ll even have the opportunity to pay a little extra to see how rye bread is baked in the hot ground as part of a geothermal bakery tour. And of course, you’ll get to eat some bread after for the ultimate icing on the cake.

Where To Stay In Laugarvatn

Affordable/Mid-range: Hotel Laugarvatn . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Galleri Laugarvatn . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 5: Thingvellir, Selfoss, And The Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Day 5 of your Iceland winter itinerary will allow you to complete the Golden Circle with the third of the most iconic stops before heading towards the steam-filled valleys of Hveragerdi. Multiple continents soaks in hot rivers…the good times and stunning natural landscapes never stop. 

The day offers the perfect mix of relaxation and thrilling adventure. Are you hoping to snorkel in crystal clear waters or sit by a waterfall? All this and more await you as you make your way through the Selfoss and Hveragerdi regions of Iceland. 

Stop 1: Venture Between Continents At Thingvellir National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the meeting point of the Northern American and Eurasian tectonic plates, lava rock, a waterfall…surely this is enough to convince you to add Thingvellir National Park to your Iceland winter road trip itinerary. 

As one of the three most iconic Golden Circle stops, Thingvellir is a thriving tourist destination, so expect crowds. Fortunately, the national park spans a large area so the crowds don’t tend to feel overwhelming. 

The park can be explored any number of ways from walking the rift valley separating the two continents to taking a snorkeling tour through the Silfra Fissure .

Book Here: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Half-Day Trip From Reykjavik

Stop 2: Take A Break And Enjoy The Conveniences Of Selfoss

As one of the larger towns outside of the capital, Selfoss is an ideal place to stop and just regroup before the next adventure of the day. 

In Selfoss, you’ll have access to Bónus, Hagkaup, Krónan, and Nettó, all the major grocery store chains in Iceland. 

You can also grab a casual bite to eat at a place like Subway or Pylsuvagninn (hot dogs), or you can sit down for a longer lunch in a cozy, charming spot like Þrastalundur. 

This stop in Selfoss is also the perfect opportunity to fill up on gas before you head roughly 20 minutes to the next stop on your Iceland winter itinerary, the Reykjadular Hot Springs. 

Stop 3: Break Up A Rewarding Hike With A Soak In The Reykjadalur Hot Springs

A 45-minute moderately difficult hike through a beautiful steam-filled valley will lead you to the ultimate reward, the Reykjadalur Hot Springs , a hot river perfect for bathing.

As you approach the area appropriate for bathing you’ll see the river is divided into sections by short rock walls that create deeper pockets of water just deep enough for you to comfortably sit in. 

For an Iceland winter trip, however, you might have to hike slightly farther upstream to find a warm enough section of the river. When your legs feel rested and you’re ready to head back, you’ll return the same way you came to arrive back at your car.

Where To Stay In Hveragerdi

Affordable:  Hotel Eldhestar . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range/Luxury: The Greenhouse Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury:  ION Adventure Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 6: Snaefelssnes Peninsula

Waterfalls, natural bridges, basalt columns, volcanic craters…the Snaefelssnes Peninsula features a diverse landscape that offers a little bit of everything.

Visiting the Snaefelssnes Peninsula will take you back past Reykjavik and requires extra driving, but it’s a worthwhile stop. 

If you’re starting to slow down towards the end of your winter trip to Iceland, you can choose to eliminate the Snaefelssnes Peninsula and spend all of day 6 and 7 relaxing in the lagoons and exploring the capital instead. 

Book Here: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour From Reykjavik

Stop 1: Snap A Shot Of The Iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirjufellsfoss Waterfall

You might recognize Kirkjufell (church mountain) from an episode of Game of Thrones , or maybe you just saw it plastered on postcards in gift shops throughout the country. Either way, soak in the beauty of this cone-shaped mountain that dominates the surrounding landscape. 

Most people just enjoy the view from Kirkjufellsfoss where you can capture both the waterfall and the mountain in one photograph. Though it’s possible to climb the mountain it must be done with a guide. 

If Northern Lights viewing is on your Iceland winter itinerary, the dark skies and imposing nature of the mountain make Kirkjufell an ideal spot to enjoy the lights when conditions are appropriate.

Book Here: Snaefellsnes Peninsula And Kirkjufell Day Trip

Stop 2: Admire The Unique Londrangar Rock Formation Along The Coast

Londrangar is a short but picturesque stop best viewed from a distance to capture the complete picture of the rocks contrasted with the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

The existence of these castle-like remains of volcanic plugs is a testament to the power and resilience of nature.

Enjoy watching the seabirds riding the thermals and the sounds of the world around you that somehow manage to be simultaneously noisy and peaceful. It’s beautiful in any season, making it a perfect stop for your Iceland winter trip.

Once you’ve taken in the view from afar, you can choose to get a closer look at the unusual rock formations by starting at the lighthouse at Malarrif and making your way over.

Stop 3: Make Your Way Across Arnarstapi’s Natural Bridge

Have you ever wanted to walk across a natural bridge with the ocean waves gently lapping below you? Now’s your chance to add it to your Iceland itinerary for winter. 

The small fishing village of Arnarstapi is home to an impressive natural bridge that’s wide enough for you to comfortably walk over. 

The bridge isn’t always the easiest to find (it’s not Gatklettur, an arched rock you’ll come across earlier along the coastline), but as you continue along the coast from the stone statue of the half-troll/half-man Bardur Snaefellsas, past Gatklettur, to the sign labeled “Midgja,” you’ll find the bridge.

Stop 4: Embrace The Moody Darkness Of The Búdir Black Church

The Búdir Black Church is the ideal place for moody photographs. It’s a striking sight any time of year but is particularly perfect for an Iceland winter itinerary when the black of the church is contrasted with the surrounding landscape blanketed in snow. 

This church has stood in various forms of disrepair and reconstruction since 1703. With the ocean on one side and mountains and glaciers on the other, its isolation within a small village makes it particularly unique.

Add Iceland’s often gloomy weather conditions and the surrounding church graveyard and you have yourself quite the eerie but fascinating site. 

Where To Stay On The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Mid-range:  Hotel Rjúkandi . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range/Luxury: Miðhraun – Lava Resort Check rates: Booking.com

Day 7: Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, And Sky Lagoon

The final day of your 7-day winter Iceland Itinerary has the potential to be the most relaxing. You’ll have the option of visiting two of Iceland’s most luxurious geothermal baths while sipping on a drink and reminiscing about your trip. 

Follow that up with a stroll through the colorful streets of Reykjavik as you learn about Iceland’s rich history and culture. With all the amenities and conveniences of a larger city, you’re sure to enjoy your time in the capital. 

Stop 1: Soak In The Healing Waters Of The Blue Lagoon

At this point, the Blue Lagoon is practically synonymous with Iceland. It’s an iconic tourist spot that has evolved over the years from a local hangout to a luxury tourist destination. 

Mineral-rich waters, a swim-up bar, and a striking lava rock backdrop make for an ideal day of relaxation. Even the most basic entry ticket is pricey, but it’s worth experiencing at least once in your life. 

If you’d like to make a soak in the milky-blue water of the lagoon a part of your Iceland winter itinerary, you’ll need to make sure you book your tickets weeks if not months in advance. 

Book Here: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour

Stop 2: Enjoy A Seven Step Spa Ritual At The Sky Lagoon

What’s better than a luxury bathing experience in geothermally heated waters in the land of fire and ice? Not even having to leave the capital to have this unforgettable experience. 

The Sky Lagoon is a newer addition to Iceland’s geothermal pool landscape, but one that has quickly become a favorite of both locals and visitors alike. 

Rugged rock walls, an infinity pool that offers stunning views of the ocean, and a swim-up bar make the Sky Lagoon an enticing place to recover from your adventurous Iceland winter trip. 

The seven-step ritual however is what truly sets it apart from other luxury bathing experiences such as the Blue Lagoon.

The seven-step ritual begins with a soak in the lagoon, followed by a cold plunge, a 10-minute sauna experience, a cold fog-mist, the use of an exfoliating body scrub, the steam room, and finally a shower, and additional time spent enjoying the lagoon. 

Book Here: Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritual

Stop 3: Explore The Landmarks and Museums In The Reykjavik City Center

One week in Iceland in winter is best spent road-tripping through the country’s unique and impressive natural landscape, but the charming capital city of Reykjavik can be a welcome change of pace. 

Downtown on Laugavegur and the surrounding streets you’ll find restaurants, cafes, bars, and souvenir shops.

Reykjavik is also home to some of Iceland’s most fascinating museums such as the Arbær Open Air Museum which displays old Icelandic sod roof buildings as well as the Maritime Museum on the harbor.

Before leaving, you’ll want to visit one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, the Hallgrímskirkja Church which offers stunning views of Reykjavik and beyond. 

Book Here: Reykjavik Icelandic Food Tour

Where To Stay In Reykjavik

Mid-range:  Hotel Vera . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Kvosin Downtown Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to spend one week in Iceland in winter. Whether you’re arriving at the start of winter or are planning an Iceland Itinerary for February, you’re visiting at a truly magical time of year. 

If you have the full seven days to explore, this Iceland itinerary in winter will help you maximize your trip. If you’re working with limited time, feel free to pick and choose stops as you see fit.

If you have any questions as you begin planning, please let us know in the comments section.

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Best Excursions in Iceland

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Excursions in Iceland

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Affordable 3 Hour Northern Lights Bus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavík

Small-Group Golden Circle Tour with a Visit to an Ice Cream Farm and Transfer from Reykjavik

Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Transfer from Reykjavik

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

Afternoon 6 Hour Golden Circle Tour to Gullfoss, Geysir & Thingvellir with Transfer from Reykjavik

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with a Photographer Guide & Transfer from Reykjavik

Ice Caving Super Jeep Tour of Katla with Transfer from Vik

Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes National Park with Transfer from Reykjavik

Small Group Sightseeing Tour of the Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater

2 Day Ice Cave Tour with South Coast Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Minibus Tour with Glacier Hike & Transfer from Reykjavik

Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Katla Volcano Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking Tour with Transfer from Vik

The Golden Circle & the Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

South Coast Day Tour with Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with Transfer from Reykjavik

Golden Circle With Kerid & Blue Lagoon Tour with Entry Tickets & Pickup from Reykjavik

2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The Katla Ice Cave Tour

Golden Circle & Snorkelling in Silfra with Free Underwater Photos

Small Group South Coast Tour with Waterfalls, the Black Sand Beach & Transfer from Reykjavik

Golden Circle ​& Snowmobiling Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour With Pickup from Reykjavik

Excellent 2 Day West Coast Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Lava Caving in Vidgelmir

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

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Vacation Packages in Iceland

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Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Shital Kelshikar

Tour was perfect way to see sights of Golden Circle. Colin was a great tourguide who shared wonderful knowledge and history about Iceland and the various stops we visited. We had ample time at each place to visit and had a great day visiting the area.

LeeTing Lau

Incredible 2d1n roadtrip with Troll. Our beautiful and capable tour guide never fail to surprises us with stunning scenes (& some extra scenes too!!). it was very pleasant travelling with Troll overall.

Everything was perfect thanks to our tour guide Bart! He shared so much knowledge and tips about each of the stops and we had ample time to visit each one including a couple of extra stops. His music playlist was great between the commentary making the long days comfortable. The hotel accommodations were nice with lovely staff ready to serve us hungry travelers with a variety of dinner options to satisy anyone. Highly recommend doing the 2 day trip to South Coast since the Ice Caves are natural and the Diamond Beach and Glacier lagoon visits are just incredible bucketlist places to visit. Highly recommend Nice Travel and Bart for an unforgettable South Coast adventure of a lifetime!

Sharon Chung

Do it. No regrets! Just be on time! I loved the tour. Kristoff was our guide. He was funny, informative and prompt. (and excellent driver!) We went to visit falls, ice lagoon, Black Sand beach, Diamond beach, churches, etc. (Ice cave experience coming) All stops were highlights. I learned so much about Iceland. Ice cave - (for us) Amazing experience! Just be ready to walk/hike a bit in all weather condition. Helmet and foot spikes(?) are provided, but I also recommend to put sunglasses and cover mouth (for warmth and to prevent dusts and sand(?) going into eyes and mouth). Ice cave was beautiful and there were photo stops along the route. I also loved going to Ice cave and coming out. (The icy hike) Other glacial-related stops was great as well! My group was mostly on time. If you're more than 2-3 minutes late than instructed, then that's very late. The guide asked us if we wanted to go to sit down restaurant for lunch or survive on snack/hotdog to see more things, and I'm so glad our group chose the latter. Two days well packed into amazing places of Iceland! I would choose Nicetravel for other tours if I ever go back to Iceland.

Exploring Excursions in Iceland

Iceland, a land of breathtaking natural beauty, offers many exciting excursions for adventurous travelers. 

One of the most popular excursions is the Golden Circle, which includes stops at the geothermal wonders of Geysir and Strokkur, the historic Thingvellir National Park, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. 

Another must-see is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with its milky-blue waters, perfect for relaxation. 

For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience, exploring the ice caves of Vatnajokull Glacier or descending into the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano is an unforgettable adventure.

Iceland is also renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes. The South Coast boasts black sand beaches, like Reynisfjara, and the impressive Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. 

Glacier hikes and ice climbing on Solheimajokull glacier provide a unique way to experience the icy wonders. 

The Akureyri region in North Iceland provides opportunities for whale watching and exploring the picturesque Lake Myvatn area, complete with geothermal fields and bubbling mud pots.

To truly appreciate Iceland's natural wonders, consider a multi-day excursion around the Ring Road, offering an all-encompassing experience. 

These adventures allow you to witness the diverse landscapes, from glaciers to volcanoes, hot springs to waterfalls. 

In a land of geological marvels, Iceland's excursions promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of the earth's elemental forces.

Frequently asked questions

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Top Experiences in This Iceland Winter Itinerary:

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

7 – day Iceland winter trip itinerary and map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best self-drive Iceland winter itinerary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the early afternoon, we reached Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 5 – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon – Skaftafell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 7 – Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep reading for more tips for your Iceland winter trip!

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Organized Tours – Iceland Winter Trip Alternative

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

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

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

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

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

Some Practical Tips for Your Iceland Winter Trip

Below are some tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

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

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

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Iceland Winter Travel Tips

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

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

More tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

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

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Friday 9th of February 2024

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

Saturday 10th of February 2024

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

Tam Harrell

Monday 2nd of October 2023

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

Thank you so much! Tam Harrell

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

Bineet Desai

Saturday 16th of September 2023

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

Sunday 17th of September 2023

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

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

Monday 4th of September 2023

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

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

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

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

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

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

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

Saturday 5th of August 2023

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

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

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

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

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

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

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

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

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

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

Best Iceland Winter tours – Summary

Why book a tour.

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

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

5 Best Winter day trips from Reykjavik

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

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

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

Ice cave tour from Reykjavik in Winter

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

Best Iceland Winter tours

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

Best day trips from Reykjavik in Winter

Golden circle winter day trip.

Why choose this tour?

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

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

See availability of tours and book

Snaefellsnes day tour in winter

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

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

First half of the South Coast – Seljalandsfoss to Vik

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

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

Silver Circle

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

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

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

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

I don’t drink coffee

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

Northern light tours from Reykjavik in Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See 2-day tour availability and book

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

See 3-day tour availability and book

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

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

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

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

You will see:

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

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

Learn more about the program, see availability and book

Want to see more of Iceland in Winter:

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

Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide

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

And keep track of your own trip!

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Iceland In Winter – Guided Tour for 6 Days

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Home / Multi-Day Tours / Reykjavík / Iceland In Winter – Guided Tour for 6 Days

Iceland in winter is simply a wonderful time but we understand that not everybody is interested in a self-drive tour in snowy and icy conditions. Therefore we created this special Iceland winter tour only with guided tours included. Enjoy Iceland in its winter colours and visit the highlights of Iceland such as geyser, waterfalls, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and glacier. See the magic northern lights in the winter sky and enjoy Reykjavik the world’s northernmost capital.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.

Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.

Please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Guided Group Tours

6 Days / 5 Nights

Reykjavík & South Iceland

8 Years Old

• 5 nights accommodation (Budget or Comfort) with breakfast
• Transfer from Keflavik International Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík
• Optional private information meeting with our travel consultant in Reykjavik before your tour starts
• Guided Northern Lights Tour by minibus
• Guided Golden Circle Tour by bus with entrance to the Fontana Spa
• Guided 2 days tour to the South of Iceland with 1 hour glacier hike included
• Guided lava cave tour
• Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavík Airport with pick-up at your accommodation
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes & service fee

Not Included

• Flights to/from Iceland
• Meals & drinks at restaurants apart from what’s stated in the itinerary
• Personal travel insurance

Welcome to Iceland in winter! After landing at Keflavík International airport, you will be transferred to your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. In the afternoon we recommend exploring the city center of Reykjavik. You should visit Harpa Music Hall, the Hallgrímskirkja Church, the Laugavegur shopping street, and the small lake Tjörnin often frequented by many water birds. In the evening you will join a Northern Lights tour by minibus. You will leave the city with its disturbing lights and you will search for the magic lights also called Aurora in the countryside. You stay for the night in a comfortable accommodation in the city center.

Duration of Northern Lights tour

Highlights:, harpa - music hall, hallgrímskirkja church, laugavegur shopping street, northern lights.

Today you go on a guided bus tour around the Golden Circle to see three of Iceland´s most stunning sights – Þingvellir National Park, Geyser geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. After these natural wonders, you will visit  Fontana´s natural steam baths . Relax in various hot tubs and steam baths naturally heated by Icelandic hot springs. Before returning back to Reykjavik, you can taste some typical Icelandic rye bread which is slow-baked in the natural hot springs. In the evening you can go on another (optional) Northern Lights tour or you visit one of the gourmet restaurants in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is also famous for its nightlife and the bars are open during weekends until 04:00 a.m.

Þingvellir National Park

Gullfoss waterfall, laugarvatn fontana spa.

For the next two days, you will be joining on an exciting 2-day tour to the magnificent south coast of Iceland. The south is often said to have it all! You will start your journey by being picked up by your guide for the next two days, and then you will head out to the countryside. Your first sight will be at the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss, where if the conditions are good and you have the right attire, you have an option to walk behind the waterfall to get a 360°view of it. Next up is another well-known waterfall, the great Skógafoss waterfall. On a good day, you might be able to see the peak of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, that erupted famously in 2010.

Continuing will be the Reynisfjara black sand beach and the picturesque Reynisdrangar rock pinnacles rising from the sea. Afterwards, you will continue your travels to Skaftafell, where you will stay the night in the area. On your way, you will travel through the great lava field and witness the spectacular glacier Vatnajökull. The countryside is perfect for catching the dancing lights in the sky.

Day starts in

Day ends in

Skaftafell area

Seljalandsfoss

Reynisfjara - black sand beach, eldhraun lava field.

After breakfast, you will be starting your day by exploring the magical world of Vatnajökull. The first sight of the day will be the out of this world glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón. This lagoon is full of great, dazzling icebergs in various fascinating shapes and forms, constantly breaking from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. These icebergs float in the lagoon and slowly end up in the Atlantic ocean. Many of these natural icebergs cast ashore to the nearby beach, where they shimmer like diamonds on the beautiful black sand beach, given the name, the Diamond beach.

Now you will be venturing up and in the magnificent glacier with a qualified glacier guide. Entering an ice cave is surely an out of this world experience. Ice caves are formed during the summertime when the glacier is slowly melting the flowing water runs through cracks and crevasses, slowly enlarging over time. Every autumn expert guides search for new ice caves for the new season, allowing you to enter the newest ice cave in the glacier. Glaciers are constantly on the move and the same applies to the caves, but slowly.

Your guide will choose the best suitable ice cave, depending on the time of travel, and surely the weather.

The amazing colour of the ice inside the cave makes you feel like you are in a wonderland. The variant shades of blue and the structure of the ice can truly mesmerize you! You will ride up the glacier in a large super-jeep, before parking as close as possible to the mouth of the cave. Please remember to bring good hiking shoes with you as you will now hike to the opening of the cave, where you will have plenty of time to enjoy the cave and capture the moment on film.

After this dreamlike experience of the cave, you sadly have to say goodbye to the glaciers and head back to the city. Depending on the weather conditions, you might make some stops along the way to stretch your legs during the long drive. If promising conditions show Northern Lights activity, be sure to keep an eye out for the magical dancing lights in the sky.

Please keep in mind that the program of this two-day tours can slightly change, based on the weather and different months of winter.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Today you go on a guided tour inside a lava cave. You will see natural stalactites, different lava rock formations and unexpected colours. The cave is only a short drive away from Reykjavik and is located near a volcanic crater. It is about 900 meters long and was first mapped in 1992. Most of the floor in the cave is even and the cave becomes wide and high. However, in a few places you need to crawl and therefore you should wear good walking or hiking shoes. The afternoon you can spend in the city of Reykjavik and we recommend to visit the old harbour area where many interesting museums are located such as the  Northern Lights Center , the  Saga Museum  or the Marine Museum.

Tour duration

The reykjavík maritime museum, reykjavík city, reykjavík old harbour.

Your winter adventure is about to come to its end. You will be transferred to Keflavik International Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you still have time to stop at Blue Lagoon and enjoy a soak in the milky blue earth sea, a perfect end to your stay and a nice way to relax and unwind before your flight home.

Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness. Breakfast is included.

Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.

Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.  Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.

Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.

Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavik and it is located in the heart of the city. Its name means literally „wash road“ as this was once the route to the hot springs where many Icelanders took their clothes to launder. Today it is a vibrant and innovative street filled with designer ateliers, tourist gift shops, bars, and restaurants.

The Aurora is a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged particles, mainly electrons and protons ejected from the sun colliding with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen causing them to emit light that is visible to us. These hypnotic lights are known as Aurora Borealis, Polar Lights or Northern Lights in the arctic north and Aurora Australis (southern lights) around the south pole. The color of the Aurora has to do with the type of gas that these particles collide with, oxygen produces green light at low altitudes and red at high altitudes. Nitrogen produces purple Aurora. The green color is the most common and red can only be seen at the strongest of geomagnetic storms. The full understanding of the physical processes that cause the aurora are still a mystery but we know the fundamental causes of the Aurora is the interaction of solar wind with the Earth‘s magnetosphere.

There are three basic requirements for seeing the northern lights. Solar activity, darkness and clear skies. This means that you cannot see the northern lights during summer, they are still happening, there's even a phenomenon called daylight aurora, but our eyes cannot detect them as sunlight drowns out the Aurora. So the darker the better. Going out of the city is not a requirement, the Aurora can often be spotted within city limits in Iceland, however to best enjoy them going away from city lights enhances the experience. Also people should not use mobile phones if they are looking for the northern lights, as the light from the screen will make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.  It‘s always a good idea to take warm clothes on your Aurora excursions as Iceland can get very cold in the winter, that means wool undergarments, warm mid layer and a windproof shell.

Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.

Gullfoss, also called the Golden Waterfall, is one of the most iconic gems of the likewise named Golden Circle. The waterfall is located in the upper part of the River Hvíta. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls,  the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters.

Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.

Laugarvatn Fontana is a Spa & Wellness center built on natural hot springs. It is located at the Golden Circle area, you can enjoy steam baths or the geothermal pools while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake Laugarvatn.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.

Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.

Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in the South of Iceland, just next to the village of Vik. Black sand, lava formations, and basalt columns make it a popular stop for all visitors.

Reynisdrangar cliffs are towering basalt-type rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara black sand beach, on the South Coast of Iceland. The folk legend wants them to be the rocky representation of two trolls turned into stone after being caught by the sunlight after dawn.

Eldhraun is a lava field in the southern highlands of Iceland. It was created by a great volcano eruption known as Skaftareldar.

Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.

The Reykjavík Maritime Museum is located by the old harbour in Reykjavík, founded in 2004 and open daily from 10:00 – 17:00. One of their main exhibitions is the former coast guard vessel Óðinn, and is accessible for guided tours three time per day; 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00.

Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.

Reykjavík Old Harbour is fast becoming the new lively center of the city. There you will find museums such as Maritime Museum, the Northern Lights center and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. The harbour, which is quickly transforming into a modern city space, is also home to restaurants and cafes. A local favourite is ice cream shop Valdís, which makes fresh ice cream every morning and always offers new flavours.

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Related multi-day tours, south coast winter sensation for 7 days, iceland luxury spa for 5 days – winter guided tour, north and south of iceland guided winter tour for 7 days, iceland winter tour package – guided tour for 8 days.

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Iceland Winter Escape

Iceland is many things—it’s beautiful, it’s unique, and it’s breathtaking. But perhaps most importantly, it’s an escape from the everyday. Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in a world of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and yes, even trolls.

Picture yourself

Oohing and aahing your way around the Golden Circle

Indulging in the ultimate spa day at the Blue Lagoon

Searching for rainbows and gold behind Skogafoss waterfall

Tasting Icelandic food like fermented shark or sheep’s head (or not)

Scanning the night skies for the elusive and breathtaking northern lights

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

4 nights in handpicked accommodations

5 breakfasts

Expert Tour Director

24/7 support

Immersive Golden Circle tour

Entrance to the Blue Lagoon

Stunning Northern Lights tour

Sit back, relax, and pass the time on your overnight flight to Iceland by attempting to pronounce ‘vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúraútidyralyklakippuhringur,’ AKA the longest word in Icelandic.

Welcome to Iceland, the "Land of Fire and Ice,” and the home of active volcanoes, striking glaciers, really tall people descended from Vikings, and really tiny horses.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

• Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
• Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
• Get familiar with Reykjavik with an introductory walk with your Tour Director through the Old Town Center.

Free time suggestions

Hallgrímskirkja Church Tower : Visit the Hallgrímskirkja church observation tower for an unbelievable aerial view of Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains. Micro Bar : For the best craft beer in the city, look no further than Micro Bar, with 5-10 Icelandic beers always on draft. The Hot Dog Stand : Icelanders love hot dogs. Hit either Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, or the simply named Hot Dog Stand, and get a lamb hot dog with everything: raw onions, fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and a mayo remoulade sauce.

Travel the Golden Circle, a route that hits Iceland’s most magnificent natural wonders. Is there a waterfall? Yep. Geysers? Multiple. The meeting point of continental plates? Of course. Also, enjoy a delicious lunch buffet following this special adventure!

• Walk between two continents at Thingvellir National Park, the boundary between the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Explore the Great Geysir Geothermal Area, and watch the Great Strokkur geyser erupt like Diet Coke and Mentos.
• Discover Gullfoss, better known as the "Golden Waterfall,” a natural wonder and one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.
• Board a bus to search for the elusive Northern Lights.

Set your sights to the south coast, a lowland region of striking waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. To anyone attempting to pronounce them, we salute you.

• Find out what's really on the other side of a waterfall by actually standing behind the powerful Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
• Explore Skogafoss waterfall—where, according to legend, a Viking settler left some treasure here around the year 900.
• View the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupts once every few hundred years—don’t worry, you’ll be seeing it from a distance
• Stick your feet in the rich black sand, gawk at the giant basalt columns, and generally peak at Reynisfjara beach.

Get ready to feel relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Plus, it’s your last day to cross off any remaining bucket list items. Time to get lagoon-ing!

• Float weightlessly in the warm, light-blue waters.
• Remember to bring cucumbers for when you lather on a silica mud mask.
• Sweat it out with friends in the sauna or steam rooms.
• Kick back and take in the view from the relaxation area.

National Museum of Iceland : Visit the National Museum of Iceland and trace the history of the Icelandic nation from the Viking settlements to the present day. Fermented shark : Feeling brave? Fermented shark is one of Iceland’s national dishes, and is a must-try for the adventurous foodies out there. Be warned, it’s an all out assault on your nostrils, but apparently doesn’t taste as bad as it smells. Good luck!

Farewell Dinner Share some last laughs and revisit the best moments of the trip at this included farewell dinner with the group.

Bless, vinir! Translation: Goodbye, friends. Before you head to the airport, make sure to take one more group photo and grab that final drink. But this isn’t goodbye because you can always get the gang back together for another trip soon. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, we have a couple ways to keep your vacation going.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

Winter Escape Magic

I have been to some incredible places in my life and had some really cool tour guides as well but this whole experience was no less than magical. I even saw the Northern Lights on the flight to Iceland! This is a must for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and nature as a whole!

Amazing trip!

Awesome trip! My tour guide, Greta, was awesome. This trip was an amazing experience and I would recommend to everyone:)

Iceland Escape

Iceland is an absolutely beautiful country! This country has so much to offer like breathtaking waterfalls, gorgeous greenery, beautiful landscapes, colorful houses, cute horses, interesting food, and so much more! This trip was too quick, but amazing! Iceland is a great beginner destination for anyone’s first time to Europe! It’s definitely a mash of Americ... See more

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Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find

The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights — especially this year, which is a peak time for solar activity. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, aurora borealis tourism is a booming business. Hopeful tourists board buses to head out into the night in search of the northern lights. Credit... Sigga Ella for The New York Times

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By Amelia Nierenberg

Amelia Nierenberg spent four nights searching for the northern lights in Iceland.

• March 25, 2024

From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them . The lights are even on some recycling bins in Reykjavík, the capital: “Keep Iceland Clean.”

In the past decade or so, an aurora borealis industrial complex has boomed in Iceland. Many rent a car and go out on their own, but there are northern lights big bus tours and northern lights minibus tours and northern lights Super Jeep tours . There are private guides and boat cruises . There’s an observatory base camp . There’s even a museum .

But the lights can be elusive.

“Tourists sometimes expect, like, ‘At what time do you turn them on?’” said Björn Saevar Einarsson, a forecaster at Iceland’s meteorological office , chuckling. “Like we have a switch in the back room.”

This year, the letdowns are especially intense.

The northern lights, which are also called the aurora borealis, are most visible when there are solar flares, which are big eruptions on the sun that send charged particles toward Earth. This year, the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity , which some assume means that the displays could peak, too.

But the enhanced solar activity doesn’t necessarily mean the northern lights will be brighter or more frequent, scientists wearily explain. Instead, they mostly mean that the lights can be seen farther south than usual: In recent months, they have been visible in Arizona , Missouri and southern England .

That doesn’t mean much for Iceland.

In fact, Icelanders and scientists said, this winter is nothing special. Sometimes, the lights are there. Sometimes, they aren’t. Just like always.

Hunting the lights

But nothing special, with the northern lights, is still very special. And so tourists keep coming .

Last month, I joined the fray. For four nights, I looked for telltale sky shimmers in and around Reykjavík.

I booked my tickets riding high — this was the best year yet, right? But as I learned more, and as my flight neared, my hopes ebbed. Scientists and tour leaders gently told me that the skies were cloudy and the solar activity seemed quiet.

“Just to let you know the forecast doesn’t look too good” Inga Dís Richter, the chief commercial officer at Icelandia , a tourism agency, wrote in an email two days before I planned to take a minibus trip with Reykjavik Excursions , one of its tour operators.

“But,” she added, “this can change.”

To find the lights, guides and travelers often rely on aurora forecasts, which overlay cloud cover and solar activity. They check them constantly, like a bride with an outdoor wedding in mid-April.

Some of the forecasts are free, like the aurora forecast run by Iceland’s meteorological office or Iceland at Night , which includes space weather. (Some are not — Aurora Forecast , which costs $12.99 a year, sends alerts.) Many people also turn to Facebook pages , where enthusiasts hungrily swap sightings.

Luck, though, is everything.

“There’s only one thing less predictable with the northern lights, and that’s the Arctic weather,” said John Mason, a global expert on the northern lights. “An aurora forecast is barely worth the paper that it’s written on.”

The guides work hard to explain the science, and set expectations. Most companies offer a free rebooking option if the lights do not show.

On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter’s warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the city’s central bus station at 9:30 p.m.

Over the next three to four hours, we would drive through the Icelandic night together. I’d either see something astonishing with these strangers — the sky, banded with light — or shiver with them shoulder-to-shoulder, awkward in the cold.

As we pulled onto the road, Gudjon Gunnarsson, the guide, set the mood early. “We are going hunting for the lights,” he said, emphasizing the word “hunting,” “similar to going out fishing in a lake.”

He drove for about 45 minutes, letting Reykjavík’s glow fade behind us. The city has about 140,000 people, and no real skyscrapers, so there’s limited light pollution. Although the northern lights can appear over the city, it’s best to see them in total darkness.

Then he paused and consulted with another guide.

“It is too cloudy here,” he told his flock. “So we will keep driving.”

But as we kept driving, clouds turned to a dense fog, so thick that the moon all but disappeared.

Mr. Gunnarsson turned off the main highway about an hour after we left Reykjavík. He parked in a parking lot. Or maybe it was a side street? The darkness was so deep that I could only make out the moonlight on the ocean, and only then after my eyes adjusted.

We disembarked and stood dutifully beside him, staring up at the sky. Then, one woman pointed toward Reykjavík. Were those the lights? (No. That was light pollution.)

Christof Reinhard, 65, who owns a medical laser company and was visiting with his family from Paris, mused that our search was a little bit like a safari. Sure, the desert is amazing, but it’s much better with lions. Or, maybe, was this more like a whale watch?

“Instead of a boat,” he said, “you have a bus.”

Mr. Gunnarsson watched the group stomp their feet and bend into the wind. Fifteen minutes. Then, half an hour. The clouds hung thick above. “There’s nothing happening here, as you can see,” he finally said to relieved chuckles. “It’s one of those nights where you just have to give up.”

Tourists can get mad, Mr. Gunnarsson and other guides said. It’s rare, but it does happen.

“It’s the trip that has our worst reviews,” said Eric Larimer, the digital marketing manager for Gray Line Iceland , a day tour and airport transport company.

A wake-up call for the aurora

For some, the joy is in the search, even if there is no find. A few focus on astronomy, often opting to stay at Hotel Rangá , which is just off the main ring road (Route 1) near Iceland’s south coast.

The hotel looks unassuming — low-slung and wooden — but it’s one of the most famous in Iceland. (The Kardashians stayed there . So did the Real Housewives of Orange County .) A standard room costs more than $300, depending on the season.

But Rangá doesn’t just cater to celebrities. It also draws astronomy buffs, enticed by its “aurora wake-up call” service and its observatory, which has state-of-the-art telescopes.

“One thing is to sell them,” said Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner, speaking of the northern lights. “Another thing is to deliver them.”

About 20 years ago, before the northern lights industry took off, he delegated the night security guard to monitor the sky. The guard pokes his head out every few minutes to look for the telltale flicker. If he sees the lights, he alerts the guests.

The service aims to address one of the main issues with hunting for the northern lights: They are usually only visible on winter nights, when it is very cold, very windy and very late.

“To be a good northern lights observer, you need the constitution of an insomniac polar bear,” Dr. Mason said.

My room phone, alas, stayed silent. But I did dream about the lights — great Wonka colors swirling, strangely, behind the Chrysler Building.

Mr. Pálsson built the observatory, too. Even if the lights didn’t show up, he figured, the stars are still magnificent — and, for city dwellers, also rare. The hotel contracts astronomers to work the telescopes and explain the stars to guests.On my second night in Iceland, as twilight slipped below happy-hour skies, I crunched across the snow to the observatory with Saevar Helgi Bragason, an Icelandic science communicator who leads the astronomy program.

He bent into a toddler-size telescope, focusing it on the moon’s craters. They looked clearer than the hotel, just a short walk away. It was too early for the lights, he said. And that evening seemed too cloudy (on Earth) and too quiet (on the sun).

Mr. Bragason joked that the lights can get in his way — they create a mist over the stars he really wants to see. But tourists often come specifically to see them. And sometimes, he said, as they wait impatiently, they can miss the real wonder.

“You’re left with these beautiful skies above you,” he said. “Basically, literally, another universe opens up.”

Creating a lights season

Hotel Rangá was a pioneer in Iceland’s northern lights tourism industry: About two decades ago, people came to Iceland for the long summer days, and left as daylight slipped farther south.

“I found it rather stupid in the beginning,” admitted Mr. Pálsson, the owner of Rangá, speaking of northern lights tourism.

But spreading tourism throughout the year made sense. Partly, that was an environmental concern. The tourists would crowd the country’s extraordinary natural sites over just a few months. It was also economic. When the visitors left Iceland, tourism jobs would ebb with the sunlight.

So the northern lights, which are reliably visible from September to March, became the backbone of the country’s winter branding, said Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, the marketing and communications director at Business Iceland , which promotes the country.

“To be able to sell this product of cold and darkness, you have to have something to offer,” he said.

Now, even though June, July and August are the busiest months, tourism has evened out over the seasons. In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland’s tourist board . From April to August, there were about 1.1 million, too.

About a decade earlier , when tourism overall to Iceland was lower, there were about 336,000 departures from the main airport in colder months, and about 446,000 in the spring and summer.

The winter travelers are drawn by the lights — and the hot springs, glaciers and icy waterfalls. It’s also cheaper than the summer season.

Some try to visit volcanoes , but the country recently warned tourists to avoid the lava flows — Iceland is living in an unusually active period of seismic activity . In January, lava flowed into a small town and last week a volcano erupted with just 40 minutes’ notice near the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, one of the country’s biggest attractions.

The final attempts

Near midnight on my last night, a Sunday, I drove to the Grótta Lighthouse , a popular spot on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

A few die-hard experts had warned me off — many tourists go there because it’s darker than most of Reykjavík, but then don’t think to turn off their headlights. It was also raining, greatly diminishing my chances of seeing the lights.

But I only had three hours before I had to leave to make my predawn flight. I felt a little desperate, a little dazed. I parked, and approached two people who were sitting in the rain on a wet wall, looking at the water in the darkness. I climbed over seaweed, and introduced myself. What would it mean to them, I asked, if the lights suddenly appeared?

“It’d be a little bit like the cherry on top,” said Catherine Norburn, 29, who was visiting from England.

She and her husband were set to fly out the next morning. They had not yet seen the lights.

“We don’t have high hopes,” said her husband, Reece Norburn, 29, “but it’s now or never.”

We didn’t see the lights. And I didn’t see them later, even after pulling off the highway halfway between Reykjavík and the airport at 3:30 a.m., half convinced by a shimmery cloud.

But I did spend more time looking up at the sky. And it’s a marvel.

In New York City, where I live, the night sky blooms orange-mauve. In Iceland, the nighttime darkness is just that — darkness. Clouds roll, breaking the deep blue. Stars actually shine. Northern lights or no northern lights, it was still cosmically beautiful.

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

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