Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland (Winter Edition)
Iceland's winter landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring, offering a unique blend of rugged beauty and exhilarating experiences. From the dance of the Northern Lights to thrilling adventures, here's your guide to the top 10 things to do in Iceland during the winter months!
A note on visiting Iceland in Winter:
Roads: The main roads and highways are well maintained in Iceland, but highland roads are closed. Make sure you rent a car from a reputable company and that your vehicle is well-prepared for winter conditions with studded tires. Do NOT drive during a storm or high winds. By using our link below, you will automatically get 5% off your booking with Blue Car Rental.
Daylight: In winter, there are only 4-7 hours of daylight depending on what month you go, so plan accordingly. Visit this site to see daylight length in Iceland for the month you are visiting.
If you are not comfortable driving a vehicle in winter conditions, there are some amazing tours you can take. This allows you to meet new people and not have to worry about navigating yourself.
Be Flexible: Weather conditions can change rapidly. Be flexible with your plans, allowing room for adjustments based on the day's conditions and unexpected opportunities.
Pack Essentials: Don't forget essentials like a power bank, and a reliable GPS or a downloaded map, especially if you plan on exploring more remote areas. Bring warm clothes!
Weather: Visit the Icelandic Met Office to check conditions daily since the weather changes quickly.
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Explore Ice Caves
Exploring Ice Caves with Heading North. Get 10% off with the code JTHOMP10
Iceland's ice caves are a winter wonder, with each season revealing new hidden gems. What makes these caves so unique is that you will never see the same cave two years in a row.
The optimal months for exploration are December to March when conditions are prime. Be sure to always visit these caves with a seasoned guide or expert. These caves are constantly moving and can be extremely dangerous to visit on your own.
Our trip with Heading North was an incredible experience. We would 100% recommend going on a tour with them! The groups are small, and they always go to the best caves (they change every year).
What to Expect: Ice cave tours typically include transportation to and from the caves, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes additional activities like glacier hiking. Dress warmly, wear sturdy waterproof boots, and be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity.
Preserving the Beauty: Responsible tourism is crucial. Adhere to guidelines provided by your guide to minimize impact and respect the delicate environment. Pack out everything you bring in.
Top Locations for Ice Cave Exploration:
Vatnajökull Ice Caves: Located within Vatnajökull National Park, these caves boast stunning blue hues and intricate formations. Tours usually depart from Jökulsárlón.
Langjökull Ice Cave: Easily accessible from Reykjavik, Langjökull offers a mesmerizing ice cave experience. Tours often include a ride on the Langjökull Glacier itself.
Myrdalsjökull Glacier Ice Cave: Near the southern village of Vik, these caves are known for their proximity to the Katla volcano. Guided tours from Vik offer an immersive experience.
2. Visit the Black Sand Beaches
Iceland is home to several stunning black sand beaches, each with its own unique features and charm. Here are some of the best black sand beaches to explore:
Reynisfjara Beach, Diamond Beach, Djúpalónssandur Beach, Kirkjufjara Beach, Víkurfjara Beach, and Hvalnes Nature Reserve, and Stokksnes
Important notes:
Be Mindful of Sneaker Waves: Sneaker waves, larger and more powerful than preceding waves, can unexpectedly surge ashore. Once you get swept out, there is very little chance of returning. Pay attention to the ocean's behavior, especially if you're standing close to the water's edge.
Dress for the Weather: Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, even during the summer. Wear layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes suitable for sandy terrain. Wind can be strong, so a hat and sunglasses are advisable.
Safety: The powerful waves along Iceland's coastline can be hazardous. Pay attention to warning signs, never turn your back on the ocean, and maintain a safe distance from the water. Keep an eye on fellow travelers, especially if you're exploring with children.
Explore the Basalt Columns: Many black sand beaches feature dramatic basalt column formations. At Reynisfjara, you'll find the iconic Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks and the fascinating basalt cave Hálsanefshellir. These geological features provide excellent photo opportunities.
Respect the Wildlife: Black sand beaches are often home to seabirds. Keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing nesting areas. Binoculars can enhance your birdwatching experience without intruding on their habitat.
3. Experience Unique Accommodation
Make your Iceland experience truly unforgettable with one of these unique stays in Iceland!
A luxury stay in the rural Icelandic countryside
A one of a kind cabin near the infamous Seljalandsfoss
Sleep under the Aurora!
A stunning turqouise blue lagoon just steps away from your balcony.
4. Soak in a Hot Spring
We may be biased, but Iceland is one of the best countries in the world for hot springs. This is primarily due to its unique geological setting and the presence of geothermal activity. Below are our favorite hot springs to visit!
Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland, is a geothermal haven where mineral-rich waters meet stunning ocean views.
Hvammsvik Hot Spring - located in a beautiful coastal setting right next to the ocean. If you’re brave, make sure to take a cold dip in the ocean for the best cold and thermal benefits!
The Blue Lagoon, set against a backdrop of lava fields, stands out as a world-renowned geothermal gem.
The geothermal river in Reykjadalur Valley invites adventurers to hike through otherworldly landscapes before ending up at a gorgeous hot spring river.
5. Explore the Golden Circle
This iconic circuit encompasses three key attractions:
The mighty Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal wonders of Geysir, and the historic Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The Golden Circle, easily accessible from Reykjavik, offers a snapshot of Iceland's diverse natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls and erupting geysers to historical and geological wonders, making it a must-visit route for those seeking a concise yet spectacular Icelandic experience.
We did not have the opportunity to visit the Golden Circle on our winter trip, however this is top of our list for next time!
6. Visit an Icy Waterfall
Iceland’s infamous waterfalls are arguably even more captivating and beautiful in winter!
Tip: you NEED microspikes to visit these waterfalls during a certain time of year. It was interesting to watch a majority of people attempt to visit these falls and slip or fall into the river.
The best waterfalls to visit during winter:
Seljalandsfoss (top right): What sets it apart is the unique opportunity to walk behind the waterfall, offering an immersive experience. **Icy conditions can make this dangerous to visit. If there are closed signs, do NOT pass them
Gljufrabui (middle): Walk through a small river into a stunning canyon to get up close and personal with this one!
Skogafoss (bottom right): This classic beauty is just as stunning to see in the winter as it is in summer.
7. Watch Sunset on the Cliffs
Watching the sunset from Iceland's cliffs, particularly from the iconic Dyrhólaey promontory, is an experience you won’t want to miss. As the sun dips below the North Atlantic horizon, the rugged cliffs and sea stacks become silhouetted against a canvas of hues ranging from fiery oranges to deep purples.
The expansive views from Dyrhólaey, with the black sands below and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance (left image), create a mesmerizing panorama that makes every sunset a truly awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience.
To get there:
From Reykjavik, take the ring road heading Southeast past Selfoss until just before you reach the town of Vik. Take a right on road 218. Follow Road 218, which will lead you to Dyrhólaey. Signs along the way should guide you to the promontory.
8. Northern Lights
Venture away from city lights to remote, dark locations for an unparalleled view of the Northern Lights. The dance of the auroras against the winter night sky is a breathtaking phenomenon that defines the magic of an Icelandic winter.
How to see the northern lights:
Go between September and March when the nights are longer, and solar activity is high.
Monitor solar activity by checking websites or apps that provide real-time data on sunspots, solar flares, and geomagnetic storms. I recommend the Aurora app, where you can add notifications when KP is high (>3)
Northern lights may be visible during a KP 2
Northern Lights activity is unpredictable. Plan multiple nights for viewing and be flexible with your schedule to increase your chances of catching a display.
Opt for accommodations in remote areas or away from major cities where light pollution is minimal. Consider staying in cabins or lodges that offer unobstructed views of the night sky.
Don’t want to go on your own? There are a ton of guided trips that help you search for Northern Lights, and many take photos for you!
The top rated Northern Lights Tour can be found here.
9. Choose a Thrilling Activity
Explore and Walk across glaciers with Heading North.
Get 10% off with the code JTHOMP10.
In Iceland, the winter thrill-seeker has a variety of exciting activities to choose from. Snowmobiling or hiking across glaciers, exploring ice caves, and experiencing the rush of dog sledding through pristine snowscapes are just a few options. With the added possibility of witnessing the captivating northern lights overhead, each activity promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure set against the stunning backdrop of Iceland's winter landscapes.
Take a look at the links below to find some of the top-rated thrilling activities in Iceland during winter:
Glacier Snowmobiling
Whale Watching Tour
ATV Adventure
Ice Climbing
Volcanic Eruption Area Helicopter Tour
Ice Caves Tour (10% off with code JTHOMP10)
10. Visit a Glacier Lagoon
Never walk on a frozen lagoon without a guide. Thank you Heading North for getting us here safely!
We visited Iceland during the coldest winter in 100 years, and YES it was extremely cold. Lucky for us, these weather conditions allowed us to walk on some lagoons that don’t usually freeze. Always go with a guide when walking out onto the ice, as they have the proper tools to check ice thickness ensuring your safety. On a typical year, many of the lagoons do not freeze, but there are a variety of activities you can partake in to get closer to these lagoons!
Best areas to visit:
The renowned Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is fed by the Vatnajökull Glacier and is one of the best glaciers in Iceland. It is easily accessible, and the lagoon feeds into Diamond Beach which is its own spectacle worth visiting!
A few ways to enjoy this area include a Boat Tour of the lagoon, walking along the shores to watch for wildlife, and exploring Diamond Beach
Other glacier lagoons worth mentioning are the Fjallsárlón and Breiðárló.
Thank you for reading!
