Iceland in Winter: Top Tips and Best Things to do

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Wondering whether or not to visit Iceland in winter? Here’s my experience visiting in the middle of December, and everything you need to know for a winter trip.

My first time in Iceland was in winter and I fell head over heels in love with the country. It’s such a beautiful place and there are so many fantastic things to do in Iceland in winter.

Admittedly, with its stunning landscapes and unique culture, the country is truly magical, no matter what time of year you visit. But there’s something about frosty scenery and snowy days in Iceland that just makes me love it more. 

If you’re planning an Iceland winter adventure, here are 9 top tips and things to do in Iceland in winter.

The Pros and Cons of Iceland in Winter

Before we dive into the top things to do in winter in Iceland, you might be wondering whether winter is the best time to visit Iceland. Well, there are definitely pros and cons to visiting in the winter months, so here are a few things you’ll need to know before planning a winter trip.

Pros:

• Cheaper travel deals – Since the majority of winter (excluding the Christmas period) is the shoulder season, you can typically find cheaper flights and accommodation than you would in the peak summer months. Particularly the months of January, February, October, and November.
• Fewer crowds – If you’re looking to avoid crowds, then winter is the time to travel. You’ll have many things to do in Iceland during the winter all to yourself and avoid the busyness that summer brings.
• Spectacular scenery – Despite the fewer tourists, there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery. From snow-capped mountains to frozen waterfalls, travelling in winter allows you to see Iceland at (in my opinion) its most beautiful.
• Unique experiences – There are some things you just can’t do in Iceland in the summer. Ice skating on a frozen lake, walking through an ice cave or chasing the Northern Lights, for example.

Cons:

• Weather conditions can be unpredictable – There’s a saying in Iceland – “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”. And, they’re not wrong! Weather in Iceland in winter can be unpredictable, with high winds, plenty of rain, and heavy snowfall making travel potentially difficult. But for every drop of rain, there’s a clear blue sky around the corner – it really is a bit of a guessing game and you’ll need to pack for every occasion. 
• Short days – with only between 4 and 5 hours of daylight, winter can be a tough adjustment if you’re used to more sun. Be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes and a good book (or two) to keep yourself entertained during those long nights! This also means less time for exploring during the day, which may not be ideal if you have a lot of ground you want to cover.
• Higher prices for some activities – Despite the summer rush, there are certainly some activities that Iceland in winter is famous for. Since demand for these activities (such as the Northern Lights tour, or ice caving) is higher at this time of year, they tend to cost more than they would in summer.

What to do in Iceland in Winter

From snowshoeing and Northern Lights chasing to hot springs and cosy cafés, there are so many winter attractions in Iceland! So, without further ado, here are the best things to do in Iceland in the winter.

1. Chase the Northern Lights

One of the most popular things to do in Iceland in winter is to see the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is one of the most magical things you’ll ever see, and there’s no better place to chase them than in Iceland.

The best time to see them is between late September and early April, so if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon, winter is the time to go.

Seeing the northern lights is one thing, but tracking them down is an entirely different adventure! Hunting for the Aurora Borealis requires planning and patience (not to mention a bit of luck), but if successful, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

For the best results, book a tour to spot the Northern Lights with experts who are used to chasing the beautiful Aurora.

✅ Book a Northern Lights Tour, here.

2. Drive the Golden Circle

Iceland’s natural wonders are breathtaking at any time of year, but they look especially stunning when they’re blanketed in snow. The Golden Circle is arguably Iceland’s most famous route. 

Starting and ending at Reykjavik, it encompasses the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur, a geyser which erupts every 5-10 minutes, and Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk (or snorkel) between two tectonic plates.

This route is not to be missed on any Iceland itinerary and beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it.

✅ Book a Golden Circle tour, here.

3. Soak in Hot Springs

Can you even consider going to Iceland without thinking about taking a dip in a thermal pool? What could be better after a long day of exploring in the cold?

Iceland is home to many geothermal pools, and they’re especially nice in winter when the weather is cooler. The most famous, of course, is the Blue Lagoon, located near Keflavik Airport.

But there are plenty of natural springs all around the country. The Secret Lagoon located near the Golden Circle route is one of the more unique experiences in Iceland and, if you’re driving this route yourself, this might be a pretty relaxing extra stop!

✅ Book tickets for the Blue Lagoon, here.

4. Go Glacier Hiking

Hiking a glacier is one of the best things I’ve ever done while travelling.

I’m not going to lie to you, hiking on a river of ice can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding, as the scenery is so stunning. Just make sure you’re properly equipped and have someone experienced with you before attempting any climbs.

We booked a guided tour of Southern Iceland that included a hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier. I would literally go back and do it again in a heartbeat.

✅ Book a glacier hike tour, here.

5. Go Snowmobiling

Iceland is a great place to jump on a snowmobile and go nuts! Some so many tours and companies are willing to take you on a whirlwind ride through the snow. A thrilling experience with incredible scenery, it’s another experience that’s beyond worth it.

6. Explore the Waterfalls

There’s something somewhat spellbinding about a frozen waterfall. The water looks almost trapped in time – it tried to tumble off the cliff and got stuck halfway down! 

There are so many stunning waterfalls in Iceland, from the well-known trail of falls along the southern coast including Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss to the lesser visited but even more majestic cascades in the north. You can even find a few hidden gems along the south if you know where to look!

On top of that, you’ve got the smaller waterfalls that you’ll pass on possibly every drive you do in the country tucked away into the cliffsides. And seeing them frozen is one of the best things to do in winter in Iceland.

Of course, depending on when in winter you travel, you might not see all the waterfalls frozen. The coldest months in Iceland are January and February, so these are when you’ll have the highest chance of everything being covered in a blanket of snow and ice.

✅ Book a tour of Iceland’s South Coast, here.

7. Visit The Glacier Lagoons

Exploring a glacier lagoon is another one of Iceland’s winter treats! The most popular is Jökulsárlón in the south and it’s one of the best places to visit in Iceland in winter.

Located next to the largest glacier in Iceland, the lagoon is littered with giant icebergs from the glacier which eventually flows into the Atlantic. 

The lagoon also washed many of these icebergs onto a black sand beach commonly known as Diamond Beach because that’s literally what the icebergs look like! The entire place is stunning.

✅ Book a trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, here.

8. Winter Festivals and Markets

Throughout December and January, Iceland plays host to a number of fun winter festivals in Reykjavik celebrating everything from music and dance to food and film. Of course, there are the traditional Christmas and New Year’s events of music, Christmas trees, ice rinks, and fireworks. 

But Iceland also plays host to a music festival in November and January, a traditional mid-winter celebration, February’s Winter Lights Festival, a food festival in March, and a snowboarding festival in April. These are some of the top things to do in Reykjavik in winter.

Despite the country being colder and darker, the Icelandic people don’t slow down in winter. If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere during your trip, be sure to check out what’s happening while you’re in town.  

9. Cozy Restaurants and Cafes

Last but not least, you can’t forget about Iceland’s cuisine. Often forgotten in favour of the beautiful scenery, Iceland’s food is also well worth checking out while you’re in the country. 

Plus, after spending a day out in the cold Icelandic weather, there’s nothing better than thawing out in a cosy restaurant or cafe with some delicious local food. I recommend trying traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb stew or fish soup –yum!

Some great restaurants to try are:

• Bergsson Mathus in Reykjavik
• Bryggjan Cafe near the Blue Lagoon
• Sudur Vik in Vik
• 101 Reykjavik Street Food in Reykjavik

Overall…

So there you have it – 9 reasons why you should visit Iceland in winter! 

Ultimately, the decision of whether to visit in winter or summer comes down to personal preference and what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you don’t mind bundling up against the cold and are willing to take advantage of cheaper prices and fewer crowds, then winter might be the right choice for you!

I think that whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply want to embrace escape to a winter wonderland, there’s no better place than Iceland. Trust me — you won’t regret it!

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