Winter in Iceland: Route, Activities, and Tips

What can you do in Iceland during winter? Is a winter vacation in Iceland worth it? Definitely yes! After traveling through Iceland in summer for 2 months with my own camper van, I immediately booked a winter trip the following year.

This guide provides you with valuable insights into things you should consider. The days are short, but the nights are long. You have the chance to see dancing Northern Lights in the sky and can explore deep snowy landscapes.

I'll show you how to get well informed so that you are well-prepared for anything that may come up: snowstorms, rain, or closed roads.

Starting in September, snowfall begins in the highlands and northern regions. Winter conditions can be experienced in Iceland during the winter months from September to April. Along with storms, there can also be heavy snowfall and closed roads. Don't be fooled by spring-like weather. The next day, it can look completely different: snowfall, ice on the roads, and at the attractions. Spontaneously changing plans due to a blizzard, road closures, or postponed activities is essential.

I was in Iceland in March and experienced everything: snowfall, icy paths, frozen waterfalls, and spring-like temperatures with many hours of sunshine and increasingly longer days. The Northern Lights danced across the sky at times, while sometimes, despite good forecasts, they were nowhere to be seen.

A trip during the winter months has a unique charm. If you pay attention to the important safety information for your journey, you can fully enjoy the winter season.

Iceland offers unique winter activities such as glacier walking, visiting ice caves, skiing with ocean views, and ice climbing. The spectacular Northern Lights dance in the sky, especially between September and March. These are the best attractions alongside partially frozen waterfalls and tours into the wintry highlands.

You can drive the entire Ring Road but must be very flexible in your planning due to storms and allow extra time. Be ready to change your plans spontaneously if the SafeTravel Iceland app strongly recommends it.

The Golden Circle and Iceland's south coast are also accessible in winter with their stunning natural landscapes of volcanic rocks, glaciers with glacial lagoons, and waterfalls. These areas offer special sights like the partially frozen Skogafoss and the black sand beach Reynisfjara.

Careful planning and preparation are essential for a safe and enjoyable winter stay in Iceland, including choosing appropriate clothing, a four-wheel-drive vehicle (our recommendation), and constantly considering current weather and road conditions.

Winter temperatures are milder than you might think due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, hovering around the freezing point at + / - 0 °C. If you want a truly winter experience, you should travel to Iceland in December or January.

Our itinerary: Keflavik - Sellfoss - Vik - Glacier Lagoon - Höfn - Vik - Highlands (Thorsmörk) - Sellfoss - Golden Circle - Reykjavik

Iceland can transform into a true winter wonderland during the winter, offering a wide range of amazing activities that you can't do in summer. However, be prepared for rapidly changing weather, just like in summer: pleasant temperatures one day, heavy snowfall with hurricane-force winds the next, followed by pouring rain the day after that.

In the winter scenery, you can be enchanted by impressive waterfalls and ice caves that are only accessible until the end of March. Winter in Iceland offers you a wealth of experiences that are only possible at this time of year. The best time to experience these is during the coldest months of December and January until early February.

My absolute highlight was undoubtedly the glacier hike on the Breiðamerkurjökull, a glacier tongue that extends from the southern Vatnajökull to the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, which produces the icebergs that characterize this beautiful landmark. The Breiðamerkurjökull is constantly retreating, calving, and melting away in summer. Because of these constantly changing conditions, every hike is a unique experience.

During our glacier hike, we intentionally chose a longer tour to see more. We did the tour with Bjarni, a local guide from Iceguide, who was able to show us a lot about the glacier melting and caverns visually.

We hiked on the ice, descended into crevices, and walked into tunnels and caves on the glacier on the ice. A truly fantastic experience. At the end, we visited another smaller cave besides the Crystal Cave (see below), which other tours do not visit.

Tour start: Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Duration: about 5 to 6 hours

Season: late October to late March (we were there in March)

View the tour on the Iceguide website here

Costs: 31,500 ISK

The natural ice caves are another attraction during the Icelandic winter. Their ephemeral existence makes each cave unique. They are only accessible from mid-October/November to the end of March, making them a special highlight of any trip.

We visited the Crystal Ice Cave, which looks nothing like the pictures used for promotion. Ice caves are ephemeral, and who knows if this one will still exist next year?

Only the Katla Ice Cave can be visited year-round. However, this cave also changes its appearance daily. The old one is about to collapse, and a new one has formed since my last visit six months ago. Where a waterfall used to cascade last year, there are now entrances and exits to the new ice cave with an impressive tunnel system. It's quite fascinating to witness such change in such a short time. The melting and retreat of glaciers are unfortunately similar.

Ideal starting point: Vik i Myrdal (meeting at Soup Company where you can enjoy delicious soups afterwards)

Provider: Troll Expeditions (we chose this provider once in summer and now in winter)

The tour lasts about 3 hours, including transfers and equipment (helmet and crampons/microspikes)

Season: accessible year-round

Cost around 187 euros

In the highlands, we got to visit a secret black ice cave. A special experience, as you can only reach it on foot and the drive through highland rivers is only possible in winter with locals who know the area. Since we were probably the only ones here all winter, I wish to keep the location a secret. However, there are many other ice caves that have yet to be affected by mass tourism.

Note: When it gets warmer, the caves can fill with water, melt, and partially collapse. Therefore, you should never visit an ice cave without an experienced guide who knows the area and the cave well. Toxic gases may also be released due to volcanic activity. So, never enter a cave without a guide who considers it safe.

Do you want to experience the solitude of places like Thorsmörk or Landmannalauger, which are so popular in summer? Then I can recommend a day tour with Midgard or Southcoast Adventure. They take you into the deeply snow-covered highlands with Super Jeeps. I was fortunate enough to have a friend who is the manager of the Volcano Huts in Thorsmörk and was there in winter as well.

He has a modified Isak 4x4 Jeep, is knowledgeable about the area, and showed us some winter highlights that you can't reach in summer due to rushing rivers, including the aforementioned black ice cave.

On day tours, I recommend hiking up Valahnúkur. This view ranks among the most beautiful that Iceland has to offer, whether it's summer or winter. We hiked up in winter using microspikes (provided by the tour operator).

Another cool place is a filming location for 'Game of Thrones': Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, which you visit on day tours. If you're quick, you can go all the way to the frozen waterfall. If it's cold, you should veer right into another canyon. There were so many icicles hanging down the walls here that I was completely amazed.

If you are lucky here or at the Volcano Huts, you might spot one of the Arctic foxes. Some have white fur in winter, while others retain their brown-gray coloring. I saw several from the family.

In Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle, you can also snorkel or dive in the Silfra fissure during winter. The fissure that formed after a major earthquake between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is a special highlight for underwater enthusiasts.

I found it a unique experience. The water is so crystal clear (and icy cold) that visibility is incredible.

Note: Since the suits are very tight (especially around the neck and wrists), some participants may experience claustrophobia or discomfort. It genuinely feels uncomfortable. However, the advantage is that no water gets inside, and you remain warm and dry. I didn't feel cold; my lips only hurt from the cold.

Plan at least 3 hours for the tour. It takes time to put on the equipment and receive the briefing.

There are several providers; we chose Dive.is, which also offers transfers from Reykjavik and private tours.

A tour costs around 140 euros (191 euros with transfer)

Book the tour here atDive.is.

Iceland has excellent winter conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Even though we didn't manage to do it, I want to point out that the best ski resorts like Bláfjöll (near Reykjavik) and Hlíðarfjall (near Akureyri) are ideal. In Akureyri, you can even do heliskiing. Ski tours can be undertaken in the Westfjords. Because the snow lasts longer up in the Northwest, this region is very popular among locals.

I imagine it to be quite exhilarating to have the sea in view while skiing down. However, according to a friend, the slopes can get rather boring for seasoned skiers over time. Someday I will bring my snowboard to the island.

If you're looking for another adventure, ice climbing is an absolute must. The impressive glaciers and ice caves of Iceland provide a unique backdrop for this thrilling activity. You'll need a good guide who knows the glacier well and can ensure a safe route through the changing ice and snow conditions.

You can book ice climbing in combination with glacier tours, especially the ice caves of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. I had the pleasure of trying this years ago in Canada. It was fun, but it pushed me to my limits (not enough strength in my arms).

One of the highlights of any winter trip to the northern reaches is undoubtedly the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). These fascinating lights are a true natural spectacle and an unforgettable sight. The best time to observe this natural phenomenon in Iceland is between late September and the end of March, with particularly good opportunities during the equinoxes (Wikipedia) in September and March, as well as increased chances due to darkness in December and January.

From April onwards, the days get longer again, thereby reducing the chances since darkness becomes limited to just a few hours, requiring you to stay awake for long periods.

My professional tips for photographing the Northern Lights

Good places to observe the Northern Lights are sparsely populated areas far from light pollution. The highlands, guesthouses away from the towns along the Ring Road, or remote regions like the Westfjords or Eastfjords are best.

For photographing the Northern Lights, you should use a tripod and a fast lens on your camera to avoid blurriness. You can find many tips online on what settings to use on your camera. Refer to my article on photographing the Milky Way. The principles and settings are the same.

However, thanks to good smartphone technology, you can also take great shots nowadays.

The "Golden Circle" is one of the most well-known tourist routes in Iceland, and in winter it transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland (when there is snow).

In Þingvellir National Park, you have stunning views of tectonic plates and snow-capped mountains. Despite winter temperatures, it's even possible to snorkel or dive in the tectonic plates (Silfra Fissure), where you can have visibility of up to 120 meters. I had the pleasure of doing this in summer and can highly recommend this activity. The water is always cold here, and you receive dry suits to keep your body warm (more details on winter activities further above).

The Öxarárfoss waterfall in Þingvellir National Park can be completely or partially frozen in winter, accessible by a less crowded walk behind the first section of the national park. Unfortunately, it was not frozen when we visited, so we skipped it (we had already been here in summer).

The geothermal area with the active Strokkur geyser, which erupts approximately every ten minutes even in winter (the intervals are getting longer, and the geyser is smaller), is one of Iceland's most famous attractions. If you have never seen bubbling mud pots that smell like rotten eggs or a real geyser, it is a genuine highlight.

You should aim to be there early in the morning or late in the afternoon (before it gets dark) to avoid the crowds.

The Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, presents particularly wild and picturesque scenes in winter. During our visit, it was partially frozen, and the lower paths were closed for safety reasons due to extreme ice formation.

The Kerid crater may be a worthwhile additional stop on the Golden Circle route, especially if the crater lake is frozen and conditions are right. Unfortunately, that was not the case when we went, so we skipped the entrance fee (as we had been there already).

The Bruarfoss waterfall, long a hidden gem among Iceland's waterfalls, stands out for its intense turquoise blue, contrasting beautifully with the winter landscape. It is reachable via a short hiking trail and is for me one of the most beautiful spots on this tourist route (regardless of the season). Since it's now featured in every travel guide, it can also get busy here even in winter.

Iceland's south coast offers, in my opinion, the most beautiful natural attractions in a relatively small space, alongside the highlands. In winter, the south coast up to Höfn has a very special atmosphere. You can visit these attractions even in winter:

Waterfalls such as Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Kvernufoss, Svartifoss

Ice caves such as the Katla Ice Cave, Blue Cave, and Crystal Cave (these are just the most famous; there are many more)

Black sand beaches like the one in Vik, Reynisfjara, and at Vestrahorn

Breidamerkursandur "Diamond Beach"

Glacier tongues at Vatnajökull, Myrdalsjökull, Hoffelljökull, and Eyjafjallajökull

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Frozen glacier lagoons like the most famous one in Vatnajökull: Jökulsarlon.

Seals at Vestrahorn and at the Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon

These attractions are easily accessible along Route 1. Of course, there are other highlights along the south coast that you can visit given enough time and good conditions.

Well-known waterfalls along the south coast include the majestic Skógafoss, which also boasts rainbows in winter, and Seljalandsfoss.

My highlights are Kvernufoss and Svartifoss. However, during winter, it is often extremely slippery here, and the paths behind the waterfalls are usually closed (as with Seljalandsfoss). Be sure to pack microspikes, which you can often use on slippery stones.

The black sand beach Reynisfjara and Vík, with its basalt columns and church with beautiful views, are additional highlights, especially when snow is present. The main 'towns' for accommodation along the south coast are Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and Höfn. Both in the towns and outside, there are lovely and cozy guesthouses, hotels, and simple cabins.

Just a note to avoid disappointment when visiting Breidamerkursandur, or 'Diamond Beach'. In winter, the glacier lagoon Jökulsarlon is almost completely frozen. Large and small ice blocks freeze solid, so water often flows underneath during high tide and ebb. As a result, the icebergs washed ashore are much smaller than in summer. So don't be too disappointed.

Geothermal pools and hot springs are bodies of water that are naturally heated by the earth. They are found in areas with high volcanic activity, which Iceland has plenty of.

After a day full of adventures, there's nothing better than relaxing in one of Iceland's numerous hot springs and baths. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its architecture and therapeutic waters and is ranked by National Geographic among the 25 wonders of the world. I find the prices exorbitant and the hype around it unwarranted. Go to the free hot springs along the Ring Road. Some are hard to access in winter when the snow begins to melt.

The Sky Lagoon or the Hvammsvik Hot Springs (only 45 minutes from Reykjavik) provide you with special views and amenities. Vök Baths in East Iceland near Egilstadir offer geothermal pools that float on Lake Urriðavatn and provide a unique bathing experience with drinkable geothermal water used for tea production. These baths are just a few of the many hot springs available in Iceland.

Here are hot springs and baths as alternatives to the Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to visit any this time (it was too stormy, inaccessible due to snowmelt, etc.):

1. Sky Lagoon

2. Secret Lagoon (in Flúðir and anything but secret)

3. Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths

4. Reykjadalur Geothermal River

5. Seljavallalaug Pool (only if you're willing to wade through the water when the river isn't frozen)

6. Landmannalaugar (only possible as part of a day trip into the highlands; we visited in summer)

7. Mývatn Nature Baths in the north

With these apps and websites, you will always stay well-informed. You should keep an eye on the following daily:

safetravel.is - website and app of the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. Here you will be informed about local road closures, dangers, and useful information. This is also the best source in case of a volcanic eruption.

road.is - website and app as the best source for road conditions. If there is snow, the road is marked blue; if it is not paved, it is marked black. Additionally, construction sites are indicated in this app.

All this is useful information at any time of the year.

vedur.is - website and app of the Icelandic Meteorological Office. This is the best source for wind and weather regarding Northern Lights and avalanches or earthquakes (which occur when the ground shakes due to tectonic plate shifts).

windy.com - the best source to check if it might get stormy.

Aurora app for mobile and/or the website https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/

Parka app: the app to pay at attractions in Iceland. Set up the app with your credit card before the trip so that you only need to enter the rental car's license plate on-site. Alternatively sometimes: Easy Park.

For Iceland, it's essential to think in layers. Generally, you need all the layers you would require in summer, just add a warmer jacket on top, thermal underwear, and possibly thick gloves. It's crucial to pack warm, layered clothing, waterproof and windproof outerwear, and insulated waterproof footwear (hiking boots are ideal). It can not only snow, but it can also rain.

Essential items include: waterproof and warm clothing in multiple layers. Rain and wind in Iceland cannot be compared to what we are used to in Germany. I had purchased a GoreTex+ rain jacket from 66 North (an Icelandic brand) the previous year and brought my snowboard jacket. Added to the thermals I wore during the Laugavegur hike, I had the rain pants from Ice Wear (also from Iceland) and Merino underwear.

Base layer: underwear: Along with underwear and bra, include a Merino long sleeve shirt and long underwear also made from Merino.

Middle layer (to insulate and retain body heat): fleece, synthetic down, softshell, or an Icelandic wool sweater. Ideally, wear fleece joggers or thermal pants underneath waterproof pants.

Outer layer: waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (GoreTex or GoreTex+), buff or scarf, gloves, warm hat, warm socks (Merino), sturdy waterproof hiking boots-no sneakers. Microspikes or crampons on smooth surfaces and snow are quite useful.

Generally, you should pack for Iceland:

Swimwear and travel towel for the hot springs along the way.

Microspikes for the shoes. We used them multiple times.

Headlamp-ideal for photographing the Northern Lights at night.

Leave at home: an umbrella. It tends to break in about 90% of cases due to strong winds.

Wearing layers is crucial, including underwear made from Merino wool or synthetic thermal materials, an insulating mid-layer made from materials like wool or fleece, and a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Personal gear should additionally include a portable charger, a headlamp or flashlight, and crampons for icy surfaces.

It is important to wear appropriate clothing to protect against the cold. Moreover, one should be particularly cautious of conditions in winter in Iceland. Don't forget to plan your trip carefully and always pay attention to the weather and road conditions.

Whether you want to explore the entire Ring Road or just the south, you won't get very far without a rental car. You can base yourself in Reykjavik and book day trips and excursions to the glacier lagoon, but that usually results in long days on the bus and high costs.

When driving in winter in Iceland, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Before renting a car in Iceland during winter, check if your vehicle's tires are fitted with spikes. While these are increasingly frowned upon because they can damage the pavement, we were grateful to have them since we encountered fresh snow with ice formation on the roads 2-3 times. It makes for a much more comfortable drive.

For a winter road trip, we recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle (even though many say you don't need one). If you want to reach some of my recommended highlights off the Ring Road via gravel roads, this way, you'll be safer and the ride will simply be more comfortable. The smallest class of Dacia Duster (the most popular smallest SUV in Iceland) is sufficient.

If it snows, you should reduce speed. In poor visibility or difficult road conditions, you should pull over to a safe spot and wait for better conditions. In strong winds, the wind often blows the snow into the air, making it impossible to see either the road or the vehicles ahead of you. The only landmarks then are the posts marking the roads.

If the SafeTravel.is app advises you to change your plans and avoid the North, you should comply. The roads can be closed due to heavy snowfall for days. You could be stuck there.

Adhere to the speed limits. Getting caught speeding in Iceland will be costly.

Iceland's weather in winter is temperate, with average temperatures between -10°C and 5°C in Reykjavik, similar to New York City and Berlin. Around the winter solstice on December 21, there are only about four hours of daylight in Reykjavik, and even less in the north of Iceland. It doesn't get much darker than that.

Regional differences in Iceland's winter weather show that the north and east experience colder temperatures and more snowfall than the south of Iceland. Winter lasts from November to March; in November, average temperatures range from -1°C to 4°C, while in March they range from -2°C to 3°C.

You should always check the exact current weather conditions on the website vedur.is (also available as an app) and be prepared for sudden snowstorms and icy roads on the south coast of Iceland, especially in the north during winter, which can affect your travel plans.

Therefore, we focused on the south up to Höfn and brought plenty of time with us. However, we had been to Iceland before and know the places quite well.

In winter, the average temperature in Reykjavik falls below freezing, and it is not uncommon for the ground to be covered with ice and snow. The further you go inland, the colder it gets. In the Icelandic highlands, temperatures can drop to -30 degrees Celsius or lower. The north and the Icelandic highlands tend to be cooler than in other regions, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to +5°C.

In the peak of winter, there are only 4 to 5 hours of daylight per day in December and January. Icelanders who work from 9 to 5 do not see the sun at all. By March, the days are already longer than at home in Germany. By the end of March, you can have up to 14 hours of daylight in Reykjavik.

Iceland in winter often presents itself with snow-covered landscapes and frequently offers impressive Northern Lights. It's an excellent time to experience the stunning nature. However, in the south, you may find more of an autumn landscape than a snowy one. In March, you can experience spring-like temperatures. However, snowfall can still occur until April or May. Be prepared for anything; Iceland is a surprise box during winter.

For a winter trip to Iceland, I recommend wearing warm and weatherproof clothing, such as a thick winter jacket, thermal underwear, and a wind- and waterproof outer layer. This way, you will be protected against wind, rain, and snow. See my detailed packing list for Iceland.

I hope you found this article helpful in answering your questions for a winter trip to Iceland. If you have any ideas or questions, we would love to hear your comments here on the travel blog. Here you can find an overview of all travel reports for Iceland.

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