Ready to discover a magical world? Visiting Iceland in winter is a unique experience with a lot to offer: more or less frozen waterfalls, black-and-white landscapes, ice or lava caves, sparkling glaciers… no time to get bored. And when night falls, the suspense is at its height: will you see the northern lights?
Here’s our selection of the best winter attractions and activities in Iceland.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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1. Seeing blue in an ice cave
One of the highlights of a winter trip to Iceland is a visit to a natural ice cave. These ephemeral cavities, formed by the freezing of glacial meltwater, are only accessible between mid-November and early March, before melting in the heat.
Every year, new and unique caves are created, offering shapes, tunnels and sculptures created by nature. The most famous are on the Vatnajökull and Kötlujökull glacier tongues. Some cellars are blue, others black.
For an unforgettable experience, it’s essential to book an expertly guided tour in advance.
Find out more in our article on ice caves
Or take a look at the different tour options
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2. Chasing the northern lights
To admire the northern lights, winter is the best time to visit Iceland. The long, dark nights offer ideal conditions for observing this unique celestial spectacle.
Although clear skies and high solar activity 18 hours in advance are required without guarantee, many hotels offer wake-up calls in the event of a visible aurora, so you don’t miss a thing.
Admiring the dancing colors of the northern lights is an unforgettable experience, all the more so in Iceland where you can combine these nocturnal excursions with exploring the breathtaking landscapes during the day. No time to get bored!
Between October and April, the chances of catching a glimpse of this natural phenomenon are at their highest, and guided tours are a must in winter.
>> Find out more in our article on the aurora borealis (coming soon).
Or take a look at the different tour options
3. Admire the sometimes frozen waterfalls
In Iceland, winter offers a unique natural spectacle with its partially frozen waterfalls, creating enchanting landscapes.
Some waterfalls remain powerful despite the freezing temperatures. The famous Gullfoss, nicknamed the “golden waterfall”, impresses with its imposing flow and two dizzying levels that never freeze over completely. Just as spectacular, Skógafoss pours its tumultuous waters in a cloud of steam, forming a 60m-high curtain.
Other waterfalls, such as Godafoss and Kirkjufellsfoss, are clad in a glittering coat of ice. Their flows are partially frozen and stalactites form. These landscapes are spellbinding.
>> Find out more in our article on waterfalls in winter.
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4. See icebergs in lagoons or on beaches
In Iceland, winter offers unique opportunities to observe impressive icebergs up close. The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, one of the most famous, is a truly breathtaking spectacle. From the distant glacier, huge blocks of ice break off and drift majestically across the turquoise waters before reaching the sea. Some are pushed back onto the black sand beach, which becomes Diamond Beach.
Wave-swept icebergs wash up on the black volcanic sand, sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. Some feature immaculate white hues, others intense bluish shades, while a few take on a dark, almost black color.
If, like us, you are lucky enough to visit after a storm, there may be icebergs every few metres!
>> Find out more in our articles on Jokulsarlon Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
5. Heating up in a geothermal zone
Although Icelandic winters are not as harsh as you might think, fans of snow-covered landscapes can head to the geothermal areas to admire the brighter hues.
Among the many sites, the famous Haukadalur valley, on the Golden Circle, is home to the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 3 to 7 minutes, a fascinating spectacle.
In the north, the Hverir/Namafjall region near Lake Myvatn boasts impressive bubbling mud pools and fumaroles, contrasting with the surrounding snow.
Whether for their shimmering colors or their geological phenomena, these geothermal zones offer unique landscapes to discover in winter.
>> See more photos in our articles on Haukadalur and Hverir in winter.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
6. Hiking on a glacier
In Iceland, winter is the ideal season for glacier trekking, a unique and unforgettable experience. There are several options on the south coast.
The Sólheimajökull glacier offers breathtaking scenery with its bluish crevasses and ice arches. Experienced guides will help you explore these natural wonders in complete safety.
In Skaftafell National Park, in the heart of the majestic glacial cliffs of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, you can venture onto wind-sculpted glacier tongues and contemplate millennia-old ice formations.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, these winter hikes on Iceland’s glaciers offer breathtaking scenery and total immersion in the wilderness. But you still need to be in good physical condition.
The two main hiking areas are Solheimjökull(see availability) and Skaftafell(see availability).
7. A road trip around Route 1
To discover Iceland in winter, there’s nothing like a road trip on Route 1, also known as the “Ring Road”, which circles the entire island.
From Reykjavik, you can visit the South, East, North and East Fjords regions, and admire the breathtakingly varied landscapes that unfold along the way.
To the south, you’ll discover glaciers, lagoons and waterfalls.
In the north, time seems to stand still between black lava and immaculate snow.
And, in between, it’s impossible to take your eyes off the scenery as the roads wind through the fjords.
And a major advantage is the opportunity to observe the northern lights far from Reykjavik’s light pollution.
You’ll need to plan for a minimum of 7 days, but 10 days is more comfortable for touring and stopping off everywhere!
>> Find out more about Iceland’s Route 1 in winter (article coming soon).
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8. Visit a lava tube
In winter, warm up underground!
In addition to ice caves, you can also explore lava tubes. Discover these fascinating rock formations, when the lava flow cooled on the outside but the center remained liquid and kept moving.
The Vidgelmir lava tunnel is easy to access, with just a few steps and a good path all the way. It can also be visited in summer, but in winter there’s something special about it. In one area, ice stalagmites form on the lava. We loved fire and ice. Guided tours only – see availability and book
And on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, there’s also the Vatnshellir cave. It’s smaller but deeper, with a spiral staircase – see availability and make a reservation
9. Relax in hot springs
All over Iceland, you can relax your muscles in hot springs, bluish pools or steaming rivers. This is the case all year round.
But in winter, it’s even more special because your bones are frozen from exploring all day, and because the temperature contrasts can create even more mist over the warm waters, making the experience even more mystical.
Among the best-known sources:
- Blue Lagoon, near Reykjavik – book your tickets
- Secret Lagoon, on the Golden Circle – reserve your tickets
- Myvatn Nature Baths, North Iceland – book your tickets
10. Seeing in black and white in lava fields
Iceland abounds in fascinating lava fields, witness to the many volcanic eruptions of the past. Some are recent and deep black, others older and covered with moss (invisible under the winter snow). In winter, the volume of lava and the cracking of the earth are a little less noticeable. But black-and-white landscapes offer a very different experience.
Among our favorite lava fields:
In the north, Dimmuborgir near Lake Myvatn reveals strange, giant rock formations with phantasmagorical shapes, creating a striking black-and-white landscape in winter.
On the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the lava cliffs of Londrangar are home to two legendary pillars resembling petrified trolls. And at Arnarstapi, a coastal walk offers an incredible diversity of monoliths, basalt columns, arches and wave-sculpted holes in the volcanic rock.
>> Find out more about Dimmuborgir, Arnarstapi, Londrangar… in winter.
11. Whale watching
Iceland is a top destination for whale watching, with over 20 species present in its waters. Boat excursions bring you close to these magnificent marine mammals, as well as to dolphins and porpoises.
Although summer is the best period, some species can be observed in winter. If you’re passionate about these giants of the seas.
And if you can’t see one in the wild, don’t miss the “Whales of Iceland” museum in Reykjavik, where you can see over 20 life-size models. Book your admission.
12. Climbing craters
Iceland is also a volcanic world. When the island is covered in snow, it’s a little less visible, but you can still climb some of the craters!
But be reasonable: if the wind is blowing hard, don’t go up.
You can climb small craters like Saxholl on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. We found the experience unforgettable, with breathtaking views of hardened lava, snow and glaciers.
Around Lake Myvatn, in Stukustadir, you can also climb the rare pseudo-craters created by the meeting of lava and water. In winter, when the pond is covered in snow, the experience is surreal, as if you were in an ice age. Climbing these small craters is a unique experience in winter Iceland.
13. Icelandic horseback riding
Icelandic horses are adorable, stocky and robust, adapted to the climate for centuries. You can admire them by the roadside, but don’t feed them unless special food is available.
Their sturdiness makes winter riding a unique experience, bringing you closer to the snow-covered Icelandic countryside. These horses also have an extra step, the tölt, a fast, supple gait.
Whether you’re watching them or riding them, Icelandic horses offer an authentic and memorable experience.
14. Enjoy the atmosphere of Reykjavik
In winter, we love the atmosphere of Reykjavik, especially when night falls, with its quieter, more intimate atmosphere than in summer.
Be sure to wear good shoes, though, as even in the city, the packed snow on some sidewalks is often slippery!
Despite the shorter daylight hours, there’s plenty to do indoors, such as visiting museums, concert halls and art galleries. Our favorite museums are the Whales of Iceland Gallery and the Perlan Museum.
>> Find out more in our article on Reykjavik in winter.
15. Christmas and festivals
Reykjavik and Iceland celebrate Christmas traditions from mid-November to early January, with events such as Christmas markets and walking tours revealing Icelandic holiday customs. It’s a big production!
Winter is the best time to learn more about Icelandic culture.
For example, you can enjoy:
- November: Iceland Airwaves
- December: All the Christmas attractions, including activities with the Yule Lads, whether in Reykjavik, Alkureyri or around Lake Myvan (Dimmuborgir).
- December / January: New Year celebrations
- February: Winter Lights Festival with illuminated artworks all over Reykjavik
- March: Reykjavik Food and Fun Festival – to discover Icelandic gastronomy
- March: Iceland Winter Games in Akureyri: skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding…
Winter attractions in Iceland – by region
It’s hard to make a choice for our top 15, but despite the harsher-than-summer conditions, there are plenty of attractions in Iceland.
See our guides for each region to find out more:
- South Iceland attractions
- Golden Circle attractions
- Snaefellsnes attractions
- Silver Circle attractions (coming soon)
- North Iceland attractions (coming soon)
- Eastern Fjords attractions
Other activities in Iceland in Winter
And if you’re into outdoor activities, there’s a lot more to do than sightseeing, visiting caves or walking on glaciers.
You can:
- Snowmobiling on the Langjökull glacier – see availability
- Snorkeling or diving in the Silfra fissure – see options
- Dog sledding (north) – see availability
- skiing and snowboarding (in the north)
- …
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
