If you’re still on the fence about going to Iceland in winter, we’ll share with you in this article all the advantages of discovering the country during this season, but also the few disadvantages.
We hope we can help you make a decision based on your own criteria. But we think it’s worth it!
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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Is Iceland in winter worth a visit?
In short, we think Iceland is well worth a visit in winter.
It’s a very different experience from summer, less colorful but just as intense in its scenic beauty. You’ll discover frozen waterfalls, ice caves, black and white lava fields, and perhaps the Northern Lights in the night sky. Although some areas are difficult to access due to weather conditions, the most popular attractions remain relatively accessible.
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Reason 1: Iceland in the snow
Iceland takes on a striking beauty in winter, when its volcanic landscapes are covered in an immaculate blanket of snow.
The waterfalls are surrounded by ice sculptures, creating an unearthly contrast with the black basalt cliffs. The lava fields are dotted with snow, offering stunning black-and-white panoramas. Blue-gray glaciers sparkle in the cold sunshine, while hot springs release a fair amount of steam into the frigid air.
Visiting in winter is a completely different experience from summer. It’s hard to describe.
In summer, we feel the power of the earth, the explosion of the senses.
In winter, it’s even more pleasant to experience the wide open spaces, the calm and serenity of nature.
Reason 2: ice caves
Iceland’s ice caves are a winter attraction not to be missed.
These ephemeral natural wonders are only accessible in winter, mainly between November and March, when climatic conditions allow them to form in the heart of glaciers. They are formed every year, and are never the same.
An ice cave visit is often considered the highlight of a trip to Iceland during the cold season. It’s a magical, privileged experience.
The most popular caves are in blue tones, but there are also black ice caves due to volcanic ash.
Find out more about ice caves and how to choose your tour.
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
Reason 3: better chances of seeing the northern lights
In winter, you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights because..:
- Nights are much longer in winter. Auroras are more visible under dark skies
- The skies are generally clearer and less cloudy in winter, and the cold reduces air pollution, offering better visibility.
- Aurora activity is more intense in winter, due to the Earth’s orientation in relation to the solar wind.
Reason 4: fewer people
There are far fewer tourists in Iceland in winter than in summer.
The winter season from November to March sees a significant drop in tourist numbers, with a dip in January, the coldest and darkest month.
According to statistics from the Icelandic Tourism Board, the country receives around 80% of its annual visitors during the summer months, compared with just 20% in winter.
Overall, winter offers a calmer, more serene experience.
However, you can still find yourself surrounded by people (especially in the south), as the number of accessible places is limited, and so are the number of daylight hours.
You’ll particularly appreciate the peace and quiet as soon as you leave the south: the eastern fjords and the north of the country, with Lake Myvatn, are a real pleasure to explore!
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
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- 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
Reason 5: Contact with the elements is invigorating
A trip to Iceland in winter is an invigorating experience on many levels.
First and foremost, the snowy, icy landscapes take on a striking, supernatural beauty, offering a complete change of scenery. This unspoilt wilderness, bathed in soft, low-angled winter light, provides an intense sense of escape and rejuvenation.
Then it’s on to outdoor adventures in contact with the elements: visits to ice caves, gushing geysers, splashing waterfalls, geothermal baths…
Days are shorter, so you’ll see more sunrises and sunsets, which are always the most magical moments of a trip.
Last but not least, you’ll experience windy moments when the cold grips your bones, but also moments when the sun’s gentle touch on your skin relaxes all your muscles. You feel everything more intensely.
Reason 6: Many attractions are accessible
With the snow, many imagine that most attractions are not accessible. This is not the case. Many of these places are located around Route 1, the main road around the country, which is always clear after a snowstorm.
A lot of Iceland’s income depends on tourism, so they do everything they can to make things easier for us!
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Reason 7: The intense pleasure of 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
Reason 8: A real adventure
Going to Iceland in winter is a real adventure. It also means knowing how to let go, because things won’t go as planned. You will sometimes be blocked by snow, and conditions will not always be ideal… You have to let yourself be carried along by events, admire nature whatever it does and enjoy every moment.
You’ll leave proud and satisfied to have experienced a real adventure.
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Some disadvantages of winter travel in Iceland
Unpredictable conditions, slippery roads
With snow and ice, driving on Icelandic roads can be tricky and requires great caution, especially off the main roads. A vehicle adapted to winter conditions is essential. All rental cars come with winter tires, so don’t worry.
You should also be aware that your itinerary may be altered if a snowstorm hits part of the island. Don’t worry, the hotels are used to it and have organized themselves. But it will be a challenge for those who find it hard to deviate from their plan!
Short days
In the depths of Icelandic winter, particularly in December and January, the days are extremely short, with only a few hours of sunshine. This is an advantage for the aurora borealis, but it’s a constraint for visiting and enjoying the scenery. If you really want to explore, we recommend late January and early March.
It’s cold, but not that cold
This is often what surprises people the most. It can get very cold when the wind picks up. But on the whole it’s not as cold as people imagine.
That said, it’s still winter, and there’s snow… Dress warmly.
Price
It’s sometimes cheaper than in summer, but it’s still Iceland, and prices are higher than many popular winter destinations.
Some sites/roads closed
During the low winter season, some tourist sites, hotels and secondary roads may be closed or inaccessible due to weather conditions. In particular, access to the Central Highlands is impossible.
But there are still plenty of places to see, so don’t worry!
Slippery floors
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
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
