A land of fire and ice, Iceland is one of the journeys where we really felt the power of nature. In winter, thanks to the contrast between volcanic rock, water, ice, snow and stone, the striking views take on an almost magical dimension. There’s no doubt about it, we found Iceland’s winter scenery breathtaking. Discover our selection of the most beautiful panoramas and different types of landscapes to see at this time of year, along with a few tips.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
What kind of landscapes can you see in Iceland in winter?
Different from the vibrant, colorful vistas we’ve seen in summer, Iceland’s winter landscapes are first adorned with a beautiful white coat, maintained by the season’s low temperatures. This kingdom of ice and snow, with its contrasts of black lava and white flakes, offered us enchanting panoramic views. Partially frozen waterfalls, glacial lagoons, snow-covered fjords, black sand beaches, ice caves, surprising churches in the heart of nature… You’ll have a plethora of beautiful images that will leave a lasting impression on your mind and, like us, leave you with wonderful memories of this trip!
On the road, we wanted to stop at every spot to engrave these panoramas in our minds and photograph them! All these natural and urban landscapes are best seen by day, but you can also marvel at them in the evening darkness. Iceland’s winter skies gave us a beautiful display of northern lights after dark. September to March is the ideal time to observe them. All in all, Iceland’s winter landscapes and architecture are a sight to behold, so get your cameras ready to capture these unique images!
1. Cascades
In winter, Iceland’s waterfalls take on a fairytale quality. Sparkling icicles, ice stalactites, frozen mists… But always with running water, we found this winter experience fascinating. Here we share our 3 favorite waterfalls and our selection of winter must-sees!
Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall
On the north coast of the Snaefellesnes Peninsula, Kirkjufellsfoss isn’t the most impressive of waterfalls, but it’s one of the most magical places with the Kirkjufell mountain in the background. In winter, the waterfall takes on a fairytale quality. The falls are partially frozen, creating formations of ice and stalactites clinging to the rock face. The Kirkjufellsá River is also partially frozen and snow-covered. Here, we observed a series of 2 waterfalls about 16m high.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
On Iceland’s south coast, Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, because you can walk behind it. Unfortunately (but fortunately for our safety) this path is closed in winter. You can only admire the 60m-high waterfall from the front. It’s already very pretty, with stalactites forming on the parts where the flow is less powerful.
What’s more, the path along the ancient cliffs has been landscaped and took us to another waterfall hidden in the rock: Gljufrabui.
Gljufrabui waterfall
Gljufrabui is considered Seljlandsfoss‘ sister waterfall. It is located on the same cliff, but is often overlooked during visits. We enjoyed this small waterfall partially hidden in a rocky canyon. You can see it dry from the outside, or if you have waterproof shoes, you can step into this hidden little world.
See our best-of of Iceland’s winter waterfalls here!
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 6 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 115 photos to help you choose
2. Snowy fjords
Iceland is also famous for its fjords, which are even more magical to observe when covered in glistening snow! Did you know that they were formed millions of years ago during the Ice Age? Glaciers had advanced beyond the edges of the Alps to carve out these beautiful valleys. We noticed that the variations in relief are significant in the eastern fjords, even though the northern fjords are reputed to be longer.
Berufjörður, Eastern Fjord
Berufjörður is one of the longest fjords in the region, nearly 20km long and 5km wide! A village of the same name lies at the foot of the valley. From the moment we arrived by road, we were captivated by the natural charm of this panorama of rock, water and ice.
Seydisfjordur, Eastern Fjord
An authentic little fishing port, Seydisfjordur is one of Iceland’s most famous eastern fjords, home to a picturesque village of the same name. At 17km in length, it’s one of the longest and most beautiful fjords in the East. Tucked away in the mountains, this exceptional location left a lasting impression on us.
Eyjafjördur, northern fjord
North Iceland also conceals other wonders, such as the Eyjafjördur fjord, home to the town of Akureyri. We learned that its name means “fjord of islands”. This is one of the deepest inland fjords. Humpback whales have also made their home here – surprising, isn’t it? You may be lucky enough to spot them on a boat trip.
3. Black sand beaches under the snow
Diamond Beach in Jokulsarlon
Diamond Beach, next to the famous glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, is a black sand beach adorned with glistening icebergs that have washed ashore.
This natural wonder offers a landscape unique in the world and full of contrasts.
Ytri Tunga beach (with seals)
In West Iceland on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Ytri Tunga is a beach that stands out from the typical black sand beaches found elsewhere on the island. Instead of dark volcanic sand, Ytri Tunga offers a little golden sand that stretches along its shoreline. The beach is quite small, but offers a peaceful and picturesque environment with its golden sands contrasting with the white snow and black rocks.
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is definitely worth a visit for its natural beauty and unique geological features. In our opinion, it’s one of the must-see spots on the south coast.
This black sand beach impresses with its basalt cliffs, sea pillars and powerful waves crashing onto the shore. In winter, the contrast between black sand and white snow is spellbinding. Read our dedicated article here.
RENTING A CAR IN Iceland
Discover the best offers on Discovercars, our preferred platform!
On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
4. Lava fields
Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir is definitely worth a visit in winter, as it’s an enchanting place in our eyes. When a lava field with huge rock formations meets immaculate white snow, the landscape becomes magical, especially if the sky is this white! Although some of the trails are difficult to negotiate, the main area remains accessible. We loved the black-and-white landscape, where you can let your imagination run wild. This is a must-see place to visit around Lake Myvatn. In fact, you’ll have a great view of it along the way.
Londrangar
During our winter road-trip, we were captivated by the beauty of Londrangar’s rock formations. A short walk from the parking lot takes you to one of Iceland’s most beautiful viewpoints. Visiting the iconic basalt cliffs of Lóndrangar in winter was a breathtaking experience. These rock formations, sculpted by the sea from dried lava, are even more impressive when covered in snow. With fewer crowds, you can admire the spectacular cliffs and crashing waves. The contrast is simply stunning. In fact, it’s one of the best attractions in Snaefellsnes.
Other surprisingly shaped lava fields
Note that Iceland was a volcanic land, and many lava fields can be seen in other places. They sometimes take surprising forms, such as the Vidgelmir lava cave or the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls with their “lava falls under the snow” in the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
5. Ice caves
One of the highlights of our winter stay in Iceland was a visit to a natural ice cave. Unique colors and light effects, shapes and sculptures created by nature… You’re sure to marvel at these fantastic places! For an unforgettable experience, it’s essential to book a guided tour with experts in advance, as self-guided tours are not permitted for safety reasons. Here are our 3 favorite tours and a more complete selection below.
Vatnajökull ice caves
Did you know that Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier? By opting for this organized tour to one of Iceland’s wonders, we were able to visit several blue AND black caves! However, please note that this is not systematic. You’ll see at least one ice cave during your visit, and if you’re lucky, you might even explore a black ice cave, depending on the year and glacial formation!
Jokulsarlon ice caves
You may already have heard of them, previously located near the glacial lagoon of Jokulsárlón, the Blue Diamond, Crystal and Sapphire ice caves were famous in the region. They were known to be a little larger than the other caves, but quite spectacular in terms of the colors and transparency of the ice. Formed by the melting of glaciers in summer and their crystallization in winter, the original ice caves have disappeared over time, and tours no longer feature these names in tour titles. But the guides will take you to see others formed nearby.
Skaftafell ice cave
In Skaftafell National Park, you can combine a glacier hike with a visit to a cave. We recommend this complete experience on a glacier to appreciate its specific features and the grandiose dimension of this natural curiosity. You’ll find that ice caves are generally smaller and less impressive. We liked the intimacy of the small group on the excursion.
Note that you’ll need to be in reasonable physical condition to enjoy this activity, as hiking on ice and through snow is mandatory to reach the cave.
Read our article on the best ice cave tours in Iceland here.
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. Lagoons and glaciers
Jokusarlon Lagoon
The Jokulsarlon lagoon is the main attraction near Diamond Beach. We were lucky enough to contemplate this vast lagoon, filled with icebergs detached from the Vatnajökull glacier. The landscape was surreal and constantly changing. You’ll see this captivating spectacle with the glacier in the background, clearly visible on a clear day.
Vatnajökull glacier
Did you know that “Vatnajökull”, an 8,300km2 ice giant, means “glacier of lakes”? It’s Europe’s largest ice cap, located in the southeastern half of Iceland. To us, it symbolizes the grandeur of nature through its size and spectacular scenery! The caves are blue and black depending on the year, and are open to visitors – a special and original activity only available in winter.
Langjökull glacier
The Langjökull glacier is the 2nd largest in Europe after the Vatnajökull. They offer unique options for visiting caves, but especially the famous tunnel dug in the ice! The Langjökull glacier alone covers an impressive 950 km2. On the road, we were overwhelmed by the magnificent glacial panoramas, giving us the impression of twirling between snow, ice and lunar landscapes.
Solheimajökull glacier
In southern Iceland, the Solheimajökull glacier is one of the ice tongues of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. This area is famous for being home to several volcanoes, including Katla, just a few kilometers from the village of Vik. If you like beautiful images AND thrills, you can also climb this glacier – see options
7. Geysers and hot springs
Myvatn Nature Baths
At the end of a day’s exploration, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the hot springs. If you’re traveling to northern Iceland, we recommend you experience the Myvatn Nature Baths, also known as Jardbodin. They offer a relaxing experience in beautiful surroundings. They are less crowded than the Blue Lagoon and are surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt scenery.
We really enjoyed the experience in both summer and winter. It’s one of the best activities around Lake Myvatn in winter and summer too.
Haukadalur and Geyser Strokkur
In our opinion, the Haukadalur geothermal zone is one of the highlights of the Golden Circle and well worth a visit. It is home to the famous Geysir, which is now dormant, and the Strokkur Geyser, which we contemplated as it erupted several times between 15m and 40m high! It was quite impressive. With bubbling mud pools, colorful zones and gushes of water every few minutes, if you’ve never seen a geothermal field, you’re bound to be surprised, because it’s well worth the detour.
Laugarvatn
On the road between Thingvellir and Haukadalur, you’ll notice a lake. This is Laugarvatn.
It is increasingly attracting interest due to the presence of flowing hot water, especially since a thermal spa has been installed on its banks.
It’s a fun stop to watch the vapors rise from the lake. We loved the enchanting, picturesque atmosphere around us in winter. The low temperatures attract fewer tourists in winter, which is very pleasant, especially if you opt for the on-site geothermal baths!
Book your ticket now to be sure of a place!
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
8. Volcanic craters
Saxholl crater
If you want to get away from it all, don’t hesitate to climb the Saxholl volcano in winter. The metal staircase makes it possible! And the views are some of the finest on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The crater and surrounding lava fields are snow-covered, creating beautiful, contrasting black-and-white landscapes. The staircase provides easy access to the top of the caldera and panoramic views from the summit, including the Snæfellsjökull glacier on a clear day. It’s one of the attractions of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Kerid crater
Observing a volcanic crater in the middle of winter is also a memorable experience in the Golden Circle! In the heart of the region, the Kerid Crater, over 6 millennia old, features a lake that freezes over in periods of extreme cold. The surface is then sparkling, with a beautiful blanket of snow on the red rock walls all around. In summer, the landscape is very different and more colorful, but the view is well worth a stop even in winter.
Discover the Kerid Crater with a small group on a tour of the Golden Circle!
And also… Around Lake Myvatn, at Stukustadir, you can climb on pseudo-craters created by the meeting of lava and water, a rare phenomenon. In winter, when the pond is covered in snow, the experience is surreal, as if you were in the middle of the Ice Age. Climbing these small craters is a unique experience in winter Iceland.
9. Aurora borealis
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 was an unforgettable part of our stay, especially in Iceland, where we combined 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.
10. Seascapes
Whale watching at sea
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. On the south coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a few seals can also be seen in winter alongYtri Tunga beach.
Although summer is the best period, some species can be seen in winter. If you’re passionate about cetaceans, the giants of the sea, and can’t see any in the wild, don’t miss the Whales of Iceland Museum in Reykjavik, where you can see many life-size models up close.
Waterfront panoramas
As Iceland is an island land bordered by sea and ocean, there’s no shortage of marine panoramas. The snow-capped hills and mountains at the water’s edge in the background of fishing boats or excursion boats add a touch of poetry to the landscape, as in our photo below not far from Akureyri in the north of the island.
Malarrif lighthouse
Iceland’s many lighthouses are a must-see seascape. Take the iconic Malarrif Lighthouse tower, which rises out of the frozen landscape, surrounded by snow-covered lava fields and towering basalt cliffs. You can also visit the small museum to learn more about the region.
Reykjavik Yellow Lighthouse
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just curious, a stroll along Reykjavik‘s waterfront will take you to other typical Reykjavik attractions. The Yellow Lighthouse, also known as the Höfði Lighthouse, is one of them! Created by architecture firm Yrki Arkitektar, its design is based on the channel lighthouses that were used in Reykjavík’s old port from 1913 to 1917. Not only is this lighthouse a vital safety point for the port, it’s also very photogenic in our eyes. How poetic is this image of the Yellow Lighthouse, with the contrast of snow-capped mountains in the background, the waterfront and snow-covered rocks?
11. Towns and villages
The towns and villages of Iceland in the middle of winter also left us with some beautiful images in our minds! We’ll give you our favorites here, but you should also know that the island has several smaller towns to discover on your winter road-trip. The snow and ice that surround these urban landscapes exude a real sense of serenity, enhanced by the beauty and strength of nature. Memories as beautiful as postcard scenery!
Reykjavik
Let’s start with the capital, our favorite! Reykjavik’ s museums, cathedral, original architecture, fine dining and Viking history and culture make it a unique city in Iceland. From Öskjuhlíð Hill, home to the famous Perlan futuristic structure and interactive museum, you’ll enjoy exceptional views of the city and surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Akureyri
We now head north to Akureyri, the 2nd highlight of our discovery of Iceland in winter. Nestled near the Eyjafjörður fjord, the town is famous for its sublime Lutheran church overlooking the city. Considered the capital of the North, did you know that Akureyri is one of Iceland’s most important cities? Enjoy its museums, botanical garden or visit one of the houses of famous former authors such as Jon Sveinsson, Icelandic writer of children’s stories. Its natural harbour, its inlet and its heights make this ancient glacial valley a place that transported us with its beauty!
Vik
Vik, with its black sand beaches, is one of the main stops along the south coast. The town of Vik (or Vík í Mýrdal by its full name) is not very large, with mainly tourist accommodation and stores. It’s one of the most convenient places to stay on the south coast to explore all its treasures: cacades, glaciers, ice caves. And in the town itself, don’t forget to climb up to the church to admire the view! Discover the best things to do in Vik in winter on the south coast.
Höfn
If you’re exploring Iceland’s southeast coast, we highly recommend a stop at Höfn. At the eastern end of the island before continuing on to the fjords, this port city offered us unique panoramas, particularly at sunrise. You’ll find that the experience of visiting Höfn is quite different, as the town is organized around the harbor.
Go as far as the memorial to admire the sunrise (Seamen Monument), the sculpture is really beautiful. We had a 360° view of the surrounding countryside!
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Practical tips for contemplating these landscapes
Choose your itinerary and travel time
Defining the length of your stay and the time of year is a prerequisite for winter travel in Iceland. You’ll need to take into account the shorter days than in summer. Between December and March, the hours of sunshine diminish, but you’ll still be able to enjoy plenty of activities. A shorter day means a trip that has to be adapted or even lengthened according to weather conditions, even if the roads are regularly clear. To help you plan your trip over the winter period, we’ll soon be presenting our 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 1-week and 10-day itineraries in Iceland. The country is also full of beautiful winter spots, whichever part of Iceland you choose to visit at this time of year. If you’re not sure, read our article comparing South and North Iceland in winter.
Note that the main route 1 circumnavigates the island, passing through many beautiful spots such as the Eastern Fjords, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and along the entire South Coast. Some inland roads also offer a unique setting for your journeys, but note that at times the road is no longer tarmac and becomes a gravel track where a minimum of experience is required for winter driving.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
When should you see these landscapes?
Many of the natural sites we visited are open 24/7, such as Thingvellir National Park, cradle of the Icelandic nation, theHaukadalur geothermal zone and the Gullfoss waterfall. However, we strongly recommend that you visit during the sunniest hours of the day to enjoy the scenery in daylight and in complete safety. Only the aurora borealis can be seen at night, so we strongly advise you to opt for a guided tour with professionals to make the most of it. The guides are well-informed about the best places to see them and the best times.
By car or on a guided tour?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. In our opinion, the 2 best options for exploring Iceland in winter and enjoying its sublime landscapes are road-trips with car rental or guided tours. There are advantages and disadvantages to these alternatives, so here’s our advice in a nutshell:
- Car rental: we love road trips, as they’re the best way to discover the country and choose your own itinerary. If you’ve already driven on snow or ice, renting a car with 2-wheel drive is sufficient. Just make sure your winter tires are in good condition when you get in the car. Read all our car rental tips here. If you don’t want to spend time planning your own itinerary, you can choose from GuidetoIceland’s Iceland winter self-drive packages. Bear in mind that conditions can be extreme, so you need to be fit and alert, but also ride gently.
- Guided excursions: this is a good option if you don’t want to drive and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time. By the way, if your stay in Iceland is short, there’s no need to rent a car. Instead, opt for day trips from Reykjavik. Or for a guided group tour of Iceland, which can cover several of the island’s must-see places, with explanations from the guide. However, you’ll be less free to move around, change your route and make stops whenever you like. Please note that some natural sites, such as the ice caves, are only accessible on guided tours for safety reasons.
Pre-trip gear
If you’re traveling to Iceland in winter, remember to take waterproof clothing that will keep you warm, such as boots, a warm jacket, several layers of clothing, gloves, a hat… Be aware that the weather can change rapidly in Iceland, so plan to be able to add or remove layers of clothing easily. On organized tours, equipment such as snow crampons, helmets or complementary windproof or waterproof suits can be provided. Please check with the tour operators when booking your trip.
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)
Tips for photographing these unique landscapes
Like us, you’ll probably want to take home some memories of these unforgettable snowy panoramas. They’re sure to stay in your mind, and photographing them can be a pleasure too. So remember to take a cover to protect your smartphone and/or camera from the cold. A tripod can also be useful for stabilizing the camera or phone, especially in low-light conditions. This can come in very handy when observing the northern lights at night, for example. Today’s smartphones take high-quality photos, but you can also take an SLR or compact camera with lenses (remember to set them to manual mode).
Take advantage of sunrise or sunset light to capture unparalleled shots of these breathtaking panoramas. The contrasts between water, ice, snow and rock will be all the more beautiful if the lighting is soft and the shadows interesting. Always check weather conditions before exploring, and obey safety and traffic signs even if you see a beautiful landscape on the road! The variety of outstanding natural sites in Iceland during the winter will allow you to try out different angles to capture their diversity and compose your own photos of which you’ll be proud.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do activities in Iceland in winter?
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? Visit our selection of the best attractions and activities in Iceland in winter.
What are the advantages of visiting Iceland in winter?
Discovering Iceland in winter is a completely different, enchanting experience, with a magnificent blanket of white snow enveloping nature. It’s also the perfect time to see the northern lights! A complete change of scenery with snow-covered landscapes and waterfalls under the ice. Excursions to visit ice caves. Excursions to glacier hikes.
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
