With only 5 days in Iceland in the winter, you’ll have to make some choices, but you’ll still be able to see plenty of magnificent sights: waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs, lava fields, ice caves, and a geyser! Here are our suggested itineraries for a 5-day winter trip to 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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What You Need to Know Before Going on a 5-Day Trip to Iceland in Winter
Icelandic winters come with their own set of rules: short days, roads that can be slippery at times, and seasonal activities like ice caves. This guide provides you with the key information you need to plan a realistic and well-prepared trip.
1. Day length: a key variable
The most important factor in your stay? Light. In December and January, you have only 4 to 5 hours of daylight, compared to 8 hours or more in late February. So set out early in the morning—even while it’s still dark—so you’ll be there at sunrise.
And limit the number of stops per day: it’s better to see three sites thoroughly than to rush through five. Some of the trips will take place at night—that’s unavoidable—so plan for it rather than just putting up with it!
2. Winter Driving: Don’t Improvise
The main roads are clear most of the time, but Iceland is Iceland: a sudden shower or a gust of wind, and conditions can deteriorate in a matter of minutes. If you’ve never driven on black ice or packed snow, make sure to do your research thoroughly before hitting the road.
Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires. Please refer to our guide on driving in Iceland in winter for all the practical details. And always check road conditions on road.is.
Find the best deals on our preferred car rental platform: DiscoverCars
5-Day Winter Itinerary in Iceland: Map
Here is a map of the itinerary we’ve planned:
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
Day 1 – Southwest Coast
Total travel time: about 2½ to 3 hours
Three sites, three very distinct atmospheres, and a natural progression eastward from Reykjavik. It’s going to be a busy day, so head out on Route 1 first thing in the morning.
Stop 1 – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss plunges 60 meters from an ancient coastal cliff that has since receded inland. The trail that leads behind the waterfall is closed in winter for safety reasons, but the waterfall is still impressive when viewed from the front. In extremely cold weather, icicles form on the weaker sections of the slopes, creating bluish reflections.
A paved path runs along the ancient cliffs toward a smaller waterfall hidden within the rock: Gljufrabui. We recommend that you don’t miss this stop, which many visitors skip because there are no signs pointing to it.
Learn more about Seljalandsfoss in winter.
Stop 2 – Skogafoss Waterfall
Thirty kilometers further east, Skogafoss cascades down in a curtain of water 60 meters high and 25 meters wide. Its powerful flow prevents it from freezing in winter, creating a striking contrast between the moving masses of water and the snow-covered black rock.
There are two vantage points to choose from: from below, the waterfall fills your entire field of vision; from the elevated platform, accessible via more than 350 steps, the view opens up onto the coastal plain. We find Skogafoss more striking in winter than in summer, precisely because of these black-and-white contrasts. Learn more about Skogafoss in winter.
Stop 3 – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
The black-sand beach at Reynisfjara gets its distinctive character from the basalt columns that line it and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks that rise out of the sea. In winter, the snow on the cliffs heightens the contrast with the dark sand and the waves of the North Atlantic.
One absolute rule: Do not go near the water’s edge. Some waves surge suddenly very high up onto the beach and can catch you off guard in a matter of seconds. We were struck by the rugged atmosphere of this place, which is particularly intense on windy days. Learn more about Reynisfjara in winter.
Stop 4 – The Village of Vik
Vik i Myrdal is the natural place to end the day on the south coast. This small village owes part of its reputation to its church perched on the hill: the view from up there, overlooking the black sand beach and the basalt cliffs, is well worth the few-minute climb. In the evening, the Lava Show—a demonstration of molten lava—offers a hands-on immersion in Icelandic volcanism, a wonderful way to understand what you’ve seen in the day’s landscapes. Learn more about Vik in winter. Book your tickets for the Lava Show.
Overnight in Vik
Book a 2-night stay. Here are a few suggestions:
- Hotel Vik i Myrdal
In the village, elegant and quiet.
See photos and availability - Hotel Kria
On the outskirts of the village, large picture windows overlooking the mountains.
See photos and availability - Hotel Katla
Surrounded by nature, a 5-minute drive from the village. We like the renovated rooms.
See photos and availability
Day 2 – Glaciers on the South Coast
Total travel time: about 4 hours and 30 minutes round trip from Vik
3:58 p.m.
Claude replied: It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Vik to the Jökulsárlón lagoon—round trip, this is the longest driving day of the itinerary.
Allow 2 hours and 15 minutes for the drive from Vik to the Jökulsárlón lagoon—round trip, this is the longest driving day of the itinerary. Set your alarm a little later: in December, every hour of daylight counts. If you’ve booked an ice cave tour, the excursion usually departs from the lagoon in the early afternoon; please check the exact time when you make your reservation. The return trip to Vik will likely take place at night.
Stop 1 – Diamond Beach
Located directly across from the Jokulsarlon lagoon, Diamond Beach gets its name from the blocks of translucent ice that wash up on the black volcanic sand after drifting down from the glacier. Their shape, size, and transparency vary from day to day depending on the tides and weather conditions. Nothing is guaranteed, but it’s always worth a visit.
We recommend arriving early to enjoy the sunlight of the sunrise reflecting off the ice, which can be spectacular on a clear day.
Learn more about Diamond Beach in winter.
Stop 2 – Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
The Jokulsarlon lagoon formed as the Vatnajökull glacier retreated during the 20th century. The icebergs that break off from its front edge drift slowly out to sea, creating a constantly changing spectacle. On a clear day, the glacier’s front is clearly visible in the background. We found this place to be more contemplative than we expected; it’s worth spending some time there rather than just stopping by for a quick photo.
Learn more about Jökulsárlón in winter.
Stop 3 – Ice cave tour (must be booked in advance)
The natural ice caves are only accessible from mid-November to early March: they form every winter on the glacier tongues of Vatnajökull and Kötlujökull, and then melt in the spring. Every year, new cavities take shape—some an electric blue, others the black of volcanic ash.
The tour begins with a 4WD ride over rough terrain (not recommended for people with back problems), followed by a guided walk inside the cave. We consider this experience one of the highlights of a winter trip to Iceland—but spots fill up fast: be sure to book several weeks in advance.
Learn more about ice caves.
View the available tour options.
Bonus Stop – Fjallsarlon (if the days are longer)
If you’re traveling in late February, when the days are 8 hours or longer, stop at Fjallsarlon before Jokulsarlon. This nearby lagoon, which is smaller and less crowded, freezes over completely in the middle of winter—there are no icebergs, but the nearby glacier tongue is visible from the frozen shore. The tranquility there stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Jökulsárlón.
Learn more about Fjallsarlon in winter.
Second Night in Vik
Back to the same hotel.
Day 3 – Golden Circle
Total travel time: about 5 hours
Leave Vik early and visit the three sites of the Golden Circle. This day’s itinerary features a spectacular waterfall, an active geothermal field, and a national park with an exceptional historical background.
Then it’s just a short drive to your hotel in Borganes.
Stop 1 – Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss cascades down two tiers along the Hvítá River, which is fed by the Langjökull Glacier—Iceland’s second-largest glacier. The total drop is 32 meters. Its strong current prevents it from freezing completely, but ice forms along the edges in winter, adding a visual element that the summer season does not offer.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the morning light on the waterfall. We found Gullfoss even more impressive under the snow than in the summer photos.
Learn more about Gullfoss in winter.
Stop 2 – Haukadalur Geothermal Field
The Haukadalur geothermal field is home to two geysers: the famous Geysir, which is currently inactive, and Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting a column of water between 15 and 40 meters high. Between eruptions, pools of bubbling mud, steam jets, and sulfur deposits create a landscape of utter strangeness.
In winter, the contrast between the warmth rising from the ground and the surrounding snow gives the site an even more surreal atmosphere. We waited through several consecutive eruptions—it was hard to leave.
Learn more about Haukadalur in winter.
Stop 3 – Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for two distinct reasons. Geologically speaking, the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates is visible to the naked eye: the two continents have been drifting apart at a rate of 2 cm per year for millions of years.
Historically, the parliament there was founded in the 10th century. Representatives met there outdoors until the end of the 18th century. A marked trail allows you to follow the main fissure; it is well-maintained even in snowy conditions.
For adventure seekers, snorkeling in the Silfra fissure—between the two tectonic plates, in water that’s 2°C—is still possible in winter: check availability.
We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the park during the winter off-season, when it was much less crowded than the rest of the Golden Circle.
Learn more about Thingvellir in winter.
Overnight in Borgarnes
A Stay in Borganes. Book a two-night stay to cut down on travel time.
For example:
- Hamar Hotel
Modern rooms, private patios, views of the Borgarfjördur Fjord. Outdoor sauna and hot tubs.
See photos and availability - Hotel Stafholt
Away from the city, surrounded by nature.
See photos and availability - Kria Cottages
Across the water, cottages nestle at the foot of small mountains.
See photos and availability
Or view all options in Borgarnes.
Day 4 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Total driving time: about 3 hours and 30 minutes for a round trip from Borgarnes
Glaciers, lava cliffs, fishing villages, geological formations: the Snaefellsnes Peninsula has a lot to offer within less than 100 km. Take the loop starting from Borgarnes in a clockwise direction and plan to return in the evening.
Stop 1 – Kirkjufell and the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfalls
Kirkjufell Mountain (463 m) is one of Iceland’s most recognizable landmarks, photographed from the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls below. The two waterfalls, which are about 16 meters high in total, are partially frozen in winter, creating bluish ice formations. We were surprised by how intimate the site felt compared to the photographs—plan on spending 30 minutes finding the right angles depending on the light. Learn more about Kirkjufell in winter.
Stop 2 – Londrangar
Londrangar refers to two basalt spires, 75 meters and 61 meters tall, that rise from the ocean’s edge: the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater sculpted by the waves over thousands of years. In winter, the snow-covered black lava field below accentuates their verticality. Local folklore links them to supernatural creatures—and when you see them on a gray day, you can understand why. Learn more about Londrangar in winter.
Stop 3 – Arnarstapi and the Gatklettur Arch
A coastal trail runs along the basalt cliffs of Arnarstapi from the parking lot to the natural arch at Gatklettur, a rock formation with a hole right at water level. The lava formations in the foreground stand in stark contrast in winter to the snow-covered Snaefellsjökull glacier, which is visible in the background on clear days. The walk takes about 45 minutes and is accessible even in winter conditions. We found this section to be one of the most photogenic on the peninsula. Learn more about Arnarstapi in winter.
Stop 4 – Budakirkja Black Church
Budakirkja, a small wooden church painted black, stands isolated in the middle of a lava field, far from any village. It is one of the most photographed buildings in Iceland—its simple architecture, typical of the Icelandic countryside, stands out particularly well against the white snow in winter. The stop is brief but memorable. Allow 15 minutes.
Second night in Borgarnes
Day 5 – Reykjavik
Reykjavik is often seen as nothing more than a starting point, but the capital is worth a full day on its own. Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, whose concrete facade is inspired by the basalt columns found in Iceland’s landscapes, towers over the city. From its summit, the view of the colorful rooftops and the surrounding fjords offers a beautiful panorama of the entire capital.
The old port, the street art district, and the covered market halls are other landmarks worth exploring at a leisurely pace. We enjoyed Reykjavik for the laid-back atmosphere of its cafés and the city’s intimate scale, which is very different from that of European capitals. See all of Reykjavik’s winter attractions.
Overnight stay in Reykjavik.
- Black Pearl Apartment Hotel
5-star self-contained apartments in the city center.
See photos and availability - Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel
Tasteful decor, sophisticated atmosphere, great location.
See photos and availability - Rey Apartments
Spacious apartments right in the city center, with fully equipped kitchens.
See photos and availability
Alternative for Day 4 or Day 5: Silver Circle
If you want to see other natural wonders in Iceland during the winter
Total driving time: about 2 hours (Borgarnes → attractions → Reykjavik)
Located 1 hour and 30 minutes northeast of Reykjavik, the Silver Circle remains in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, the Golden Circle. That’s exactly what makes it so appealing: sites that are just as remarkable, but without the crowds.
Stop 1 – Deildartunguhver Geothermal Spring
Deildartunguhver is the most powerful geothermal spring in Europe: it discharges 180 liters of water per second at a temperature of 97°C. Safety barriers mark off the area around the steam jets. Stay behind them!
In winter, the clouds of warm steam blend into the cold surrounding air, making the site even more spectacular. We were struck by the sheer power of this place, which gives a tangible sense of the geothermal energy that powers much of Iceland’s heating system.
Stop 2 – Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
Hraunfossar is radically different from any waterfalls seen so far: thousands of small streams spring directly from between the lava slabs and flow into the Hvítá River without forming a single visible main waterfall. In winter, the result is a tri-color scene: the black of the lava, the white of the snow, and the glacier-blue of the river.
We consider this site one of our favorites, precisely because it’s unlike anything else. 500 meters downstream, Barnafoss features a narrow rapid flanked by two rock walls. Learn more about these waterfalls in winter.
Stop 3 – Vidgelmir Lava Tube
Vidgelmir is Iceland’s largest lava tube and one of the best-preserved in Europe, stretching over 1,585 meters in length. It was formed during an eruption estimated to have occurred around the year 900 AD. The guided tour follows a trail through the cave, which is illuminated by a discreet lighting system.
In winter, ice stalagmites form on the ground where water droplets seep in and freeze—a phenomenon specific to the cold season. We found this underground experience to be the perfect complement to the landscapes above ground. View the schedule and make a reservation.
An alternative with less driving: a 5-day itinerary
If the idea of a demanding drive puts you off or if winter conditions are holding you back, a shorter version of this route is still a very good option:
- Remove the Snaefellsnes day (Day 4) and redistribute the time saved along the south coast:
- A third night in Vik allows you to add a glacier hike on Day 3.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to tour Iceland in 5 days?
Technically, it’s possible to drive all the way around Iceland in 5 days, but you’d have to make very, very few stops—just drive and admire the scenery. That’s too bad.
Do I need a 4WD for this route?
For the main itinerary, a standard car equipped with winter tires is sufficient as long as you stay on the main roads. But a 4WD offers you more comfort and safety.
To rent a car in Iceland, check out all our tips.
When should I book a tour of the ice caves?
As soon as possible, ideally 3 to 4 weeks before your departure. Ice caves are Iceland’s most popular winter activity, and spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school breaks. See available options.
Can you see the Northern Lights on this route?
Yes. The Northern Lights can be seen from anywhere in Iceland on clear nights between October and March. On this itinerary, the nights in Vik, Fludir, Borgarnes, and on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula feature low light pollution, which is ideal for stargazing. Some hotels send alerts to their guests when solar activity is high. The weather remains the deciding factor: overcast or rainy skies block out everything.
Is this itinerary feasible in December?
Yes, but with some adjustments. In December, the days are 4 to 5 hours long. Set out at dawn every morning, focus your sightseeing on daylight hours, and be prepared to drive in the dark. Day 2 (round trip to the glaciers from Vik) is the most demanding in this regard: leave at 7:00 a.m. or 7:30 a.m., depending on the season. In February, the days get longer quickly and life becomes less stressful. We believe that late January or early February offers the right balance between daylight hours and the likelihood of snow on the ground.
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
