Things to Do in Iceland in Winter
Frozen waterfalls, glowing skies, and coffee that tastes better in -10°C
Driving in Iceland in winter is no joke — but what a reward! Photo credit: Bailey Zindel
Winter in Iceland feels like a different planet. The sun barely rises, the air smells like snow and sulfur, and every drive turns into an Arctic movie scene. It’s quieter, wilder, and often cheaper than summer — fewer crowds, cheaper hotels, and the magic of the Northern Lights dancing above empty landscapes.
If you can handle icy roads and the occasional blizzard, winter rewards you with scenes so surreal they’ll make your camera battery freeze.
Top Iceland winter tours
From glacier hikes and ice caves to Northern Lights safaris — these are Iceland’s most popular experiences.
Getting around Iceland:
The best aurora shows happen far from city lights — and that means you’ll need wheels if you don’t join a northern lights tour. A rental car gives you the freedom to chase clear skies wherever the forecast looks best, but winter driving requires caution. Roads can ice fast, so rent a 4x4 and always check road.is before you go.
| Tool | Why We Use It |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Booking.com | Best free-cancellation options for winter stays |
| 🚗 Rentalcars.com | Essential for road trips and chasing clear skies |
| ❄️ Heymondo Insurance | 5–15% off — covers weather delays & cancellations |
When to see the northern lights in Iceland
Photo credit: Vincent Guth
The aurora season in Iceland runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
The best viewing conditions are outside city lights — think countryside cabins, glass igloos, or coastal stays near Thingvellir and the South Coast.
If you want more tips on timing and weather, check our main guide: Best Time to Visit Iceland & Top Things to Do.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across the world, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Top things to do in Iceland in winter
Geese getting ready to migrate for the winter on road 1, near Vatnajökull
1. Chase the Northern Lights
Between late September and early April, Iceland’s long nights give you front-row seats to the aurora. You can sometimes see them right from your hotel, but your odds go up on a guided Northern Lights tour — especially if you’re near Thingvellir or the South Coast.
👉 Read next: Best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Don’t just check apps — clouds matter more than forecasts. Drive away from city lights, bring hot chocolate, and give the sky time to surprise you. More tips in our Northern Lights Hub!
2. Explore ice caves and glaciers
The crystal-blue ice caves near Vatnajökull only exist in winter — meltwater carves new tunnels every season. Take a guided ice cave tour and walk through 1,000-year-old glacial ice that looks like frozen glass. We can’t think of anything more magical than nature showing off — and glaciers are its most breathtaking masterpiece (ok, maybe the northern lights too!)
3. Warm up in hot springs
Geothermal activity is one thing that sets Iceland aside from other Arctic destinations, and it’s really, really cool (well, hot). There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking into steaming water while snow falls around you. The Blue Lagoon is iconic, but the Secret Lagoon, Fontana Spa, and Sky Lagoon feel more local. You can check the top hot springs in Iceland here.
You can also ask locals for hot rivers in the wild (we love the one in Hveragerði). Also, some hotels have hot tubs, like our beloved Frost and Fire.
4. Visit frozen waterfalls
In winter, Iceland’s waterfalls become ice sculptures. Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Goðafoss glisten under layers of frost — just bring shoe spikes.
You can join a Golden Circle winter tour to see them safely with a local guide.
5. Drive the south coast (carefully)
This route from Reykjavík to Vík is Iceland’s best short winter road trip. You’ll pass glaciers, black-sand beaches, and 50 shades of black and white.
Book a 4x4 rental — smaller cars won’t handle the icy roads, and weather can change fast.
6. Meet Icelandic horses
These fuzzy, sturdy little horses are built for this season — and love to pose. Try a horse riding tour through snowy meadows or visit a family-run farm near Selfoss. Just remember: never call an Icelandic horse… a pony!
7. See Reykjavík in winter light
The capital glows with Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and candlelit windows. Visit Harpa Concert Hall, browse local design stores, and end the day with soup and skyr. Trust us: Christmas in the North is next level.
8. Go whale watching (yes, even in winter)
Humpback and orca sightings are common off the coast of Grundarfjörður and Akureyri between December and March. Join a winter whale-watching tour — just dress for the wind (and then some).
Between November and May, humpback whales and orcas migrate through Icelandic fjords. If you fall in love with these Arctic giants, you can actually follow one’s journey through our partner Fahlo — their Whale Bracelet supports marine research and lets you track a real whale’s migrations in the North Atlantic. You can also track other Icelandic animals like dolphins and seals!
💙 🐋 Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track a real whale with Fahlo
When is the best time to visit Iceland in winter?
Perfect reflection of (a tiny part) of Vatnajökull
The sweet spot is February to early March — long enough nights for the aurora, but enough daylight for road trips.
December and January are magical too, but daylight lasts just 4–5 hours.
Winter in Iceland runs October–April; February is the coldest month (around -1°C to 3°C on average, but winter storms can make the temperature drop much lower).
What to pack for Iceland in winter
Jökulsarlon is my favorite place on earth!
Here’s a short list to get you started
Warm layers (merino base, fleece, shell)
Waterproof boots with traction
Swimwear for hot springs (just bear in mind that in Iceland, you’re expected to shower fully naked before entering a pool).
Portable charger + car adapter
Extra batteries
Patience — weather wins every time.
You can buy some of our favorite Arctic gear here.
Check our detailed guides for more Arctic survival tips and Arctic packing advice.
Plan your Iceland winter adventure
If you’re ready to experience Iceland’s wild side, here are more things to do.
FAQ: Visiting Iceland in winter
Imagine watching the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon!
Is Iceland worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. Fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and the best Northern Lights season. Just plan for unpredictable weather.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive in winter?
Yes. Even major roads can ice over. Check road.is daily before driving anywhere.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavík?
Sometimes — but your best odds are outside the city, away from streetlights.
Is it expensive in winter?
Slightly less than summer, but Iceland’s never cheap (anymore). Save by cooking some meals and visiting free hot springs.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend it for Arctic travel, especially in winter. We use Heymondo, which covers cancellations and outdoor activities.
Winter in Iceland isn’t for the faint of heart — but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. And, as we say at Penguin Trampoline: you haven’t been to the Arctic if you haven’t experienced Arctic winter! The storms, the silence, the black and white contrast, the steam rising from a hot spring as the sky explodes in green — it’s raw, unpredictable, and wildly beautiful.
If you’re dreaming of an Arctic adventure that feels both otherworldly and real, this is it.
Book early, drive very carefully, pack extra layers, and let Iceland remind you that the best things in life are rarely comfortable — but always worth it.
Planning a trip to Iceland and other Arctic islands? Check out our guides:
🌋 Iceland Travel Guide — Volcanoes, waterfalls, and the road trip of your geothermal dreams.
🏨 Best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland — Cozy cabins, glass igloos, and wild skies where the aurora dances right above your bed.
🌊 Faroe Islands Guide — Clifftop hikes, puffins, waterfalls, and the place we chose to unofficially get married.
🐋 Greenland Travel Guide — Icebergs, ferries, and Inuit traditions in the wildest place we’ve ever been.
🧊 Svalbard & Jan Mayen — Polar bears, ghost towns, and next-level Arctic mystery in Norway’s far north.
⛰️ Lofoten Hiking Guide — Dramatic ridges, secret beaches, and cod-drying racks in Arctic Norway.
❄️ Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide — How to explore, survive, and avoid becoming a polar bear’s lunch.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
