The country of Iceland has shot from relative obscurity to bucket list favorite in the last couple of years, catapulting it to the top of many travel wish lists and causing tourism numbers to skyrocket.
And this is well-deserved – Iceland is an incredible, magical country.
A lot of people who write about traveling to Iceland write about visiting in the summer months, when the days are long, the weather mild, and the Ring Road fully open for driving. In fact, driving Iceland's Ring Road is probably the most popular thing to do in the country, trip-wise.
But guess what? Iceland in the winter is awesome, too. The weather isn't *too* cold, most of the main attractions are still open, and prices are generally a little lower since there aren't as many people visiting.
In fact, I highly recommend going to Iceland in winter over any other time of year!
RELATED: Things No One Tells You About Iceland in Winter
A lot of people who head to Iceland in winter worry about one main thing: driving on roads that may be icy, snowy, or sometimes nonexistent altogether. It's true that winter isn't the ideal season for driving the Ring Road (portions of it close as soon as snow hits), and I wouldn't recommend renting a car in Iceland at all if you've never driven in wintry conditions before.
But here's the good news: You absolutely do not need to rent a car in order to see the best of Iceland in winter.
I've been to Iceland twice in the winter months, and have never bothered to rent a car.
Reykjavik is small enough to get around on foot, and you can get to all the most popular sites outside the city on guided tours (which will almost always pick you up right from your hotel). This might not be ideal if you're a super-independent traveler, but there are enough tours to choose from that you can probably find one to suit your travel style.
So without further ado, here's a winter itinerary for 10 days in Iceland without renting a car.
A 10-day Iceland itinerary in winter
Day 1: A relaxing arrival
Arrive
Day 1 will be your arrival day in Iceland. If you're coming from North America, this usually means that you'll land at Keflavik airport in the early hours of the morning after a short overnight flight from the East Coast.
I recommend taking your time at the airport (grab a coffee or fresh juice), and then heading straight to the Blue Lagoon to soak away that overnight flight.
Buses run from the airport to the Blue Lagoon frequently, with departures that coincide with arriving flights. If you book your Blue Lagoon ticket in advance (pretty much mandatory these days, as it's so popular), you can actually book your bus transfer through the Blue Lagoon directly. Go for the option that includes transfer to Reykjavik once you're done at the Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon
During the winter months, the Blue Lagoon opens at 9 a.m. This man-made lagoon and spa is incredibly popular year-round, which means you should definitely pre-book your tickets online. This will ensure you get in, and will also save you from standing in a long line.
I love visiting the Blue Lagoon right after arriving for a few reasons: First, it's less crowded early in the morning. And second, it's a great way to relax after an overnight flight and ease yourself into Iceland. Plus, they have a swim-up bar!
Price: Starting at 55 Euro for the “Comfort” package, which includes use of a towel and one free drink. If you want to check in to your hotel first and go to the Blue Lagoon later in the day, this tour includes roundtrip transport from Reykjavik along with your Blue Lagoon entry ($122 USD).
RELATED: Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Reykjavik
I recommend leaving the Blue Lagoon before lunchtime (when it starts to get really crowded) and taking the bus into downtown Reykjavik. Check into your accommodation (I loved the Rey Apartments downtown), grab some lunch, and then spend the rest of the daylight hours exploring a bit of Reykjavik.
Good afternoon activities include going to the top of Hallgrímskirkja church and visiting the Opera House on the waterfront to appreciate its unique architecture.
Day 2: Get to know Reykjavik
Reykjavik may be a small city, but I recommend dedicating your second day in Iceland to exploring it more thoroughly. Start out with coffee at Reykjavik Roasters, have a stroll around downtown Reykjavik and Tjörnin Pond, grab a world-famous hot dog for lunch at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand, and visit Hallgrimskirkja if you didn't do it the day before.
If the weather is bad, you can also check out a museum or two (Reykjavik has some weird ones, including a penis museum!). Catch a bus or Uber out to The Pearl, which is home to a growing museum, man-made ice cave, viewing platform, cafe, and high-end rotating restaurant.
Exploring Reykjavik for a day is a great way to ease yourself into Iceland (and get over any jet lag/lack of sleep you may be suffering from your flight over).
Price: Many things in Reykjavik are free to see! But if you want to have a guide to show you around, consider booking a minibus tour (usually about $50-$60).
RELATED: 48 Hours in Reykjavik
IF conditions are right, consider booking a Northern Lights tour in the evening. The Northern Lights can best be seen on clear, dark nights – meaning the winter months are usually ideal. The weather in Reykjavik is NOT always ideal, though, so you'll definitely need to keep an eye on the forecast. I recommend choosing a company that does small-group aurora chases so you're not stuck on a huge tour bus that can only stick to the main roads. Or you can book a Northern Lights cruise if you prefer to try to see them from the water.
Full disclosure: I've been to Iceland twice in the winter and have yet to see the Northern Lights there. Not saying that to discourage you, but just to let you know that it's definitely not a guarantee! Learn more about the Northern Lights in this post.
Day 3: Discover the Golden Circle
On Day 3, it's finally time to get out of Reykjavik. I recommend starting with the most popular sights first, which are in what is known as The Golden Circle.
The sights include Þingvellir National Park (site of Europe's oldest parliament), Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall), and the Haukadalur geothermal valley (home to the geysers Geysir and Strokkur).
Because this is one of the most popular combos of things to see in Iceland, just about every tour company in Reykjavik will offer some kind of day trip to this area, sometimes combining the tour with other activities like snowmobiling
On my first visit to Iceland, I did a tour with a company called Mountaineers of Iceland, which operate tours in super jeeps – i.e. big jeeps with massive wheels. I also added on snowmobiling on a glacier to my tour, which made it nearly a full-day activity. The second time I did a Golden Circle tour, it was with my dad and we opted for a shorter half-day tour that just included the highlights.
Price: A Golden Circle tour + snowmobiling will set you back at least $250, while regular Golden Circle bus tours like this one run closer to $65 for the day.
Day 4-5: Tour the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula (to the north of Reykjavik) is often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature.” It has many of the things people come to Iceland to see, from volcanoes to glaciers to natural hot pools to a crashing coastline.
Unlike the Golden Circle, you won't find a ton of tour operators going to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. But you can still get there without a car: I booked a two-day trip to the peninsula with Extreme Iceland, which ended up being perfect.
Two days will allow you to see everything, from the Gerðuberg basalt columns to Djúpalónssandur beach (famous for its shipwwrecks) to the “Church Mountain” Kirkjufell. We even had a chance to hike a beautiful coastal trail between the fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar and go down into the Vatnshellir lava cave.
The weather wasn't cooperative for Northern Lights viewing, but if it had been we would have gone out in our tour van at night to search for them, too.
This is an amazing part of Iceland that I definitely recommend seeing!
Price: The 2-day trip I did with Extreme Iceland runs 49,900 ISK ($435 USD) per person. This includes transport and guide, overnight accommodation, and a Northern Lights tour if conditions allow. There ARE some one-day tours there that are cheaper (check out this Snaefellsnes day trip for less than $100), which are also a good option if you don't mind a VERY full day.
RELATED: The Wild Beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 6: Snorkel Silfra
You'll get back to Reykjavik on the night of Day 5, so for Day 6 I recommend a half-day activity. One of the coolest/most unique things you can do in Iceland is snorkel or dive between two of the earth's tectonic plates.
In Þingvellir National Park, the North American and Eurasian plates are slowly drifting apart from one another beneath the surface of a lake called Þingvallavatn, creating a rift known as Silfra. The lake is calm and unbelievably clear, making for some epic underwater views.
The water IS cold year-round, but whatever company you go with will provide you with a dry suit that will keep most of your body from getting wet (prepare for your face and hands to freeze, though!). I recommend going with DIVE.is, who are some of the best in Iceland.
Price: A snorkeling tour with pickup from Reykjavik runs 22,990 ISK (about $200 USD). It's SO worth it, though, in my opinion! And if you want to combine your snorkeling trip with some lava tube caving, this day trip runs about $235 USD.
RELATED: Snorkeling Silfra: Swimming Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland
Day 7-8: Tour the Southern Coast
After the Golden Circle, the second-most-popular part of Iceland to visit is the southern coast with its wealth of waterfalls, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches.
You CAN visit this part of Iceland on a day trip from Reykjavik (like this one), but I highly recommend stretching it out over two days so you can also visit the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon and the ice caves beneath Iceland’s massive Vatnajökull glacier.
A couple different companies offer overnight tours on the south coast (the company we went with sadly went out of business). You'll see famous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, get to admire Reynisfjara Beach, visit the glacier lagoon, and go ice caving (as long as conditions allow) beneath a glacier.
It's the glacier lagoon and ice caving in Vatnajökull National Park that are the big winter draws of this trip. And since they lie 5+ hours from Reykjavik, taking a 2-day trip just makes sense.
And, because you stay overnight essentially in the middle of nowhere, you have a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights on this tour, too, if the skies are clear. Read about my tour here (though remember that this specific tour isn't available any longer).
Price: Extreme Iceland offers a 2-day tour like this that runs roughly $400 per person. They're a good, solid company with a good reputation in Iceland. If you're looking for a more cost effective one-day trip, this one ($90) includes waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches, while this one ($160) includes a visit to the glacier lagoon, too.
Day 9: Go horseback riding
Back in Reykjavik on Day 9, I recommend getting up close and personal with some of Iceland's cutest inhabitants: the Icelandic horse. These small horses are long-haired and extremely cute, and are unique in that they have a couple special gaits that you won't find in any other horses anywhere in the world.
There are a few companies to choose from offering everything from 1-hour rides to multi-day trips (though usually only in the summer months). I did a two-hour lava field ride with Ishestar, which is a perfect introduction for anyone not used to horseback riding.
If you haven't managed to see the Northern Lights yet on your trip, you'll have time for one more try tonight since horseback riding is only a half-day activity.
Price: The 2-hour lava field ride I did costs 11,400 ISK ($100 USD) per person, which includes pickup in Reykjavik. Book a similar riding tour here.
RELATED: The Horses of Iceland
Day 10: Get ready to say goodbye
Sadly, Day 10 is departure day for you from Iceland. If you're headed back to the U.S., your flight will likely be in the afternoon/early evening, meaning you'll have the morning for any last-minute exploring or souvenir shopping in Reykjavik.
If you're looking for unique gifts to bring home, Icelandic wool is very nice and you'll find it in just about every shop in downtown Reykjavik. (And if you have knitters in your family, skeins of Icelandic wool are actually super affordable!)
This of course is not an exhaustive list of all the things there are to do in Iceland in winter. But it's a good start for anyone looking to plan a trip to see the best of the best of what this country has to offer.
Where to stay in Reykjavik in winter
This itinerary largely has you based in Reykjavik the whole time – with the exception of any overnight tours you might book.
Reykjavik has two main areas where tourists stay: in central Reykjavik, and then on the outskirts. Be careful when looking at hotels, as some of the larger chain hotels aren't actually in the city center at all!
Some of my favorite places to stay in central Reykjavik include:
Rey Apartments – This central location is just two minutes from Hallgrimskirkja, and a little more than 10 minutes to the waterfront or Tjörnin pond. The bonus here is also the fact that these are apartments – even the studios come with a small kitchen, meaning you can stop at a grocery store to grab breakfast food and snacks, saving you a bit of money on meals. (Read reviews of the Rey Apartments | Book your own stay at the Rey Apartments here!)
Apotek Hotel by Keahotels – This centrally-located 4-star boutique hotel is within walking distance to everything in Reykjavik. It also has its own restaurant, which is perfect for those cold, dark winter evenings when you don't want to venture out far for dinner. (Read reviews on TripAdvisor)
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre – This central hotel stretches across six houses, and comes with amenities like free bike rentals, wi-fi, and beautiful design. (Read reviews on TripAdvisor)
Prefer an apartment rental over a hotel? Lots of people do, which is why there are also lots of Airbnb rentals to choose from in Reykjavik. The great news is that Airbnb rentals tend to be much more affordable than hotels in Iceland. Check them out here:
When to go to Iceland in winter
I realize that “winter” is a pretty broad suggestion for when to visit a place. So, to be more specific, here would be my top three times during the winter to visit Iceland:
November or March – November is at the beginning of Iceland's winter season, while March is towards the end. These are both ideal months to visit because you'll still get all the wintry goodness (like snowy landscapes and Northern Lights) but without the near-complete darkness of the depths of winter. You'll still have plenty of daylight hours for tours during both these months.
For New Year's – A popular time to visit Iceland (and, more specifically, Reykjavik) during the winter is around the holidays. Reykjavik puts on a big New Year's bash, making it a fun time to visit.
What to pack for Iceland in winter
I'm sure you're also curious about what you'll need to pack for a trip like this to Iceland in winter. Lucky for you, I've written a whole post about it! Read my Iceland in winter packing list, or check out the highlights:
Warm and waterproof layers – They have a saying in Iceland that goes, “If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.” The weather in Iceland is extremely changeable and unpredictable depending on where in the country you are, so you definitely want to pack layers that will keep you warm and dry. Some days may be mild, while others may be snowy with biting wind. I recommend a good base layer (like silk leggings and a thermal top), an intermediate layer (like this North Face fleece), and an outer layer that will keep you both warm and dry (my Columbia ski pants and North Face Aeliana coat were perfect).
Good winter shoes – You absolutely need warm, waterproof shoes for winter in Iceland. I have a pair of Merrell Polarand boots that I absolutely love. Something similar to these will be ideal for most of the adventures listed in this post. If you don't have heavy-duty boots and don't want to purchase them, consider picking up a pair of Yaktrax that you can affix to your shoes to give you more grip in slippery conditions.
A good camera – You'll need (and want) a decent camera in Iceland, especially if you're hoping to take photos of the Northern Lights. I currently use an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II with a 12-40mm lens, which worked beautifully in Iceland. (Read my tips for photographing the Northern Lights, too.)
RELATED: What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland in Winter
And, even though it's not a tangible item, I also always recommend packing a good travel insurance policy! That way everything from lost luggage to a bad accident is covered – because you just never know! I recommend World Nomads for basic (and really affordable) travel insurance.
You can also book your Iceland accommodation here:
Are you planning a trip to Iceland in winter, or have you been there during the winter months?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
We just made our first trip to Iceland this September – it was gorgeous. Our itinerary was very similar to what you have outlined here. I am really wanting to visit during the winter. I’d love to see some of the northern coast if possible!
Kaili
There’s still so much of Iceland I haven’t seen, but these have been my favorite bits so far!
You’re giving me all the Iceland wanderlust! I went in 2007 and have been trying to get back ever since. Your photos are SO dreamy I’m thinking I need to bump it to the top of the list for 2017 =)
YES. Even though everyone seems to be going to Iceland these days, I really do love it – there’s a reason it’s becoming so popular! I myself need to go back in a season other than winter.
Hi Amanda, Great and informative article. Would love to check it out someday. Love reading your blogs. Thanks and cheers!!
I hope you make it there someday!
hey Amanda! Great article thank you so much for all the useful tips! I would love to go any time soon. My thing is I would like to avoid organized tours when possible. And I was hoping to be able to camp in all those beautiful spots that you mentioned. Do you think it is possible? is it relatively safe? and do you know if there are local busses that I can jump on and off ? thanks a lot for your help. happy travels 🙂
Hey Isabella! You can camp in most places in Iceland, but winter definitely would not be the time to do it! Also, I know there are not buses that travel around the island in the winter (a lot of the roads close), and even in the summer it’s really tough to get anywhere outside of Reykjavik by bus, I’m afraid. Which is why the two main options are usually self-drive or guided tour of some sort.
I did many of these things during the summer. Winter definitely has a different feel. May just have to go back!
It definitely does! And you can also only see the Northern Lights and go inside the ice caves in the winter – two huge bonuses in my book!
I’m definitely a winter person, so I would love to visit Iceland in the winter. I’ve got my dad convinced that Iceland would make a great trip, so now we just gotta convince the mom and we’ve got a family trip! I’d also love to visit in the summer sometime and bike the whole ring road.
Iceland would make a fun family trip! I went with my boyfriend last year and we both loved it.
Iceland has been at the top of my travel list for years! It somehow just keeps managing to get pushed back while I explore Canada right now.
This itinerary looks perfect, and when I finally do get to go to Iceland I will definitely refer back to this post!
Thanks! 🙂
Canada is pretty cool, too! But Iceland should still be there when you’re ready to go… if its volcanoes don’t blow it up, of course. 😉
A lot of people are afraid of winter. But the winter is coming 🙂 and is magnificent on Iceland!
I totally agree!!
The rock steps (in the photo for Day 7) reminds me of Giant’s Causeway!
Yes, they’re very similar! (Same type of rock and formed the same way – from volcanic lava!)
a great itinerary and very expensive given all the tours. i’d still do it renting a car (or at least part of it). we went in april of this year (and thanks for all the great tips, btw…your advice made it a bit easier) and rented a car. we loved the independence of it. we got a road atlas and had a great time driving the reykjanes peninsula. mostly desolate, but some great photo ops and zero crowds. we would like to go back again and i think drive the ring road. we’d definitely get a bigger car next time, though we had no problems with the little compact one. we even went up to lake kleifvartn (forgive the spelling) and ended up on a cinder road all of a sudden. LOL…yep, those icelandic roads are crazy. also, no bathroom stops. we did enjoy the country, but i think they need to work a bit on the infrastructure to provide some basic traveller needs in order to preserve their wonderful country. so many tourists leaving trash in remote areas.
The tourism infrastructure in/around Reykjavik is very good, but definitely could be improved in other parts of the country. But that’s what you get when a relatively obscure country suddenly becomes a tourist hot-spot! Glad to hear you had a good trip. I’d like to drive the Ring Road eventually, too – but definitely in the summer months!
This post comes at the right time because I’m going to Iceland in November! I’ve already booked a three day tour to the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and ice caves. Unfortunately, that’s all the time I have there but your packing list and tips come at a really convenient time 🙂
That’s awesome! I loved Iceland in November last year – I’m sure you’re going to have an amazing time!
That’s great! I want to visit Iceland in winter but was always a bit worried about the car renting. That helps a lot, thanks :)?
You’re very welcome! After seeing how crazy the weather can get in Iceland, I don’t think I would ever want to drive there in the winter!
Your pictures really make me want to go to Iceland some day. I guess that’s another country added to my bucket list! And those are probably the cutest horses that I have ever seen.
The horses are SO CUTE. Right up there with Highland cows in my books (and, come to think of it, they actually look really similar with their furry coats!). You should definitely add Iceland to your bucket list. 🙂
I was actually reminded of the Highland cows when I saw the horses. I had just seen a picture of them earlier in one of your other posts, so I had thought of them immediately!
Your gorgeous wintry pictures make me miss Iceland so so so much. I went for New Year’s Eve, and you’re right: Reykjavik is one heck of party. And I think we used the same diving company for snorkeling in Silfra! It was such a unique experience, but sooo cold, haha.
I need to visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula next time. I’m sad I missed it.
Yes, I’ve heard that Reykjavik is pretty insane for New Year’s! I didn’t make it to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on my trip, so it was the top place I knew I wanted to visit on my second trip. (And it was absolutely worth it!)
Nice post! Would definitely love to see Iceland in winter!
I’ll have to visit in the summer sometime so I can drive the Ring Road!