13 Incredible Things to Do in Iceland in the Winter!

Most people visit Iceland during the summer months for the best weather, but I’m here to tell you that visiting Iceland in the winter is a totally different (and amazing) experience.

While you may not be able to drive the entire Ring Road or do all of the hiking you can in the summer, there are so many iconic things to do in Iceland in winter to fill your itinerary!

My husband and I visited Iceland in February and spent five days driving through snow-covered landscapes, soaking in hot springs, hiking through ice caves, and chasing the Northern Lights. It was freezing, wild, and totally worth it!

If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Iceland in winter, here’s everything I’d recommend based on what we actually did (and loved). All of these activities need to be on your bucket list!

Why You Should Visit Iceland in Winter

When people think of Iceland, they usually picture endless daylight, green mossy cliffs, and summer road trips. Don’t get me wrong, that looks incredible!

But winter in Iceland hits completely different, in the best way!

The rugged landscapes across the country are totally transformed. Waterfalls freeze into icy sculptures, black sand beaches look even more striking with a dusting of snow, and geothermal lagoons feel even more soothing when it’s freezing outside.

And of course, there’s the Northern Lights — something you just can’t see in the summer! And one of the top reasons we planned a winter trip to Iceland.

When we visited Iceland in February, we loved that there were fewer crowds everywhere we went. Plus, prices were lower across the board, especially for flights and hotels!

While winter does mean shorter daylight hours and somewhat more unpredictable weather, with a little planning (and lots of layers), it ended up being one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken!

#1. Chase the Northern Lights

If you’re visiting Iceland in the winter, seeing the Northern Lights is probably the number one thing on your bucket list, and it should be!

This is actually the main reason we chose to plan a last-minute trip to Iceland in February.

While you can technically see the Northern Lights in Iceland between September and April, I think the winter months are the best time to spot them because of the longer nights.

Yes, less daylight means less time to explore during the day, but it also means you’ll have way more opportunity to spot the lights during your trip. On our last night in Iceland, we saw them at 7am, and the sky was still completely black!

But here’s the thing: finding them isn’t as simple as just stepping outside and looking up (most of the time).

That’s why I recommend booking a guided Northern Lights tour for your trip to Iceland, even if you have a rental car. The tour guides are pros at reading the aurora forecast, understanding cloud coverage, and knowing where to go based on real-time conditions.

We booked this Super Jeep Tour with Arctic Adventures, and it was so worth it. The Super Jeeps are basically monster trucks, so we could go off-road into areas the big tour buses can’t reach. They also keep in contact with other guides, so if one group sees the Lights, everyone else gets the heads up!

MY TOP PICK

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with Arctic Adventures

• Price: Starting at $195 per person
• Duration: 4 hours
• Rating: 4.2/5 stars ⭐
• Includes: Hot chocolate, blankets, photos, and more!

book it here!

Our guide brought hot chocolate, warm blankets, and even helped set up our phones for night photography. And most tours (including the one we did) offer a “No Lights Guarantee”, which means if you don’t see them the first night, you can try again for free on another night!

I go into way more detail on the different tour options as well as tips for spotting and photographing the lights in my Iceland Northern Lights Tour Guide, so definitely check that out!

In general though, you’ll want to avoid city lights and check both the aurora activity level and cloud cover forecast. Even high activity doesn’t matter if it’s too cloudy to see anything!

Overall, chasing the Northern Lights is the top thing to do in Iceland in the winter, and I recommend dedicating a few nights to do it to increase your chances!

#2. Soak in a Hot Spring

Soaking in a hot spring surrounded by snow might be one of the most iconic Iceland winter experiences ever!

As a volcanic country, there are tons of hot springs and geothermal pools throughout Iceland.

The most famous two, however, are the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon!

The Blue Lagoon is located about 50 minutes outside of Reykjavik, right next to the very active Sundhnúkur crater chain (they actually had to close for a while in 2024 due to volcanic eruptions!).

Their basic ticket option (Comfort) includes access to the lagoon, a mud mask, a towel, and one drink at the swim up bar, while the Premium option includes bathrobes, plus additional masks and drinks.

We actually decided to skip the Blue Lagoon and visit the Sky Lagoon instead, and I’m so glad we did! The Sky Lagoon is smaller than Blue Lagoon, but much more luxurious!

It’s adults-only, and an entry ticket gives you access to the magical 7-step ritual, which includes a plunge pool, a steam room, a sauna, a body scrub, and more!

While you can only do the full ritual once, you have unlimited access to the heated lagoon, which has several different areas, including a swim-up bar and a waterfall.

When we visited the Sky Lagoon around 10:30am in February, the lagoon had mist rising from the surface, which gave it a super enchanting vibe. It felt like something out of Game of Thrones!

The Sky Lagoon is also only about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, which made it super convenient on our first day after the red-eye flight.

If you’re looking for a more serene experience with fewer crowds and a more upscale vibe, go with Sky Lagoon. But if you’re curious about Blue Lagoon, it’s still a classic for a reason. Just keep in mind it’s farther out near the airport and more of a scene!

❄️ Note: Tickets to the Sky Lagoon are based on specific time slots. I highly recommend snagging an early morning slot to avoid the crowds! These are also the first to sell out, so book your ticket in advance! ❄️

#3. Explore Downtown Reykjavik

I feel like most people completely skip over Reykjavik when they visit Iceland, especially in summer!

Because we were only in Iceland for 5 days, we based ourselves in Reykjavik for the majority of our trip (more on our second hotel later!), and we fell in love with this adorable capital city!

It’s extremely walkable (even in winter), has tons of great food and coffee shops, and way more culture than I expected.

On our second day in town, we spent the whole day exploring Reykjavik.

One of my favorite stops was the National Museum of Iceland! My husband and I aren’t really “museum people”, but it was so interesting to learn more about the history of Iceland (which we realized we knew next to nothing about!).

For only $20, exploring the museum is the perfect way to escape the cold for a few hours and feel more connected to this incredible country.

Another unexpected highlight of Reykjavik? Just driving around town! We popped over to Grótta Island Lighthouse on the outskirts of Reykjavik for a lovely winter walk, where we actually saw the volcano erupting from afar!

And if you’re looking for a cozy way to start your day, don’t miss Brauð & Co! They’ve got the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had. No notes.

For a more detailed plan, you can check out my One Day in Reykjavik guide for everything we did!

#4. Go Snowmobiling on a Glacier

If you’re looking for a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure, snowmobiling on a glacier in Iceland should be at the top of your winter bucket list!

This Golden Circle + Glacier Snowmobiling Tour departs from Reykjavik and includes stops at Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss before heading up to Langjökull Glacier for the real thrill: a snowmobile ride across an endless sea of snow and ice.

No experience is needed! Your guide will provide all the gear (helmet, overalls, gloves) and a full safety briefing before you head out. The snowmobiles are easy to drive, and you’ll ride in pairs, so it’s perfect for couples or friends!

This is one of the most epic experiences you can have in Iceland!

➡️ Book the Glacier Snowmobiling Tour here – This one sells out fast, especially in peak winter, so reserve your spot early!

#5. Take a Food Tour

If there’s one thing you have to do in Reykjavik besides chasing the Northern Lights, it needs to be a food tour!

We booked the famous Reykjavik Food Walk with Wake Up Reykjavik on our first evening in Iceland, and it ended up being such a fun (and tasty) intro to the country.

On this tour, you’ll get paired with a local guide who will take you to 5-6 different spots, from small stalls to sit-down restaurants. Along the way, you’ll about Icelandic culture and food history as you indulge in traditional Icelandic food.

Some of the stops included Arctic char, the famous Icelandic hot dog, and even fermented shark. While the shark is more of a traditional delicacy to try just to say you did, the rest of the food was absolutely delicious!

My favorite part of the tour, however, was hearing stories about Iceland from our tour guide. She had so much family history and unique insights to share that we couldn’t have learned anywhere else!

This tour was the perfect way to get our bearings in Reykjavik while eating our way through the city. It’s also a great option if the weather’s rough, with lots of indoor stops and plenty of food to keep you warm!

Note: This is the #1 rated food tour in Iceland, so it sells out quickly! Book your tickets in advance as soon as your plans are set! 🌭

#6. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church

When you visit Reykjavik, you’ll probably spot the large church that looms over the rest of the buildings in downtown! This is the Hallgrímskirkja Church!

The front of the church is marked with a statue of Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer who is thought to be the first European to set foot in the United States (before Columbus!). The statue was gifted to Iceland from the United States government.

The outside of the church also pays homage to the many basalt columns that can be found throughout Iceland, as a result of the thousands of years of volcanic activity.

Visiting inside the Church is a great winter activity if you want to get out of the cold. It’s free to enter and beautiful (and heated) inside!

But our favorite part was taking the elevator to the bell tower at the top of the spire! It’s only a few dollars to enter, but the views of downtown Reykjavik and the sprawling ocean beyond it are totally worth it.

🌋 Reykjavik is worth every bit of planning it takes to get here. If you’re still working on the logistics — flights, travel insurance, money, phone plans — my Passport to Confidence guide walks you through every international trip decision for just $7. Download it instantly!

#7. Walk Down the Famous Rainbow Street

One of the most iconic and most photographed places in Reykjavik is the Rainbow Street.

A portion of the road (officially called Skólavörðustígur) was painted as a rainbow back in 2015 to celebrate pride. However, the government decided to leave it permanently!

The road the rainbow is painted on leads right up to the Hallgrímskirkja Church, offering a beautiful photo op with the colorful buildings and the looming church in the background.

And if you’re into shopping, there are a bunch of cute boutiques and souvenir shops along Rainbow Street, too. We browsed Icelandic wool sweaters and volcanic salt before grabbing a late lunch at Meira Ramen Momo to warm up!

#8. Hike to an Ice Cave

Perhaps my favorite experience from our winter trip to Iceland was getting to hike in a snowstorm to an ice cave on top of a glacier on top of a volcano.. How insane does that sound?!

There are several ice caves to choose from in Iceland; however, most of them are only accessible in winter!

We actually visited the only one (the Katla Ice Cave) that is available year-round (even though we visited in winter) because it was the closest one to Reykjavik and the South Coast, and we didn’t want to drive too far!

Our tour left from the small town of Vik, which is about 2.5 hours outside of Reykjavik! Once we arrived in Vik, we boarded a Super Jeep and headed about 45 minutes outside of town before going off-roading through the snow to reach our hiking spot.

Then, we geared up with crampons (spiked attachments for your shoes) and helmets and started hiking through a blizzard on top of the glacier to the ice cave!!

When we visited, there was a massive, layered arch that had formed from the wind running through the glacier. It has since collapsed, but our guide explained that new arches and structures are constantly forming, so no two visits are the same!

Once we reached inside of the cave itself, it felt like we were on another planet. The walls were a mix of deep blue ice and black volcanic ash. We even got to drink fresh glacier water!!

I go into way more detail in my full Katla Ice Cave Tour Review, so check that out if you’re curious about the gear, the hiking, or what to expect overall.

But if you’re only going to do one adventure activity in Iceland in winter, this would be my pick!!

book now!!!

Katla Ice Cave Tour with Arctic Adventures

• Price: Starting at $218 per person
• Duration: 3 hours
• Rating: 4.7/5 stars ⭐
• Includes: Transportation to cave, crampons, & helmet

book it here!

#9. Explore Frosty Waterfalls

If you’ve seen photos of Iceland, chances are you’ve seen its incredible waterfalls! While most photos show them in summer, I swear they’re even more dramatic in the winter!

Snow and ice give the waterfalls this fantasy-like quality, with frozen mist clinging to the surrounding cliffs and icicles dangling from every edge.

We personally visited Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss on our last day in Iceland, which are probably the two most famous in Iceland, and both were absolute stunners!

Skógafoss is tall, wide, and insanely powerful. Because of the amount of water rushing through it, only a small part of it was frozen when we visited in February.

The walk up to Skógafoss was pretty icy, especially as you got close to it. However, you can feel the mist hit your face even from a distance!

There’s also a staircase that takes you to the top for a totally different view. We skipped this part on our visit because we didn’t have crampons, and the stairs were extremely icy!!

Seljalandsfoss, on the other hand, is famous because you can usually walk behind it. That part was closed off when we visited due to snow and ice buildup, but the view from the front was still incredible.

Seljalandsfoss had a much weaker stream than Skógafoss when we visited, but it was so cool seeing the rest of the waterfall covered in icicles!

There’s also a nice walking path and cute wooden bridges that take you past a few smaller waterfalls nearby, which was a nice surprise!

You do have to pay a small fee for parking at Seljalandsfoss, but Skógafoss is completely free to visit.

And if you have more time than we did, there are plenty more waterfalls to explore throughout Iceland!

#10. Stay in an Igloo Hotel

A few weeks before our trip to Iceland, I saw a photo of this Igloo hotel and knew we had to add it to our itinerary.

We booked a stay at the Aurora Igloo Hotel in Hella on our last night, and it ended up being one of the most magical parts of our trip.

Each “igloo” is made of clear, hexagonal panels and they all face North, which means if the Northern Lights come out, you don’t even have to leave your bed to see them!

The inside was super cozy with heated beds (amazing!!), space heaters, and curtains for privacy.

While the bathrooms were a short walk away in a shared building, it wasn’t terribly incovenient! (They do have upgraded igloos with private bathrooms now too!)

There’s no food on-site, so we brought our own charcuterie dinner, bundled up under the blankets, and watched a movie while we waited for the Aurora! We finally saw the Lights at 7am!

Even if you only stay one night, this is such a unique experience and one of the best ways to soak up those winter-in-Iceland vibes.

You can read my full review of the Igloo Hotel here if you want more details on what to expect!

#11. Drive the Golden Circle

If it’s your first time in Iceland, driving around the Golden Circle is a must, especially in winter!

This day trip from Reykjavik covers three of Iceland’s most famous natural sights: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

We chose to drive the Golden Circle ourselves (instead of booking a tour), and I’m so glad we did. The roads were completely clear when we went, and having our own car meant we could go at our own pace (and make as many photo stops as we wanted).

Thingvellir National Park was our first stop, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates overlap – you are literally walking on two continents at once!

The snowy landscape here was surreal and stretched for miles. The park has plenty of walking trails, so you could easily spend a few hours here. We didn’t make it to the frosty Öxarárfoss waterfall, which I regret!

If you’re feeling really adventurous (more adventurous than we were), you can also snorkel or scuba dive between the tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure inside the park!!

My husband said there was no way he was getting in water that cold when it was freezing outside, but we will definitely go back and do it in the summer one day!

Next up was Geysir, the famous geothermal area. The original Geysir is mostly dormant now, but its neighbor Strokkur erupts like clockwork every few minutes.

Overall, we found this area a little underwhelming (and VERY cold), but it was still cool to see!

And right down the road is Gullfoss, a massive two-tiered waterfall that looked so freaking cool in winter. It was partly frozen when we visited, and the combination of rushing water, floating chunks of ice, and icicles was incredible.

We were able to make it down the staircase to see the waterfall without crampons, but I would recommend them if you want to fully explore the area!

Make sure to check out my full guide to driving the Golden Circle in winter for our full route, which includes an extra bonus spot that was the best part of our day! (Hint: It’s food related!).

#12. See A Black Sand Beach

You can’t visit Iceland without seeing the country’s iconic black sand beaches! And you might be thinking.. a beach? In winter?

Even in summer, you won’t be swimming at these beaches, so visiting in winter is still totally worth it!

The most famous black sand beach in Iceland, and the one we personally visited, was Reynisfjara Beach, in the town of Vik!

We stopped by here after our Katla ice cave tour (and an amazing lunch at Suður-Vík!).

It was a bit windy when we visited, so we didn’t stay long (because the sand hitting our faces actually hurt.. lol). However, I’m still glad we made the drive to see it!

The contrast of the black volcanic sand with the snow was unlike anything I’d seen in other pictures of Iceland. And the giant basalt columns felt like something out of Game of Thrones!

⚠️ One important thing to know: The “sneaker waves” here are no joke. They can surge up much farther than you expect, and people have been seriously injured (or worse) by underestimating them. Stay well back from the water and keep an eye out!

#13. Visit Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon

We didn’t have time to fit these two spots into our Iceland trip, but I highly recommend adding them to your itinerary if you can!

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is about a 2.5-hour drive from Vik, and it’s one of those places that looks completely fake. Within the lagoon, there are massive blue icebergs floating in still, icy water with snow-covered mountains in the background.

During the summer months (typically May through September), you can actually go kayaking in the lagoon, but unfortunately, this isn’t available during winter! But it’s still worth seeing in winter.

And right across the road from the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice from the lagoon wash up on the black sand and look like giant crystals scattered along the shore.

Also nearby is the Vatnajökull Ice Cave, which is a very popular tour to do from Jökulsárlón!

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Iceland in Winter?

Now that you know all the different things to do in Iceland in winter, you might be wondering.. do I need a car for all of these?!

The answer is.. it depends!

We personally decided to rent a car for our winter trip to Iceland, but we could’ve tackled most of our itinerary without one.

For example, the Katla Ice Cave tour we did from Vik also has an option to be picked up in Reykjavik. And while we decided to drive the Golden Circle ourselves, there are plenty of Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik too.

However, after adding everything up, it would’ve been more expensive to do everything without a rental car! So, because we had winter driving experience and wanted the flexibility to explore on our own, we decided to book a car! And through DiscoverCars.com, it was less than $200 for 5 days, which felt like a steal!

If you need help deciding which is the right option for you, make sure to check out my full guide on Renting a Car in Iceland in Winter! 🚙

What to Pack for Iceland in Winter

Lastly, I wanted to cover what the heck to pack for Iceland in winter, since this really stressed me out before our trip!

Iceland in winter is no joke, between the freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and brutal winds that make it feel way colder than the thermostat says.

However, with the right gear, I promise you can stay warm and dry while tackling all of these incredible winter activities!

Here’s what I recommend based on what we actually wore:

• Base layers: Merino wool is your friend on both top and bottom. You’ll want at least two sets so you can rotate!
• Waterproof outer layers: A warm insulated jacket and a waterproof shell are key. Same goes for pants! Waterproof or snow pants are a must for activities like ice caves and waterfalls.
• Winter boots: Waterproof, insulated, and with solid traction. Then, you can rent crampons for the days where you’ll be walking on super icy surfaces.
• Accessories: Warm and waterproof gloves, a fleece-lined hat, and a neck gaiter for wind protection against your face are absolutely crucial.
• Swimsuit: You’ll need it for hot springs and lagoons!

Shop my Iceland Winter Essentials here!

You can check out my full Iceland winter packing list here, or download the printable version below!

Final Thoughts

Between the frozen waterfalls, icy black sand beaches, hot springs, and Northern Lights, Iceland in winter was everything we could’ve imagined and more!

If you’re considering visiting Iceland in the winter, I hope this post helped you see just how many incredible things there are to do! While I definitely want to go back in summer too, I’m so glad we got to see this country covered in snow.

Ready to plan your own adventure? Check out my detailed 5 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary for exactly how we fit all of this into one unforgettable trip ❄️

Read More Iceland Blog Posts Below! ⬇️🇮🇸❄️
Visiting Iceland In February: Everything To Know!
13 Incredible Things to Do in Iceland in the Winter!
Ultimate 5 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary
Renting A Car In Iceland In Winter: Is It Worth It?
The Only Iceland Winter Packing List You Need!
How To Spend One Epic Day In Reykjavik
A Guide To Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle In Winter
Is an Iceland Northern Lights Tour Worth It? Things to Know!
The Most Magical Stay at an Iceland Igloo Hotel!
An Epic Glacier Hike To The Katla Ice Cave In Iceland