If Iceland’s been on your bucket list and you’re not afraid of a little cold weather, winter is one of the most magical times to visit. I spent 1 week in Iceland in January with my two sisters, and it was unforgettable—snow-dusted waterfalls, steaming hot springs, cozy cafés, and the Northern Lights.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or just looking for things to do in Iceland in winter, here’s your ultimate Iceland winter itinerary—with 7 full days of adventure, food, and nature, all doable with Reykjavik as your home base.
Quick Trip Overview
- Trip Length: 7 Days
- Best Time to Use This Guide: Late November–March
- Base: Reykjavik
- Best For: First-timers, girls’ trips, winter lovers
Where to Stay in Reykjavik in the Winter
Reykjavik is compact and super walkable—even in winter. I recommend staying near Skólavörðustígur Street (near Hallgrimskirkja), which puts you close to shops, restaurants, and pick-up spots for day tours.
- Budget: Cozy Airbnbs in downtown Reykjavik
- Mid-Range: Hotel Lotus or Center Hotels Laugavegur
- Luxury: Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel – Curio Collection by Hilton
What to Pack for Iceland in Winter
Layers are super important for visiting Iceland in the winter. Iceland weather is wild and unpredictable—snow, rain, wind, sunshine—all on the same day.
Essentials:
• Bathing suit (for lagoons)
• Thermal base layers (like the Smartwool Merino Base Layer)
• Waterproof outer jacket (Fjallraven Nuuk Parka)
• Mid-layer fleece
• Snow pants or lined hiking pants
• 2 pairs of warm boots (waterproof + city pair)
• Wool socks (4–6 pairs)
• Beanie, scarf, waterproof gloves
• Hand/toe warmers
• Reusable water bottle
• European travel adapter
• Portable charger (cold kills batteries fast!)
7 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Explore Reykjavik + Northern Lights Tour
- Arrive at KEF Airport (Keflavík). It’s small and efficient. Take the Flybus or Airport Direct to downtown Reykjavik (~45 mins).
- Check into your hotel or Airbnb.
- Start off your Iceland Winter Itinerary with exploring Reykjavik! Warm up with a pastry and coffee at Sandholt or Reykjavik Roasters.
- Grab some snacks at Bónus (grocery store) for your tour days.
- Evening: Northern Lights Tour
Schedule your Northern Lights tour for your first night – most companies let you reschedule until you actually see them, and in case the skies are overcast or they cancel your tour, I recommend scheduling right away for the best chances.
Tours typically run 8:30–9:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Pro Tip: Bundle up! January is freezing, especially at night. Wear thermal layers, wool socks, a down parka, and waterproof boots.
Day 2: Sky Lagoon + Relaxed Reykjavik Day
Morning: On day two of your Iceland Winter Itinerary, have a slow start with a walk around the city and brunch at Braud & Co or Mokka Kaffi.
Midday: Head to the Sky Lagoon—less touristy and more luxurious than Blue Lagoon. I highly recommend the Seven-Step Ritual:
• Lagoon soak
• Cold plunge
• Sauna with ocean views
• Cold mist
• Body scrub
• Steam
• Shower and reconnect in the lagoon
Sip a cocktail or sparkling water from the in-water bar, then grab a light bite at their onsite café.
Evening: If you didn’t see the Northern Lights on Day 1, try again tonight. Otherwise, check out Hús máls og menningar for live music and a cozy lounge vibe.
Day 3: Ice Skating + Whale Watching Adventure
Morning: Start off your morning with a classic winter activity – Ice Skating!
- Tjörnin Pond – This small lake in Reykjavik sometimes freezes over in winter, and the city may clear a section for public skating. Bring your own skates, or watch and enjoy the snowy vibes
- Ingolfstorg Square during the Christmas markets – During the Reykjavik Christmas markets, you can find ice skating in the heart of downtown, surrounded by twinkling lights, holiday music, and warm treats.
Midday: Warm up with soup at Icelandic Street Food.
Afternoon: Go whale watching from Reykjavik Harbor. Winter is a great time to spot minke whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Bundle up—it’s cold on the open sea. If you prefer to get up close to the whales, opt for a smaller boat.
Day 4: South Coast Full-Day Tour
Time for my favorite Iceland winter tour! Book a South Coast Day Trip with a small group operator.
Highlights:
• Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind this dramatic waterfall (careful—icy!).
• Skógafoss: Majestic, especially with winter ice buildup.
• Sólheimajökull Glacier: Short snowy walk to the glacier viewpoint.
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Stunning basalt columns and massive waves.
• Vik Village: Picturesque, with dramatic cliffside views.
Tour length: 10–11 hours. Bring water, layers, and snacks!
Day 5: Reykjavik Day – Museums, Shows & Ice Bar
Have a relaxing day exploring Reykjavik. Here’s how to fill it:
- Morning: Breakfast at Reykjavik Roasters + a visit to Hallgrímskirkja Church tower for panoramic city views.
- Midday:
- FlyOver Iceland – immersive ride experience
- Lava Show – actual molten lava in a theatre setting
- Perlan Museum – Northern Lights science & ice caves
- Afternoon: Warm up at Magic Ice Bar with an arctic cocktail in a glass made of ice.
- Dinner: Try Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) or Messinn for a hearty seafood meal.
Day 6: Optional Golden Circle Day Trip
If you’re extending your trip or skipping one of the earlier tours, this is the day for the Golden Circle—an iconic Iceland route. If you have a full seven days in Iceland, you can definitely fit both the Golden Circle tour and the South Coast tour into your Iceland winter itinerary.
Top Stops:
• Thingvellir National Park: UNESCO World Heritage site
• Geysir & Strokkur: Active geysers that erupt every few minutes
• Gullfoss Waterfall: Referred to as the most popular waterfall in Iceland
Tour Note: Most tours last 7–8 hours.
• Kerið Crater
• Secret Lagoon (for a more local hot spring soak)
Day 7: Souvenirs + Departure
- Grab final souvenirs on Laugavegur Street (wool sweaters, volcanic skincare, chocolate).
- Take the Flybus back to KEF—leave 3–3.5 hours before your flight.
Iceland Winter Weather: What to Expect
Winter weather in Iceland is no joke. It can be sunny one minute, blizzard conditions the next. High winds, whiteouts, and icy roads are normal, and storms often come in without warning.
During our trip, a storm rolled in just as our tour was ending—and the main road back to Reykjavik was shut down. We were stranded at a gas station for a few hours until it reopened. It was safe but definitely unexpected, and a reminder that you need to stay flexible in Iceland.
Be prepared to:
• Have plans change last minute
• Pack extra snacks and layers for tours
• Choose reputable tour companies that monitor weather & communicate clearly
Iceland Winter Tours: Should You Self-Drive or Book Tours?
If you’re visiting Iceland in the winter and staying in Reykjavik, you’ll need to decide between renting a car or joining guided tours. Here’s my take:
Guided Winter Tours:
• Safe and stress-free
• Great guides who share local history
• Easy pickup in Reykjavik
• Less flexibility
Self-Driving:
• Flexibility to stop whenever you want
• Dangerous in winter conditions even for experienced drivers
• Road closures and storms are common in the winter
We opted for tours and were really glad we did—it snowed, iced over, and visibility dropped often. I wouldn’t have wanted to be navigating a mountain pass in those conditions.
Cozy Spots in Reykjavik to Warm Up
Between adventures, we loved cozying up at Reykjavik cafés, shops, and bookstores.
Favorite Cozy Spots:
Sandholt Bakery – for pastries and hot coffee
Ida Zimsen Bookstore Café – to cozy up and read
Hús máls og menningar – live music, books, cocktails
Laugavegur shopping street – fun to browse local wool, candles, and volcanic skincare
You can also sneak in a second lagoon trip, a hot yoga class, or a long dinner with wine while watching the snow fall outside.
Iceland Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Winter
Mistakes we almost made (so you don’t have to):
‣ Underestimating the cold – Wind chill is serious, especially by the coast
‣ Assuming all tours run daily – Some winter tours have reduced availability
‣ Not booking Northern Lights early – Get that scheduled ASAP
‣ Not padding your itinerary – Allow time for weather delays and tour shifts
‣ Forgetting swimwear
Final Tips for Visiting Iceland in the Winter
- Daylight is limited. Expect only 4–6 hours of light per day in January. Plan big adventures midday and enjoy slow mornings or cozy nights.
- Book tours early, especially Northern Lights and South Coast trips.
- Dining is expensive—budget wisely and mix in grocery store snacks or Airbnbs with kitchens.
- Iceland is safe, clean, and friendly, even in winter. Just respect the weather and drive cautiously if renting a car.
Related Reads
- Where to Eat in Reykjavik (Coming Soon!)
- Girls Trip to Iceland: Our Favorite Moments
- What to Pack for Iceland in the Winter
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