Easter 2025 in Iceland: A Unique Holiday Experience

How’s Easter in Iceland?

Easter in Iceland is a mix of tradition and fun. While Good Friday and Easter Sunday are important church days, the holiday is just as much about spending time with family, enjoying good food, and, of course, eating a lot of chocolate.

On Easter Sunday (Páskadagur) on April 20, families get together for a big meal, often with roast lamb or smoked lamb (hangikjöt) served with potatoes and peas. But the real highlight of the holiday is the páskaegg—a giant chocolate Easter egg filled with candy and a little slip of paper with an Icelandic saying. Kids go on Easter egg hunts, and even adults join in on the fun of cracking them open.

Since Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, many businesses, banks, and even some restaurants close or have shorter hours. That might not be ideal if you’re visiting as a tourist, but for us, it means a longer weekend to relax, visit family, or go on a road trip to enjoy the longer, sunnier spring days.

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Why Easter Is a Great Time to Visit Iceland

By April, winter is fading, and Iceland is returning to life. It’s still cold—temperatures in Reykjavík are usually between 0°C and 7°C (32°F to 45°F)—but the days are getting longer, with 13 to 16 hours of daylight by the end of the month. If you’re lucky, you might still catch the Northern Lights on a clear night, though the season is ending.

Here’s why Easter is a great time to visit:

• Spring is on the way: Snow is melting, waterfalls are stronger, and more green is starting to show.
• Fewer tourists: The summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, so places like the Golden Circle and South Coast are much quieter.
• One last chance for Northern Lights: If you head outside the city and the sky is clear, you might still see them before the bright summer nights take over.
• Easter traditions and events: From Easter markets to family gatherings and church services, it’s a great way to experience local culture.

Easter in Iceland is the perfect mix of good food, fun traditions, and amazing nature. All that, outside of the peak tourist season.

Weather and Daylight: What to Expect

April in Iceland can bring sunshine, rain, or even snow, sometimes all in one day. The best way to be ready for anything is to dress in layers. Bring a warm base layer, a cozy sweater or fleece, and a waterproof jacket. Good boots or sturdy shoes are important since roads and trails can be icy or muddy. The days are much longer than in winter, giving you 13 to 16 hours of daylight to explore. If you’re driving, check the weather and road conditions before heading out.

Best Places to Experience Easter in Iceland

You can feel the spirit of Easter almost everywhere in Iceland, but some places are better than others for you to experience it fully.

Reykjavík

The capital has church services, concerts, and Easter events throughout the weekend. Many restaurants and cafés serve special Easter meals, and while some shops close for the holidays, the city still feels lively.

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest city in North Iceland and a great place for Easter skiing, with Hlíðarfjall ski resort nearby. There are also concerts and events in town. It’s probably one of the most complete destinations, as you have cultural and more day-to-day things to do, as well as cool outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or even whale watching.

Ísafjörður

Probably the place to be if you’re looking for something special to do for Easter. Ísafjörður is a small town in the Westfjords that hosts the Aldrei fór ég suður music festival, a free Easter weekend event featuring Icelandic musicians. It’s a great spot to experience local music, plus you’ll get to see a quieter and stunning part of the country that most people don’t visit.

Icelandic Countryside

Many locals spend Easter at summer houses or in rural areas with family. If you want a more traditional experience, the countryside is the best place to see Easter egg hunts and families celebrating Easter in the traditional style.

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Things to Do During Easter in Iceland

Even though some places close for the holiday weekend, there’s still plenty to do. Whether you want to explore nature, relax in a hot spring, or try Icelandic Easter traditions, you won’t run out of options.

Outdoor Adventures

April is a great time for outdoor adventures. As we explained, the weather can still be chilly and unpredictable, but there’s nothing you can’t tackle with a good use of the layer system. Plus, the landscapes are super green, and the daylight hours are plenty.

Golden Circle & South Coast

Visit Þingvellir National Park, see Geysir bubbling, and watch the water crash down at Gullfoss, all part of the Golden Circle route. On the South Coast, you’ll find some of the best waterfalls in the country, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and some other cool attractions like Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Glacier Tours & Ice Caving

April is one of the last chances to explore ice caves near Katla or take a glacier tour in Vatnajökull before they close for the season.

Hot Springs

Iceland is full of hot springs, and April is perfect for a soak in warm geothermal water. You can visit the luxurious Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon or go for less-popular spots like the Secret Lagoon (also close to Reykjavik), the Vök Baths in East Iceland, or the Forest Lagoon in the northern part of the country.

Vók Baths

Skiing in North Iceland

If you still want a bit of winter, North Iceland is the go-to spot for winter activities. Head to Akureyri or Dalvík, where you can ski with great views.

Hiking & Waterfalls

Trails start reopening, and waterfalls are stronger from the melting snow, making them even more impressive. If “impressive” is what you’re after, don’t miss Dynjandi Waterfall in the Westfjords.

Easter-Specific Activities

If you specifically chose Easter to visit Iceland, you probably want to experience some easter-specific activities. Here are some you shouldn’t miss.

Icelandic Easter Eggs

Get a páskaegg from Nói Síríus or Omnom—they’re big chocolate eggs filled with candy and a little Icelandic saying inside.

Church Services

If you’re curious about the religious side of Easter, Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík holds special services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Easter Buffets

Many hotels and restaurants serve traditional Easter meals, with dishes like lamb and other Icelandic favorites.

Kjotsupa, a traditional lamb Icelandic soup

Cultural and City Highlights

Easter or no Easter, Icelandic cities have plenty to offer, especially Reykjavik. But don’t be fooled; even the tiniest and most remote towns here are packed with cultural events and things to do.

Explore Reykjavík

Walk down Laugavegur, check out the street art, or visit a museum like the Reykjavík Art Museum.

Easter Sales & Markets

Some shops have holiday discounts, and you might find small Easter markets with crafts and local treats.

Concerts & Events

Easter weekend often has live music and events, so check what’s happening while you’re there.

Travel Tips for an Enjoyable Easter Trip

Traveling around Iceland is easy, but some tips to make the most of your trip might be handy.

• Book Accommodation Early: Icelanders love traveling within the country during Easter, so hotels can fill up fast.
• Plan Around Holiday Closures: Stock up on food and essentials before Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when most stores are shut.
• Rent a Car for Flexibility: Public transport is limited, especially on national holidays, so renting a car is your best option.
• Pack for All Seasons: Layers, waterproof outerwear, and warm clothes are must-haves—April can throw all kinds of weather your way.

Rent a car in Iceland for Easter 2025

Explore the whole country at your own pace

Check dates

Why Renting a Camper is a Good Idea for Easter in Iceland

Having a car in Iceland is key, but a camper gives you even more freedom to see the country. You can wake up near waterfalls, change plans if the weather changes, and skip dealing with hotel bookings. Since Easter is before the busy summer season, the roads and campsites are less crowded, so it’s a good time for a camper trip.

Many campsites stay open during Easter, and with a camper, you don’t have to depend on restaurants, which might be closed for the holidays. Whether you’re checking out the Golden Circle, driving along the South Coast, or hanging out by a hot spring, a camper lets you go at your own pace, save money, and really enjoy Iceland’s nature.

Rent a camper in Iceland

Enjoy the total freedom of traveling on a house with wheels

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Looking Beyond Easter: First Day of Summer

If you’re staying a little longer, don’t miss Iceland’s First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) on April 24, 2025. Even though it might still be cold, Icelanders celebrate the start of the warmer months with parades, festivals, and community events. It’s a fun way to see how we welcome the changing seasons, even if the weather doesn’t always feel like summer yet.

Final Thoughts

Easter 2025 in Iceland is a great mix of tradition, nature, and spring weather. You can crack open big chocolate Easter eggs, enjoy a lamb dinner, and maybe even see the Northern Lights one last time. Since it’s before the summer rush, you’ll have more space to explore without big crowds.

Just plan ahead—book your stay early, check what might be closed, and pack for both cold and mild weather. With a little prep, you’ll have a relaxed and fun trip full of local traditions and outdoor adventures. If you want a different kind of Easter trip, Iceland is a great choice.