Iceland Winter Itinerary: Make the Most of the Cold

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

Reykjavik feels extra cozy in winter. After landing at Keflavik Airport, head into the city and get comfortable. Reykjavik is small and easy to walk around. There’s usually snow, and the winter lights make it feel nice and calm.

Start by visiting Hallgrímskirkja Church. Take the elevator up for views of the city and mountains. On a clear day, you can see really far. Then, walk over to Harpa Concert Hall by the water. You don’t need to go inside – the building itself is cool to see.

Laugavegur Street has lots of shops, cafes, and places to eat. It’s a good spot to warm up with a drink or grab something tasty. In the evening, head to one of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools. Laugardalslaug is a quiet, local option.

Highlights of the day

• Hallgrímskirkja Church (city and mountain views)
• Harpa Concert Hall (exterior by the water)
• Laugavegur Street (shops, cafes, dining)
• Laugardalslaug Pool

Day 2: The Golden Circle in Winter

The Golden Circle is one of the best drives in Iceland, and it looks amazing in winter. Start at Þingvellir National Park. You can walk between two tectonic plates, hike, and see a nice waterfall. Snow covers the park, and it feels quiet and peaceful. This is where Iceland’s first parliament used to meet.

Next, visit the Geysir Geothermal Area. Strokkur geyser erupts often, shooting hot water into the air. The snow around it makes it look even cooler. After that, stop at Gullfoss Waterfall. In winter, ice forms on the edges, and if the sun is out, the waterfall sparkles.

If you have time, visit Kerið Crater. The red rock stands out against the snow, and the frozen lake inside is worth a photo. After that, head back to Reykjavik or stay nearby for the night.

Highlights of the day

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Kerið Crater

Day 3: South Coast – Waterfalls and Glaciers

The South Coast is packed with amazing places to see. In winter, the waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches look even more impressive.

First, stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. You can usually walk behind it, but the path can be icy in winter. Even from the front, it’s really pretty. A short drive away is Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls. Climb the stairs next to it for awesome views of the snowy area.

Keep driving to Sólheimajökull Glacier. You can take a guided glacier hike. In winter, the ice turns bright blue. If you’d rather skip the hike, head to Reynisfjara Beach. The black sand and sea stacks look incredible, but be careful – the waves are strong and unpredictable.

Stay overnight in Vik or nearby. If the sky is clear, you might see the Northern Lights.

Highlights of the day

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Skógafoss
• Sólheimajökull Glacier
• Reynisfjara Beach
• Vik

Day 4: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

On Day 4, head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs float in the water, and the whole place feels peaceful in winter. You can take a boat tour to get closer, but the view from the shore is just as stunning.

Right next to the lagoon is Diamond Beach. Ice from the lagoon washes up on the black sand, and the pieces look like glass spread across the shore. It’s a beautiful spot to walk around or take photos.

Nearby, Vatnajökull National Park offers guided ice cave tours. The caves form naturally under the glacier and are usually open in winter. The ice is bright blue in some spots, and walking inside is unforgettable. After a full day, head to Höfn, a small fishing town. It’s a great place to warm up with some local seafood.

Highlights of the day

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach
• Vatnajökull National Park
• Höfn

Day 5: Exploring the East Fjords

The East Fjords are quiet and peaceful, especially in winter. Start your day in Djúpivogur, a small fishing village known for its local art and fresh seafood. It’s a nice place to take it slow.

Hengifoss Waterfall is another natural wonder that’s worth visiting. The cliffs behind the falls have red streaks that stand out against the snow and ice. The hike can be icy, so bring good boots or crampons. 30 minutes away from Hengifoss, you’ll find Vök Baths, one of my favorite hot springs in the whole country.

A big part of visiting the East Fjords is the drive. The roads twist between snow-covered mountains and the ocean, and the views are incredible. There aren’t many famous landmarks, but the scenery makes the trip special. Spend the night in Egilsstaðir or a nearby village.

Highlights of the day

• Djúpivogur
• Hengifoss Waterfall
• Vök Baths
• Egilsstaðir

Day 6: North Iceland and Akureyri

Head toward Akureyri, the biggest city in North Iceland. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. The water crashes down with so much force, and in winter, the ice around it makes it even more impressive.

After that, you have two options: You can visit the Myvatn area for views of Myvatn Lake and a relaxing time at the Myvatn Nature Baths, or you can go to Húsavík for a chance to see whales. My first choice would be heading to Húsavík for whale watching, as I think it’s 100% one of the best things to do in Iceland. Besides, if you’re craving a hot bath, you can take one at GeoSea Thermal Baths, just outside Húsavík.

Once you get to Akureyri, take a walk around town. It’s smaller than Reykjavik but has plenty of activities, restaurants and cafes. Even in winter, the town feels lively. The nearby hills are often covered in snow, which makes the whole place look picture-perfect.

Highlights of the day

• Dettifoss
• Húsavík
• GeoSea Thermal Baths
• Mývatn Lake
• Mývatn Nature Baths
• Akureyri

Day 7: West Iceland and Back to Reykjavik

It’s time to go back to the capital. On the way back to Reykjavik, stop by Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Hraunfossar is a series of small waterfalls that run through lava fields. In winter, the snow around the falls makes everything calm and quiet. Barnafoss is just a short walk away, with faster, more powerful water and cool rock formations.

Not far from there is Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Steam rises from the ground non-stop, and it’s pretty amazing to see so much geothermal activity up close, especially in winter. If you want to take a dip, head to Krauma Spa.

By the time you get back to Reykjavik, you’ll have seen a lot. Enjoy your last evening in the city—maybe visit a local brewery or grab some fresh fish—before heading home.

Highlights of the day

• Hraunfossar
• Barnafoss
• Deildartunguhver
• Krauma Spa
• Reykjavik

Extra Days (Optional)

If you have more time, visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the Westfjords is a great idea. Snæfellsnes is closer and offers a little bit of everything, while the Westfjords are more remote and wild. Both give you a better look at Iceland’s winter views without the crowds.

Day 8: Ísafjörður and the Westfjords

The Westfjords are harder to reach in winter, but the scenery is some of the most stunning in Iceland. Start by visiting Dynjandi, an impressive series of waterfalls that partially freeze in winter. The ice formations look incredible, and short trails lead to the falls. The paths can be icy, but it’s worth walking closer. If you’re nearby, stop at Drangsnes Hot Pots. These hot pools sit by the sea, with ocean views and snowy mountains. It’s a quiet place to relax and enjoy the warm water.

After that, head to Ísafjörður, the biggest town in the Westfjords. It sits between steep mountains and fjords. The town is quiet and remote, with a few cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can warm up and grab a meal. Take some time to walk around and enjoy the slower pace.

In the evening, relax and enjoy the serenity of the area. If the Northern Lights show up, the view over the fjord is unforgettable – a perfect way to end the day.

Highlights of the day

• Dynjandi
• Drangsnes Hot Pots
• Ísafjörður

Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – A Little Bit of Everything

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is worth a visit if you have extra days. People call it “Iceland in Miniature” because it has glaciers, mountains, beaches, and lava fields all in one spot. In winter, the snow-covered peaks and icy shores feel calm and peaceful.

Start by driving to Snæfellsjökull National Park. The glacier-topped volcano there inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth. You can see the volcano from far away, and the nearby cliffs and lava fields look amazing in the snow.

Stop by Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall next to it. The waterfall often freezes in winter, and the snowy surroundings make it even prettier. After that, visit the coastal villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The cliffs there were shaped by the sea, and the waves crashing below make for a great view. There’s a beautiful path along the coast that connects both villages.

Stay overnight at a guesthouse or hotel on the peninsula. There isn’t much light in the area, so it’s a good place to watch for the Northern Lights if the sky is clear. The quiet makes the night feel even more special.

Highlights of the day

• Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Kirkjufell
• Kirkjufellsfoss
• Arnarstapi
• Hellnar

Day 10: Relax and Wind Down

Take it slow on your last day. Head back to Reykjavik or explore more of the Westfjords.

If you’re closer to Reykjavik, spend the day at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. You can bathe in warm water while snow falls around you. Sky Lagoon is quieter and has ocean views, making it a peaceful spot to unwind before heading home.

Finish the day with dinner in Reykjavik. Try some seafood or lamb and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Walk around town, enjoy the lights, and absorb the calm before you leave.

Highlights of the day

• Reykjavik
• Blue Lagoon
• Sky Lagoon

Why Winter in Iceland is Worth It

Winter in Iceland is quieter and less crowded. You’ll see frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and maybe the Northern Lights. The weather can change fast, but the views are worth it. Whether you stay near Reykjavik or visit remote areas, winter in Iceland feels special.

This plan mixes adventure with rest. Some days are busy, and others let you slow down. Regardless of how you spend your time, winter in Iceland is unforgettable.