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As Fjallsárlón local guides, we know that Icelandic winter is for true adventure seekers, and North Iceland is where the magic of winter really comes alive. While our home base is the glacial wonderland of Southeast Iceland, we are endlessly inspired by the wild, snow-dusted expanses of the north.
If you are ready for a cold-weather adventure full of hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable experiences with a little fewer crowds, this guide is for you. Below, you will discover what you can do and where to go to experience North Iceland in winter to the fullest.
Winter transforms the north into a serene, snow-blanketed paradise. Although the days are short, they are radiant. Moreover, the nights might be long, but they are starlit, creating the perfect conditions for chasing the Northern Lights.
Whether you are into skiing, snowmobiling, hot pots, or the thrill of exploring off the beaten path, North Iceland has something for you. Winter travel offers plenty of options, so you can have an unforgettable experience.
North Iceland is home to seven well-equipped, flood-lit ski resorts (November–May), including the slopes at Akureyri and Dalvík. So, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, you will find runs for every skill level.
Plus, you’ll find ski rentals, cross-country routes, and lessons for all ages. And if you are not a fan of skiing in Iceland, you can try snowshoeing or winter hiking on easy-access trails.
From late August to mid-April, the north’s dark, rural skies are prime aurora territory. You can take a guided Northern Lights tour for the best chance of seeing the show. These tours are often combined with dips in geothermal baths or evening boat rides.
However, you can also just step outside and look up. The display changes every night and is always unforgettable.
After a full day of Iceland winter activities, warming up in a hot pot is a rite of passage. The GeoSea Baths in Húsavík offer infinity-edge pools with ocean views. The Hauganes hot pots are rustic, oceanside tubs and are amazing when the snow is falling.
And do not miss the Mývatn Nature Baths, with steamy, mineral-rich water and volcanic views.
You can go whale watching in North Iceland in winter! Húsavík is the capital for these tours, and while the weather can be brisk, the odds of spotting humpbacks and even orcas are high.
For something extra special, you may want to try combining a whale-watching tour with a dip in a hot spring.
If you are craving a rush of adrenaline, you can go on snowmobile and snowcat tours that get you out into the wild, wintry highlands. These are amazing because there is no experience required.
However, you can also try a traditional dog sled ride with eager huskies leading the way through snowy valleys. These tours are unforgettable and make winter in the north feel even more magical.
The Icelandic horse is just as tough as the landscape. Several stables, including Tvistur in Dalvík, offer winter riding tours complete with insulated overalls to keep you warm as you explore snowy trails and fjord views.
There are several things in this region that should not be missed:
One of Iceland’s most beautiful falls, Goðafoss is easy to access and especially stunning when rimmed in snow and ice. Plus, the waterfall rarely freezes completely, so you will be treated to dazzling contrasts of blue water and white landscape.
You can soak in mineral-rich, oceanfront pools while watching the sun set (or the aurora dance) over Skjálfandi Bay. Húsavík itself is a charming harbor town, well worth a stroll.
This fjord-side village is at its most magical in winter. You can walk the quiet streets, pop into Café Freda for top-notch coffee, and explore the Herring Era Museum. Plus, the mountain views and snow-capped harbor are a pure Icelandic fairy tale.
These are tiny, tranquil fishing villages with hot pots right by the sea. In Hauganes, the tubs are perfect for a frosty night soak, and you might spot whales right from the shore.
Step into Iceland’s past at this beautifully preserved turf farm and museum. The snow-dusted roofs look straight out of a storybook.
North Iceland in winter is quiet, yet adventurous, which is perfect for those who want to combine relaxation with adrenaline. With geothermal baths, northern lights, and a landscape transformed by snow, it is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers. And when you are ready for more, don’t forget: the glacier lagoon adventures at Fjallsárlón are waiting for you down south.
For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Iceland, check out our tours and create an itinerary that will bring you memories.
At Fjallsárlón, we are all about adventure, wild landscapes, and getting up close to Iceland’s raw nature. Our home turf is Southeast Iceland, and we have plenty of activities to offer, but we also believe everyone with extra time should explore Iceland to the fullest. So, for those with a week to spare, North Iceland… Continue reading Spend a Week in North Iceland Without Rushing
FjallsárlónAt Fjallsárlón, we know a thing or two about epic Icelandic adventures. While our home base is the breathtaking Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon in the southeast, we are also passionate about exploring every wild corner of this incredible country, including the untamed wonders of Northern Iceland.
FjallsárlónAs explorers and locals at Fjallsárlón, we spend our days surrounded by icebergs, glaciers, and the endless drama of Southeast Iceland’s wild landscapes. And, if there is one thing we see over and over, it is travelers zipping through the region on a rushed South Coast itinerary – snapping photos at Jökulsárlón and then dashing back to Reykjavík.
Fjallsárlón
