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When you picture Iceland, you might imagine endless daylight, wild green meadows, and more waterfalls than you can count. However, when you visit Iceland in winter, the landscape will give you an entirely different perspective!
Namely, winter has the power to transform the land of fire and ice into a fairy tale. Just think of snow-dusted volcanoes, luminous glaciers, and the chance to witness nature’s most magical light show, and you will get the idea.
If you are not sure whether this is the right time for your visit, here are some reasons that will reassure you why you should visit Iceland in winter.
According to the old Norse calendar, Iceland’s winter spans from the first day of winter (Vetrardagurinn fyrsti) which lands on the Saturday between the 21st and 27th of October, until the first day of summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) in mid-April or the first Thursday after the 18th of April. Yes, unnecessarily complicated!
While days are shorter, with as little as four hours of daylight in December, the quality of light is absolutely surreal. This allows you to witness pastel dawns and dusks, a sun that lingers on the horizon, and a soft glow that makes every landscape photo-worthy
Moreover, in Reykjavik, temperatures usually hover around freezing – 0°C or 32°F – but with the Gulf Stream’s influence, it is rarely as bone-chilling as you would expect.
This means that you just need to bundle up in layers and you will be ready for adventure!
Now, we are going to be very clear about why people never regret going to Iceland in winter. There are so many things that make winter adventures magical in this country, so keep on reading so you can start planning your trip later.
One of the best things to do in Iceland in winter is witness the magic of the Northern Lights. It is indeed the place to be to see the Aurora Borealis.
The long, dark nights between September and April give you the best chance to witness this cosmic phenomenon. And there is nothing quite like standing on the edge of a glacier lagoon, looking up as green and purple lights ripple across the sky.
For instance, our overnight floating hut adventure at Fjallsárlón is a truly unique way to watch the northern lights from the comfort of a cozy bed. This way you will get the perfect winter story! From October, the huts are staying on land offering a different option with amazing views over Fjallsárlón and Fjallsjökull glacier.
Iceland in winter means snow-capped volcanoes, frozen waterfalls, and glacier lagoons studded with blue icebergs. The contrast between black sand beaches and white snow creates a dreamlike scene you will find nowhere else.
Moreover, South Coast wonders like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and the glaciers of Vatnajökull and Skaftafell are even more beautiful when dusted with snow. And with fewer tourists, you will often have these views all to yourself. Plus, you will have the perfect opportunities for stunning photos.
Winter is Iceland’s “secret season”. Fewer visitors mean smaller tour groups, more personal attention from guides, and better prices on hotels and activities.
In addition, it is the perfect time for adventure seekers who want the real Iceland – raw, peaceful, and authentic. And smaller crowds mean even more time to chat with locals, learn Icelandic secrets, and snap those once-in-a-lifetime photos without anyone in the way!
Here is where we get REALLY excited!
Visiting Iceland in winter is an opportunity to explore natural glacier ice caves. We are talking about those sapphire-blue caverns that only exist when the temperature drops.
At Fjallsárlón, we offer guided ice cave tours, glacier hiking, and zodiac boat tours weaving between icebergs. However, if you want something even more unique, you can try ice floating in our glacier lagoon. This is a chance for you to be toasty and safe in a special suit, and let your worries melt away surrounded by ancient ice.
Lastly, for the ultimate winter memory, you can spend the night in our floating hut under the northern lights!
After a day exploring, there is nothing better than slipping into a warm geothermal pool with snowflakes falling around you. Iceland’s hot springs are open all year, but winter makes the experience magical.
The Blue Lagoon is famous, but there are plenty of smaller, secret spots across the South Coast.
If you ask us, just ensure you bring a hat and enjoy the contrast between the steamy water and the crisp winter air.
With just a few hours of daylight, you will get the best light for photography all day long! The sun never rises high, bathing everything in soft golds and pinks.
From the glaciers at Fjallsárlón to the frozen waterfalls of the South Coast, this magical light makes every scene unforgettable. So, do not forget extra batteries and memory cards because you will want to snap every moment.
Iceland in winter is not just about the outdoors.
Reykjavik and the countryside villages come alive with cozy cafes, holiday lights, and unique traditions like the 13 Yule Lads and the infamous Christmas Cat.
Just imagine yourself coming in from the cold to a roaring fire, a mug of cocoa, or some local craft beer. Once you think of this setting, you will want to pack your bags immediately!
Iceland has amazing landscapes, but also astonishing wildlife that cannot be seen elsewhere. Going to Iceland in winter will give you the chance to see everything from arctic foxes to seals and even winter whales.
Iceland’s wildlife is active year-round! So, you will be able to join a whale-watching tour or keep an eye out for seals on the ice. And do not forget those sturdy Icelandic horses, famous for their thick winter coats and friendly personalities.
If you are looking for something truly unique, you should definitely visit Iceland in winter. As you can see, there is so much to see and so much to do, so you will be in for a truly unforgettable adventure.
In other words, winter in Iceland is a time of wonder, tranquility, and adventure. So, when you are ready, feel free to get in touch with us so we can plan your lifetime experience together.
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
