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How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland in Winter?
Iceland is a truly awesome destination for winter adventures. Frozen waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and a chance to chase the Northern Lights. You’ll leave spellbound by these magical landscapes, with the pics to show for it!
But how do you know how many days to spend in Iceland in winter? The short answer: the longer you stay in Iceland, the more epic your adventure will be. That said, a winter trip to Iceland in 3 to 4 days is totally doable.
- Check out these Iceland winter vacation packages.
- Wondering what to take to Iceland? Check out our winter packing list.
You’re probably wondering exactly how many days in Iceland in winter is enough.
A short trip will probably just about whet your appetite and leave you wanting to come back ASAP. If you want to take it slower and have more time to soak up each destination, 7 to 9 days is a great itinerary length.
We get that you might not have that long to spend in Iceland, so this guide will give you ideas for both short and long itineraries, and everything in between. Scroll down for all the inspo.
Winter Iceland in 3–4 days: Golden Circle highlights
If you’ve only got a few vacation days left to use at the end of the year, a 3–4 day itinerary is definitely an option. It’s perfect if you just fancy a long weekend in Iceland.
With an Iceland 3-day winter itinerary, you’ve got enough time to soak in the Blue Lagoon, hit the capital Reykjavík and do the Golden Circle tour. This classic self-drive route covers 3 of Iceland’s must-see nature spots:
- Þingvellir National Park – See where the European and North American tectonic plates are drifting apart, and the site of Iceland’s Viking-age parliament.
- Geysir – Check out the famous hot spring that gave us the word “geyser”, and its active younger brother Strokkur.
- Gullfoss – This epic waterfall often freezes over in winter, creating icicles taller than church spires.
Get a clear night on your 3-day trip and you could catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. If aurora hunting is top of your list though, you’ll have a greater chance of seeing them with a slightly longer stay.
On a 4-day trip, you have the option to base yourself in Reykjavík and skip the driving. From there, you can go on tours led by a local guide and do some day exploring. Follow the Golden Circle route, or head further afield if you want.
Here’s one suggestion for an Iceland itinerary for 4 days in winter.
4-day winter Iceland itinerary
Day 1 – If your flight lands early enough, dip into the warming Blue Lagoon on the way to Reykjavík. When you arrive in town, get a view of the snowy city from the Hallgrímskirkja church tower or Perlan viewing deck. Afterward, warm up with a hot chocolate and slice of Icelandic cake at a local café.
Day 2 – Head to the bus terminal and join a guided tour of the Golden Circle. You’ll stop at Þingvellir National Park, before heading to the Geysir hot spring and Gullfoss waterfall. In the evening, go on a Northern Lights tour (if the sky is clear).
Day 3 (Option 1) – Start your day with a dip in one of Reykjavík’s swimming pools (even better when the weather is freezing – trust us!). Then hit the city’s culture scene. Why not explore the museums and art galleries, or go to a live gig at a local bar?
Day 3 (Option 2) – Squeeze in some more nature with a day trip to the south coast. See the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the sleepy village of Vík. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, go on an ice cave tour in a super jeep with Into the Glacier.
Day 4 – Transfer to Keflavík Airport and return home. If you didn’t get a chance to stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way into town, you could add a stop on your last day depending on your flight time.
Winter Iceland in 5–7 days: Slow down and see more
A winter trip to Iceland is a real magical adventure. Whilst 3–4 days will allow you to see the main highlights, adding a couple of days to your trip is an absolute game-changer!
On a 5-day winter itinerary in Iceland, you can explore the Golden Circle and waterfalls of South Iceland on a self-drive tour. Set your own pace, crank up the tunes, and stop off whenever you like.
Spending 7 days in Iceland in winter means you can go further along the south coast, as far as the jaw-dropping Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. You could also venture west to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, with a glacier of its own and epic coastal scenery.
Because you’ll have the extra time, you can spend longer at each stop and make the most of it. What’s more, you’ll be able to travel further away from Reykjavík and stay in the Icelandic countryside.
But maybe the best reason to add a few extra days is to boost your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Although the Icelandic weather changes fast, you’re more likely to get one or two cloudless nights the longer you stay.
- Browse these Northern Lights tours.
- Blog: Northern Lights in Iceland – All about aurora borealis.
Here’s one option for a 6-day winter itinerary in Iceland.
6-day winter Iceland itinerary
Day 1 – Pick up your rental car at the airport and head straight for Reykjavík. Iceland’s capital is full of cool cafés, buzzing nightlife spots, and unique dining experiences. Take a dip in the local swimming pool, before grabbing street food at one of the city’s food halls.
Day 2 – Head out of the city and straight to Geysir, where you can see the Strokkur geyser erupt. Then continue to the Gullfoss waterfall which can freeze completely solid in the winter. Afterward, why not warm up in the waters of Gamla laugin (the Secret Lagoon) in Flúðir?
Day 3 – After waking up in Selfoss, head to the nearby Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can actually walk behind this one! Then follow the coastal road to the extremely grammable Skógafoss. Finally, stop off in the cute village of Vík with its fantastic black sand beach.
Day 4 – Spend the morning exploring Þingvellir National Park. This magical place was the site of Iceland’s first parliament, the Alþingi. Then head up to Hraunsfossar and Barnafoss, where two waterfalls converge. Finally, check out Deildartunguhver, where you can see water actually boiling in the ground.
Day 5 – On your final full day, drive to the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. Check out the black sand beaches and unusual coastline features, like sea stacks. Visit the iconic Kirkjufell mountain (above) and the cascading waterfall just a stone’s throw away.
Day 6 – Wake up in Reykjavík and have breakfast before leaving the city. Drive your rental car back to Keflavík Airport. If you have time, you might also be able to fit in a visit to the Blue Lagoon on the way to the airport.
Winter Iceland in 8–10 days: Circle the whole Ring Road
On an 8–10 day tour, you’re gonna have time to see pretty much the whole country. The main road around the island is known as the Ring Road, or Route 1. Follow it and you can’t go wrong – you’re guaranteed amazing views the whole way round.
On an Iceland 8-day winter itinerary, you have time to explore the north of the country. There you’ll find Akureyri, the biggest town in the north (below). Further east is Lake Mývatn, which is a hotspot of geothermal activity.
Then you can swing round the east coast, passing through the atmospheric East Fjords. Keep following the Ring Road and you’ll end up at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Now you’re on the south coast with its legendary waterfalls and black sand beaches.
You’ll also have enough time to fit in the Golden Circle and spend a night or two in Reykjavík, rounding out your Iceland travel experience.
On an Iceland itinerary for 10 days in winter, you have even more time. This means you can head off the Ring Road to the Snæfellsnes peninsula for some more glacier action.
Here’s an idea for an 8-day self-drive itinerary.
8-day winter Iceland itinerary
Day 1 – Land at Keflavík Airport and pick up your rental car. Drive through the lava field of the Reykjanes peninsula to the capital, Reykjavík. Why not grab a bite to eat or sip on a local drink on your first evening in the city?
Day 2 – Today you’ll head north to the town of Akureyri. The journey is as exciting as the destination. On the way, check out the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. And stop at the Deildartunguhver hot spring to stand in the warm (slightly smelly) steam!
Day 3 – Head over to Lake Mývatn. On the way from Akureyri, stop off at the Goðafoss waterfall (above). When you arrive at the lake, check out the Dimmuborgir hot spring caves or hike the Hverfjall crater. Warm up afterward in the soothing waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Day 4 – You’ll hit the hay in the town of Egilsstaðir tonight. On your way there from Mývatn, see boiling mud pools at the Námaskarð hot spring. And drive through the out-of-this-world lava field near Krafla.
Day 5 – Venture through the East Fjords, stopping at its unique villages like Fáskrúðsfjörður, where all the street signs are in French. See the collection of giant stone eggs (yes, really!) in Djúpivogur. That evening, hunker down in the harbor town of Höfn.
Day 6 – Today you’re gonna see ice in all its forms. As you follow the Ring Road south, Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, will watch over you. Your first stop is at Jökulsárlón, where you can see baby icebergs drifting out to sea. Skaftafell National Park is next up, with its amazing Svartifoss waterfall set against hexagonal columns of lava.
Day 7 – This morning you’ll wake up in the village of Vík on the south coast. After breakfast, head to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. As you approach Reykjavík, you’ll turn off onto the Golden Circle route, where you can see the Strokkur geyser and ice-studded Gullfoss waterfall.
Day 8 – After seeing more waterfalls and forms of ice than you knew existed, you’ll wake up in Reykjavík. Depending on your flight time, you might be able to squeeze in a dip in the Blue Lagoon before returning your rental car at the airport.
What can you do in Iceland in winter?
Hopefully now you’re brimming with ideas about what you want to see when visiting Iceland in winter. You might be wondering about some other bucket-list experiences and whether you’ll be able to fit them in.
If you’ve never visited Iceland in winter, keep in mind the shorter hours of daylight. If you build them into your plan, you can make the most of every single daylight hour there is.
Our top tip is to hit the road before the sun rises. That way when you get to the awesome attraction you want to see, the sun will already be up. This also gives you more time to get to your next stop before the sun goes down.
Below we’ve listed some of the most popular things to do in Iceland in winter, and how long you’ll need to spend in the country to fit them in:
- Ice caving – Recommended itinerary: 4 days, guided. To see the ice caves, you’ll need to join a guided tour (going solo is definitely not an option). This makes it a perfect activity to slot into a 4-day Reykjavík-based itinerary.
- Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon – Recommended itinerary: 5 days+. The Jökulsárlón lagoon is in southeast Iceland, so you’ll need to spend a bit longer in the country if you want to see it.
- Northern Lights – Recommended itinerary: 4 days+. Forecasting the Icelandic weather is a dark art, but predicting the Northern Lights is even harder. A longer stay in Iceland will give you a much better chance of seeing nature’s light show.
- Icelandic horses – Recommended itinerary: 4 days+. You can spot cute Icelandic horses all over the country from your car window. On a longer itinerary you could ride an Icelandic horse if you like.
- Waterfalls – Recommended itinerary: Any! Iceland is bursting at the seams with waterfalls. Even on a 3-day trip, you can see the epic Gullfoss. Add an extra day and you get Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss too. It’s really your call, but basically more days = more waterfalls.
No matter how many days you have to spend in Iceland in wintertime, you’re not gonna be disappointed. That said, there’s no getting round the fact that a longer trip means you can pack in a lot more.
Short trip or long, you’ll want to be back in the Land of Fire and Ice as soon as you can anyway.
With Iceland Tours, you have the freedom to travel however you like. Take a self-drive tour and go your own way. Or join the gang on a guided group tour. The choice is yours!
Ready for more inspiration? Check out our Iceland winter vacation packages, with affordable itineraries from 3 days.
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road – Ultimate Guide
Have you always wanted to go on an epic road trip? Take the wheel and drive around an entire country. Sing along to the radio as your partner in crime puts their feet up on the dashboard. Then you look outside, and you can see black sand beaches, volcanoes, ice caps, and steaming hot springs.
This is what awaits you when driving the Ring Road in Iceland. A safe route with amazing sights and attractions along the way. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about driving Iceland’s famous Route 1.
What is the Ring Road in Iceland?
First and foremost, the Ring Road is the nickname for Route 1, or Þjóðvegur 1, its official name on the map. This is the national road that makes its way around the island in a circular loop.
It is 1,322 kilometers (821 miles) long and connects most of the inhabited regions of Iceland.
Look at a map of the route and you’ll see that some areas aren’t included on the Ring Road. These include parts of North Iceland, the Westfjords, the highlands, and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Any of these can be added to your summer itinerary if you want to head off the beaten path.
- Browse self-drive tours in Iceland to plan your road trip.
How long does it take to drive around the Ring Road?
At 1,322 kilometers long, a trip around Iceland’s Ring Road could be done in 24 hours. Check out Icelandic band Sigur Rós who did this back in 2016 for a live show.
But we don’t recommend doing that! Not only because the journey would be exhausting, but because you’d miss all the amazing sights and attractions that make a visit to Iceland so memorable. It’s all about the experience along the way, isn’t it?
For a good amount of time to visit locations along the Ring Road, we recommend taking at least one week to explore the route. This should get you around the country with a comfortable amount of driving each day.
Depending on what you want to visit during your time in Iceland, you can extend your road trip as much as you want. Then you can stop at iconic waterfalls, take detours, and spend more than one day in a single location. The possibilities are endless!
Is it also worth pointing out that the speed limit is only 90 kilometers (55 miles) an hour? And the speeding fines aren’t cheap. So take your time and enjoy it!
- Check out summer tours of Iceland.
Tips for driving the Ring Road in Iceland
Ready for your road trip but unsure about how to take on the Icelandic roads? We’re here for you. Read these tips to know what to expect and make driving in Iceland easier.
Drive on the right
If you’re coming from North America, you won’t have to worry about this. But if you’re visiting from Australia, the UK, or South Africa, among other places, be aware that motorists in Iceland drive on the right side of the road. And the left side of the car.
- Let someone else do the driving on a private tour of Iceland.
Be aware of Icelandic conditions
Driving in Iceland may be slightly different than you’re used to. This includes the weather and road conditions. So it’s best to come prepared.
Always check the coming day’s conditions before setting off, especially in winter. And make sure to leave enough time to reach your next accommodation safely.
It’s good to also be aware of potential road hazards. These may be unique challenges you’ve not encountered before, such as the many sheep in the country.
Most of the highway is paved, but short stretches of the road in East Iceland have a gravel surface.
There are also a number of narrow passes, blind summits, and single-lane bridges to take with caution. When in doubt, always slow down.
Finally, be aware that you’re likely to drive through road tunnels, built to bypass mountain roads. These include the sub-sea Hvalfjörður Tunnel (5.7 kilometers) and the Almannaskarð Tunnel (1.3 kilometers).
- Browse our camping tours in Iceland.
Stop when you can
Don’t take stops for granted. In certain parts of Iceland, there can be long stretches of roads without shops or towns. This is especially true along the south and east coasts.
For that reason, refuel, use the bathroom, and grab snacks whenever you can. Most importantly, make sure to keep an eye on your fuel levels to avoid running out.
Do not drive off-road
Off-road driving is prohibited and you shouldn’t attempt it. This is because it damages the vegetation and could potentially be dangerous. People caught driving off-road are fined heavily by the authorities.
You can always go for a hike if you wish to see the natural beauty from up close.
Enjoy the journey
After taking these tips and precautions to drive safely in Iceland, all that’s left is for you to enjoy yourself. It isn’t a race. Take your time to make the journey and marvel at the scenic views along the way.
- Check out all the amazing activities you could add to your Iceland itinerary.
Which way do you drive the Ring Road in Iceland?
As the Ring Road is a circle, you can pick whichever way you want to drive it. You’ll notice a lot of our tours go clockwise. This means you’ll first head north before coming around the east and south coast, finishing with the famous Golden Circle. What a way to end your epic Iceland adventure!
But maybe you want to start with the Golden Circle? It’s all up to you. As it’s a loop, you’ll see all the same spots regardless of which way you drive.
Can you drive the Ring Road in Iceland in the winter?
Yes, you can drive the Ring Road in wintertime. In fact, some people prefer to visit in winter to experience a quieter side of the country.
At this time of year, you can enjoy less traffic on the roads as well as the stunning beauty of the snowy landscape. You can maybe even spot the Northern Lights. Winter road trips are growing in popularity for these reasons.
- Browse winter tours or Northern Lights packages in Iceland.
- Blog: Your guide to the Northern Lights in Iceland.
If you decide to visit at this time, you should prepare yourself for the adventure. Be aware of road safety precautions, be a confident winter driver, and always purchase travel insurance!
The top tip for a winter road trip is to always check the weather and road conditions before setting off each day.
For the best experience, why not hire a 4×4 vehicle? It will make driving in such conditions easier and more comfortable.
Suggestion for an Iceland Ring Road itinerary
There are so many ways to see the highlights of the Ring Road in Iceland. Here is one of our most popular itineraries, taking you around Route 1 over 8 days in Iceland. This timeframe allows you to relax and explore to your heart’s content.
Day 1: Arrive in Iceland
Depending on when you fly into Iceland, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore Reykjavík. The capital city is a treasure trove of interactive museums, fun activities, cozy cafés, and excellent restaurants. You can also marvel at the surrounding natural beauty from here.
If you would like to relax after your flight, you could also book a slot at the Blue Lagoon to dip into the geothermal waters. It’s the perfect way to decompress before setting off on an adventure!
Day 2: Drive north to Akureyri
Today you start your road trip by heading north. You’ll make your way through Borgarfjörður and Skagafjörður. The latter is known for its horse breeding, so keep an eye out for the fluffy and sturdy Icelandic horses.
As one of your stops for the day, you’ll want to see the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, flowing from lava fields into a river.
Reach the capital of the north, Akureyri, for your overnight stay.
Top tip: If you want to extend your stay to include the Snæfellsnes peninsula or the Westfjords, this is when you would do it. These regions are located in the western parts of Iceland.
Day 3: Lake Mývatn area
You have a full day of adventure ahead of you. Drive to the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve to see why it is one of the most inspiring areas in Iceland. On the way, don’t miss the impressive Goðafoss, known as “the waterfall of the gods”.
The Mývatn Baths are very popular if you would like to spend the day relaxing instead of exploring.
You are staying for a second night in Akureyri.
Day 4: Exploring the northeast
Are you a fan of whales? Because today you’ll start the day by driving to the charming fishing village of Húsavík. It is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland.
You’ll then follow the coast and drive the Tjörnes peninsula. We recommend making a pit stop at the tip of the peninsula to enjoy the view and try to spot some seabirds.
Another recommendation for a leg-stretching stop is the lush canyon of Ásbyrgi where you could go for a walk.
Continue your journey southwards to the edge of East Iceland. You’ll spend the night in the Egilsstaðir area.
Day 5: The East Fjords
Today you drive through East Iceland and discover the East Fjords. Visit small museums and marvel at the long fjords and quaint seaside villages. At times, you’ll see that the road hangs precariously on the mountain slope providing stunning views below.
You’ll spend tonight in the Höfn region.
Day 6: Highlights of the southeast
Today you’ll stop by one of Iceland’s biggest bucket list items. After passing various outlet glaciers from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you’ll arrive at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Many travel to Iceland just to see its glistening icebergs.
This enchanting sight nestles at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. In summer, you could book a boat trip to go onto the lagoon to see the bobbing icebergs from up close.
We then recommend spending some time in the Skaftafell National Park. This natural oasis, surrounded by glaciers and stark black sand plains, is ideal for hiking.
You’ll stay in the Vík area tonight.
Day 7: The Golden Circle
From Vík, you’ll continue west back to Reykjavík. Along the way, you’ll discover some breathtaking waterfalls and the highlights of the famous Golden Circle.
As you make your way back to the capital, through South Iceland, stop by Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. These last two waterfalls will not disappoint!
And then head on to the Golden Circle, featuring three of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. See jets of steam being blasted over 50 feet in the air by Strokkur at the Geysir area. Walk through history and marvel at the geology of Þingvellir National Park. Take a picture of the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall.
If you are visiting for a shorter amount of time, don’t miss the Golden Circle as it is an ideal day trip from the capital.
Day 8: Departure
And just like that, your journey in Iceland is over. Or maybe it isn’t if you’ve extended it. Stay as long as you wish!
But in this itinerary, you’re boarding your flight back home today. Depending on what time it is, you may have time to squeeze in more visits and tasty treats in Reykjavík.
Top tip: Don’t leave without trying the local ice cream!
If you didn’t go on arrival, you could book a slot at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. It is located near the airport and the perfect activity to say goodbye to Iceland.
How to book a trip to Iceland to drive the Ring Road
You may think the first step is renting a car and booking accommodation, but we recommend choosing what you want to see before doing anything else. Pick what you want to experience most and it’ll direct you to the best time to visit.
Then you can start reserving your transportation, hotels, camping sites, flights, and so on. When you travel around the Ring Road, make sure to keep the driving distances in mind when booking your accommodations.
Want to have it all done in one? Book through the local travel specialists at Iceland Tours. We know the country like the back of our hands and have created tried-and-tested packages so you can see the very best of Iceland.
We can even tailor your tour or advise you on attractions and activities depending on your interests. Just ask!
It’s easy to do on the Iceland Tours website. Select your vacation start date and length of travel and then add what you’d like to do. You can pick your car, accommodations, and activities based on your budget. Then we organize it all for you, so when you arrive, all you have to do is enjoy yourself!
Look up Iceland self-drive vacation packages to get started with planning your dream road trip.
