8 Super Unique Things to do in Iceland this Winter
Winter in Iceland is a magical time: short days, long nights, icy landscapes, and a chance to experience things you just can’t in summer. Here are eight super unique experiences for when you’re in Iceland this winter, plus some ideas for tours or places to stay nearby.
1. Explore a Crystal Ice Cave inside a Glacier
Picture stepping into the belly of ice itself: Walls shimmering blue, natural tunnels carved by meltwater, silence broken only by your footsteps. This is exactly what you get when you join an ice-cave tour in winter. It will feel like you’re North of the Wall (for my game of thrones fans). Truly a crazy unique experience.
This country is one of the few where these tours happen safely only in the colder months. Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls and Icelandic Horses TOUR
Tour / stay tip: Book a tour departing from the south coast (near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon). If you want to save some money, stay overnight in a nearby lodge or countryside hotel. For a more luxurious stay, stay at the Hótel Jökulsarlon – Glacier Lagoon Hotel
2. Go Snowmobiling across a Glacier for an adrenaline boost
Winter turns glaciers into vast snowy playgrounds. Snowmobiling across one gives you speed, wind in your face, and surreal views of ice fields stretching out in all directions. Growing up in the North East I snowmobiled several times before. If you’re willing to brace the cold of Iceland winter, it truly is an unbelievable and exhilarating experience.
Tour / stay tip: Pick a snowmobiling tour on a major glacier (for example the second-largest in Iceland) See link here to several different snowmobile tours
3. Walk along a Black-sand beach with ice chunks all around
In winter the contrast is stunning: black volcanic sand, big white snow-covered surfaces, and glistening icebergs or ice chunks washed ashore. It’s unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.
Tour / stay tip: Visit places like the south coast near Reynisfjara beach or Diamond Beach.
4. Go Inside a Lava Tunnel turned Icy Spectacle
When lava once flowed and formed tunnels, nature did its thing, and in winter those tunnels become eerie and beautiful: ice stalactites, snow above, rock walls still warm with history. One well-known example is the tunnel near the capital region.
Tour / stay tip: Choose a guided lava tunnel tour (they supply helmets and gear). Stay somewhere close to Reykjavik so you can pop in and out, but still get the remote feel by staying just outside the city.
5. Chase the Northern Lights
One of winter’s great rewards: long nights that make the skies perfect for spotting Aurora Borealis (northern lights). There are tons of different bus tours that you can take that will take you out into the country side to get a glimpse at the famous lights or more a more immersive experience, you can choose to stay in the country side.
Tour / stay tip: Book a hotel or lodges in the countryside (away from city lights) that advertises northern-lights wake-up calls or windows facing north. You can also book a Northern Lights Bus Tour here.
6. Visit Frozen Waterfalls
Waterfalls in Iceland are spectacular any time, but in winter they take on a whole new character: frozen edges, mist forming ice crystals, bare trees, snowy surroundings. Something out of a Christmas movie.
Tour / stay tip: Take a winter day-tour to the waterfall(s) near the Golden Circle or south coast (for example Gullfoss) South Iceland Glacer and Waterfall Tour
7. Soak in Geothermal Hot-Springs Under Snowy Skies
Winter gives you the best excuse to relax in natural hot-springs while snow falls around you. This is a must for everyone that visits Iceland. The spa is very relaxing, complimentary face masks, drinks you name it. The minerals in the water are also very good for your skin. Not any places on Earth you can soak in a natural geo-thermal hot spring.
For the true Viking experience, you need to run outside in the cold temperatures in your bathing suit before actually getting into the warm water.
Tour / stay tip: If you’re looking to stay near the Blue Lagoon they have a couple options on site. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland for a more upscale Icelandic experience or Northern Light Inn & Max’s Restaurant just a short walk / shuttle ride to the spa at a fraction of the cost, while still gaining amazing amenities and volcanic landscapes.
If you’re looking for something more remote, I would suggest Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River or Hvammsvik Hot Springs. Still a true Icelandic experience with half of the tourists.
8. Take a guided “off the beaten track” Tour to Remote Winter Landscapes
When most tourists slow down in winter, you have the chance to go to quieter places: remote fjords, less-visited regions, landscapes under snow, everything in hushed tones. Guided tours that specialize in winter help you safely reach these spots.
Check out my other article about the “Hidden Gems of Iceland”
Tour / stay tip: Pick a small-group guided tour through winter landscapes (with accommodation and transport included). Stay in small-town hotels along the route, so you’re immersed rather than just passing through.
Bonus Activities During Christmas Time🎄
1. Ice skating in the city centre
The square in downtown Reykjavík hosts an ice-skating rink during December, surrounded by festive lights and market stalls.
2. Follow the “Christmas creatures” treasure hunt
In December you can take part in a fun “Christmas Creatures” game in the city centre, spotting quirky Icelandic folklore characters like the 13 Yule Lads, the Yule Cat and more. There are QR codes and a map for the hunt. For more info you can check that out here
Final Tips for visiting Iceland this Winter
- Pack smart: thermal base layers, insulated waterproof outer layers, good boots with grip, warm gloves, hat, scarf. Winter conditions in Iceland mean you’ll feel the cold otherwise. Click here for your Iceland Packing check list
- Stay flexible: Weather can change quickly, tours can shift, roads might be icy. Build extra time into your schedule so a cancellation isn’t a stress.
- Book ahead for winter tours: Ice caves and snow-adventures are in demand. But for accommodations sometimes there’s more availability than summer.
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