Winter in Iceland: A Trip Full of Adventure and Stunning Landscapes

Having explored Iceland during the summer, we decided to return in winter to experience a whole new side of this incredible country. Iceland in the colder months offers dramatic landscapes, snow-covered vistas, and of course, the chance to chase the Northern Lights. Here's a full rundown of our unforgettable winter adventure.

Getting There and Getting Around

We flew with easyJet for an incredible deal – just £60 each – landing us in Reykjavík ready for adventure. Renting a car is an absolute must for exploring Iceland, and as preferred members with Avis, we always enjoy a smooth experience. Having our own car gave us the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever we wanted, and it was perfect for chasing the elusive Northern Lights on our own schedule.

Day 1: Reykjavík and the Sky Lagoon

Our first day was all about exploring Reykjavík, Iceland’s quirky capital. We started at Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church that dominates the skyline. Just a short walk away, we strolled down the famous rainbow road, a colourful and lively street filled with charm. There’s plenty of parking nearby, so getting around was hassle-free.

After grabbing lunch at a local café, we decided to skip the Blue Lagoon this time and try the Sky Lagoon. Watching the sunset while soaking in the warm geothermal waters was absolutely magical. It was the perfect way to relax and compare experiences, as we’ll be sharing a full video on Instagram comparing the two lagoons.

That night, we stayed at Hotel Múli, a cozy and convenient base to recharge for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

On our second day, we drove the famous Golden Circle, a must-do route for anyone visiting Iceland. Our first stop was Gullfoss Waterfall, where the sheer power and beauty of the falls left us in awe. Be sure to bring waterproofs – the mist from the falls will soak you!

Next, we explored the Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling hot springs and the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. It’s an otherworldly landscape that truly feels like something out of a sci-fi movie.

That evening, we checked into the charming Aurora Cottage, tucked away on the Golden Circle route. This peaceful spot was the ideal place to unwind, and its remote location made it perfect for spotting the Northern Lights.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Glacier Hiking

Our third day was packed with adventure. We started with Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The best part? You can walk behind the falls – though it’s a wet and chilly experience in winter! Just a short walk away, we discovered the Secret Waterfall, a hidden gem that’s well worth the extra effort.

Next up was Skógafoss Waterfall, where the scale and power of the falls were absolutely breathtaking. We climbed to the top for panoramic views before heading to our highlight of the day: a glacier hike and ice cave exploration.

With Arctic Adventures, we trekked across a glacier sitting on an overdue supervolcano, exploring surreal ice caves and formations. Equipped with helmets and crampons, we felt like explorers in a frozen wonderland. Check out our Instagram for videos of this incredible experience!

That night, we stayed in Mid Hvoll Cottages in Vík, a cozy retreat surrounded by Iceland’s natural beauty. With plenty of restaurants and supermarkets nearby, it was the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure.

Day 4: Heading Home

On our final morning, we enjoyed a relaxed start before driving the two to three hours back to the airport. As we boarded our flight, we were treated to one last magical moment: glimpsing the Northern Lights through the plane window – the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.

Winter in Iceland: Tips and Takeaways

Iceland in winter offers a completely different experience from summer. From frozen waterfalls to the chance to see the Aurora, it’s an adventure like no other. Renting a car is essential for flexibility, and we highly recommend skipping expensive tours in favour of doing it yourself – especially for Northern Lights hunting.

Stay tuned on our Instagram for a full video comparison of the Sky Lagoon vs. the Blue Lagoon, as well as tips on how to see the Northern Lights without a tour. Until next time, Iceland!