Iceland in the winter is a breathtaking and one of my favorite destinations!
Imagine frozen waterfalls, black sand beaches, and dancing Northern Lights.
This 7-day winter itinerary will help you plan your trip, save time, and experience the best of Iceland’s South Coast in the winter.
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Tips for Winter Travel in Iceland
Before I get into the itinerary, a bit about Iceland in the winter.
During the winter months, the amount of daylight is significantly less compared to other seasons and much colder.
The limited daylight and weather play a crucial role in planning outdoor activities.
Maximize Daylight
- December: 4-5 hours of daylight
- January: 5-7 hours
- February: 7-10 hours
Start your day early to make the most of limited daylight. Use apps like SafeTravel Iceland for weather updates.
Drive Safely
- Rent a 4WD vehicle with winter tires.
- Check road conditions daily.
- Download the 112 Iceland app for driving tips and emergencies.
- Weather and road conditions can be unpredictable, so be flexible in your itinerary.
- Check road conditions and the weather daily.
Dress Warmly
- Wear warm, waterproof, and layered clothing to handle the cold and often windy conditions.
- Waterproof footwear and crampons are a must.
- Looking for the perfect gear? Check out my Iceland packing guide.
7-Day South Coast Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Drive to Vík
- Pick up a 4WD rental at Keflavík Airport.
- Drive 3 hours to Vík.
- Rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
- Accommodation Suggestion:
- Vík í Mýrdal (Vík) – 2 nights
Day 2: Iconic Waterfalls and Northern Lights
- Stops: Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi.
- Tips: Wear crampons for icy trails and keep waterproof gear handy.
- Northern Lights: Check the Aurora forecast. Skógafoss is a great viewing spot.
Skogafoss
- This majestic waterfall, with a drop of 196 feet (60 meters), is known for its sheer power and the rainbows that often appear in the mist on sunny days.
- Not a bad sight if the northern lights appear also!
Kvernufoss
- A short hike from Skogafoss, discover the hidden Kvernufoss.
- Located in a gorge, this 98-foot (30-meter) waterfall offers a more secluded experience.
- You can walk behind the waterfall but be prepared in icy conditions, ensure you wear crampons and an ice axe would be helpful.
- Also, be dressed appropriately in warm and waterproof gear as you will get sprayed, and it is cold!
Seljalandsfoss
- Famous for its picturesque beauty and one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland.
- During the winter months, walking behind Seljalandsfoss is not possible due to icy conditions and safety concerns.
Gljúfrabúi
- After marveling at Seljalandsfoss, a short walk from there will lead you to the lesser-known but equally majestic Gljúfrabúi waterfall.
- Also known as the “hidden waterfall. It is inside a small canyon, which contributes to its secretive allure.
- To fully view Gljúfrabúi, you will wade through a shallow stream that flows out of the canyon.
- Reaching Gljúfrabúi can be challenging due to icy conditions, so ensure you have waterproof boots with crampons.
- For fellow photographers, Gljúfrabúi offers unique photo opportunities and is not to be missed.
Day 3: Black Sand Beaches
Morning (Sunrise): Reynisfjara Beach (caution: sneaker waves)
Afternoon (Sunset): Dyrhólaey Beach.
Evening: Drive 2.5 hours to Diamond Beach Area.
Accommodation Suggestions:
Reynisfjara
- Known for its stunning basalt columns, Atlantic views, and the Reynisdrager sea stacks.
- This is a great sunrise spot.
Dyrhólaey
- This area offers incredible views of the coastline and the surrounding landscapes.
- The road to the top is closed due to ice in winter so to get there you will need to hike about 20 minutes.
Day 4: Diamond Beach and Ice Caves
- Morning (Sunrise): Diamond Beach
- Late Morning / Afternoon: Guided ice cave tour (book in advance).
- Evening: Drive to Höfn (40 minutes).
- Accommodation Suggestion: Milk Factory
Diamond Beach
- The beach offers many photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light plays off the ice.
Ice Cave Tour
- Ice Cave Tour Near Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón)
- The tour typically lasts about 3 hours or you can opt for ice cave and glacier walk which is 5-7 hours.
- We did our tour with Heading North and would 10 out of 10 recommend it.
Day 5: Stokksnes and Reykjavik Return
- Morning (Sunrise): Explore Stokksnes Peninsula and photograph Vestrahorn.
- Evening: Drive back toward Reykjavik.
- Accommodations Suggestions: Splurge on accommodations like the Panorama Glass Lodge in Hella for a unique experience.
Stokksnes Peninsula
- The beach is famous for its stunning views of Vestrahorn, a striking mountain with jagged peaks.
- It’s a must-visit location for photographers due to its dramatic natural beauty.
Check for Northern Lights!
Day 6: Relax in Hot Springs
Top Picks:
- Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Unique and private.
- Accommodation suggestion: Hvammsvik Nature Resort
- Sky Lagoon: Modern facilities with ocean views.
- Accommodation suggestion: Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
- Blue Lagoon: Iconic but often crowded.
- Accommodation suggestion: Northern Light Inn
Tip: Book your slot in advance.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs
- About 40 miles (55 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik on the shore of Hvalfjordur.
- Hvammsvik is on a 1200-acre private estate, offering a beautiful winding drive along the mountains and water.
- There are eight hot springs surrounded by rocks and hills providing a serene and natural hot spring experience.
- You can also cold plunge into the ocean. This is my favorite due to a lot fewer people and privacy.
- Make sure you pre-book at the Havammsvik Hot Springs website.
Sky Lagoon – Where the Sea Meets the Sky
- Sky Lagoon offers a modern and luxurious thermal spring experience.
- The lagoon is designed to offer relaxation and rejuvenation, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
- Make sure you pre-book at the Sky Lagoons website.
Blue Lagoon
- Known for its milky blue waters rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, it offers a unique spa experience.
- The lagoon is set in a lava field, adding to its uniqueness.
- Since this is the most popular, it attracts crowds so be prepared for that.
- Make sure you pre-book, as it is time-slotted due to popularity. Book on the Blue Lagoon website.
Day 7: Departure
- Explore Reykjavick if time permits before your flight
FAQs for Winter Travel in Iceland
When is the best time to visit Iceland in winter?
- November to March is ideal for Northern Lights and winter landscapes.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
- Yes, especially in winter. Ensure it has winter tires.
Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
- Not guaranteed. Use apps like My Aurora Forecast to increase your chances.
What should I wear?
- Layered clothing and waterproof boots. See our Packing Guide for details.
Are roads safe in winter?
- Yes, but icy conditions require caution. Check daily updates on SafeTravel Iceland.
Travel Resources and Tips
- Tours: Book ice cave tours and activities via Viator or GetYourGuide.
- Apps:
- SafeTravel Iceland: Road updates.
- My Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights tracking.
- EasyPark: Parking in Reykjavik.
- Insurance: Consider World Nomads.
- Accommodations: Use Booking.com for hotels or Hostelworld for hostels
- Flights: Compare on Expedia.
- Rental Cars: Compare on rentalcars.com
Read more about Iceland!
Ultimate Packing Guide For Your Amazing Iceland Winter Adventure
Iceland: Best Things to Do in the Summer Season (and Spring)
Explore Iceland: 7 Underrated Destinations on the South Coast
Ready to explore Iceland’s winter magic? Save this itinerary and start planning your adventure today!
