15 Best Things To Do In Iceland In Winter Inside & Outdoors

It’s natural to ask “Is it worth going to Iceland in the Winter?” and we did question this decision, especially after a summer visit with endless hours of sun. Although daylight hours are short in winter, don’t let that put you off!

It totally surprised us to learn how much you can do when it’s dark and cold! From whale watching boat tours to sipping delicious hot chocolate in a tiny harbourside cafe. And in winter, you don’t have to contend with pesky mosquitoes 🙂

Everything we’ve listed below can be done without a car!  Base yourself in Reykjavik and take day trips, because nowhere you’ll go is too far from the capital.

Out of town, the Golden Circle route glitters with frozen scenes as we drove around; the steamy thermal pools of Hvammsvik were a personal top spot (authentic) and far better than Blue Lagoon (which can be packed).

And don’t leave without a night chasing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). It’s harder that you think to see them but wow they dance like nothing else on earth when they appear.

Enjoy these activities in any order, but stay flexible once you arrive, as much depends on day-to-day weather and aurora forecasts.  

1. Explore The Old Harbour Area Of Reykjavik

Walking around Reykjavik’s Old Harbour is the first thing to do as you get a real sense of the culture and heartbeat of the city.  

Get ready for variety of boats coming and going, especially trawlers, bringing in the daily catch, reminding me of Aberdeenshire where we grew up. 

Take time to stroll around some sturdy by beautiful teal coloured buildings like the ones below. They might not seem that interesting but they are home to local cafes and seafood restaurants. And, as important, they’re so warm and cosy when you need little reheat!

Our top spot to linger was in the cozy Rost Coffee House sipping piping hot drinks, being entertained by ever-changing harbour action through huge glass windows.   Try the Icelandic lobster soup, or smoked salmon sandwiches. If you’re sweet toothed, opt for their pastries! Yummy!

There are also several museums around the waters edge worth exploring but especially good options if it’s a snowy day.  Whale watching tours leave from the old harbour. 

And in the right conditions, this is also a great location to spot the Northern lights from without leaving town!

More on museums, tours and northern lights a little further on.  

2. Don’t Miss The Shore And Sculpture Walk

The Sculpture and Shore Walk in Reykjavík takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to complete, depending on how much of the route you explore. 

We started from the Old Harbour area and walked past Harpa Opera House towards the cruise terminal.

This is a scenic route with views of the sea, city, and features sculptures and monuments.

Specific attractions along the walk to check out include Sun Voyager, Yellow Lighthouse, Hofdi House, Partnership Monument, and Recycled House.

3. Explore Iceland’s Amazing Museums

Reykjavik has many world class museums so if the weather is too wintery for outdoor excursions, spending time at one of these is a great thing to do.  

Whale Museum

By the harbour area, you will find The Whale Museum, the largest whale museum perhaps in the world with 23 life size replicas. It’s fascinating!

Maritime Museum

Nearby is The Maritime Museum showcasing 150 years of fish! Might sound a little odd but as an island dependent on seafood, it’s a real insight into life in Iceland.

Saga Museum

If you are a history buff, don’t miss The Saga Museum which delves into legendary Icelandic history including the first norseman as Ingólfur Arnarson. Kids will love Saga as they can dress up in traditional Viking clothes. 

Further into town The National Museum of Iceland is also worth visiting.  

4. Chase The Auroras (Northern Lights)

“Did you see the Northern Lights?” is one of the top questions asked of anyone after a trip to Iceland.

It is one of the main reasons travellers book a winter trip to Iceland. Although we saw them dancing in the sky on our last visit, there is no guarantee that mother nature will perform.

You may be lucky and see the lights in the skies above Reykjavik but to get the best experience, book yourself on a tour that takes place away from city lights.

Here’s our tips to make the most of this experience.

Tip 1:  Check the Aurora Forecast  

The aurora forecast is your best way of checking activity expected for the lights but it only shows a few days ahead.

Download the Aurora App to get an idea of probability for seeing the lights. It’s a fun tool!  Whoever you are booking through, tour guides will check this and advise the probability of seeing the lights. You are looking for a 4/5+ aurora forecast score for good potential viewings.

Tip 2 :  Pre-book A Small Group Tour 

Our advice (if your budget allows) is to book a small group tour in advance. Do this either before you travel to Iceland or when you arrive.

🔍 Check Availability for Small Group Tour

On a small group tour, you will be in a mini-bus/van. Guides are knowledgeable and really do ‘hunt’ for the lights by driving to different spots down small tracks. 

Most companies offer ‘try-again’ options if you don’t see the lights. 

Tip 3: Avoid Large Bus Groups

If you don’t book in advance, small group tours are likely to sell out. This is especially the case if bad weather has cancelled trips the previous evenings and trips are going on out on their ‘try-again’ visits.  

Larger coach tours are an alternative. However  be aware how these tours operate as they are not something we would recommend. 

Although cheaper, you will be on a large 50+ seater coach and most likely driven to a spot where there will be up to 10 other coaches all parked up.

Instead of ‘hunting’ the Northern lights, you are limited to standing around one area for 90 minutes along with many others.  By contrast, small group tours are limited to 20 people.

However, to give you choices and to cover all budgets, you can check large tour prices below.

🔍 Check Prices for Coach Tours

Tip 4 : Be Ready With Your Camera

Do  read up beforehand on How to take photos of the Northern Lights with your mobile phone. We didn’t take too many shots as we were in awe simply looking up watching them in the moment 🙂

5. Enjoy A Concert At Harpa Hall

When visiting the Old Harbour, and following the Sculpture and Shore Walk, you will have already spotted the impressive Harpa Concert Hall.

This building is a stunning architectural landmark known for its distinctive glass facade. It’s definitely worth taking a look at upcoming events when you are in town as it’s a beautiful setting for a music show.   

If you can’t fit in a concert, it’s still worth a visit for shopping and eating. Head to the 4th floor for weekend dining and views over the Harbour. Or pop into the Bistro on the ground floor (open daily) if you’re feeling peckish. Their gift shop which sells a range of Icelandic products is nice to browse in.

A new experience that only opened at Harpa in 2025 is ‘The Volcano Express’. It’s a 15 minute virtual tour of Iceland’s landscapes with of course a focus on volcanoes!

 

6. Join A ‘FREE’ City Walking Or Food Tour

Although Reykjavik is made up of 10 districts and fairly spread out, most tourist attractions are clustered in District 101 right in the centre making it easy to explore. 

We love walking tours and it is usually the first activity we do when we arrive in a new city. 

Tours are rarely cancelled due to the weather, so wrap up and enjoy exploring. Lasting around 2 hours and covering about 2km (1.3miles), your tour takes you around the heart of Reykjavik.

You’ll hear enchanting stories about vikings and elves along with facts about the history of Iceland and how Reykjavik has developed as a city.  Indoor stops are frequent so don’t worry about getting cold 🙂 

You pay afterwards whatever you think the experience was worth.

Reykjavik Food Tours

Also popular are Reykjavik Walking food tours. These tours are chargeable as you are stopping in a number of restaurants and food stalls to try local cuisine.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Food Tours.

If food is your thing, then combining eating whilst exploring the city is surely a winner!

7. Stroll Laugavegur For Traditional Icelandic Gifts  

Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik. Its name roughly translates to ‘the Water Road’, as historically, it was up and down this area where women used to bring their laundry to be washed in the hot pools.

It is about two kilometres (just over a mile) long and during PRIDE celebrations, rainbow colours can be seen both on the ground and in shop windows.  

Whether you’re shopping, dining, or just strolling, Laugavegur is a vibrant part of Reykjavik that captures the city’s spirit!  

You’ll find a mix of boutiques, souvenir shops, and local designer stores, showcasing Icelandic fashion, crafts, and art.  There are also second-hand vintage shops along this road too so take a look in these for a bargain.  

For gifts, we liked the Nordic Market store which sells  traditional Icelandic goods especially hats, jumpers, blankets and of course a full range of Viking souvenirs. The street is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.

8. Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church on Laugavegur

Wherever you are in Reykjavik, you can’t fail to spot Hallgrimskirkja, the parish church of the city. 

Completed in 1986, it is said to have been designed to resemble the basalt lava columns of Iceland’s landscape, especially the ones surrounding Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell.  

It stands at 73m tall and is huge, quite unlike the other small white churches in the city.  

Going inside the church is free but to visit the tower, there is a charge. If it’s a clear day, it’s worth buying a ticket to take you to top as the views out to the mountains are fantastic. We climbed the stairs (whew!) but if you’re not able to, take the lift which transports you to the top in minutes.

9. Spot Street Art, & Bird Watch At City Pond   

Street Art is all over Reykjavik. It’s colourful and quite unique so enjoy a couple of hours on a Street Art Hunt, seeking them all out. 

Additionally, there are some unusual but wonderful monuments/statues around the city like ‘The Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat’ by Reykjavik City Hall. 

Near here, you’ll also find a lake often referred to by locals as ‘The Pond’ as it is so shallow. Its official name is Tjornin. At its deepest, it’s only 80cm or 2.4 feet thus freezes quickly in winter hosting ice-skating activities for all the family.  

Avid bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists will find Tjörnin teeming with over forty different bird species including Arctic Tern, Eider Ducks, Gadwalls. Greylag Geese, Seagulls, and Mallard Ducks.

Quite often, you’ll also see Whooper Swans crowding together on the pond surface.  With the colourful houses surrounding the lake, it’s another perfect spot to sit and enjoy a coffee. Great too for photos with the snow glistening.

10. Spend A Half Day at Perlan Museum

Perlan is a fantastic museum and one of our favourite things to do in Iceland in Winter. You can’t fail to spot its huge dome shape as you arrive into Reykjavik.   

It stands on top of Oskjuhlid hill, built on top of six water tanks, four of which store much of Reykjavik’s hot water. It’s about a 40 minute walk from the centre of town.

🔍 Book Your Perlan Tickets

Plan this visit on a snowy day when excursions elsewhere are not operating. It’s a chance to learn about Iceland’s volcanoes, geology, glaciers, ice caves and the northern lights. The ice cave is amazing! Wrap up before you go in – it’s freezing but brilliant!

The dome houses a restaurant, cafe and ice-cream parlour which being an ice-cream lover, we had to try.

If it is a clear day, head outside onto the dome platform. We found this another spot to get gorgeous views over the city.

11. ‘Fly Over Iceland’ or ‘Lava Show’ Experience

FlyOver Iceland uses state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. 

You hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while film whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Special effects include wind, mist and scents. 

This is a relatively new indoor activity which opened in the city only 5 years ago.  It’s popular in winter if the weather turns stormy. 

🔍 Check Prices for Flyover Experience

Check out a Lava Show

Iceland is one of the most volcanic regions on Earth with around 130 volcanoes currently active so watching a lava show certainly links with their physical landscape.

This award winning lava show is another fun indoor experience to enjoy whilst in Reykjavik. 

During the show, you get so close to real lava that you can experience the intense heat when an eruption is recreated.  You can even buy a lava piece of jewellery here as a souvenir!

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Lava Show

12. Tour The Golden Circle (Full Day)

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tours to take from Reykjavik and in our opinion a must-do activity.  

🔍 Check Prices & Availability of Small Group Golden Circle Tour

From Reykjavik, you travel to Iceland’s three most famous attractions that make up the Golden Circle. These are Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs, and Gullfoss Waterfall.  You will also visit Kerid Crater Lake.

We recommend booking a small group tour where you travel in a mini-bus rather than a coach. Our guide was fabulous sharing all sorts of facts about Iceland and some entertaining local stories and myths.  

Here’s what to expect at each location:

Thingvellir National Park

Þingvellir (Thingvellir National Park) is deeply rooted in Icelandic history and famous for numerous reasons. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in 930AD. 

It’s also where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia drift apart, creating a stunning canyon. There are even tours to go diving between the two plates!  

Take a walk between the canyons and read the information boards along the way which tell you more about the canyon. The views  are breathtaking.  

Geysir Hot Springs

The Geysir Hot Spring Area located in Haukadalur Valley is the second main stop on this day tour. Here you’ll find the famous Geysir, after which all other geysers are named. The area is filled with steam and magical geothermal phenomena. 

At the moment, the most active geyser is Strokkur. It erupts every 5 minutes or so and it’s exciting waiting for the explosion of steam. We were here for around 45 minutes and it erupted several times. 

Gullfoss Waterfalls 

Gullfoss or the Golden Falls is  next on the itinerary. It’s one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland where the cascade plunges slightly over 30 m (98 ft) and has two drops. 

There are several walking paths and viewing platforms around Gullfoss that offer stunning views of the waterfall and canyon. It really is impressive.  There’s a cafe and souvenir shop here too which is a little pricey but fun to browse in. 

Kerid Crater Lake 

The final stop of the tour is  Kerid (Kerið), a crater lake. It’s also called “The Eye of the World” because of its distinct appearance.  Rocks (red in summer) surround the 3000-year-old lake filled with aquamarine water. 

Size wise, it is approximately 55 m deep, 170 m wide, and 270 m across – pretty big!  Standing on the viewing platform, you can see the complete crater.  Another great photo shot! 

13. Relax in Iceland’s Hot Springs (Half Day) 

Iceland is full of natural hot springs. Some are bubbling mud pits; others are spouting geysers and some are calm pools of water that are the perfect temperature to bathe in.  There are three hot springs close to Reykjavik that are popular. These are:

• Hvammsvik;
• The Blue Lagoon and,
• Sky Lagoon

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

On our most recent trip, we chose to visit the hot spring pools at Hvammsvik and highly recommend the experience to you.  

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Hvammsvik

What To Expect at Hvammsvik

When you arrive, it honestly feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. Nothing is here but mountain peaks, the Atlantic Ocean and a barn style building. 

Hvammsvik changing rooms have lockers which are included in your admission charge.

Beyond the barn reception and changing rooms, you will see 8 hot spring pools with temperatures ranging from 30-40℃ / 86-106 ℉.  All you have to do is sit back and relax. 

The pools are all close together so you can easily step barefoot along a wooden boardwalk between them.  You can use their steam room and if it all gets too hot, then take a dip into the ocean. 

Bear in mind however, the temperature in there is 0 ℃ /30℉ so you won’t be staying in for long!  

Plan to spend around 2 hours in the pools. Book an evening slot if the aurora forecast is good as this is a perfect spot to watch those heavenly light dancers. 

We loved Hvammsvik and would rate it as one of our favourite things to do in Iceland In Winter.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa and much bigger than Hvammsvik.

With luxurious facilities, top dining and bars, it can get crowded but it is still a wonderful experience, especially in winter. There are many different packages available from comfort to premium.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Blue Lagoon

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is the closest hot spring option to Reykjavik being only 15 minutes from the centre. With saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges as well as the pools on offer, it offers a high-end spa experience.

Although we didn’t visit, if you love spas, this might be your spot to enjoy an afternoon or evening at.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Sky Lagoon

Their highlight is the Seven-Step Ritual. The lagoon maybe closer to the city but offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

14. Chill In South Coast Ice Caves and Glaciers  

The South Coast of Iceland is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and breathtaking glaciers. 

Visiting stunning ice caves formed from glacial meltwater is a favourite activity in this region. These natural wonders offer an otherworldly experience with mesmerizing blue ice, unique formations, and fascinating textures. 

🔍 Prices and Availability for South Coast Tour

If you want to visit ice-caves, winter is the perfect time to do this.  In summer the caves will be flooded with water, not ice!   

Sólheimajökull is the closest glacier to Reykjavik, located in southern Iceland, just off the Ring Road and near the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal. A tour will involve hiking to and from the ice-cave as well as visiting the ice cave itself. 

Others South Coast attractions include Reynikfjara black sand beach, stunning waterfalls and the village of Vik.  

15. Go Whale Watching  

Similar to seeing the Northern Lights, there is no guarantee you will spot whales  but you will certainly learn a lot about wildlife in the area. 

If you’re lucky, you will encounter a variety of whale species, such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. 

🔍 Check Prices and Availability of Tours

The bay is full of birdlife, from northern gannets and arctic terns. Surrounding landscapes offer a beautiful contrast to the vast sea, with stunning mountains on the horizon creating a picturesque backdrop.

Most boat tours provide complimentary tickets to go out again if no animals are encountered on a first visit.  You can also combine a whale watching tour with a Northern Lights Cruise if the aurora forecast is favourable to do so. 

Organise these activities into 4 days

We suggest spending 4 days in and around Reykjavik on a first visit in Winter. This gave us time to enjoy almost all of these Iceland recommendations, except a couple due to weather.

Being flexible, working around any unplanned weather (eg. to see the Auroras) was definitely worth it when we caught our first glimpse in the dark skies.

Where to Stay In Reykjavik

Central Reykjavik is small and easy to walk around.  Here’s 3 recommended hotels all close to town:

How to Get From Keflavik Airport into Reykjavik

From Keflavik Airport, it is a 45 minute journey to Reykjavik and most travellers use Flybus to transfer to the city. Return fare to a central hotel is around £55/$70 per person.

For more information and fare details check Flybus Website. 

Flybus transport passengers to the main city bus terminal and from there a second transfer takes you to a stop close to your hotel. These onward buses are colour coded to tie in with the hotel location.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure which bus to take as there are plenty of staff there to guide you. All hotels know their closest bus stop so ask when you book.   Usually, it is on their website.  

 If you’re looking for a door to door service, ask your hotel for a transfer quote. 

What to Pack for An Iceland Winter Stay

Even in winter, Iceland is a country that has to be explored outdoors to fully appreciate the stunning and rugged terrain.  

Generally, dress is very casual. Sweaters and jeans are the norm in the evening so little point bringing anything dressy. If you pack carefully, you can easily get by with cabin baggage only. 

We always use Cabin Max Backpacks; they are so versatile and adhere to all airline restrictions. For a list of packing for hand luggage only check our 10kg allowance & no fees post.

Wind and storms can make it feel colder, especially in open areas. However, if you’re well-dressed, the climate is manageable and allows for spectacular winter experiences, like seeing the Northern Lights and soaking in geothermal hot springs!

For a winter visit to Iceland, you will need: 

• Thermal layers/leggings
• Waterproof trousers (we recommend Donhobo –  warm but not bulky
• Sturdy shoes and /or waterproof snow boots – wear a pair & pack the other. 
• Hats, scarves, thick gloves. 
• Swimsuit for the hot spring visit
• Lip balm
• Mini Tripod for capturing the perfect hot springs photo.

FAQs

Why Iceland Is An Easy Destination

Iceland is located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its main island is directly below the Arctic Circle.

The shortest distances to Iceland’s nearest neighbours are about 280km (175 miles) to Greenland, 400km (250 miles) to the Faroe Islands, and 800km (500 miles) to Scotland.

With numerous stop over fights from USA and Europe, Iceland is a great destination for us living on both sides of the Atlantic!

Officially, Iceland is in Europe.  However, geographically, Iceland is technically in both Europe and North America.  This is because it sits on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, splitting the country between two tectonic plates.  

Tips to Make Your Money Go Further in Iceland

The currency in Iceland is the Krona. You will see prices quoted in ISK. $1 = 127ISK. £1 = 168 ISK. (December 2025 Rates).

For example, expect to pay around  1500 ISK a glass or 5000 ISK a bottle for wine. Beer will cost you around 1200 ISK.

Here’s what we found makes a budget go further in Iceland and we did most of these too!

• Book accommodation with breakfast included and enjoy fueling up for the day.
• Ate local foods and produce ie. fish, you can enjoy a main dinner for around £15/$20 per person. 
• A black coffee (Americano) is pricey at around £5/$7 a cup but we learned if you choose filter coffee (drip), refills are often free. 
• Bring a few favourite snacks from home. Or we shopped in local supermarkets in Reykjavik where there’s plenty of choice.
• Alcohol is also expensive. We bought duty free at the airport and enjoyed a glass of wine in our snug hotel room before heading out dinner. 
• We avoided currency commission by using the non chargeable banking card like UK’s Monzo.  (If you use local buses , you will need cash so ensure you have some ISK with you.) 
• Don’t book ‘extras’ in premium tour packages e.g. do you really need a professional photographer?

Reykjavik- Making It Happen!

If it’s helpful to planning your trip to Iceland here are our top recommended travel resources. We use these ourselves again and again, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!

Ready to Pack Your Bags?

Iceland radiates in winter. The combination of dark nights and illuminated streets is beautiful and makes for a wonderful city break.

By spending 4-5 nights, you time to explore rugged terrains that you will only ever see in this northern small isle. Combining this with city highlights, you’re going to love all the amazing things to do in Iceland in winter.

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