Visiting Iceland in the Winter
Is it Worth Visiting Iceland in the Winter?
There are quite a few perks to visiting Iceland in the winter. One of the biggest advantages is smaller crowds and cheaper accommodations. During Iceland’s short summer season, popular attractions are often crowded, and hotels sell out quickly. However, in winter, I found great deals—staying at Miðgarður by Center Hotels for around $150 per night, which is nearly half the price compared to summer.
Challenges of Visiting Iceland in the Winter
Despite its beauty, winter travel in Iceland does come with challenges:
Limited daylight hours – With only about five hours of daylight per day, careful planning is essential.
Extreme winter weather – Road closures and limited visibility can affect access to certain attractions.
Visiting Iceland in the Winter – My Experience in January - Table of Contents
Updated – February 3, 2025
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- Is it Worth Visiting Iceland in the Winter?
- Challenges of Visiting Iceland in the Winter
- Getting to Iceland in the Winter
- Getting from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik in the Winter
- Walking Around Reykjavik in the Winter
- Taking a Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle in January
- Exploring Iceland’s South Coast in January
- Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland in January?
- Final Thoughts on Visiting Iceland in Winter
- Iceland Tours
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Getting to Iceland in the Winter
Although some airlines only operate seasonal flights to Iceland, there are still plenty of flights to Keflavik Airport (KEF) year-round. Upon arrival, the easiest way to reach Reykjavik city center is by taking the FlyBus, which offers guaranteed seating and operates based on flight schedules. The cost is around $36 each way per person.
Getting from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik in the Winter
During my visit, the FlyBus dropped me off at Bus Stop 12, which was just a five-minute walk to my hotel. The route isn’t direct—the FlyBus first stops at a regional hub, where passengers transfer to smaller shuttle buses for their final destination. The total journey takes just under an hour.
Walking Around Reykjavik in the Winter
Although my main focus was taking guided tours, I spent extra time exploring Reykjavik on foot. Some sidewalks were heated or well-shoveled, but I strongly recommend wearing winter boots for safe walking.
Sculpture and Shore Walk
I started my walk from my hotel to the Sculpture and Shore Walk. Walking along the Atlantic shoreline, I stopped to admire the Sun Voyager Sculpture.
Harpa Concert Hall
Next, I visited the Harpa Concert Hall, home to Iceland’s national opera and symphony. Even if you don’t go inside, you must see its unique honeycomb glass architecture.
Rainbow Street and Hallgrimskirkja Church
After passing Reykjavik Port, I turned toward Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street, which leads directly to the Hallgrimskirkja Church. If you have time, visit the observation deck atop the church for the best panoramic views of Reykjavik.
Restaurants in Reykjavik
I enjoyed several meals at 2Guys, known for its delicious smash burgers and fries. Another highlight was Fine Restaurant 饭, where I had a fantastic sweet and sour pork dish.
Taking a Tour of Iceland's Golden Circle in January
My first full day in Iceland was spent exploring the Golden Circle, the country’s most famous tour route. Having previously visited in the summer, I created a comparison page on summer vs. winter Golden Circle tours.
Golden Circle Highlights in Winter
The Golden Circle includes Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area. Due to limited daylight, tours typically depart mid-morning as the sun doesn’t rise until around 11:00 AM.
Winter provided a much more intimate experience. Unlike summer, where crowds make it difficult to take photos, we were often the only tour group at many stops.
Winter Travel Note – Gullfoss Waterfall
At Gullfoss, the lower observation platform was closed due to ice. Expect some paths to be inaccessible during Iceland’s extreme winter weather.
Bonus Stop – Icelandic Horse Farm
On the way back, our guide took us to an Icelandic horse farm. We interacted with three Icelandic horses, and for those interested, horse cookies were available for purchase to feed them.
Exploring Iceland’s South Coast in January
The next day, I embarked on a South Coast Waterfalls and Katla Ice Cave tour. While I had visited the South Coast waterfalls in the summer, this was my first time seeing the Katla Ice Cave.
Skógafoss in January
One of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Skógafoss, was less crowded in winter. However, the steps to the upper observation point were too slippery to climb.
Super Jeep Ride to Katla Ice Cave
After stopping in Vik for lunch, we boarded a Super Jeep for a one-hour off-roading adventure to Katla Ice Cave. Our driver adjusted tire pressure constantly to avoid getting stuck in the snow.
Inside the Katla Ice Cave
Reaching the cave required a 100-yard walk wearing crampons. Inside, the blue-tinted ice mixed with layers of volcanic ash created an otherworldly beauty. Be patient inside—it’s smaller than it appears in photos.
Outside the cave, we admired the glaciers and mountains surrounding Kötlujökull, an offshoot of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, located near the active Katla volcano.
Seljalandsfoss in January
By the time we reached Seljalandsfoss, it was already dark. In summer, you can walk behind the waterfall, but this path is closed in winter due to ice, making it only viewable from the front.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland in January?
Yes! January is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. On our drive back to Reykjavik, my Aurora App showed a 92% chance of viewing. Our guide made a special stop away from light pollution, and I witnessed the most spectacular Northern Lights display of my life.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Iceland in Winter
My winter visit to Iceland was short—only two full days—but incredibly rewarding. Before arriving, I had spent 10 days in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, unsure what to expect in Iceland’s winter.
Despite the cold weather, frequent snow, and limited daylight, Iceland in winter is magical. Fewer crowds, lower prices, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to see the Northern Lights made this an unforgettable experience.
Iceland Tours
In the winter, tours are a great way to see Iceland. In the area below, I have linked some options for touring Iceland’s Golden Circle, Iceland’s South Coast, and Reykjavik. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Full-Day Guided Tour in Golden Circle Iceland - $105.50 Embark on a remarkable exploration of Iceland's natural wonders with our exceptional Golden Circle tour. This experience is not merely a sightseeing adventure but a journey that plunges you into the heart of Iceland's unparalleled beauty and history. Traverse the legendary Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament once stood, and feel the grandeur of the Almannagjá gorge and Þingvallavatn lake. Witness the astonishing eruptions of Strokkur geyser within the hypnotic Geysir Geothermal Area, and stand in awe before the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, understanding its vital preservation story. This is not a private tour, but a shared journey of discovery that invites you to deeply connect with nature's splendor. It's a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's heritage and landscapes in a way that goes beyond ordinary tours, ensuring an unforgettable experience that sets our product apart. Here, you don't just see Iceland; you feel it. |
 Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Waterfalls Tour From ReykjavÃk - $259.00 On this wonderous day tour from ReykjavÃk explore the waterfalls and glaciers for which Iceland´s southern coastline is famed. |
 Reykjavik City Walking Tour - $49.63 Explore the history and culture of the Icelandic capital on this 2.5-hour Reykjavik walking tour. Follow a guide through the streets of Reykjavik and take in top attractions including City Hall, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the Old Harbour. Along the way, find out what sets Reykjavik apart from the world’s other capitals. |
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