Epic Iceland Winter Trip Itinerary for One Week (+Map & Printable Pdf)

Planning a trip to Iceland in winter and wondering where to go and what’s the best way to plan your Iceland winter itinerary? This article features the best one week Iceland trip itinerary for winter months. If you want to, you can also download a free printable itinerary.

This 7-day self-drive Iceland winter itinerary is designed specifically for the winter season, from October to March – April. It covers all the main landmarks along Iceland’s South Coast, taking into account shorter daylight hours, ensuring you have plenty of time for sightseeing, winter activities, and even some hiking.

Whether you are looking for dramatic landscapes, icy waterfalls, or impressive glaciers – this itinerary will help you experience the very best of Iceland in winter. Plus, you’ll have plenty of chances to look for the Northern Lights!

We made this exact trip in November, so all the info and tips in this guide are based on personal experiences.

PRO TIP! Reserve your accommodations in advance, especially in the rural areas along the South Coast! Hotels close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon are the most sought-after, so book those asap.

You will find hotel recommendations for each day in the itinerary below and here you can also see our detailed guide on where to stay in Reykjavik.

     

Important Info & Map

There are some things you really need to know before you start planning your Iceland winter trip itinerary.

1. The days are short in Iceland in winter, so you cannot do as much sightseeing as in summer. We visited Iceland in mid-November and we always started our day at 8.30 AM, before sunrise. By the time we were back at our hotel (at the latest at 5 PM), it was already dark. It was light from approximately 9 AM till 4 PM in November in Southern Iceland. The days are even shorter in December-January, so keep this in mind when planning your winter trip to Iceland.

2. You will need to rent a car for this trip! We personally use and recommend this website for the best deals for car rental in Iceland and beyond. Don’t forget to get the full insurance!

3. The South Coast is the ideal region to explore during the colder months. Doing the entire Ring Road and visiting the Eastern and Northern parts of Iceland in winter is not the best idea, unless you are very comfortable with extreme winter weather and driving in ever-changing conditions. Here you can find more information about driving in Iceland in winter.

4. Important – safety first! If you do not have winter driving experience, book an organized multi-day tour instead of driving. In addition, you can stay in Reykjavik on the first and the last days of your trip and visit the main Reykjavik attractions including the geothermal baths of the Blue Lagoon and/or Sky Lagoon. That way you can still see many top places from this itinerary without having to drive.

And if you are planning to drive – read on for the best self-drive Iceland winter road trip itinerary!

READ ALSO: Iceland in Winter: Useful Info & Travel Tips

 

Printable Itinerary

If you are interested in a FREE printable Iceland winter itinerary, please fill in the form below and we will send you a link to download a .pdf file right away.

     

Best self-drive Iceland winter itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival in Reykjavik Keflavik Airport and Drive to Hveragerdi

Since our flight arrived in the afternoon, we drove straight to our hotel in Hveragerdi where we would stay for 2 nights. This small town is much better situated for Iceland winter trip than Reykjavik as it will save you quite some unnecessary driving in the dark. Furthermore, it has a great geothermal swimming pool. This is an ideal way to spend your first evening in Iceland!

Hveragerdi is also well located for a visit to the Golden Circle which you will visit on day 2 of this itinerary. Staying here, saves quite some driving time for the rest of your journey further down the South Coast of Iceland.

TIP: If your flight arrives early and you have more time to spare, you could opt to spend several hours at the famous geothermal pool Blue Lagoon close to the airport (be sure to reserve tickets in advance!). Alternatively, you can also go to the public pool in Hveragerdi which is a much cheaper and less touristy option.

There are several restaurants in this little town. I recommend eating out as there are more choices and the prices are lower than at the hotels.

WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at Hotel Eldhestar for 2 nights. Alternatively, check out the Greenhouse Hotel.

One of the main reasons why I traveled to Iceland in winter was my long-time dream to see Northern Lights. So on the first night already we went ‘hunting’ for auroras. They were very vague and better visible in the pictures than in reality, but it was just the first night, so it gave us hope.

   

DAY 2: Golden Circle: Thingvellir NP – Geysir – Gullfoss Waterfall

Iceland’s must-do day trip is the visit to the famous Golden Circle. It’s possible to do it as a day trip from Reykjavik as well.

The Golden Circle refers to three main attractions – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

We started our day at Thingvellir National Park. It was just magical in the soft morning light of a never-ending sunrise…

   

We then continued to the Geysir area where we also had an early lunch.

Strokkur Geyser is the main attraction here and one of the must-sees in Iceland. This geyser erupts every 5-7 minutes, so you can watch it in action several times.

If you have more time, you can walk around and explore this geothermal area deeper. Near Strokkur Geyser, you can also see Geysir. This is the original geyser that was first mentioned in written sources in Europe and it gave name to all others. However, this geyser is dormant and there hasn’t been an eruption for years.

   

In the afternoon we visited one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, the Golden Waterfall – Gullfoss.

The area around this waterfall is quite large and can be explored via a series of boardwalks and staircases. In the summer, you can walk really close to the waterfall, but in the winter, it’s very icy and the path is closed.

Don’t worry though – the best views are accessible, just be careful as it can be very slippery everywhere (that’s why we recommend packing snow traction cleats for your winter trip to Iceland).

TIP: End your day in one of the nicest geothermal pools of Iceland, Secret Lagoon. It’s ideally located on the way from Gullfoss back to your hotel in Hveragerdi. Alternatively, there is also a more expensive option – Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, which is also located in this area.

WHERE TO STAY: The same hotel as on the previous night.

   

DAY 3: Skogafoss Waterfall – Glacier Hiking – Reynisfjara (Vik)

Our first stop on day 3 of our Iceland winter trip was at another iconic landmark of Iceland – the Skogafoss Waterfall.

This is one of the most impressive landmarks along the South Coast of Iceland and no pictures do it justice.

The best view is from the base of the waterfall which is just near the car parking. However, if it’s not too cold or slippery on the stairs, I encourage you to make an effort and go all the way to the top of the waterfall. The views are well worth the steep climb!

After a visit here, we had a quick lunch on the way and continued to Solheimajokull glacier for a guided glacier hike.

TIP: Book your glacier hike in advance – this will help you plan your time better and you will be certain you can do this activity. Otherwise, it might be difficult to even know where to look. Most companies have their offices in Reykjavik and so there is no one around to even ask for information.

• You can book a short guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull. This tour fits this itinerary the best as it starts at Sólheimajökull Café, not too far from Skogar Museum.

• Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour is another great winter tour! If you want to visit a natural ice cave, it’s best to do it near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on day 4 or day 5 of this itinerary.

LEARN MORE: Glacier Hiking in Iceland

   

If glacier hiking or ice caving is not your thing, you can visit the Skogar Museum.

It is divided into three parts: folk museum, turf houses, and transport museum. The turf houses are well worth seeing.

In summer you could easily do both – glacier hiking and Skogar museum, but in winter your sightseeing time in Iceland is limited and you have to choose and plan well.

   

After the glacier walk, we drove to the beautiful black sand beach at Reynisfjara (near Vik). This beach is famous for its black sand, rock formations, and impressive basalt columns. It’s one of the places that’s included in all Iceland itineraries, so it attracts lots of people.

This is really one of the must-sees in Iceland and the beach is beautiful and worth a visit in any season and in any weather.

Good to know: The waves here are very sneaky, often flooding the entire beach unexpectedly. It often happens that people are swept off their feet and there have been quite a few serious accidents too. So never walk close to the water here and never turn your back to the sea!

TIP: There is a small cafe where you can get some warm drinks and hide from the wind and the cold for a couple of minutes.

   

It was so beautiful on the beach that we stayed until the dark. Sunsets are truly out of this world in Iceland in winter!

TIP: There is a new attraction in Vik – Icelandic Lava Show – that wasn’t yet open when we visited. It’s indoors, is open late every day, and it would be a very nice addition to this winter itinerary. If you want to see and feel the heat of real lava, don’t miss this unique opportunity. Book your tickets in advance!

WHERE TO STAY: We recommend staying in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area. On this winter trip, we stayed at Hotel Laki. Nicer options in this area (based on our other trips) are: Hótel Hrífunes, Magma Hotel, and Hotel Klaustur.

   

DAY 4: Vatnajokull Glacier – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – Diamond Beach

On the fourth day of this winter trip, we continued along the South Coast all the way up to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Our first stop was at Svinafellsjokull Glacier where we made a short walk to one of the many tongues of Vatnajokull Glacier.

This is just a short walk from the parking and is normally doable in winter too. The views are worth it.

In the early afternoon, we reached Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

If there is one place you don’t want to miss in Iceland, it’s Jokulsarlon! I’ve been here so many times, in different seasons and all kinds of weather, and it never disappoints.

On this winter trip, we were extremely lucky with the weather and the glacial lake was simply spectacular.

In the summer, you can take a boat trip between the icebergs, but these tours don’t run in the winter. You are not missing much though. You can walk along the coastline of the lagoon and the scenery is just as stunning.

TIP: If you want to visit a natural ice cave in Iceland, the Jokulsarlon area is the best place for that. Just be sure to book an ice cave tour in advance. Late afternoon on this day would be a good moment to do it or – likely more relaxing – first thing in the morning on the next day.

   

TIP: Don’t miss the so-called Diamond Beach just across the road from Jokulsarlon, and certainly when visiting Iceland in winter.

This beach is located just where the floating icebergs from the nearby lagoon reach the sea. With the wind, many of the icebergs are washed ashore. The cold temperatures and the wind turn this coastline into an amazing winter wonderland.

In the summer, the beach is often empty, or there are just a few smaller pieces of ice. In the winter, you can sometimes see huge chunks of ice here. It’s like walking between the giant diamonds. Absolutely breathtaking!

   

We stayed on Diamond Beach till sunset and seeing all those icebergs lit up with the setting sun was an unforgettable experience.

I found Jokulsarlon Diamond Beach even more impressive in the winter than the famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon itself.

Good to know: There are two beaches here, one on each side of the bridge. Depending on the wind direction, there might be more ice on one side than on the other. So look around when you are there before deciding which one to visit. And if both look nice and you have time, visit both!

WHERE TO STAY: Our hotel for the night was Hotel Smyrlabjorg. If there is still availability, however, I recommend staying at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – it’s the nicest hotel in the area!

PRO TIP: This area has very limited accommodation options, so you really have to book a hotel here as soon as you know your travel dates!

The amazing Northern Lights display we witnessed that night exceeded all our expectations. But so did all the rest! I loved Iceland in winter and would have loved it just as much even if we hadn’t seen any auroras.

READ ALSO: All You Need to Know for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

   

DAY 5: Ice Cave – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon – Skaftafell

We started our day early and made a quick stop at Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon at sunrise. We just couldn’t get enough of the scenery here!

This morning is also one of the best moments to do an ice cave tour. This area is THE BEST place in Iceland for natural ice caves. Most tours start right at the Glacier Lagoon.

Good to know: If you want to do this, it’s essential to book an ice cave tour in advance. I recommend choosing the earliest possible time slot.

We then continued to the nearby Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a short drive further. It’s a smaller and (much) less visited glacial lagoon than Jokulsarlon, but it’s also not to be missed!

If you travel here before mid-November, you can do boat tours between the icebergs. Unfortunately, boats don’t run in the winter months (some stop in September, others in October, and some run till mid-November).

   

TIP: If you are doing this trip earlier or later in the winter (October or February – April) when the days are longer, you could easily add Stokksnes Headland to this itinerary as well.

It’s located a bit further east of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, about 75 minutes drive one-way. So going there will add at least 3 extra hours to your day.

Stokksnes is very scenic and many people find it worth a detour. But don’t try to squeeze in too much if you are traveling in the darkest months! Keep in mind that the roads might be icy too.

If you decide to do that, you could drive there first thing in the morning on day 5 or in the afternoon on day 4 of this itinerary.

   

On this trip in November, the days were too short for a detour to Stokksnes.

We continued back west to Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park. Summer or winter, you should not skip Skaftafell. It’s a beautiful area with lots of hiking trails.

During this Iceland winter trip, we hiked to the famous Svartifoss Waterfall and continued on the Sjónarnípa trail. The views were simply amazing!

   

During our previous trip, years ago in summer, we did the Svartifoss – Sjónarsker – Sel walk and the walk to the glacier Skaftafellsjökull.

There are many hiking trails in Skaftafell National Park and quite some of them can be accessible in winter. But it’s best that you ask about current conditions at the visitor center before starting any walk. They will be able to advise you on the best hikes for that specific moment.

The weather is unpredictable in Iceland and even more so in the winter, so what you can do here will depend on the situation at the moment of your visit.

Alternatively, if you want more certainty, book an ice cave tour at Skaftafell. These tours run from October to March – mid April and are one of the best things you can do in Iceland in winter! Because you hike on the glacier and are equipped for walking on ice anyway, it’s a bit more reliable than planning regular hikes.

WHERE TO STAY: We stayed in the Kirkjubaejarklauster area at Hotel Laki – the same hotel as on DAY 3 of this itinerary.

   

DAY 6: Fjardrargljufur Canyon – Eldhraun Lava Field – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

We started our day at another iconic landmark of Iceland – Fjardrargljufur Canyon.

Here, you basically walk on the ridge of the canyon enjoying the views below. There are a few viewing areas too which are probably a safer choice if there is snow or ice on the trails.

It was so cold when we were here, that I can’t even try to explain it in words. But we braved the wind and made a short walk at this majestic canyon.

   

Afterwards, we drove through Iceland’s largest lava field – Eldhraun – and made a short stop to admire this surreal landscape.

Eldgjárhraun, to the east of Mýrdalssandur, is one of the largest lava flows that ever occurred, during a massive volcano eruption in 974.

The dimensions of this lava field are immense – some 700 km2. For comparison, the total area of Singapore is 648 km2.

Continuing our journey back in the direction of Reykjavik we visited Dyrhólaeyjarviti Lighthouse and made a coastal walk from there to Kirkjufjara beach below.

If you are short on time or if it’s very cold, you can just drive to the lighthouse and enjoy the coastal scenery and the views from there.

   

The last stop today was another famous South Coast waterfall – Seljalandsfoss. It had been freezing cold over the last few days and the area close to the waterfall was completely frozen. We could hardly walk or even stand here. This is the reason you should pack ice cleats when visiting Iceland in winter!

Needless to say, the path behind the waterfall was closed, but it was still unbelievably impressive. Maybe even more so because it was frozen in winter.

We ended our day with the last stop of our Iceland winter trip – Reykjavik.

WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at the Fosshotel Reykjavik for 2 nights. For more info and recommended hotels in Reykjavik, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Where to stay in Reykjavik

   

DAY 7: Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

Now I’m not going to make myself popular with Icelanders I suppose, but in my honest opinion, one day is enough for Reykjavik, especially if you have limited time in Iceland. So on this winter trip, we didn’t spend too much time in the city.

Don’t take me wrong – Reykjavik is well worth visiting. There is a lot to see and do in the city (e.g. Perlan or the Whales of Iceland exhibition, to mention just a few. However, if you are short on time, half day to one day is sufficient for Reykjavik because the real beauty of Iceland is in its natural wonders.

One thing you really shouldn’t miss in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja. The view from the church tower is really worth it, but also the church itself is really special, so definitely worth seeing.

For this itinerary, I recommend that you spend a big part of the day in Reykjavik and visit one of the geothermal baths in the evening. See below for more info on the two best options.

TIP: Take a look at our Reykjavik 1-day itinerary for a detailed itinerary and our recommendations on what to see and how to plan your time in the city.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

   

In the evening, visit one of the two best geothermal pools near Reykjavik – either Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon is the best known and is extremely popular and touristy. But it’s popular for a reason. After all, there is no better way to end your Icelandic winter trip than sipping a drink while sitting in a hot thermal pool with a mud mask on your face. And before you ask, no, I don’t have a picture of myself with a mud mask…

Good to know: If you decide to visit the Blue Lagoon, you’ll have to reserve your tickets in advance! Here you can book bus transfers to get there from Reykjavik.

Another really nice geothermal pool is the Sky Lagoon. It’s located at the coast and the views are amazing! Many of our readers say that they much prefer the Sky Lagoon experience over the Blue Lagoon. It’s also much closer to the city.

Good to know: Also here, it’s essential to reserve your tickets in advance. Sky Lagoon is a lot smaller than Blue Lagoon and often sells out as well. You can also opt for a ticket that includes a transfer from the city.

Alternatively, you can also go swimming in one of the local swimming pools in Reykjavik, at a fraction of the cost. But I really recommend visiting one of the geothermal pools at least once – it’s a unique experience!

   

Organized Tours – Iceland Winter Trip Alternative

If you are not keen on driving in Iceland in winter, you have several options: stay in Reykjavik and do day trips, book a multi-day tour, or a combination of the two.

Organized multi-day tours make trip planning a breeze and it’s often cheaper than doing it on your own since they already include all the excursions like ice cave, etc. Not even to mention that it’s much safer if you are not used to driving in extreme winter conditions.

We already mentioned a few options, but here they are once again: a 2-day tour, 3 days, 4-5-6-7 days, and 8 days. You can easily combine these multi-day tours with a few days in Reykjavik at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

Alternatively, stay in Reykjavik all the time and book day trips. This would mean more time spent in the bus every day, but you don’t have to pack/unpack and you keep more flexibility to change your plans depending on the weather. Via the link below, you can find our hand-picked selection of the best winter tours from the city.

LEARN MORE: Best Winter Day Trips & Tours from Reykjavik

Good to know: We recommend booking all your tours via a reputable company like GetYourGuide. Their customer service is second to none and they have the most flexible 24hr free cancelation policy. After seeing how some local providers in Iceland sometimes refuse to reimburse people for canceled tours, I’m more convinced than ever before that booking tours directly with small providers isn’t ideal.

Keep reading for more tips for your Iceland winter trip!

 

Practical Tips

Here are some useful tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

✓ Planning to rent a car and do a self-drive trip in Iceland following this itinerary? Normally, you don’t need a 4WD for this trip, but I highly recommend it. You can find some of the best deals for Iceland car rental here. Make sure that you take full insurance! It’s a must in Iceland in any season, but even more so in the winter. Read also our complete guide to driving in Iceland in winter.

✓ Traveling to Iceland in winter? Don’t forget good travel insurance for yourself as well!

✓ Bring a power bank for your phone and a travel adapter! Iceland uses European plugs.

✓ Wondering what to pack for your Iceland winter trip? Below are some of my hand-picked essentials for Iceland. Here you can find the complete Iceland packing list for winter.

✓ Looking for the best accommodation deals in Iceland? Check this guide for the best places to stay in Iceland and also this guide for the best places to stay in Reykjavik.

For more winter-specific tips, please see our detailed guide via the link below!

LEARN MORE: Iceland Winter Travel Tips

   

So this is our Iceland winter trip itinerary for one week in a nutshell. It brings you to the nicest places on the South Coast of Iceland while leaving plenty of time to explore and even do some winter hiking on the way. You could probably squeeze the same Iceland winter road trip itinerary in 4 or 5 days as well, but then you’d have less time left for hiking and sightseeing…

When the days are longer, you can visit pretty much all the same places in 4 days. For more information, please check our very detailed itinerary for the best of Iceland in 4 days.

If you decide to visit Iceland in the warmer months instead, check out this 7 days Iceland itinerary. It covers all the places mentioned in this article and so much more. Because the days are endless in summer and the roads are good, you can see a lot more in the same amount of time. We also have a suggested self-drive Iceland Ring Road itinerary, but we really only recommend doing it in summer – early fall.

I hope that this article and our tips help you plan an unforgettable winter trip to Iceland! Don’t miss our other articles that contain many more tips and practical information for your trip. Take a look below!

More tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Good to know: Tips for Visiting Iceland
• Itineraries: Iceland Itinerary (for any duration)
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Reykjavik & Where to Stay in Iceland
• Near Reykjavik: Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik
• Winter tours: Best Iceland Winter Tours from Reykjavik
• Nice to see: Perlan Museum in Reykjavik
• Auroras: Northern Lights in Iceland (all your questions answered)
• Photography: How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights
• More: Check our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips

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