5-DAY ICELAND WINTER ITINERARY

ICELAND WINTER ITINERARY FOR 5 DAYS

Are you planning your 5-day winter Iceland itinerary and wondering about what to do and see in Iceland in 5 days? Then this post is for you. Here I share my tips for your winter trip to Iceland.

Iceland in winter is a land of stark contrasts and ethereal beauty. Snow blankets the rugged landscape, transforming mountains, geysers, and waterfalls into a white wonderland. The Northern Lights dance across the sky in mesmerizing hues of green and purple, illuminating the long nights.

Frozen lakes glisten under a pale sun while steaming hot springs offer a surreal, warming oasis against the chill. It’s a serene, otherworldly experience, where nature’s extremes are vividly on display. 

While Iceland is an amazing destination year-round, you have to plan different itineraries if you visit in the winter (compared to a summer trip). Thus, this Iceland winter itinerary focuses on a visit during the colder months.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product (at no extra cost for you) after clicking on my link. More about it here.

5 days iceland winter itinerary, Arzo Travels
Shares

TRAVEL TIPS FOR 5 DAYS IN ICELAND ITINERARY WINTER 

Iceland might have less than 400,000 inhabitants, but it is a – geographically seen – big country. While it would be great to spend more than 5 days in Iceland, most of us do not have unlimited time to spend there. So this winter Iceland itinerary will help you to find out about the main sights and attractions. And 5 days are better than nothing, right?

The good news is that this post not only offers you the best sights but here you will also find out about the best ways to get around + tips. You can use this itinerary whether you do guided tours or plan a road trip. 

Here are some quick travel tips for your trip to Iceland.

Best Time in Winter to Visit

Winter in Iceland typically spans from late October to early April. During this period, the country experiences its coldest and darkest months, characterized by short days and long nights. 

Late October to November: This period marks the beginning of winter. The days start getting significantly shorter, and the weather becomes colder. Snowfall may begin, especially in the northern parts and highlands.

December to February: These are the core winter months in Iceland, featuring the shortest days of the year. December 21st, the winter solstice, has only about 4-5 hours of daylight. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow is more common, especially in the North and in the interior.

March to Early April: The tail end of winter sees gradually increasing daylight and slightly milder temperatures. Snow can still be present, particularly in northern and inland areas.

Winter in Iceland offers unique experiences such as the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), which are most visible from September to April, and incredible snowy landscapes. But it’s also important to be prepared for challenging weather conditions, limited daylight hours, and potential travel disruptions.

What to Wear 

Though Iceland in December is not as cold as many might think – at least not in Reykjavik and South Iceland with temperatures around and above freezing during the day – it is still important to dress warmly. Or better, to dress in layers. .

  • A warm, waterproof jacket should be one of the first items you think to pack. Avoid choosing a bulky jacket that takes up a lot of space. This can make you feel uncomfortable when you have layers underneath. Instead, opt for a lightweight trench raincoat that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. 
  • A knitted beanie is a perfect solution for keeping the warmth in while you venture out. A hat will keep you toasty warm wherever you are.
  • A pair of gloves can do wonders for your mobility and comfort. When selecting your options, it’s worth investing in a pair that can dry quickly and are touch-screen compatible.
  • A warm scarf and/or turtleneck sweater are key items for keeping your neck covered. A turtleneck sweater is perfect as a garment to wear underneath your jacket, while the scarf can be removed easily. 
  • Leggings are an essential item to pack as you can dress them up or down. You can even wear them underneath your denim as an extra layer of warmth. 
  • When it comes to packing socks for your Iceland trip – the thicker, the better. The chances are that you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors in the snow, and you’ll want your feet to be warm and cozy. 
  • My favorite winter clothes are thermalsA quality set of thermals is your key to enjoying the winter weather in Iceland. You have to wear them on a cold day to believe what a wonderful invention it is!
  • Make sure you have a trusty pair of waterproof snowshoes. You’ll want your shoes to be as versatile as possible. Snowshoes allow you to enjoy a variety of activities while keeping your feet warm and dry. 
  • I bought my crampons in Iceland. They are traction devices you attach to your shoes so you can walk even on ice. If you want to walk and see places from different angles, you will need crampons. They were a lifesaver, and while I fell many times on my first day, I didn’t fall after I got them (and only got to see other people falling). 
  • Check out my post on “What to wear in Iceland in winter” for more tips.

Crampons- What to wear in Iceland in winter, crampers
Shares

Costs of Visiting Iceland

The cost of a 5-day winter trip to Iceland varies widely based on several factors, including the type of accommodation, mode of transportation, dining choices, and activities you plan to partake in. 

Here’s a rough breakdown of potential costs:

  • Accommodations: Prices can range from budget (hostels or guesthouses) to luxury hotels. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per night, depending on the level of comfort and location. If you visit around Christmas and New Year´s Eve hotels will be more expensive in Iceland.
  • Transportation: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Iceland, which can cost around $50 to $100 per day. Public transportation options are limited, especially in winter. 
  • Food and Dining: Daily food expenses can range from $30 (budget) to $200 (fine dining) per person.
  • Activities and Tours: Activities like guided tours, northern lights excursions, and visits to geothermal spas can vary in price. A northern lights tour can cost around $50 to $100, while entry to the Blue Lagoon starts at about $50.
  • Miscellaneous: This includes expenses like souvenirs, additional travel insurance, etc.

A budget traveler might spend around $1000-$1500 for a 5-day trip, while mid-range travel could cost between $2000-$3000, and a luxury trip could easily exceed $4000.

Check out my post on how expensive Iceland is to find out more.

Vegan burger at Husafell Bistro in Iceland costs around 20€
Shares
A Vegan Burger Menu is around 30 €

TIP: You can pay everywhere with your credit card, even if you just want to use a toilet to pee. However, it might still be a good idea to have some cash on you – just in case.

Language in Iceland

People speak English everywhere in Iceland. If you speak English, you are good to go. Given that Icelandic does not seem like an easy language to learn, this is one of the best news.

How to Get to Iceland For Your 5-Day Trip

Iceland has several airports. Most likely, you will fly into the Keflavík International Airport which is near Reykjavik. A smaller domestic airport in Reykjavik (Reykjavik Airport) is close to the city center, but that is not the one you will fly into.

Keflavík International Airport is about 50 km from the city center of Reykjavik.

  • One of the best ways is to get a rental car from the airport and then drive to the city center. In summer, I road-tripped Iceland and picked up my little camper van from the airport. The process was very smooth and I assume the same goes for all rental cars. Check out rental prices here.
  • I read somewhere that a taxi for that distance will cost you more than 200€ – and given how expensive Iceland is, this sounds believable. There is no Uber in Iceland.
  • You can either buy a ticket for the shuttle bus once you are at the airport or book your shuttle bus ticket in advance. The buses normally drop you off in the city center. Then you can get to your hotel by bus/taxi or walk. I used it in winter and really enjoyed the smooth transfer. Check out prices for a shuttle bus here.
  • On my way back to the airport, I stopped at the Blue Lagoon close to the airport. So, if you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon, either on the day of your arrival or your departure, keep that in mind. Then you can combine that.

How to Get Around Iceland

So this 5-day itinerary for Iceland is perfect for anyone. You can do a road trip or do day trips from Reykjavik.

DRIVING / ROAD TRIP

In case, you plan to use this Iceland itinerary winter to road trip and drive, keep the following points in mind:

Traveling around Iceland in winter requires careful planning due to the challenging weather conditions. Here are some tips for navigating Iceland during the winter season:

  1. Stay Informed About the Weather: Icelandic weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Regularly check the Icelandic Meteorological Office website and the Vegagerðin (Icelandic Road Administration) website for weather updates and road conditions.
  2. Drive Carefully: Be prepared for icy roads and limited visibility. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially during snowstorms or in areas with geothermal activity where roads can be slippery.
  3. Plan Your Route: During winter, some roads, especially in the highlands, are impassable. Stick to the main roads and plan your route. Be flexible as you may need to change your plans according to weather conditions.
  4. Daylight Hours: Remember that daylight hours are very limited in the Icelandic winter (as few as 4-5 hours in December). Plan your driving during daylight and use the long nights for relaxing or aurora hunting.
  5. Guided Tours: If you’re not comfortable driving in winter conditions, consider joining guided tours. Many tour companies offer excursions to popular destinations with transportation included.

Many parts of Iceland might be too difficult to drive – however, the places mentioned on this Iceland in winter itinerary are all close to Reykjavik and quite easily accessible by car – even in the winter.

CHECK OUT RENTAL CARS FOR YOUR ICELAND ITINERARY IN WINTER HERE

GUIDED TOURS

When I visited Iceland in the summer, I road-tripped and loved it. However, for my winter trip, I preferred not to drive and book tours only. And I think it was the best decision for me.

If you’re not comfortable driving in winter conditions, consider joining guided tours. Many tour companies offer excursions to popular destinations with transportation included. I will add links to tours for you.

Where to Stay 

The places mentioned here are quite close to Reykjavik – my tip is to make the capital your base and do guided tours from Reykjavik.

If you rent a car, you can either do day trips or do a road trip and change your accommodations.

However, for winter – and since it is just a 5-day trip – I recommend choosing a hotel in Reykjavik and doing only trips from there.

PLACES TO VISIT – ICELAND WINTER TRIP ITINERARY 5 DAYS

So, enough talking. Here is how to spend your 5 days in Iceland:

DAY 1 – SOUTH ICELAND

Let us start with an Iceland classic.

GOLDEN CIRCLE + HRUNALAUG + BRUARFOSS WATERFALL

While you could start with the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik, I suggest saving these destinations for your last day.

Reserve one day for the most famous and popular area – namely, the Golden Circle, which has several attractions. The name “Golden Circle“ was derived from Gullfoss, which means “golden waterfall” in Icelandic, and is one main attractions for day 1 in Iceland.

The Golden Circle covers about 300 kilometers, looping from Reykjavik into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. There are three main stops on the route – the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur. Guided tours for this trip are available.

THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

Thingvellir National Park is often the first stop. It is a historic site and national park known for the Alþing, Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to 18th century. 

National Park in Iceland in winter
Shares

You’ll also find the Þingvellir Church and the ruins of old stone shelters, but most people are probably fascinated by the fact that the park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures.

  • Personally, I only visited in winter, and it had lovely scenery. If you want to take a stroll (or do an easy hike), you can spend a few hours here. Otherwise, 30-60 minutes is probably all you need before continuing your journey.
  • There is no entrance fee

GULLFOSS

Gullfoss might be the next attraction. If you do a guided tour, the stops might be in a different order. If you drive yourself, then it makes sense to stop here now. This famous waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvítá River in southwest Iceland.

GULLFOSS in winter5 days in iceland winter Arzo Travels
Shares

There is not much walking required to get here from the (free) parking slots. And there it is – the impressive Gullfoss (“foss“ in Icelandic means waterfall). The water cascades down in two stages, one 11 meters high and the other 21 meters, into the 2.5 km-long crevasse below. 

I visited in winter and summer and liked it in winter better. However, in summer, you can take walks and stroll the area (which in winter is mostly forbidden). 

  • I would suggest spending 30-90 minutes in that area.
  • It is free to visit

Tip: If you want to take a snowmobile tour, then you can start here. Again, it depends on whether you road trip or do guided tours. I booked my tour in December and was picked up from Reykjavik and brought to the waterfall before continuing our trip to the Highlands. However, due to extreme snowfall, once we arrived at the camp, the tour was canceled. I am sure it is an amazing experience, and if you are up for it, you can check out tours starting from here. Check out prices and options.

Strokkur in Haukadalur

It is then time to see the geyser, which is periodically spouting hot springs. The Strokkur is an active, fountain-type geyser, which typically erupts every few minutes.

Shares

Its usual height is 15–20 meters, but it can sometimes erupt up to 40 meters high. So, even if you have just a few minutes, you will see it erupt – it is quite loud and I was startled by it every time.

This again is a popular sight, and since it is on the way to the other attractions, it is a must-visit place.

  • I would probably spend around 30-45 minutes here so you can see the eruptions more than 2-3 times.
  • It is free to visit.

TIP: All of the above-mentioned places have at least one restaurant/cafe and restrooms (which you might have to pay for).

At this point, you have seen the three main sights along/near the Golden Circle. However, there are a few more places worth visiting. Most guided tours do offer one or two additional stops. One is the Secret Lagoon.

Secret Lagoon

Another popular spot off the typical Golden Circle is the Secret Lagoon. It is a man-made pool fed by naturally occurring hot springs located at Hverahólmi, which is the geothermal area next to the village of Flúðir.

Secret Lagoon in winter in Iceland
Shares

It is the oldest pool in the country – but nothing is secret here anymore and it is surely not a hidden gem. However, it is great after a day out to hop into the hot spring.

  • This stop should take around 60-120 minutes.
  • I visited in winter with a guided tour, and it had the entrance fee already included. Tickets for adults are around 20€ ($23).

GUIDED TOURS FOR DAY 1

If you do guided tours, then check out these options. I, personally, mostly use GetYourGuide when I book tours and I also use the website for my Iceland tours.

DAY 2 – SOUTH ICELAND

One day of your Iceland itinerary should be reserved for exploring the south coast of Iceland – together with the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon, one of the most popular places to visit.

If you do guided tours, you have to pick the one that is the most appealing to you. I have not seen any tour that offers to stop at all of the places mentioned on day 2 in Iceland. You will find the tours at the end of this day.

SOUTH OF ICELAND 

One day in the South of Iceland is not a lot – if you visit in the winter, you will only see some places because daylight is not your friend then. You can easily visit all of them in the summer months, though it will be a busy day.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the stops you can’t miss – actually, it is impossible to miss this high waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall for your Iceland in 5 days itinerary
Shares

The waterfall drops 60 meters and is part of the Seljalands River, which has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. You can walk behind it in the warmer months. However, in the winter months, the walking path is most likely closed.

  • There is not much other hiking to do, so 15-60 minutes is enough.
  • There is no entrance fee, but if you have some change, you can donate something.

If you do a guided tour, you will most likely continue your journey. 

Skogafoss

This second day in Iceland is a lot about waterfalls – before visiting other attractions, you will most likely then pass Skogafoss, one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland.

Skógafoss Waterfall in winter in Iceland
Shares

It is one of the biggest waterfalls – with a height of more than 60 meters and a width of 25 meters. It will be one of the very crowded places. But you should still stop here and either walk right up to the waterfall (in winter it will be very slippery though) or when the stairs are open, you can walk up and see the waterfall from above.

  • This stop can take between 10-60 minutes.
  • No entrance fee

Sólheimajökull

Then, continue your trip to this glacier – Sólheimajökull. Especially with guided tours, this is a very popular stop. If you are short on time, I suggest skipping this one and visiting another glacier (more on that later).

Solheimajökull in Iceland is one of the best day trips from Reykjavk
Shares

Sólheimajökull is about eight kilometers long and two kilometers wide and is one of the most accessible glaciers from Reykjavík.

  • You can also book glacier walks (also with guided day tours).
  • If you just want to see it – without the glacier walk – I think spending about 30-90 minutes here is fine.
  • There is no entrance fee

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

This is another popular spot that I, however, skipped both times. In 1973, a United States Navy DC plane ran out of fuel and crashed on the black beach at Sólheimasandur, near the town of Vik. 

Summer Iceland itinerary, Arzo Travels
Shares

You can still visit the place but have to park your car and walk around 4 kilometers (one way) to get there. There are also buses you can take to get there.

You aren’t allowed to climb on the plane anymore and this, in combination with the time to get there, was why I decided to skip this attraction. But I still wanted to tell you about this attraction because it is quite popular. 

  • No entrance fee, but taking the bus to get there does cost some money.

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

A must-see for any 5-day Iceland trip is Vik – a small village known mostly for its church and the black sand beach, Reynisfjara. 

Black Sand Beach in Vik, a day tour from Reykjavik
Shares

While walking on the beach, the color a result of volcanic explosions, you will find basalt stacks on one side and have views of the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

You could walk there for quite a while, but this is a busy place, so you should take a look and get on the basalt stacks before continuing your journey. The water – even in the summer – is too cold to swim in here, and the waves can be quite strong as well, so it is better just to enjoy the scenery.

In Vik, you will also find the famous church up on a hill which is a popular photo motif, but other than that I did not really like Vik that much.

  • Uhhh, this stop can be from 15 minutes to several hours.
  • There is no parking.

Jökulsárlón / Diamond Beach

If you drive yourself, you will find many more waterfalls along the way. It would be almost impossible to name all of them. However, there is one particular highlight waiting for you: Jökulsárlón. 

campervan costs in Iceland
Shares

If you do guided tours, try to book a tour that brings you all the way here as well. It is a stunning glacial lagoon dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, part of the larger Vatnajökull Glacier. 

Iceland glacier beach in 5 days in Iceland with arzo travels
Shares

The black sand beach sand nearby is also known as Diamond Beach because the ice chunks – even in summer – look like diamonds (well, kind of).

Diamond Beach in Iceland
Shares

It is an absolutely magical place – though in normal times, extremely busy. My tip: try to visit at sunset – it gets even more magical at that time of the day.

  • This stop takes a minimum of 30 minutes, but I could have spent hours (and probably did so) just staring at the “diamonds”.
  • Free to visit.

TOURS ON DAY 2 – SOUTH OF ICELAND

DAY 3 – WEST ICELAND

The West Coast is a beautiful and popular place in Iceland, though much less crowded and less visited than the Golden Circle or the South Coast.

If you do day trips from Reykjavik (guided tours or on your own), you can spend a full day on the West Coast.

If you road trip, and spend the night before on the South Coast, then you have less than half a day because it takes about 4-7 hours to get there (depending on if you made it all the way to Diamond Beach or not). You have to drive back to Reykjavik and then head north. 

SNAEFELLNESS PENINSULA 

One full day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula would be better but even this half-day is great to see the main places.

Ytri Tunga

On Snæfellsnes Peninsula, start with Ytri Tunga. It is a small, beautiful beach area where you will find seals resting and chilling.

Ytri Tunga beach in west Iceland
Shares

It is perfect for leisurely walks and spending time outdoors before continuing your journey.

  • You can spend between 30-60 minutes here.
  • Free entrance, no parking fees.

Arnarstapi

Then, stop at the cute fishing village Arnarstapi and go on easy hikes along the coast – the views are impressive.

Just watch out for the evil birds that attack people if they feel like it. If I wanted to spread rumors, I would say they inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds”. I watched the movie as a child and ever since that day,

I am scared of birds (and butterflies because they are also really dangerous animals). I really had a bad time walking this one street when all the birds attacked me. Take an umbrella with you, so you can scare them away.

West of Iceland in December
Shares
  • Free parking and several cafes/restaurants.

Kirkjufell Mountain

Then, it is time to visit one of the most famous sights in the country: Kirkjufell Mountain, which is a 463-meter-high mountain on the north coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Places to see in December
Shares

You can either hike up the mountain or do what is definitely more popular – see the waterfalls with the beautiful mountain as a backdrop.

There is not much more hiking to do, but you can walk around the waterfall and enjoy the scenery. In winter, take some crampons and put them on your shoes with you so you can walk all the way to the waterfall.

  • Free entrance, no parking fees.

DAY TOURS TO THE SNAEFELLSNESS PENINSULA

For the last two days, I recommend visiting some places close by and preparing to head back to Reykjavik/airport.

DAY 4 – WEST ICELAND

This day is a bit off-the-beaten-path (not really but kind of). It is a gorgeous area that is accessible in the winter as well as in the summer. I visited in both seasons and I am not sure which one I liked more. I just loved both! I really, really love this area.

WEST ICELAND

These attractions are not from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, so you will not be spending too much time in the car. But you can also do it as a day trip from Reykjavik.

Again, if you do guided tours this exact tour might not be available. When I visited in winter, I found a tour offering all the places mentioned below. Now, the exact same tour is not offered anymore. So, it changes and you might have to alter your own itinerary if you do guided tours.

Barnafossar and Hraunfossar Waterfalls 

Barnafossar and Hraunfosssar waterfalls are a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of almost 1 kilometer out of the Hallmundarhraun – which is a lava field that flowed from an eruption of one of the volcanoes lying under the glacier Langjökull. It is one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland.

Hraunfossar Waterfalls in Iceland in winter
Shares

Waterfalls in Iceland Barnafoos in winter
Shares

You can do a bit of walking and visit several waterfalls – which come in an intense color – but there are not many other activities to do around here. Thus, I recommend combining it with another attraction in the area.

The Cave – Viðgelmir Lava Cave

Another activity you could do is to visit The Cave – Viðgelmir which is the fourth-longest lava tunnel in Iceland. 

Lava tunnel in West Iceland
Shares

You can witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption and walk the path where an eruption flowed more than 5,000 years ago. A guided tour will allow you to learn about volcanic eruptions and their effect on the environment, before heading back to the capital.

This lava cave is just 15 minutes away from Husafell Hotel (which could be your next stop).

Hot Pools at Húsafell Hotel

If you have time (getting to Reykjavik does take time and plan to arrive too early rather than too late), add Húsafell Hotel – with its hot pools – or a lava tour to your itinerary.

Hot pools in December in Iceland
Shares

The pools at Husafell Hotel are beautiful – visiting in winter, I was the only one there, though it is probably much busier in summer. What a perfect place to end the day! 

  • There is an entrance fee, parking is free.

GUIDED DAY TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK

  • If you plan to do a guided tour, this one offers a stop at almost all the attractions mentioned above. It does not stop at Husafell Hotel – and the day tour I did is not offered anymore, so this day trip sounds like the best option.

DAY 5 – REYKJAVIK

So, for your last day in Iceland, take it easy and do some sightseeing in the capital before resting at the Blue Lagoon.

REYKJAVIK + BLUE LAGOON

This last day would also make a great first day of your 5-day Iceland itinerary. Plan your trip according to the time of your arrival and departure. In general, I like to be close to the city/airport on the day of my departure, so this is why I suggest it for your last day in Iceland.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a small and interesting town. However, with only 5 days in Iceland, I would not spend too much time in Reykjavik – half a day is enough in my eyes. 

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CHURCH in winter one of the top things to do in Reykjavik
Shares

Reykjavik is also known for its food scene. Even I, as a 95% vegan eater, had some pretty amazing dishes. I am afraid the food scene in the rest of the country is not that great, so Reykjavik is the place to eat your weight in delicious meals.

THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a popular first spot for many Iceland visitors but I suggest visiting at the end, so you can relax before you get on the plane again.

Top Things to do in Iceland The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the best places to visit in Iceland in winter
Shares
@Shutterstock

It is a geothermal spa located in a lava field and actually, it is not a natural pool. It is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station

The Blue Lagoon has become one of the most popular, but also busiest, places in the country.

Due to its proximity to Keflavik Airport, you can make it your first or last stop during your 5 days in Iceland.

I visited the Blue Lagoon on my last day in December – but do I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon?  Yes and no. I am not a big pool fan, so I did not spend much time here. However, I am well aware that this place is unique. If you are not on a very tight budget, and especially if you love pools or won’t be visiting any other pools/hot springs, then I say go for it.

If you book a guided tour to the Blue Lagoon, they normally will pick you up from the airport/city center and then drop you off at your hotel/city center/airport, which is very handy. 

  • I probably spent 2 hours max. here – I heard people spent a full day at the Blue Lagoon.
  • Parking is free.
  • Tickets can either be bought directly via the website or here. Tickets sell out quickly!
  • Here are tickets for the bus transfer to/from the Blue Lagoon.
  • In case, you have to twist your Iceland itinerary, check out this guided tour that includes a visit to the Blue Lagoon + a few more attractions.

Northern Lights Tour

If you visit Iceland in the winter, then the Northern Lights are probably very high on your bucket list. Northern Lights tours can offer a mesmerizing experience, where you can witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis.

These tours typically operate from September to April, the prime viewing season, due to longer nights and clearer skies.

Mountain Kirkjufell and Aurora in Iceland Northern Lights in Iceland
Shares
@shutterstock

Options vary from bus tours departing from Reykjavik, which take you to dark, rural areas away from city lights, to more unique experiences like boat tours or even super jeep excursions.

The natural display is weather-dependent, so flexibility and patience are key. Most tour operators provide a second or even third chance to join a tour for free if the lights are not visible on your first attempt. This is why I recommend booking a tour on the first night of your trip and then you can do more tours if you do not see them on the first night.

I stayed 12 nights in winter and I did not really see them – so, I got a bit disappointed but you might be luckier than me.

CONCLUSION: A PERFECT 5 DAYS IN ICELAND ITINERARY

Iceland is an amazing country – it might be busy at some of the main attractions but given its uniqueness, it is easy to understand why! You have volcanos and lava fields, you have waterfalls, you have icebergs, you have hot pools…

5 days in Iceland will give you a good glimpse of the country and you can see what all the fuss is about. I recommend staying longer but know it is not always possible. However, I hope that this itinerary will allow you to make the most of your trip at any time of the year.

This 5-day Iceland winter itinerary will hopefully be very helpful to you!

Safe Travels, Arzo
Shares

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares