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? This post is for you. Here, I share my tips for your winter trip to Iceland.
My Iceland winter trip surely is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Though I love gorgeous winter wonderland scenery (especially in Switzerland), Iceland was so different. It is different from anything else I have experienced yet.
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.
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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, the 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 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 thermals. A 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 lifesavers, 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.
How to Get to Iceland
Iceland has several airports. I flew 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. However, driving in the winter might not be the best option for everyone (unless you are familiar with driving in extreme conditions).
- 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.
- By 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 on foot. I used it in the 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
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 to 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 the 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.
- LUXURY: The Reykjavik EDITION
- MID-RANGE: Radisson Blu 1919
- BUDGET: Hotel Fron
PLACES TO VISIT – ICELAND WINTER TRIP ITINERARY 5 DAYS
So, enough talking. Here is how to spend your 5 days in Iceland:
DAY 1 IN ICELAND – SOUTH ICELAND
Let us start with an Icelandic 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 of the 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.
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.
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, you can start here. Again, it depends on whether you go on a 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 periodically spouts hot springs. The Strokkur is an active, fountain-type geyser that typically erupts every few minutes.
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.
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 the entrance fee was 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.
- Check out this tour to find a Golden Circle Tour + Kerid Crater
- This day trip from Reykjavik additionally includes the Secret Lagoon
- Here is a day trip that includes photo stops at the three main places along the Golden Circle, plus a snowmobile tour.
- If you just want to focus on the three main attractions along the Golden Circle (the first three ones I mentioned here), you should check out this tour.
DAY 2 IN ICELAND – 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.
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.
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 the 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).
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.
You can still visit the place, but you 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.
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.
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.
The black sand beach nearby is also known as Diamond Beach because the ice chunks – even in summer – look like diamonds (well, kind of).
It is an absolutely magical place – though in normal times, it is 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
- Here is one of the most popular tours – it includes most of the main attractions and is a day trip from Reykjavik.
- Visit Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsárlón and check out this trip.
- If you are interested in a glacier hike + South Coast, find out more about this tour.
DAY 3 IN ICELAND – WEST ICELAND
The West Coast is a beautiful and popular place in Iceland, though it is 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 for seeing 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.
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 down this one street when all the birds attacked me. Take an umbrella with you, so you can scare them away.
- 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.
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
- One of the most popular tours is this one here.
- Alternatively, check out this tour for a day trip.
For the last two days, I recommend visiting some places close by and preparing to head back to Reykjavik/the airport.
DAY 4 IN ICELAND – 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.
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.
- Check out my post on these two waterfalls for more information.
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.
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.
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 IN ICELAND – 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.
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
- Visit FlyOverIceland (believe it or not, it was my favorite activity in Reykjavik) – find out more here
- Head to Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Check out Harpa Concert Hall
- Pay a visit to Perlan Museum & Viewpoint
- In summer, you can go on a whale-watching boat tour
- Check out my Reykjavik post for more tips.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a popular first spot for many Iceland visitors, but I suggest visiting at the end of your trip so you can relax before you get on the plane again.
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 there. 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 will normally 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 spend a full day at the Blue Lagoon.
- Parking is free.
- Tickets can be bought directly via the website or here. Tickets sell out quickly!
- Here are the 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.
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! I loved the volcanos and lava fields, the waterfalls, the icebergs, the hot pools…I just loved a lot (but not everything) about my Iceland winter itinerary.
Read more: Things to know before visiting Iceland in December
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 I know it is not always possible.