Iceland Winter Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Iceland in Winter!

Need help planning your itinerary for your Iceland winter trip? You’ve come to the right place!

Iceland is known as the Land of Ice and Fire. With its epic geysers, glacier lagoons, active volcanoes and sweeping icy landscapes, it’s easy to see why.

It’s a country of stunning natural beauty, and the uniqueness of its natural landscapes is even more pronounced if you visit in winter. 

However, if you visit in winter, you will have to follow a specific Iceland winter itinerary, as it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to do all the same things you would do in summer. 

After all, with such a snowy climate, some road or attractions might be closed, whilst other activities only become available in winter (we’re looking at you Northern Lights)!

So what are you waiting for? Read on, and start planning your perfect Iceland winter itinerary!

Planning Your Iceland Winter Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on parts of Iceland that are great to visit in the winter. That means the South Coast, Golden Circle, and some areas close to Reykjavik, like the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

My winter Iceland itinerary doesn’t include the north, east and Westfjords regions of Iceland as their attractions are likely to be inaccessible during winter.

That’s because these regions receive more snow, so it’s more likely that roads will be closed.

So if you only have five days in Iceland, it’s better to stick to the South Coast and the Golden Circle areas. The roads generally remain clear and the attractions get more visitors: perfect for a road trip! 

Of course, a 5-day road trip in Iceland involves hitting the road, and not staying in Reykjavik the whole time – that’s a major plus if you want to see the Northern Lights, which are best viewed away from areas of light pollution.

So if you’re wondering what to see in Iceland in 5 days (in winter specifically), this itinerary will guide you around the top attractions – plus a few lesser known ones – to ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Want to know more about Iceland in winter? Check out my Youtube video about it!

Iceland 5-day Winter Itinerary: Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Golden Circle

This Iceland winter trip itinerary begins with an amazing adventure around the Golden Circle. This is where you’ll find many of Iceland’s top natural attractions, and not too far from Reykjavik either.

Gulfoss Waterfall

First stop: Gulfoss, around 75 miles (1.5 hours) from Reykjavik. This iconic waterfall plummets from 32 metres into a pool below, resulting in such a curtain of mist that, on sunny days, epic rainbows can be seen. 

In the winter, icy conditions mean sparkling icicles. It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

There’s a visitor centre near the waterfall with toilets and a cafe, plus a viewing platform to get a better look.

Haukadalur Geothermal Area

Next up along the Golden Circle is Haukadalur Geothermal Valley. This is where you’ll find “The Great Geyser”.

Unfortunately this geyser doesn’t erupt anymore (technically it’s only dormant and will occasionally erupt, but the last eruption was in 2016 and the one before that was in 2000, so it’s pretty infrequent).

Even if it doesn’t erupt you can still see dormant geyser, with its pool of bubbling hot water.

In the same geothermal area you can also see Strokkur, a geyser that goes off every 10 minutes or so and can erupt to a height of 60 metres.

Make sure to stand upwind when you visit it! Otherwise all the hot water and steam will get blown right onto you.

The volcanic landscape of Haukadalur is full of incredible geothermal features. You’ll also find bubbling mud pools here, as well as steaming vents and fumaroles – vents of crystallised, gas-emitting sulphur.

Thingvellir National Park

Continue your Iceland 5-day road trip onwards to Thingvellir National Park, around a 40-minute drive from Haukadalur. 

It’s one of the most famous stops on the Golden Circle – and not just for its nature. Thingvellir is the site of the very first parliament in the world. 

Vikings held meetings at Althingi as early as 930 AD! 

Thingvellir is pretty special also because it’s located at the meeting point of two tectonic plates, the North American and European ones, with a huge fissure (Silfra) between the two that is incredible to see.

You can walk between the rocky walls of the tectonic plates, and also go snorkelling in the Silfra fissure, which is an amazing experience!

You’ll get to see the glacial landscape and the gap between continents up close – except underwater!

Click here to book your Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour!

Borg

Just 25 minutes drive from Thingvellir National Park lies the town of Borg, a convenient stop between the Golden Circle and the South Coast. There are several hotels, cottages and cabins to choose from here. 

This makes it a good place to spend your first night in Iceland.

That way you’re already on the way to your next destination, and also sleeping somewhere away from the bright lights of Reykjavik, which increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights!

Opt for a self-catering cabin like Country Dream, and get cosy before you set out for day 2.

Alternatively, here are other accommodation options for every budget.

Budget: Englendingavík Homestay – Englendingavík Homestay in Borgarnes offers cozy accommodations with a choice of private or shared bathroom facilities, along with free WiFi and private parking.

Conveniently located 77 km from Reykjavík, it’s a great base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and couples especially love the scenic setting, rating it 9.0 for romantic getaways.

Click here to book your stay at Englendingavik Homestay!

Mid-range: Country Dream Langholt 2 – Country Dream – Langholt 2, located 7 km from Selfoss, offers a peaceful stay with options ranging from self-catering houses and apartments to rooms with private or shared bathrooms.

Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a garden, terrace, hot tub, and sauna, with hiking trails nearby, making it a favorite for couples who rated it 8.7 for a romantic getaway.

Click here to book your stay at Country Dream Langholt 2!

Luxury: Bakki – Bakki, located in Jarðlangsstaðir, is a spacious 4-bedroom holiday home featuring a terrace with mountain views, a fully equipped kitchen, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower.

With free WiFi, private parking, a hot tub, and a garden with a barbecue, guests can relax or enjoy nearby hiking, making it an ideal retreat just 87 km from Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

Click here to book your stay at the Bakki

Day 2: South Coast & Vik

Start the second day of this 5-day Iceland winter itinerary by hitting the road and driving towards the South Coast. It’s just over an hour’s drive to your first stop of the day, the beautiful waterfall of Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss

Situated just off Route 1, this famous waterfall is unique as it can be viewed both from outside and inside. 

That’s because there’s a cave right behind the waterfall that can be accessed, meaning you can witness the cascade itself up close. Just make sure you’re wearing waterproof clothing!

Also be aware that in winter the path behind the waterfall can get very icy and slippery, so they sometimes close it to ensure the safety of visitors, like on the day we visited.

Don’t let that deter you, it’s still a stunning waterfall even if you only visit the front side of it!

Gljufrabui

Just a 10-minute walk over from Seljalandsfoss, is another pretty epic waterfall; Gljufrabui. It’s a bit more hidden than its neighbour, but this intriguing waterfall is worth the trip to see it. 

Set in a narrow ravine, you have to walk on top of small rocks inside the water to get to it (waterproof shoes with a good grip are a must), and once you’re there you’ll be rewarded with a powerful waterfall tumbling inside a picturesque cave. 

It’s definitely a hidden gem of the South Coast. Given the slippery path and small cave surrounding the waterfall, be prepared as you might have to wait for other to leave first to get inside.

Skogafoss 

For your third waterfall visit, it’s time to see the famous Skogafoss, which is about 25 minutes by car from Gljufrabui.

The water here plunges from a height of 60 metres into an enormous pool, flanked by craggy cliffs and huge boulders.

You can walk up right to it, at the edge of the pool where the waterfall plunges into. It’s a thrilling experience, just beware that you will get a little wet! 

There’s also a path that takes you to see the waterfall from above, which has some pretty epic views.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Time to hit the beach! But not for sunbathing (obviously). It’s just under a 50 minute drive to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. 

It’s possibly the most famous of Iceland’s beaches, due to the dramatic basalt columns and rock formations that scatter the shoreline. 

Take some time to wander along the coast, snapping pics of the famous formations, before driving onwards to Vik.

Vik

From Reynisfjara Beach, the village of Vik is just over 10 minutes away by car.

Sitting in the shadow of a glacier-covered volcano, it’s a charming place to explore, complete with a wooden church and pretty wooden houses.

Stop off for a bite to eat here; there are a few pubs and restaurants, as well as little shops if you want to shop for souvenirs.

After you’ve enjoyed all the sights at Vik, you can either spend the night here if you want to be in a city, or continue along Route 1 for 2 hours towards your final destination for day 2 of your Iceland 5 day itinerary. 

I’d recommend spending the night at Adventure Hotel Hof, so you’re close to Vatnajokull for the next day. It’s located in a tranquil valley, overlooked by an active volcano on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park.

And obviously, away from light pollution which increases your chances to see the Northern Lights! It might not be one of the most unique hotels in Iceland, but it’s pretty convenient.

Click here to book your stay at the Adventure Hotel Hof!

Day 3: Glaciers & iceberg Lagoons 

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon 

It’s not possible to explore Iceland for 5 days without seeing some of its epic glacial landscapes. Case in point: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. 

It’s formed by a receding glacier, part of the huge Vatnajokull glacier (Europe’s largest!), and is a massive lagoon where big icebergs just calmly float on its surface.

It’s an easy attraction for everyone to visit as it has a massive car park you can just drive up to, and then from there go on a walk around the lagoon, taking in the surreal iceberg sights.

I’d recommend taking a boat tour of this amazing body of water. You’ll get close-up views of the ice cap, as well as floating icebergs.

You may even get the chance to spot some of the wildlife that lives here, including grey seals, puffins, and a variety of seabirds. 

Click here to book your Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour!

Want to see more of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon? Check out my YouTube video about it!

Diamond Beach

Situated between the edge of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find Diamond Beach. 

This black sand beach is scattered with glistening gem-like chunks of ice – parts of icebergs that have broken off and washed up on the beach. 

These gleam like diamonds on the black sand (hence the name). It’s a pretty unique and nice place to go for a stroll amongst the ice block, and it’s also very photogenic!

Go on a Glacier Hike & Ice Caves Tour

This was possibly the most thrilling and exciting experience we did in Iceland. It’s a true Icelandic adventure, and something that should feature on everyone’s Iceland bucket list.

Now it’s time to actually head onto, and into, Vatnajokull glacier itself.

The glacier’s famous ice caves are formed by geothermal activity that melts the ice, with airflow helping to create caverns and tunnels through the glacier. 

No two caves are the same, and they change every year due to the melting and refreezing of the caves.

They’re also impossible to visit in summer when warmer temperatures result in dangerous conditions within the melting caves.

Click here to book your Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Tour!

And the epic thing is that you can go inside these ice caves! You will hike on the glacier, and walk through the icy walls of these unique Icelandic ice caves, exploring their smooth shapes and bright colours.

But the only way to see these epic caves is by joining a tour, you can’t go traipsing alone into the glacier. These tours are a bit expensive, but I would definitely factor it into your Iceland travel budget, as they’re simply epic.

An experienced guide will take you on an adventure across the icy terrain, equipped with crampons and a helmet, as you explore the glacier and its glittering blue caves. 

It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and I would say it’s a must on any Iceland 5-day itinerary in winter. When your day of adventure is done, head back to your accommodation at Adventure Hotel Hof.

Check out prices & availability for a Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour here!

Want to see more about exploring ice caves in Iceland? Check out my YouTube video about it!

Day 4: Drive Back to Reykjavik

It’s coming towards the end of your 5-day itinerary for Iceland, but the journey isn’t over yet. Today, you’re heading back to Reykjavik!

Although you will have already seen the most scenic and famous attractions on the drive out, Iceland’s South Coast is packed with attractions, and there are still a few unique sights you can stop at to break up the 4-hour drive to Reykjavik.

Skeidararsandur is one of them. Like a vast, volcanic desert, this enormous glacial plain is known for the black sand that washed out here over the centuries.

Stop along the way to take pictures of the scenery and its rocky outcrops, including mountains like Lomagnupur.

Further along the route towards Reykjavik, there’s also Fjadrargljufur, a huge canyon created around 2 million years ago. It’s definitely worth a stop to admire the views.

Near Vik you’ll find Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. This is the shell of a US Navy airplane that, in 1973, ran out of fuel and crash-landed here. It looks particularly stark among the dramatic Icelandic landscape.

Once you’re back in Reykjavik, you can spend your time ticking off some of the best attractions in the city.

These include the architectural wonders of Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja, as well as strolling along Lagavegur Street in search of food and souvenirs. 

If you’re not interested in city sights, you can also spend the afternoon at the famous Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s iconic hot spring.

Click here to book your entrance to the Blue Lagoon!

After that, spend the night at a central accommodation like Fosshotel Raudara to make the most of your time. Alternatively, here are some great places to stay in Reykjavik for every budget.

Budget: Kex Hostel – Kex Hostel, centrally located just 250 meters from Laugarvegur shopping street, offers cozy rooms with free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, an in-house restaurant and bar, and easy access to Reykjavik’s attractions, making it a great spot for couples exploring the city.

Click here to book your stay at Kex Hostel

Mid-range: Center Hotels Plaza – Center Hotels Plaza, located in Reykjavik’s Old Town on Ingólfstorg Square, offers modern rooms with free internet, a popular breakfast buffet, and a cozy bar, making it an ideal base for couples to explore the city’s attractions, dining, and shopping.

Click here to see prices & availability at Center Hotels Plaza!

Luxury: Hotel Holt – The Art Hotel – Hotel Holt – The Art Hotel, located in Reykjavik’s historic neighborhood, offers a unique stay with its blend of contemporary Icelandic decor, modern comforts, and Iceland’s largest private art collection, making it an elegant choice for couples exploring the city’s rich culture.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Holt – The Art Hotel!

Day 5: Snaefellsnes Peninsula 

Round up your 5-day Iceland itinerary with a trip around the famous Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Miniature Iceland” because of the wealth of sights packed into its relatively small area. 

That means ice-capped volcanoes, myths and legends, waterfalls, craggy coastlines, wildlife, and dramatic scenery aplenty.

It feels remote, but it only takes 2 hours to drive there from Reykjavik, which makes it doable in a day. You’ll drive along the coastal Road 54, which is a scenic drive in itself. 

Walk Along the Coast at Arnastapi

The first stop after your epic drive is Arnastapi, around 120 miles from the capital. This is your chance to get out and stretch your legs in a stunning stretch of shoreline. 

Famed for its coastal rock formations, the village of Arnastapi sits at the bottom of Mount Stapafell. 

The hiking trail runs for just over 1.5 miles. It might not seem long, but despite its length it’s incredible, passing through lava fields and boasting dramatic views out to sea.

Djupalonssandur

Further around the coast (a 15-minute drive) is Djupalonssandur. There’s a carpark here and from here it’s a short, easy walk to the beach itself. 

Djupalonssandur is a beach, but there’s no sand here; instead you’ll find polished black pebbles as well as a number of eerie rock formations.

These include the Elf Rocks – legend says it was once a church for elves. There’s another rock formation that is supposed to be a troll that turned to stone.

You’ll also find the legendary “lifting stones” here, which fishermen would lift to prove their strength and ability to head out to sea.

Budir Black Church

Your next stop is Budir. Continue for 30 minutes around the peninsula to reach this small wooden church. Dating back to the 19th-century, the striking black church sits in the stark scenery of a lava field.

It’s a simple structure but is a popular spot to stop off and take photos – especially dramatic in winter when it provides a monochrome shot against the white snow.

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall & Mountain

The journey continues to Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, another 30-minute drive to the opposite side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

This is an absolutely iconic spot, thanks to the prominent peak of Kirkjufells (literally “Church Mountain”) as a backdrop.

The waterfall itself is a collection of three cascades; it’s small compared to others (only 5 metres tall) but is enchanting. In winter the snow-capped mountains and icy falls turn it truly magical.

Look for Seals at Ytri Tunga Beach

Now it’s time to head to spot seals at Ytri Tunga Beach, around 40 minutes by car from Kirkjufellsfoss. Unusually for Iceland, this is not a black sand beach (it’s just “regular” brownish sand). 

The resident seal colony – harbour seals, which are the most common, and grey seals – usually never disappoint, so hang around the beach (making sure to keep your distance) and watch them play. 

I’d recommend bringing a zoom lens if you want to snap some pictures of the seals lounging around together, and they’re best viewed at low tide. Binoculars are also a good idea.

Once you wrap up your day you can head back towards the capital, and either aim for a late evening flight, or spend another night in Reykjavik, catch an easy Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport transfer, and fly the following morning,

What to Pack for Iceland in Winter

Now that you know the best places to visit in Iceland in winter, you’re going to need to know what to pack for your big trip. Packing for Iceland in winter isn’t easy.

Here’s what to pack for Iceland to ensure you’re prepared for the cold weather, so that you can enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer without being uncomfortable or cold.

Windproof/waterproof jacket – Having something that can keep the wind, rain and snow at bay is a must. If it’s also insulated (i.e. a down jacket with a windproof outer shell), that’s a bonus. 

Snow pants – You’ll need reliable pair of waterproof pants that aren’t too tight, meaning you can hike and move freely during activities, as well as having enough space to wear another layer under them.

Waterproof snow boots – A really important item in your packing list! Make sure you choose a pair that are comfortable and have a good grip.

Thick socks – An essential for making sure your feet are warm and comfy.

Fleeces/jumpers – Layering is key in the cold, so make sure you pack a couple of good thermal fleeces or jumpers that you know are tried-and-tested to keep you warm.

Gloves – It’s your choice of either more practical waterproof gloves or the thinner (perhaps touchscreen) glove type. Either way, having freezing fingers isn’t fun. 

Long-sleeve T-shirts – Again, one of my top Iceland winter tips is to ensure you layer up. Pack a few long-sleeved T-shirts (nothing fancy) that can help you keep warm.

I prefer thermal shirts to normal cotton ones, as they will keep you warmer, but many people use normal long sleeved shirts.

Pocket warmers – I’m a big fan of pocket warmers. They’re only temporary, but they make a world of difference when you’re hiking and feel like your hands are freezing.

Head torch – It’s surprisingly dark or almost dark a lot of the time during winter in Iceland, and a head torch can come in handy.

How to Travel Around Iceland in Winter

Visiting Iceland in the winter offers glistening landscapes and frozen waterfalls. But winter is a more difficult time of year to travel around too.

Renting a car and driving yourself around is still an option, but you need to be aware that this does come with some unique difficulties.

If you want to self-drive, you will need to be a confident driver and ensure that you rent a car that is appropriate for dealing with Iceland’s level of snow and ice.

Road closures are not unheard of, and you won’t be able to access a lot of the roads that you would otherwise be able to in the summer months.

Not only that, but you’ll also have to contend with the lack of daylight, which means you’ll be driving in dim light or darkness for most of the time.

Click here to book your perfect car rental in Iceland!

One easier way to see Iceland’s winter attractions is by hopping on a tour. This takes away a lot of the hassle and danger of driving in Iceland in winter.

Simply sit back and let a professional driver take you to all the famous sights, without having to worry about driving on icy winter roads.

Since I’m not a very good driver, and my boyfriend had never driven on snow, we decided to opt for a guided Iceland tour of the Ring Road, and it was a pretty good solution for us.

You can opt for this 3-day South Coast tour from Reykjavik, which covers a lot of the destinations activities I outlined in this itinerary, or maybe go on an epic 8-day guided minibus tour around Iceland, which will cover everything in this itinerary and beyond!

Click here to book your guided multi-day tour in Iceland!

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Iceland in Winter?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee, you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor-made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellations, medical expenses, luggage coverage, and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final Thoughts on My 5-day Iceland Itinerary Winter

That’s a wrap on the ultimate Iceland 5-day winter itinerary! Have you been to Iceland in winter before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

I visited Iceland twice, once in winter and once in summer, and I have to say my winter trip was especially magical. Iceland is always a country of stunning natural beauty, but in winter it becomes even more unique.

If you have longer in Iceland, like for a 7-day itinerary or more, you could also think of doing a Ring Road itinerary or going to the Westfjords, but the reason I didn’t include them in this winter itinerary is because of the snowy conditions.

In winter those parts of Iceland can be closed due to snowed in roads. So if you want to visit Iceland in winter and don’t have lots of days available, it’s much easier to stick to the South Coast and areas around Reykjavik.

I hope you find my article useful in planning your Iceland winter itinerary. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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