The Iceland scenery in Winter is mesmerizing.
The contrast of the dark lava rock with the pure white of the snow creates a Winter wonderland.
Below is my selection of 35 inspiring pictures of Iceland in Winter, under the snow.
This should inspire you to travel there during the Winter months!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

My top 6 – Most beautiful places in Iceland in Winter
Let’s start with some of my favorite views of Iceland in Winter. It is really difficult to narrow it down though… I have chosen to moments where everything comes together: clouds, light, visibility… My most intense memories.
Everywhere

My next favorite places will precise places, don’t worry. But I wanted to start this list by saying that beauty was everywhere. I have not been bored at all by the Iceland Winter scenery (despite the lack of colors…). But once in a while, there are those perfect moments with a good balance of black and white and the perfect light… The picture above was one of those times… I was visiting the beach of Ytri-Tunga to see the seals. But I turned around and the view was majestic!
If you can’t travel yet, you can enjoy it at home with this jigsaw puzzle:
Saxholl Crater

- Which Region?
Snaefellsnes peninsula - Where is it located?
West end, on Road 574 - Why is the scenery amazing?
When I climbed the crater, I was very lucky. The visibility that day was perfect. We could see the top of the glacier… and the light was soft and perfect. The climb with the wind was not so easy. But this is one of my favorite memories: seeing the whole end of the peninsula with a 360° views.
Godafoss waterfall

- Which Region?
North Iceland - Where is it located?
45min from Akureyri, along Road 1 - Why is the scenery amazing?
Godafoss is way more magical in Winter than in Summer, in my opinion. The waterfall is smaller than the other famous ones but it means that some of the water freezes. It creates icicles. The viewing platforms remain easily accessible and the natural ice sculptures are stunning.
See more pictures
Arnarstapi

- Which Region?
Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Where is it located?
South Coast, in the Arnarstapi village - Why is the scenery amazing?
The Arnarstapi mountain was already one of my favorites. I love its pyramid shape. Plus the coast all around is made of giant lava rock formations including a bridge and an arch. And in Winter, the white accentuates the shapes and it is even more magical.
Fauskasandur Beach

- Which Region?
The East Fjords - Where is it located?
Close to Road 1, North of the Hvalnes lighthouse - Why is the scenery amazing?
The dark sand, the mountains with snow, the frozen waterfall onto the beach… The place did not have much snow when I visited but the balance of color was perfect!
Actually the whole East Fjord-drive was magical and you will see many pictures further in this article. - If you can’t travel yet, you can enjoy it at home with this jigsaw puzzle:
Natural ice caves


- Which Region?
South Coast - Where is it located?
For example from Jokulsarlon – You can book this tour or check out my article to help you choose your cave. - Why is the scenery amazing?
Visiting natural ice caves is one of the highlights of Iceland in Winter. There are several options. I chose a tour from Jokulsarlon that took me to 2 caves: a black one (where volcanic ash has been trapped in the ice) and a blue one. Every year they have to find those caves and make them safe to visit, so you will not see the same which, in my opinion, makes the experience even better. Access is via a 4WD vehicle driving on the glacier.
About the Iceland Scenery in Winter
How are the landscapes of Iceland in Winter?
The Icelandic Winter scenery is quite different from the Summer one.
- con – White snow is covering the green moss and much of the ground lava details (except the giant formations).
- pro – However it does highlight the details in the mountains. The white snow accentuates the black rock shapes on them.
Below is a video including all easily accessed regions in Iceland in Winter to give you snapshot of what you could see during your winter road trip and for you to understand how Iceland is one of the best Winter wonderlands in the World!
All the locations listed in this article (and more wonderful ones) are included in my eBook to help you plan your ideal itinerary:
Visit Tips and Accessibility
- A lot of attractions around Road 1, the Golden circle and the Snaefellsnes peninsula remain accessible in Winter. Roads are frequently cleared from snow.
- Do not self-drive in Iceland in Winter if you have never driven on snow – Check out my article about Driving in Iceland in Winter
- Of course, road closure can always happen due to snow and wind – check out the status on road.is
- Walking paths can get icy, so carry spikes or crampons in your bag (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time
- If you don’t want to drive, check out my article about the best Iceland winter tours.
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

Best waterfalls in Iceland in Winter
Iceland is very famous for its waterfalls. They are typical Icelandic scenery. Some of them require hiking and are difficult to reach, but many are still easy to access and visit.
Some have icicles on the edges, while others are still flowing at full force surrounded by peaceful white scenery.
Gullfoss waterfall

- Which Region?
Golden Circle - Where is it located?
Along Road 35, 2h drive from Reykjavik - Why is the scenery amazing?
Gullfoss is not your typical waterfall. You cannot see the whole drop. It cascades over small steps before falling into a canyon.
The area is well organized so that you can admire it from different angles. My favorite one is the second viewpoint at the top. The view is as per the picture above, aligned with the canyon.
See more pictures
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

- Which Region?
South Coast - Where is it located?
Very close to Road 1, 1h West of Vik - Why is the scenery amazing?
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. However you might be disappointed. It is famous because you can walk behind. But the path is closed in Winter. it is too dangerous with the ice and the icicles above your head. However the impressive 60m drop of water it still an interesting stop.
See more photos of Seljalandsfoss in Winter.
Skogafoss waterfall

- Which Region?
South Coast - Where is it located?
Along road 1, East of Seljalandsfoss - Why is the scenery amazing?
This is one of my favorite waterfalls because I love everything that is square.
Skogafoss is a 60m high shower curtain. The drop is very impressive. Protect your camera if you get closer!
Don’t go up the staircase to see the drop from above if you have vertigo. The viewing platform is see-through.
See more photos - If you can’t travel yet, you can enjoy it at home with this jigsaw puzzle:
Hraunfossar falls

- Which Region?
Silver Circle / Inland Snaefellsnes peninsula - Where is it located?
Road 518, 1h drive from Borgarnes - Why is the scenery amazing?
Hraunfossar is one of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland. The water flows through lava and cascades into thousands of falls into the blue river.
With the snow, this Iceland scenery looks every more magical.
See my article with more pictures
Kirkjufellsfoss

- Which Region?
Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Where is it located?
North Coast, West of Grundarfjordur - Why is the scenery amazing?
Kirkjufell is the most famous mountain in Iceland because of its peculiar shape. And you can walk on a path to 2 waterfalls creating a wonderful landscape.
Since the waterfalls are small, ice is forming and only a little water flows but the natural ice sculptures are beautiful.
See more photos and plan your visit
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The East fjords – amazing Iceland landscapes in Winter!
I have decided to dedicate a whole section to photos of Iceland’s East fjords in Winter.
There are no specific places to visit. You just drive on Road 1 through and around all the fjords. The scenery is never boring.
Stop whenever you see a safe place or a viewpoint!
Below is a selection of pictures. As you can see the amount of snow varies from one fjord to another.

Wild reindeers can only be seen in the East Fjords. They come down from the mountain in Winter. Be careful!




Seydisfjordur
Once you have done the whole road 1 fjords, you can visit another fjord on the East Coast: Seydisfjordur.
However there is a mountain pass to reach it and the road can be closed. Check before starting the drive.

If it is open, it is worth the effort. The fjord is narrow and the drive down is stunning (when the visibility is good). This fjord has been made famous by the skateboard scene in Water Mitty.
At the bottom is a charming little town with colorful buildings.

Where to stay in Iceland?
My favorites:
- Reykjavik, capital city: see best rated accommodations – or my article on where to stay
- Selfoss, between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
- Vik, near waterfalls and glaciers: see best rated accommodations
- Höfn, gateway to the East fjords: see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir, between fjords and North Iceland: see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid, for the wonders of Lake Myvatn: see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri, capital of the North: see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: see best rated accommodations

Pictures of Iceland in Winter – The land of Ice
Back to specific places to visit. Let’s talk about the amazing Iceland Landscapes in Winter that feature ice: glaciers, icebergs, ice stalagmites…
We have already seen the ice caves in the beginning of this article. But there is much more to see!
Fjallsarlon glacial lagoon

- Which Region?
South coast - Where is it located?
Not far from Road 1, West of Höfn - Why is the scenery amazing?
As in Summer, everybody rushes to Jokulsarlon the big brother glacial lagoon. But I love Fjallsarlon.
In Winter the lagoon freezes, and there are no icebergs, but you are very close to the glacier tongue. The wall of ice is impressive! - If you can’t travel yet, you can enjoy it at home with this jigsaw puzzle:
Diamond Beach

- Which Region?
South Coast - Where is it located?
Along Road 1, opposite the Jokulsarlon Lagoon - Why is the scenery amazing?
The icebergs escaping from the Jokulsarlon lagoon, make their way to the sea. The tide pushes some back onto the black sand.
Some are white, others blue or black. The experience is surreal.
More photos here
Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon

- Which Region?
South Coast - Where is it located?
Along Road 1, 1h drive West of Höfn - Why is the scenery amazing?
Jokulsarlon is famous for a reason. Icebergs detach from the glacier and float in the giant lagoon before drifting to the sea. I visited again right after a storm and the amount of icebergs was unbelievable!
More photos here
Glacier walking – here in Solheimjokull

- Which Region?
South Coast - Where is it located?
2km from road 1, West of Vik – hiking required - Why is the scenery amazing?
A famous experience in Iceland in Winter is walking on a glacier. There are several locations to do it. They will provide spikes and safety equipments. You must be relatively fit to do it. It can be done on the South Coast at several glaciers – before and after Vik for example at Solheimjökull – see options or Skaftafell – see options
Vidgelmir lava tunnel

- Which Region?
Silver Circle - Where is it located?
Departure from Husafell on Road 518 - Why is the scenery amazing?
This is a mix of Ice and Fire. You can join a guided tour to visit the lava tunnel. Access is not difficult.
The particularly is that in Winter, ice stalagmites form at one section of the tunnel. I had never seen such a combination. It is quite a sight!
Photos of Iceland in Winter – the land of fire
But Iceland is also the land of fire. The scenery has been and keep being shaped by volcanic activity.
Below are some of the locations where you can experience it the best in Winter…
Thingvellir National Park

- Which Region?
Golden Circle - Where is it located?
Road 36, 1h drive from Reykjavik - Why is the scenery amazing?
Thingvellir is a geological and historical attraction. Here you can see giant fissures in the Earth crust, evidence of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates moving away from each other. The main walking path between the 2 carparks is well maintained so that you can enjoy this unique area.
More photos in my article
Hverir geothermal area

- Which Region?
North Iceland – Lake Myvatn - Where is it located?
Along Road 1, just East of Lake Myvatn - Why is the scenery amazing?
Hverir / Namajfall is a famous geothermal area in the North of Iceland. The contrast of the dark boiling mud pools with the snow-covered hill is fascinating.
You can also enjoy some fumaroles but those with sensitive nose might not appreciate the sulphur smell…
Haukadalur geothermal area

- Which Region?
Golden Circle - Where is it located?
On Road 35, 1h45 drive from Reykjavik - Why is the scenery amazing?
The other famous geothermal area is Haukadalur, also known as Geysir, as it is home to this famous geyser. However the one you will see erupting is Strokkur. It launches its water into the air every 3 to 7min. This is quite a show!
Dimmuborgir lava formations

- Which Region?
North Iceland – Lake Myvatn - Where is it located?
2km from Road 848, East of Lake Myvatn - Why is the scenery amazing?
Dimmuborgir is a fairytale location. This is a lava field with giant rock formations. You can let your imagination run wild and see trolls, elves or the Yule Lads hiding in the holes or behind the rocks. You will be walking in a black and white scenery.
See more photos
Myvatn pseudocraters

- Which Region?
North Iceland - Where is it located?
Along Road 848, South of Lake Myvatn - Why is the scenery amazing?
This is one of my favorite locations in Summer (see pictures). The experience in Winter is totally different. The pond is frozen and covered in snow. The pseudo-craters are just tiny pimples on a white canvas. This is quite surreal (and difficult to capture due to the amount of white).
Londrangar lava cliffs

- Which Region?
Snaefellsnes peninsula - Where is it located?
West end of the peninsula, West of Arnarstapi - Why is the scenery amazing?
A viewpoint has been set up to admire the dramatic lava cliffs and the giant rock pillars. In Winter, the snow highlights the darkness of the lava rocks.
Legends tell the stories of Trolls…
And keep track of your own trip!

Northern lights in Iceland in Winter
Of course, many people visit Iceland in Winter to see the Northern lights.
The nights are longer in Winter, so your chances to see the lights are better… but not guaranteed since you need a clear sky.
Even if you don’t get to see them, the scenery during the day will be more than enough to make your trip memorable.

Many hotels have a northern light wake up call. Don’t forget to add your room number to the list!
And a few extra sceneries of Iceland in Winter…
And a few extra pictures of the beautiful scenery of Iceland in Winter!
Driving in Iceland in Winter
Even if you were not able to get out of the car at any of the stops, simply driving around Iceland in Winter is fascinating. I love it so much!!! The only negative is that there are so many wonderful landscapes to admire that your brain overloads.


Reykjavik in Winter
You can also visit the capital city of Reykjavik in Winter (see my article).
I am not a city person, I prefer Nature. But if you want a few extra amazing views, head to the Perlan museum and enjoy the panoramic platform. It offers wonderful views of the area, including the town, as you can see below.

Sunsets and Sunrises
The advantage of visiting in Winter is that Sunrises are not too early and sunsets too late. You can still sleep well and have time to get out to see them.
Below was a sunrise in the town of Höfn, by the harbour, with the mountains in the background.
A very peaceful moment I wanted to share with you as the last picture for this article…

Want to see more – the best of Iceland in Winter:
- Best things to do in Iceland in Winter – read article
- Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips – read article
- 7 Iceland waterfalls in Winter – read article
- Tips for visiting Iceland in Winter – read article
- Planning an Iceland Winter Road Trip – read article
- Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions – read article
- Driving in Iceland in Winter – read article
Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
And keep track of your own trip!

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