If you only have a few days to enjoy Iceland in winter, you may want to book:
- winter day trips from Reykjavik
- or short Iceland winter tours,
To make the experience a little easier (especially if driving on the snow and ice is not your thing).
Below is my selection of the best options to consider.
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Best Iceland Winter tours - Summary
Why book a tour?
In Summer, I definitively recommend renting a car and exploring on your own on a road trip.
However, the winter conditions can be daunting for most people: the snow, the ice, the wind... If you have never driven on the snow, you should not start in Iceland!
In that case booking small group tours are a great option. The drivers are locals and experienced (for most companies). And they keep an eye on the conditions to adapt the program as needed.
Plus, with a driver, you can just sit and admire the magnificent winter landscapes.
Driving in Iceland in winter
5 Best Winter day trips from Reykjavik
Below is a summary of my selection of the some of the best tours to considers. I will share more details and pictures in the article below.
If you only have a couple of days, the best day trips from Reykjavik are the same as in Summer - just select your dates to see if a company is running also in Winter. Go on the links and enter the dates to see what is available:
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula - my favorite with a little bit of everything (waterfalls, lava cliffs, craters, fjords...)- see availability and book
- Golden Circle - a classic with waterfall, geyser and a national park - see availability and book
- West South Coast - Land of waterfalls and black sand beaches - see availability and book
- Silver Circle - with the ice tunnel, a lava tube and colorful waterfalls - see availability and book
- A northern light tour (with no guarantee of course) - book
Iceland winter tour minibus at the foot of the Saxholl crater
Ice cave tour from Reykjavik in Winter
If visiting an ice cave is high on your list, know that they are quite far away from Reykjavik, better to book a 2 or 3 day tour along the South Coast that includes a cave visit.
See 2 day tour availability and book
Best Iceland Winter tours
But if you have longer, you can also fin great winter tours all around Iceland with a small group.
For example this one covers: Golden circle, South Coast, East Fjords, Myvatn, Akureyri, Snaefellsnes peninsula
You can just sit and admire the views.
Learn more about the program, see availability and book
Best day trips from Reykjavik in Winter
Golden Circle winter day trip
Why choose this tour?
The Golden Circle is the most famous tour in Iceland. It is a loop North East of Reykjavik.
It offers a good variety of sights with history and natural highlights.
Golden Circle Winter day trip from Reykjavik
Main stops
- Thingvellir National park - you get to walk one of the paths in a cut of the Earth' crust. This is a fascinating natural place and also a significant historical place for Iceland
- Haukadalur and Strokkur - To appreciate the power of the Earth, you will stop at the Haukadalur geothermal area. The famous Geysir geyser will not be blowing, but the Strokkur geyser does every 3 to 8 minutes. So, you will have many opportunities to appreciate its impressive blow. And don't forget to explore the rest of the area for more fascinating features.
- Gullfoss - It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland as it flows inside a narrow canyon. make sure to take the paths and stairs to admire it from various angles.
- See more pictures on my article about the Golden Circle in Winter
Tips
- No better side to sit on, on the bus
- Considering these are very touristic spots, the marked walking paths are maintained - but it can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time
- Toilets, shops and food court at both sites
Snaefellsnes day tour in winter
Why choose this tour?
I love the Peninsula. It is often referred to as Iceland in miniature. A tour will give you a snapshot of many of the Icelandic landscapes: fjords, waterfalls, volcanic craters, lava cliffs. Those are some of my favorite sceneries, especially in winter.
Snaefellsnes day tour in Winter from Reykjavik
Main stops
- Kirkjufell - the mountain with a fascinating shape and its 2 waterfalls that are partially frozen in Winter
- Londrangar - fascinating lava cliffs with troll legends
- Arnarstapi and its coastal walk with lava formations such as arches.
- See more pictures on my article about Snaefellsnes in Winter.
Tips
- No better side to sit on, on the bus
- Considering these are very touristic spots, the marked walking paths are maintained - but it can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time
- At Kirkjufell, make sure to walk all the way down to the second waterfall
- Don't try walking on the icy river, it is still a river (I saw someone fall into the freezing water...)
- No facilities at the stops, your driver will stop at cafés along the way.
First half of the South Coast - Seljalandsfoss to Vik
Why choose this tour?
This tour takes you to 2 of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is a world of giant cliffs and grandiose views.
South Coast winter day tour from Reykjavik
Main stops
- Seljalandsfoss - this is the famous waterfall where you can walk behind in Summer. However, note that in Winter it is not possible. They close it as it become extremely dangerous.
- Skogafoss - I love this waterfall. It is a very impressive and white shower curtain. You can get close at the bottom. And you can also climb the staircase on the cliff to see the top.
- Reynisfjara - one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland. the cliffs have a cave, basalt columns and seastacks.
Tips
- Be really careful on the beach. The waves are dangerous and can come up very quickly.
- For better views, sit on the left side of the bus in the morning and the right side on the return!
- Considering these are very touristic spots, the marked walking paths are maintained - but it can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time
- Food trucks and toilets on the carparks
Silver Circle
Why choose this tour?
The Silver circle is less famous than the Golden circle. It is more expensive because you have to pay access to 2 attractions, but the experiences are quite unique and different from anything else on the island.
Silver Circle day tour from Reykjavik in Winter
Main stops
- Hraunfossar and Barnafoss - the water comes in intense shades of blue, and it trickles through the lava and rushes through a canyon. In winter, this is one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland.
- The Ice Tunnel - it is not like visiting a natural ice cave. The blue is intensified by lights. But it is quite fun to walk deep under a glacier and to learn more about them.
- Vildgelmir - this is a lava tube that you can explore with a guide. The mouth entrance is impressive and the visit fascinating. Plus, in Winter, ice stalagmites are forming inside the cave!
Tips
- Both sides of the bus are good
- Toilets at all sites
- It can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time
Can you see Ice caves on a day trip from Reykjavik in Winter?
Most touristy natural ice caves are around Jokulsarlon lagoon. It is a 5h drive from Reykjavik if conditions are good. Therefore, you cannot do it on a day trip.
Some closer caves may be offered during some season, but it is still a lot of driving jut to see a cave (you won't have time to see other places).
Cave visits are mostly offered on 2- or 3- day tours (or longer). See further in this article.
Northern light tours from Reykjavik in Winter
It is extremely rare that the lights are strong enough for you to see them from Reykjavik. There is too much light produced by the city.
You have to book a tour that starts in the evening and takes you out to chase them, and hopefully find them.
However the lights appearance depends on the magnetic activity in the days before and the cloud cover. There is no guarantee.
Land tours
The tours on land are the most common. There is a large variety of options.
You can take a bus tour, a small group tour or a private tour. The smaller the tour, the more flexibility you have to find a place to see the lights.
- BUS TOUR - One of the cheapest options is to go on a bus tour. You leave from Reykjavik and the driver takes you to the best spots he knows depending on the forecast - Check out Program, availability and Price
- SMALL GROUP TOUR - This is my favorite option (price / quality), it is easier to go from one spot to another chasing the northern lights because you can gather everyone more quickly and you can go off the beaten tracks - Check out options
- PRIVATE TOURS - check out options
Boat tours
You can also opt to get away from the land lights on the sea. Sometimes the clouds are stuck on land, but the sky can be clear over the water and you could better see the lights.
There are Northern light cruises departing from Reykjavik. Make sure to wear extra warm clothes (and they will provide extra on board). The wind on the boat will be even colder than on land.
Check out options
Northern lights in Iceland in Winter
Iceland Winter tours with Ice caves - South Coast 2 or 3 days
Now if you have several days in Iceland and the ice cave is a must for you.
Then you should book a 2-day or 3-day tour along the South Coast.
Main stops
- Seljalandsfoss - this is the famous waterfall where you can walk behind in Summer. However, note that in Winter it is not possible. They close it as it becomes extremely dangerous.
- Skogafoss - I love this waterfall. It is a very impressive and white shower curtain. You can get close at the bottom. And you can also climb the staircase on the cliff to see the top.
- Reynisfjara - one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland. the cliffs have a cave, basalt columns and seastacks.
- Jokulsarlon Lagoon - the most famous glacier lagoon and its river joining the sea. You can admire the icebergs detaching from the glacier and floating in the lagoon
- Diamond Beach - across from the lagoon is a black sand beach where the icebergs are pushed back by the tide. I love it even more that the lagoon. You can walk to the blue, white and black icebergs. It is fascinating!
- Ice caves - there are several caves to be visited in the area. Just be aware that they change every year. You may not see something similar to what they show you on the pictures... Learn more about ice caves in my dedicated article.
Tips
- Be really careful on the beaches. The waves are dangerous and can come up very quickly.
- For better views, sit on the left side of the bus when driving towards the East and on the right side on the return!
- Considering these are a very touristic spots, the marked walking paths are maintained - but it can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time
- Food trucks and toilets on the carparks
And a 3 day tour will add the golden circle to a similar itinerary.
Full Ring Road and Snaefellsnes - 8-day Iceland Winter Tour
If you are lucky enough to have 10 days to visit Iceland in Winter, I recommend booking this 8-day tour.
The program will take you all around the ring road and to the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
And you can organize with one or two days in Reykjavik before or after.
The tour will be in a minibus (so not 50 people...)
Most of the tour guides I have met are passionate about their country and love showing its beauty to tourists.
Just note that due to the weather conditions, the program can change at the last minute. However, they are used to it and will always do their best for you to see as much as possible.
You will see:
- The Golden Circle with the classic 3 stops: Geyser, Thingvellir National Park and the Gullfoss waterfall
- The South Coast with waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier walk, glacier lagoon and diamond beach
- The East Fjords - a beautiful drive and a few stops including black sand beaches. Plus, in winter the reindeer come live in this area. So, there is a good chance you may see some.
East fjords
- The Lake Myvatn area, my favorite region in Iceland in Summer. There is a little less to see in winter, but it is still fascinating. You will see the Hverir geothermal area and the Dimmuborgir giant lava formations. Maybe you will want to relax at the Myvatn Baths. Or if you don't want to, you can ask your guide to take you to the pseudo-craters while the others relax.
- Akureyri, the capital of the North. This is where many whale tours depart from. You might get lucky, but opportunities are less in winter
- Drive back south and do a loop on the Snaefellsnes peninsula - you will finish with even more magnificent landscapes with an in-depth tour of the peninsula because you are staying in a hotel nearby, so you have a full day to tour it!
Lake Myvatn - Hverir geothermal area
Want to see more of Iceland in Winter:
- Best things to do in Iceland in Winter - read article
- 35 pictures of 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:
Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
- Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
- 115+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
And keep track of your own trip!
Want to see more of ICELAND IN WINTER
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