In this article:
Top 10 winter activities in Iceland include-
- Hiking
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Cold plunge
- Winter Camping
- Campfires
- Cross-country skiing
- Diving
- Christmas Markets
- Snowy Forest Walks
Wintertime can call for cozy evenings by the fire, reading books and drinking hot chocolate. It can also be a season of thrilling outdoor adventures if you’re looking for it! Iceland is beautiful this time of year, with gorgeous snowy landscapes, fresh crisp air and stunning northern lights.
The magic of winter transforms the country into an exciting winter wonderland that’s perfect for adventure seekers. It’s my favourite time of year here, thinking of the extreme cold plunges, hiking snow capped mountains and ice diving in the frozen lakes.
Winter adventure in Iceland are one of the reasons why I moved here in the first place!
The weather isn’t always dreamy though. A lot of the time its just window weather, or it can change in a heart beat when you’re out and about. So be prepared and dress for the weather here, where the wild nature is in control.
So let’s go through 10 ideas for winter activities that I love to do or have on my own bucket list here in Iceland.
1. Winter Hiking in Iceland
Hiking in winter offers a whole other experience than the rest of the year. The crispy air and snow covered paths make hiking extra challenging but it also keeps you alert and engaged.
Reykjadalur is one of our favourites to do in the winter, because you can bath in a warm thermal river to warm up. Þórsmörk is known for its breathtaking views, and are even more stunning in the winter.
Tips:
Make sure to have layers to stay warm and dry. It can rain anytime, and the wind can be no joke so have a wind-breaker handy as well.
Crampons are good in the ice so you can walk with a little more ease. Hiking poles are also useful for supporting you in the slippery conditions, which are sometimes not so obvious. Careful of the ice that can be hidden under the snow as you walk.
Bear in mind the daylight hours get limited in the thick of winter. The winter solstice the sunrise is 11.30 and sunset is 15.30.
In the westfjords and eastfjords the sun doesn’t even reach over the mountains until January! So darkness is your friend this time of year. But make sure you have head lamps if you plan to hike, even in the day.
2. Snowshoeing
This will be our plan this winter. As we have an infant and a two year old at home, it’s a season of more accessible winter activities for us this year.
Snowshoeing is a beginner friendly, fun way of exploring the rugged terrain and winter landscapes around Iceland.
Here is a list of places around the country that you can rent snowshoes from:
- Icelandic Mountain Guides – Reykjavik. Website: mountainguides.is
- Glacier Guides – Skaftafell. They provide snowshoe equipment for exploring the Vatnajökull. They are a good option for exploring the south region. Website: glacierguides.is
- Glangleri Outfitters – Akureyri. For exploring the North of Iceland you can rent here. Website: ganglerioutfitters.com
- Husky Tours Iceland – Lake Mývatn. You can get rentals or book a tour with them for the area. Website: huskytours.is
3. Ice skating in Reykjavík
This is another family friendly winter activity that I hope to be doing this winter. There are lots of natural frozen lakes around Reykjavik that are perfect for ice skating.
Tjörnin is in downtown Reykjavík or Ástjörn which is near Hafnarfjörður. There is also Rauðavatn on your way to Reykjavik from the south, which also has lots of dog friendly hiking trails as well.
You can pick up a pair of secondhand ice skates easily enough at Everest which is located in Skeifan. Make sure the lake is frozen before you go dancing on top of it. Check the weather conditions on www.vedur.is beforehand.
There are lots of cozy cafes to enjoy a hot drink afterwards if you want to treat yourself and soak up the winter vibes. I always love going to Café Babalu in 101 Reykjavík. It has vegan options and really cool décor.
4. Take a cold plunge
Cold dips and sea swimming in Iceland is quite trendy, and personally its even more fun in the winter. Although it can be tough! If you go to Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach you can warm up in the hot pot overlooking the beach afterwards.
It is important to stay healthy both physically and mentally in the crazy Christmas time. Cold water immersion will keep you feeling fresh and lower anxiety as well. This might be a useful little morning routine in December if you fancy a challenge while doing something positive for your wellbeing.
5. Winter Camping in Iceland
There are some cozy glamping cabins around Iceland if you want to splash out. Like the Buubble (the 5 Million Star Hotel), or the Glass Lodge in the South.
Alternatively, there are campsites open in the winter like in Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar. This might be perfect for anyone looking to go hiking in the low season, where you might also get cheaper deals on cabins.
Make sure to stay warm if you plan to camp in Iceland in the winter. Here is a free checklist of gear if you want somewhere to start.
6. Winter Campfires
You can build a campfire in designated campsites and some black sand beaches. Make sure to check if it is prohibited first and use the driftwood from the beach. Imagine being warmed up by the crackling fire, looking out at some iconic Icelandic landscape, with stars and northern lights shining above. It can’t get much better than that!
Make sure you build it below the high tide line, and of course far from any vegetation in the area.
Some black sand beaches include:
Reynisfjara Beach – Popular but requires caution due to powerful waves.
Vík í Mýrdal – Ideal for small fires with stunning views.
Djúpivogur (East Fjords) – A lesser-known spot for a quiet, remote beach fire experience.
Campfire Safety Tips in Iceland
- Check Fire Bans: Local municipalities may impose temporary bans during dry conditions.
- Use Existing Fire Pits: Avoid building new fire rings in natural areas.
- Bring Firewood: Iceland has limited natural wood resources, and cutting trees or vegetation is prohibited.
- Extinguish Completely: Always douse the fire with water and ensure it’s completely out before leaving.
- Leave No Trace: Follow the principles of Leave No Trace to protect Iceland’s environment.
For real-time information, check with:
7. Cross-country skiing Iceland
Cross-country skiing is quite popular in Iceland. You can even see the skiers training all year round on the road, no need for snow!
It’s a great workout, and a perfect way to connect with nature and get some fresh air. You can rent gear and go off on a trail yourself or book a guided tour.
Bláfjöll Ski Resort is a good place for skiing, snowboarding, and cross country located just south of Reykjavik. Þingvellir National Park be a fun spot on the other side of Reykjavik. Otherwise, there is Hlíðarfjall in Akureyri, and a good community of cross-country skiers in the Westfjords as well.
Here are some places to either rent or book guided tours if interested:
- Akureyri / North of Iceland: Website: hlidarfjall.is
- Icelandic Mountain Guides in Reykjavík. Website: mountainguides.is
- Gangleri Outfitters in the North: Website: ganglerioutfitters.com
- Húsafell Activity Center in the West of Iceland. They offer guided tours and groomed trails in the forest and near Langjökull Glacier. Website: husafell.is
- Arctic Adventures: Based in Reykjavik but they offer all kinds of winter tours and activities around Iceland. Website: adventures.is
8. Silfra Winter Diving
Both scuba and freediving are popular activities to do in Iceland, but have you ever thought about diving in winter? Diving in the Silfra Fissure at Thingvellir National Park is available all year round.
I think its even more beautiful diving there in the winter, with snow all around the lake. As it is glacier water, it is basically always cold! Expect temperatures of 2-4 degrees Celsius.
For more information about diving in Iceland check out my other blog posts here.
9. Iceland Christmas Markets
The Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík is a cultural and cozy festival in the city. Its great to explore a bit of Iceland’s winter culture and get into the Icelandic Christmas spirit here. There are more local Christmas markets around the country as well.
We always pop downtown to check out the festivities close to Christmas. There are handmade crafts, lots of live music, and festive food and drinks on offer.
The atmosphere is so lovely its worth a visit just to walk around and soak it all up.
Make sure you are dressed warmly if you plan to go to a market or outdoor event in the wintertime – I still often make the mistake of not wearing enough layers! You can never underestimate the weather here.
10. Snowy Forest Walks
Believe it or not there are forests in Iceland, and they are so beautiful covered in snow! Heiðmörk or Hallormsstaðaskógur are some examples of Icelandic forests that are great for walking trails.
You can take a nice quiet walk while focusing on your breath to make it a mindful experience. Try breathing techniques such as Nadi Shodhana (alternative nostril breathing) or box breathing while you walk. This will help keep you connected with the nature around you.
Conclusion
I think that wintertime in Iceland can often be restricting for some. The weather and daylight hours can encourage us to just wrap up and stay inside.
However if you embrace the season and take advantage of the good weather windows, I think it’s the best time for adventures.
Dress well, make sure to have the right gear, and enjoy the unique experiences that can only be fully appreciated during the colder months in Iceland.
Let me know what you think of these activities, or share your own favourite winter adventures in the comments or on social media.
I’d love to hear more ideas. Don’t forget to download your free winter gear checklist. And read more about winter tips and tricks from the blog here.
