Iceland in Winter - The Ultimate Travel Guide

Winter Holidays And Events in Iceland

Winter in Iceland isn’t just about snow and icy landscapes; it’s also a season full of unique celebrations and cultural traditions. From cozy Christmas festivities to colorful festivals and quirky local holidays, winter offers plenty of opportunities to experience Icelandic culture, food, and community.

Christmas in Iceland

Icelanders celebrate Christmas with cozy family gatherings, warm meals, and a warm glow in the darkest time of year. On Christmas Eve (December 24), church bells ring at 6:00 PM to mark the official start.

Many families share a hearty dinner that often includes traditional dishes like smoked lamb (hangikjot) and enjoy the long Icelandic “book‑giving” tradition, known locally as Jolabokaflodid, where books are given as gifts and gently read by candlelight.

If you’re in Reykjavik, the city comes alive with Christmas markets. You can browse festive stalls, enjoy local treats, and soak up the holiday atmosphere before heading home for your own celebrations. If you're in North Iceland during this time of year, make sure to visit the fairytale-like Akureyri Christmas House.

On December 25th, most Icelanders are relaxing at home with family, so you’re unlikely to find many open restaurants or shops. If you’re looking for dining options, a few Reykjavik restaurants open on Christmas offer festive meals and holiday menus.

More businesses reopen on the 26th, and by December 27th, most places are back to their regular opening hours.

New Year’s Eve in Iceland

New Year’s Eve is one of the major events and celebrations across Iceland. People often start the evening with dinner, then join neighborhood bonfires and fireworks displays.

At 10:30 PM, many gather around TVs to watch the beloved national comedy show Aramotaskaupid, a humorous review of the past year that Icelanders treat almost like a ritual.

When the clock strikes midnight, the sky lights up with fireworks everywhere, creating a magical moment that feels like welcoming winter’s darkest nights with hope and celebration. This is the highlight of Icelandic New Year's Eve, so be ready to head out by Hallgrimskirkja Church, Perlan, Kopavogskirkja Church, or any other high-up location. The more you see of the sky above the city, the better!

Winter Lights Festival in Iceland

The Winter Lights Festival takes place each year in Reykjavik, usually in early February, celebrating the return of daylight after the long, dark winter. The city comes alive with colorful light installations, illuminated sculptures, and creative art displays scattered across streets, parks, and public spaces.

Highlights include the Museum Night, when museums stay open late with special exhibitions, and the Pool Night, offering evening swims in the city’s famous geothermal pools under magical lights.

Experiencing the festival is one of the top things to do in Reykjavik in February, letting you soak in the local culture, enjoy winter-themed activities, and even try your luck spotting the northern lights outside the city lights.

Valentine's Day, Bondadagur, and Konudagur

Valentine's Day is a relatively recent addition to the Icelandic cultural calendar. Some Icelanders have embraced this holiday, with couples exchanging gifts, enjoying romantic dinners, or spending quality time together.

Two traditional Icelandic holidays, however, have long celebrated the importance of appreciating your partner and others in your life.

• Bondadagur (Men's Day): This occurs on the first day of the old Icelandic month of Thorri, typically falling in January. On this day, women pamper the men in their lives, offering gifts or gestures of appreciation.

• Konudagur (Women's Day): This is observed on the first Sunday in February and used to signify the start of the old month of Goa. On this day, men honor the women in their lives with similar expressions of love and gratitude.

You can often find restaurants and other businesses offering special deals in celebration of all three days, so keep your eyes open if you're visiting around this time.

Thorri in Iceland

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by The blanz. No edits made.

If you're curious to try the famous (or infamous) traditional Icelandic food, then visiting Iceland in winter is a good option. From January to February, you can participate in Thorri, an Icelandic mid-winter festival that celebrates the country's rich culinary heritage.

During this period, many locals gather for “Thorrablot” feasts, indulging in traditional Icelandic foods, many of which have been preserved using historic methods. The menu typically includes hakarl (fermented shark), svid (singed sheep's head), hardfiskur (dried fish), and various prepared meats.

The festivities are often accompanied by lively music, dancing, and drinking Brennivin, a traditional aquavit that is commonly known as “Black Death” in English.

Visiting during this time offers a great chance to get to know the nation's cultural history. If you want to immerse yourself in the Icelandic food culture, you can join various food tours in Iceland.

 Icelandic Wildlife in Winter

While some of Iceland's wildlife migrates or hibernates during winter, some animals have adapted to survive the winter conditions. These species showcase their resilience and unique characteristics during the colder months.

• The Icelandic Horse: The most iconic Icelandic animal is the Icelandic horse, a hardy breed known for its unique gait and ability to withstand cold temperatures. They grow a thick winter coat to stay warm and can often be spotted grazing in snow-covered fields. Horse riding tours continue to operate during winter.

• Reindeer: Visitors may have the chance to spot reindeer when traveling around the East of Iceland. They thrive in the country's winter conditions, where they descend from the highlands to lower elevations, searching for food beneath the snow.

• Arctic foxes: Iceland's only native terrestrial mammal, the arctic fox, adapts to the cold by growing a dense winter coat. It allows them to blend into the snowy landscape. Although challenging to spot, dedicated wildlife enthusiasts may have the opportunity to observe these elusive creatures.

• Birdlife: Winter in Iceland offers bird lovers a chance to spot both native and migratory species. The ptarmigan changes to a white winter coat for camouflage, guillemots can be seen along the coastline, and the gyrfalcon, Iceland’s national bird, may be observed hunting in open areas.

• Marine life: You may see white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises frequently off the coast of Iceland. Whale watching tours during winter provide a chance of spotting minke whales and even humpbacks!

• See also: Wildlife and Animals in Iceland: The Complete Guide

Tips for Visiting Iceland in Winter

This Iceland winter travel guide will help you plan your trip, stay safe, and enjoy all the beauty and adventure Iceland has to offer. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, exploring frozen waterfalls, or embarking on winter tours in Iceland, a little preparation goes a long way.

What To Pack for Winter in Iceland

When visiting Iceland in winter, layering is essential. If you're only staying within the greater Reykjavik area, you can get away with wearing lighter clothing.

Prioritize warm inner layers and bring a warm coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. Wear leggings and a long-sleeve T-shirt, preferably made from thermal materials, underneath your regular clothing to make them warmer. If the weather isn't too cold, you can even get away with wearing jeans this way.

If you're planning on exploring Icelandic nature, and especially if you'll hunt for the northern lights, bring proper warm, layered clothing. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating middle layer like fleece or wool, and top with a waterproof and wind-resistant outer layer. Insulated, waterproof footwear with good traction is essential for walking on icy surfaces.

Along with good clothing, here are some more essential items to pack for a trip to Iceland that will help you make the most of your adventure.

• Skin protection: The cold can be harsh on the skin, so make sure to bring lip balm, moisturizer, and good hand cream!

• Extra equipment: Bring a portable charger and a headlamp or flashlight for navigating during limited daylight hours.

• Crampons: If you're planning on heading out to the Icelandic wilderness, make sure to bring crampons to attach to your shoes! It will make it much easier to walk over icy surfaces.

• Thermos: Bring a thermos or insulated bottle for hot beverages for your travels around the country.

• Travel adapter: Don't forget to bring a travel adapter for charging electronic devices in Iceland.

• Swimwear: No matter what time of year your trip to Iceland is, make sure to bring swimwear to enjoy the many geothermally heated lagoons and pools.

Driving in Iceland in Winter

Driving in Iceland in winter can be a challenge. However, with proper planning, preparation, and caution, it is possible to navigate Iceland's winter landscapes safely and enjoyably.

Renting a Car in Iceland During Winter

All cars in Iceland must be fitted with winter tires from November until the start of April.

If you're planning on renting a car in Iceland, make sure to choose according to your itinerary and when your trip to Iceland is. It's always safer to rent a 4x4 jeep in winter, especially if you're planning on exploring the countryside or driving in January or February.

If you plan to drive in Iceland in November, you can rent a small car. Keep in mind, though, that snowfall can still make driving challenging, so extra caution is necessary.

Driving Safely in the Icelandic Winter

Driving in Iceland during winter can be an unforgettable way to explore the country, but it requires preparation and caution. Here are some helpful tips to stay safe while navigating snowy roads, icy conditions, and changing weather:

• Check the weather and road conditions. Always consult reliable sources like the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and Icelandic Meteorological Office before driving. If visibility is poor due to snow or high winds, pull over safely and wait. In emergencies, call 112.

• Reduce your speed. Drive cautiously on gravel, snow, or icy roads. Maintain extra distance from other vehicles and take care on bridges, shaded areas, and blind curves where black ice is more likely.

• Bring emergency supplies. Keep an ice scraper, snow brush, jumper cables, first-aid kit, and a shovel for snowy areas. Pack water, snacks, and blankets for longer trips. Carry a fully charged phone or GPS device, and it’s wise to have a paper map as backup.

• Inform others of your plans. Let someone know your route and estimated arrival times. You can also submit a travel plan to the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. 

• Consider alternatives. If you’re unsure about driving in snow or ice, guided winter tours in Iceland can be a safer and stress-free way to explore.

Moreover, you can find tips for driving in Iceland on the Road and Coastal Administration website, or check out the SafeTravel driving guide to prepare yourself.

 Photography in Iceland in Winter

Winter is one of the best times for photography in Iceland, with snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and the chance to capture the northern lights. The soft, low winter light adds dramatic contrasts and enhances textures in glaciers, lava fields, and ice caves, making your shots truly unique.

For the best results, protect your camera from condensation by letting it warm gradually when moving indoors. Bring a sturdy tripod for long exposures, spare batteries (cold drains them fast), and layered clothing to stay comfortable while shooting outdoors.

If you want expert guidance and insider tips, consider joining photo tours in Iceland. Local photographers know the best spots, optimal light times, and how to safely access frozen landscapes. Whether you’re chasing Iceland in winter landscapes or hoping to photograph the aurora, planning ahead can make your winter trip unforgettable.

• See more: Top 11 Frozen Waterfalls in Iceland to See in Winter

FAQs About Iceland in Winter

Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Iceland in winter.

Are all attractions accessible in winter in Iceland?

Some attractions may be temporarily inaccessible due to harsh weather or closed for the season. However, many popular sites, like the Golden Circle, remain open. This especially applies to locations along the south coast of Iceland, as the weather there tends to be milder.

What's the best way to travel around Iceland in winter?

While driving is possible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow, ice, and high winds. If you're comfortable with winter driving, renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Alternatively, many visitors opt for organized tours, which can handle transport logistics and ensure safety. Public transport may be limited, especially in rural areas.

Is it safe to go glacier hiking or ice caving during winter in Iceland?

Yes, it's safe to go glacier hiking and ice caving in Iceland during winter, but only with a certified tour guide. These professionals understand the local conditions and ensure safety protocols are adhered to. They have the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment to navigate these icy terrains safely.

Always check weather conditions before you go, and never venture onto a glacier or into an ice cave alone or without proper guidance.

Can I camp during winter in Iceland?

Camping during winter in Iceland is possible, though it's not recommended during the harsher months. It requires careful planning, proper equipment, and consideration for safety. Most campsites close during the winter season due to weather conditions. It's best to rent a campervan or mini camper with heating, if possible.

Otherwise, it's essential to have a sturdy winter tent, a warm sleeping bag, and appropriate camping gear designed for cold weather. Additionally, ensure you have a reliable heat source and know-how to handle winter camping challenges.

Check out this article about Icelandic campsites in winter.

What can I do in Reykjavik in winter?

Reykjavik offers a range of activities in winter, from exploring the city's museums, art galleries, and geothermal pools to experiencing its vibrant nightlife. You can also take a tour to see the northern lights or embark on a day trip to nearby attractions like the Golden Circle.

Experience the Magic of Icelandic Winter

Visiting Iceland in winter presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a landscape that's both challenging and beautiful. Despite the cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours, the warmth of Icelandic hospitality shines through, whether in bustling Reykjavik or countryside villages. 

With careful planning, the right gear, and a sense of adventure, your Iceland winter trip can be safe, comfortable, and truly extraordinary. Consider booking winter vacation packages or winter self-drive tours to make the most of the season and discover the beauty of Iceland in winter like never before.

Are you planning a winter trip to Iceland? What activities or sights are you most excited to experience? If you’ve visited Iceland during winter, we’d love to hear about your adventure. Share your stories and tips in the comments below!