Winter in Iceland 2024 - Best Things to See and Do
It's little wonder why so many people visit Iceland during the wintertime. The country's dramatic landscapes take on a different coat during winter, often becoming unrecognizable compared to their summer counterparts. Winter is also the perfect season to witness the mesmerizing northern lights and explore the inside of a glacier on an ice cave tour.
There's nothing quite like waking up and viewing a stunning wintery landscape through the window of your hotel in Iceland. Whether you're planning on taking a self-drive tour and exploring the Ring Road or hoping to witness the Northern Lights dancing in the sky while you take a relaxing soak on a hot springs tour, let's go over the best things to do during winter in Iceland in 2024.
- Be sure you know What to Wear in Iceland before visiting
- Learn about Iceland's Weather, Climate, and Temperature Year-Round
Things to Do in Iceland During Winter in 2024
If you're visiting Iceland in the winter of 2024, here are some of the things we recommend trying to make the most of your experience.
See the Northern Lights
Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. The long nights and dark skies from late September to early April provide ideal conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon. The peak season for Northern Lights sightings is generally between November and February when the nights are the longest and the skies are the darkest.
To increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, seek out areas with minimal light pollution and clear skies, often found in the remote parts of the country. Joining guided Northern Lights tours can also enhance your experience, as they take you to the best viewing spots and provide expert knowledge about this spectacular display.
Visit an Ice Cave
While there are ice caves you can visit in Iceland all year round, such as this ice cave tour of Vatnajokull Glacier, winter is still the best time to see them. During winter, more ice caves remain stable and safe to explore thanks to the colder temperatures, ensuring the ice remains solid.
Some of the most popular ice caves, like those in Vatnajokull Glacier, are accessible only in winter. Guided tours are recommended to navigate these natural wonders safely and fully appreciate the ice caves' beauty and unique features.
- Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Ice Caves in Iceland
See the Volcano Area
The Reykjanes Peninsula has been rife with volcanic activity in recent years, with several eruptions in 2024 alone. Whether or not you arrive during an active eruption, seeing the volcano area is something you shouldn't miss out on.
The eruptions in Reykjanes have created large lava fields, permanently altering Iceland's landscape. While the volcano area remains closed to the public, taking a helicopter tour of the Reykjanes volcano area allows you to see Mother Earth's stunning artistry from a bird's eye view - an experience you won't soon forget.
- Learn about the Volcanic Eruptions in Reykjanes between 2021-2024
Bathe in a Hot Spring
There's nothing quite like the contrast between the chilly winter air and the warm, soothing waters of Iceland's geothermal hot springs. Bathing in these naturally heated waters surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, possibly under the Northern Lights, offers a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most popular attraction and on the bucket list of most visitors to Iceland. The Sky Lagoon is another great geothermal bath option, conveniently located right by the capital of Reykjavik, and the Hvammsvik Hot Springs offer a superb bathing experience with an incredible view of the adjacent scenery.
Join a Guided Day Tour
While renting a car and exploring Iceland on your own terms can be amazing, getting insight from a local expert can elevate your experience of already fantastical locations to new heights. There are many great tours in Iceland to choose from, depending on what you're after.
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route, offering a nice mix of diverse natural wonders, and booking a Golden Circle tour is almost mandatory when visiting the country. Taking a tour of the South Coast is another popular option, showcasing Iceland's iconic black sand beaches and jaw-dropping waterfalls.
Those are our picks for the best things to do in the winter of 2024 in Iceland. Are you planning on visiting? What are you hoping to see and do? Let us know in the comments!
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