As busy people, sometimes the best way to freshen up the monotony from work and other daily tasks is to embark on a real adventure! Still, once winter comes, many of us feel limited because there aren’t too many options available – or so we think. Unsurprisingly, the world is full of wonderful winter destinations that can provide just the thing you’re looking for. And we’ve got the perfect location for you! It’s time to embrace the wonders of Iceland in winter.
Going to Iceland in winter is a must – period. My wife and I have always wanted to go, but we never found the perfect time for it. So, once her birthday arrived, I surprised her with the best gift we could both enjoy. We headed out to Reykjavik in February, and it was simply amazing!
Winter Days and Weather In Iceland
Since my wife’s birthday was during the colder months, we expected “challenging” weather for our trip to Iceland in winter. To our surprise, it wasn’t at all like we expected! Sure, the cold was there, but it wasn’t unbearable. The days were rather short, though – the sun came up around 10 AM and then went down around 5 PM. Still, this isn’t too bad for Reykjavik in February. Believe it or not, this is not when the days are shortest, but rather in December!
Now, you must be wondering why we’re telling you all of this. Well, if you’re going to Iceland in winter, you need to consider the day’s length. In other words, some of the things to do in Iceland can be done only during the day, so you need to create your itinerary ahead of time. In addition, some rural areas are completely dark as no streets are anywhere. In fact, there aren’t even streets!
Nonetheless, what makes Iceland in winter so spectacular is the abundance of gorgeous landscapes. Snow is practically all around you, and for a moment, you may even feel like you’ve stepped in a Disney movie! No need to pinch yourself – it’s all real!
Moreover, you also need to pay mind to the weather when you’re going to Iceland in winter. The sun may shine one moment and fade away into heavy clouds in the other, followed by an epic snowstorm. Of course, this may cause some concern, but there’s nothing to be worried about. Namely, snowstorms can lead to road closings, but you still have plenty of things to do in Iceland. All you have to do is go to Reykjavik! And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also visit the Blue Lagoon!
With that in mind, if you’re planning any Iceland winter activities or excursions, check the weather app before making reservations. Additionally, if the weather isn’t working in your favour, have a backup plan set in place. You already know by now that Reykjavik is a foolproof choice!
When one mentions Iceland in winter, the first image that comes to mind is endless snow-capped landscapes. While it may be beautiful, some might believe there are very few things to do in Iceland. If you’re one of these people, know you’re terribly wrong!
Thanks to our birthday trip in Reykjavik in February, we’ve rounded up some of the best places and activities you can’t miss out on!
-
See the Hallgrimskirkja Church
Even if you’re not a fan of visiting famous landmarks, you don’t want to miss out on this one! The Hallgrimskirkja Church, located in Reykjavik, is one of the most iconic buildings in Iceland. What makes it so iconic is its unique design that almost seems like it’s blending in with the surroundings. But don’t worry, we’re sure you won’t miss it!
-
Visit Museums
When the weather isn’t the friendliest, try to immerse yourself in cultural experiences. For one, Iceland has abundant museums about Vikings and the country’s history. So, if the tales of the Nordics excite you, this is the perfect thing to do in Iceland.
The only downside? Museums have random opening times. With that in mind, research which ones you want to check out before you go and see the recommended time for visiting them.
-
Walk Around The City
What is the best way to experience Reykjavik in February? By walking around its streets, of course! In our opinion, this is a genuinely underrated city that doesn’t get enough recognition from travellers. Reykjavik’s centre is filled with colourful buildings and thought-provoking street art that boldly stands out against the snow’s white simplicity. As you’re walking around, be sure to check out cafes and shops in the area as they will make your trip even better!
Also, because of Reykjavik’s vibrancy, ensure you have enough phone storage for photos. Every corner of the city is picture-perfect, and you’ll want to capture every part of it!
-
The Blue Lagoon
Visiting the Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the most popular thing to do in Iceland. This is a geothermal pool located in the middle of nowhere, and it has a spa and restaurant built around it. As soon as you arrive, you’ll want to plunge into the pools that also have bars where you can purchase drinks. Moreover, the Blue Lagoon’s waters have silica inside them, which does wonders for your skin. That said, getting a silica rub and a face mask is a must!
Once you’re done with the pool, you can shower in the changing facilities and continue your adventure in the restaurant. Keep in mind that it’s rather expensive since it’s the only place around the entire area, but the food they serve is of excellent quality and tastes heavenly.
However, planning this Iceland winter activity may seem challenging at first transportation-wise. The Blue Lagoon is located 45 minutes away from the capital, so you can either opt for an organised tour or take a taxi. Still, we recommend you stray away from the latter because Reykjavik’s cabs are incredibly expensive. Additionally, when you’re booking a tour, be mindful of the return time. To experience the Blue Lagoon in the best possible way, we recommend going as early as possible and spending three hours in the pool. From there, you can either decide to stay at the restaurant or return home and eat somewhere in the city.
-
Sky Lagoon
While the Blue Lagoon may be the most popular thing to do in Iceland, the Sky Lagoon is not to be overlooked! This is also a geothermal pool but with a much different view – an endless expanse of the deep blue sea.
The entrance into the Sky Lagoon will simply blow you away! We don’t want to give too much away, so we’ll leave you to experience it first-hand. As far as the pool goes, it’s rather large and has its own waterfall, and the waters are believed to be healing. Moreover, you can also opt for ‘The Ritual’ – a one-of-a-kind Sky Lagoon spa experience. This involves going through a mix of hot and cold steps and will leave you feeling divine.
As far as accessibility goes, you can get to the Sky Lagoon via taxi or bus, and it won’t cost you that much. Also, don’t forget to bring your own waterproof case since you’ll want to take many pictures. Some vendors sell them on-site but for a ridiculously large price.
If I had to choose between the sky lagoon or the blue lagoon, I would choose the sky lagoon. Even though the Blue lagoon is famous it can get quite busy and its facilities are quite dated. Sky lagoon is more modern and not as busy, the views from the cliff face are stunning!
-
Experience The Nightlife
The nightlife in Iceland in winter is not as dynamic as one hopes it would be, but it’s worth experiencing. It may come as a surprise but Reykjavik has a rather bustling nightlife scene! However, once the temperatures drop, most bars close around 11 PM and only a handful of clubs stay open past midnight. Nonetheless, make sure to hit up several restaurants, as the country’s dining scene is fantastic!
-
Northern Lights
It’s not uncommon to find travellers going to Iceland in winter simply because of the Northern Lights. And trust us – the reason is more than justified!
However, seeing them in person requires a lot of patience, which is why this needs to be the first winter activity in Iceland on your to-do list. The Northern Lights require specific weather conditions so you can see them with the naked eye. But because this is out of our control, sometimes you may end up in a place only to see… nothing.
For that reason, if you book it on the first night and fall short, you still have plenty of opportunities to see them. As the final tip – dress in layers! Temperatures go down to -11, and getting frostbite and freezing is the last thing you want.
-
Experience A Fly Over (optional)
As you already know, Iceland’s weather isn’t always the friendliest, so you need to come up with indoor things to do. In case you get snowed in and can’t do any excursions, see if there are any cinema experiences in your area. The Fly Over is a 30-minute 4D experience specifically that showcases the country’s natural beauty. Prepare to be amazed!
Where To Eat In Reykjavik
Just like its landscapes, the food in Reykjavik is something else! There are countless restaurants suitable for all price ranges, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect one for you. Still, since we want you to experience Iceland in winter in the best way, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite eateries. Warning – don’t read this list on an empty stomach!
Apotek Kitchen
This is one of the fancier establishments with a modern and vibrant vibe. The food is nothing short of amazing, and they even offer a traditional Icelandic 7-course taste menu. If this seems too extreme for you, puffins and fine-cooked whales are absolute must-tries.
Sjavargrillio
This is another Icelandic restaurant we highly recommend, especially after trying their traditional lamb. Remember, you can get full rather quickly, so consider sharing plates or eating something lighter. For instance, you can try the Icelandic cod, or as we like to call it – the best fish we’ve ever had!
IslenkiBarinn
If you’re not in the mood for anything fancy, IslenkiBarrin is the perfect local restaurant. As soon as you enter, you’ll feel its warm atmosphere and experience the friendliest service! When we were in Reykjavik in February, we visited this place three times since it felt like home! Their burgers are foolproof, but try out their shark if you’re feeling experimental.
What To Pack For Iceland In Winter
If you’re going to Iceland in winter, you may want to bring the biggest suitcases you own. The cold here is unlike anywhere else in the world, and no matter how cold-tolerant you are, you don’t want to experience it directly on your skin. For that reason, remember to pack layers of clothing. To make things easier for you, you must bring the following items:
- Comfortable snowshoes
- Wool hat and gloves
- Thermals
- Thick, warm coat/ weatherproof heavy jacket
- Thick socks
How To Get Around Reykjavik?
Getting around Reykjavik is generally easy, though try to avoid taxis at all costs as they’re quite expensive.
Once you arrive at the airport, look for shuttles. This won’t be too much of a problem since they pop up around every corner. The city is pretty small, so getting around will be generally easy, but you might want to stay in a central location.
Now, central hotels and accommodations can be pricey, but it’s worth it. You’ll save on transportation costs by spending more than your allocated budget, and tour operators will pick you up directly from your doorstep!
Where to Stay In Reykjavik
Much like transportation, the accommodation in the capital can be expensive. For that reason, we recommend booking in advance to score better deals. Here are some of our suggestions:
With that, we conclude our guide about visiting Iceland in winter. This country is truly remarkable, so you won’t regret choosing it for your next vacation!
Are you looking for even more destinations? Read the rest of our blogs!
