We visited Iceland in February 2026. In this blog, I share our winter itinerary with you as well as some essential travel tips and highlights.
Car rental
We rented a Kia Sorento at Lava Car Rental. Decent price, decent car, good service, hassle free. Fully equipped with all essential winter accessories.
Itinerary: from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon
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| CITY | VISITS | ACCOMODATION | |
| 1. | Keflavik | Reykjavik Northern Lights | Aurora Airport Hotel |
| 2. | Ásólfsskáli | Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon & Diamond Beach Northern Lights | Ásólfsskáli Cottage |
| 3. | Ásólfsskáli | Skógafoss Kvernufoss Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon (glacier tongue of Mýrdalsjökull) Sólheimasandur DC-3 Plane Wreck | |
| 4. | Stokkeseyri | Vik Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Dyrhólaey lighthouse Seljalandsfoss | Stokkesyri Cottage |
| 5. | Stokkeseyri | Lava Centre – Selfoss Hike to Stokkeseyri town and beach | |
| 6. | Stokkeseyri | Gulfoss Geysir Geothermal Area Laugaras Lagoon | |
| 7. | Keflavik | Thingvellir National Park (12 kilometer hike) Reykjavik Northern Lights | Aurora Airport Hotel |
Why I find winter in Iceland so special
Many people visit Iceland in summer, and for good reason. We did the same in 2022. The long daylight hours and milder weather made it an excellent time to explore the island.
But after experiencing Iceland in winter, I honestly feel that this season offers something truly special.
Interestingly, we didn’t encounter the ‘classic’ Icelandic winter during our trip. There were no dramatic snowstorms and no thick blanket of snow covering the entire landscape. Yet we still felt the full force and atmosphere of winter in Iceland.
The landscapes felt wilder and more overwhelming. The icy air, frozen rivers, and strong winds created a powerful atmosphere. The soft winter light in the late afternoon added a quiet kind of magic. One evening we watched Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon glowing under delicate pink skies.
The waterfalls were just as magnificent as in summer. But somehow, they were even more impressive, framed by snow and long hanging icicles.
Geothermal fields continued to bubble and steam. But seeing them covered with a thin layer of snow added true winter magic.
And then there were those perfect Icelandic contrasts. We were sitting in a steaming geothermal lagoon while looking out over a freezing river with chunks of ice drifting slowly past … It’s the kind of experience that makes you pause and simply take it all in.
The Northern Lights are truly the cherry on the winter cake. A colorful magic dance across the dark Icelandic skies. One evening we watched a breathtaking green and red aurora, it was the most beautiful Northern Lights we had ever seen.
Our recommendations
Winter travel in Iceland is an incredible experience. You can easily do a self-drive, but preparation is essential. The weather can change quickly, and flexibility is key.
Here are some of my personal tips based on our experience.
- Rent a proper 4×4 vehicle with appropriate winter tyres. Check this with the rental company beforehand. Our vehicle was equipped with studded tyres, which gave extra grip on icy roads. Most rental cars in winter are fitted with appropriate winter equipment, but it’s always good to confirm this in advance.
- Check weather and road conditions daily. Weather conditions in Iceland can change very quickly. Before heading out each day, check the forecasts and road conditions via the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. This gives you real-time information about road closures, strong winds, and difficult driving conditions. And offers some advice on ‘Safe Driving in Iceland’.
- Allow extra travel time. Winter weather in Iceland is unpredictable. One day you may have bright blue skies and freezing temperatures, the next day a winter storm may roll in. During our stay, we were actually very lucky. Most days were cold but clear, with beautiful blue skies and icy winds. But one day a small winter storm arrived, and we simply had to limit our driving. A bit more south, some roads were even temporarily closed. And then there’s nothing else to do but wait. Our itinerary left sufficient room for flexibility, we didn’t have to rush and had plenty of time to enjoy.
- Dress in proper winter layers; Warm clothing is essential.Think thermal base layers, warm sweaters, windproof jackets, gloves, hats, and good winter boots. We already experienced very cold temperatures during previous trips to Lapland, but Iceland felt different. Although there was not much snow, icy winds and freezing temperatures made it feel extremely cold. The Levi Tourist Office in Lapland offers useful clothing advice for freezing weather, comes in handy for Iceland too.
- Bring Crampons for extra grip on ice. In winter, many walking paths around waterfalls, viewpoints, and parking areas can become extremely icy. Even when there isn’t much snow, melted water often refreezes overnight, turning trails and steps into slippery surfaces. We noticed this especially near waterfalls and popular stops along the south coast. What may look like a simple path can quickly become a sheet of ice. So bring some lightweight crampons tho attach to your boots. They are small, easy to pack, and can be put on or removed in seconds.
- Stay near the airport your last night. We stayed at a hotel close to the airport. It turned out to be very convenient. Our flight was very early in the morning and we could simply walk to the departure terminal. It also avoids stress if the weather suddenly turns bad. You don’t want to drive long distances in winter early in the morning or late in the evening in a snow storm.
- Book accommodation in advance. Even in winter, accommodations in Iceland fill up quickly, especially in popular towns like Vík or Selfoss. Personally, I prefer staying in small cottages or summer houses rather than large hotels. They often feel more peaceful and intimate. I booked on Airbnb and Booking, multiple options to be found.
- Book accommodation in a place without light pollution. If the sky is pitch black, and all the odds are in your favor, you can see the Northern Lights clearly. We enjoyed them from our cottage terrace. Just one thing to keep in mind. If your self-catering accommodation is located a bit remote, make sure you stock up sufficient supplies. Also, drive an appropriate vehicle.
Read more on our Iceland adventures in my blog ‘5 fantastic things to do in Iceland’.