Reykjavik in Winter: Our Honest Guide (+ Tips!)
Are you planning on visiting Reykjavik in winter? Our first ever trip to the capital was during the winter months, so here are our top tips and best things to do!
The very first time we visited Iceland, we spent 3 days in Reykjavik in winter. It was the trip that started our obsession with Iceland and the Nordic countries, and the trip that made us decide to keep coming back to Iceland again and again.
While the capital of Iceland is often overlooked, there’s something quite magical about exploring the city in the winter months. You’ll find snowy streets, long dark nights, and cosy cafes where you can bundle up under blankets with steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
There’s a lot to do in Iceland’s capital in the winter months, and we really loved our time there. If you’re planning on visiting Iceland in winter and basing yourself in Reykjavik, here’s everything you need to know and all of our top tips.
*This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, read our disclaimer.
Reykjavik Winter Must-Do’s!
Short on time? These are 6 bucket-list things you NEED to do in Reykjavik! ❤️
- Explore the Golden Circle
- See Iceland’s South Coast
- Soak in the Sky Lagoon
- Chase the Northern Lights
- Go on a Food Tour
- Relax in the Blue Lagoon
Our fave hotel: Center Hotels Plaza
Where to Stay in Reykjavík in Winter
When we visited Reykjavik in winter, we purposely didn’t hire a car. Quite frankly, we didn’t need to, as all of the activities we did could be reached with either guided tours or public transport.
We stayed right in the centre of the city at Center Hotels Plaza.
We really loved this hotel as the location was perfect, walking distance to restaurants and shops, the public transport links were super convenient, and all of the day tours we did from Reykjavik offered hotel pick up from close by.
The hotel itself was fantastic. Cosy rooms with comfy beds, plenty of space, and modern bathrooms. It’s not the fanciest hotel we’ve ever stayed in, but it was affordable, comfortable, and the location was fab.
Plus, there was an ice rink right outside!
If you’re visiting Reykjavik in winter, we can’t recommend staying here enough.
However, if you’re not convinced, here are a few of our other favourite places to stay in Reykjavik.
🏨 Check prices and book a room at Center Hotels Plaza in Reykjavik.
Getting Around in Reykjavik in Winter
For the most part, you can simply walk around Reykjavik. The city is extremely walkable, and many of the top attractions are within easy walking distance of Centre Hotels Plaza.
However, if you’re also planning on heading outside of the city to see some of the stunning Icelandic nature, we highly recommend using guided tours.
Driving in Iceland in winter can be problematic, and tours both take the stress away and will take you to some of the most beautiful sights in the country. Make sure to book in advance to guarantee the date you want!
The final way to get around in winter is via public transport. The Straeto buses are reliable and clean, and offer a reasonably affordable way to travel around the city.
Tickets cost 650 ISK (around £3.70 or $4.70) per adult, and you can pay via either cash or the Klappid App. You can also get a bus directly from Reykjavik city centre to the airport and to the Blue Lagoon.
This service is called the Flybus, and you can book tickets online or directly at the airport terminal when you land. There is a range of bus stops all around the city, and you simply select the closest one to your hotel when you book.
All in all, it’s really easy to get around the city despite the cold, snowy weather!
👉 If you’d rather not drive, these are all of our favourite day trips from Reykjavik here.
The Best Things to Do in Reykjavik in Winter
As we mentioned, there are so many wonderful things to do in Reykjavik – it was this 3-day trip to Reykjavik that made us fall in love with Iceland! So, if you’re wondering what to do in winter in Reykjavik, here are our 14 favourite things.
1. See the Northern Lights
Chasing the Northern Lights is on so many people’s Iceland bucket lists, and it’s a must-do tour if you’re visiting Iceland in winter.
Between September and March, you will have dark enough skies to potentially spot the northern lights above Reykjavik, but for a much higher chance of spotting them, book a northern lights tour that takes you outside of the city centre.
These range from small minibus tours to big bus chases across the country, but all have guides who know the area, know what to look out for in the skies, and are devoted to chasing the elusive aurora.
Tours will pick you up from your hotel in Reykjavik and will take you to the best places with clear skies. And trust us, spotting the lights is an absolutely amazing experience that you definitely won’t forget in a hurry.
If you’d rather not book a tour, there are also plenty of hotels where you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
2. Relax in the Sky Lagoon
Located just a short 20-minute drive from the centre of Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is the capital’s newest geothermal spa.
It’s less popular than the famous Blue Lagoon, and its location makes it much easier to reach from Reykjavik. They also offer a private shuttle bus from the city centre when you book your ticket.
Inside you’ll find a geothermal infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and the Sky Lagoon’s famous 7-step ritual, which includes a sauna, steam room, body scrub and much more.
We absolutely loved our time in the Sky Lagoon, and we highly recommend booking a ticket! You can read all about our experience here.
❤️ The Sky Lagoon can be quite popular, so you’ll need to book in advance.
3. Stroll Down Skólavörðustígur Street
While you’re in Reykjavik, you absolutely have to visit its most famous street. Skólavörðustígur is one of the most popular shopping streets in the capital, and you’ll find souvenir shops, boutiques, cafes, clothes stores, and restaurants here.
You’ll also find the famous rainbow pattern painted on the road, which is one of the things that made the street so famous. At one end, you’ll be able to see Iceland’s iconic church as well, which makes a very cool photo stop.
4. Join a Golden Circle Tour
One of the most famous things to do in Iceland is to visit the Golden Circle. This was the first day tour we went on from the capital. The route is super popular, but if it’s your first time in Iceland, it’s an absolute must-see.
The Golden Circle covers 3 main locations – Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the tectonic plates, Geysir Geothermal Area, where you can watch Iceland’s famous Geysir erupting boiling water high into the air, and Gullfoss waterfall and a huge cascade that tumbles into a large canyon.
Depending on your tour, they might also take you to Kerid Crater, a stunning volcanic crater lake in the south, which is known for its colourful rock faces.
This is a fantastic way to see some of Iceland’s most stunning natural landscapes up close, and it can be visited all year round. Our first trip to the Golden Circle was when we visited Iceland in December, and we absolutely loved it.
Check out the tour we went on here.
❤️ We highly recommend booking your Golden Circle tour in advance.
5. Soak in the Blue Lagoon
Can you visit Reykjavik and not go to the country’s most famous geothermal spa? Although this is around a 40-minute drive from the city centre, it’s well worth it.
The milky blue waters of the lagoon are famous all around the world, and it truly is a must-see spot in Iceland.
The water is naturally heated and rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, which are great for your skin. You can relax in the warm waters while admiring the surrounding lava fields and steam rising from the earth; it’s quite an incredible experience.
However, don’t forget to book your tickets well in advance, as the Blue Lagoon is extremely popular, especially in winter when the contrast between the cold air and hot water makes it even more magical.
❤️ Book your tickets to the Blue Lagoon as they sell out way in advance.
6. Visit Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavik’s famous church is another of the best places to visit in Reykjavik in winter. It’s located right in the city centre, so it’s easy to walk to, and it’s such an iconic spot that you really won’t want to miss it.
You can view it from outside and the interior for free, but if you want to head up for panoramic views over the city, it’ll cost around 1400 ISK (around £9 or $12).
Personally, we think the views are worth it; you can see the colourful houses of the city and the towering mountains that surround it.
7. Visit the Whales of Iceland Museum
If you love the ocean and these magnificent creatures, you’ll love the Whales of Iceland museum. We visited this place on our third trip to Iceland, and it’s absolutely perfect for a rainy day or an afternoon in Reykjavik.
It’s located a little way outside of the main city centre by the harbour, but is easily reachable by a 10-minute bus from the centre of the city.
Inside, you’ll find life-size models of 17 different species of whale, lots of information about these creatures, and even a short film detailing the effect humans are having on marine life. It’s incredibly interesting and well worth a visit.
8. Explore Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa Concert Hall is one of Reykjavik’s most striking landmarks. If you’re by the waterfront of Reykjavik, it’s impossible to miss it with its geometric glass facade.
Inside, the architecture is just as impressive, with grand open spaces, cascading staircases, and plenty of angles perfect for photography. When we visited in winter, it was sunset, and the entire area looked really cool in a deep purple glow.
It’s also conveniently located near the waterfront, making a visit easy to combine with a stroll along the harbour.
9. Go on a South Coast Day Trip
Although we loved the Golden Circle, if we’re being honest, this was our absolute favourite tour we did during those first 3 days in Iceland.
This was once again a guided tour that picked us up from our hotel in the city centre and took us along the south coast of Iceland.
Those of you who have visited this blog before might know that the south coast is one of our favourite parts of Iceland. It’s just so diverse, with towering cliffs, incredible waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and so much more.
If you have time, we highly recommend a south coast day trip while you’re in Reykjavik in winter. They’ll take you to some of the most magnificent spots, including the famous Skogafoss waterfall, which looks amazing in winter.
Plus, if you choose to, you could even tag on a glacier hike, which is one of the most incredible things we’ve ever done in Iceland.
❤️ We highly recommend this south coast tour from Reykjavik.
10. Visit Perlan Museum
This was the very first museum we visited in Iceland, and we loved it! Perlan is almost like a complete guide to the country’s nature, all tucked into a single building.
You’ll find info on the volcanoes, the wildlife, including whales and puffins, the landscapes and tectonic plates, the northern lights, and much more. There’s even an ice tunnel which you can walk through!
It’s super interesting and you could easily spend an entire day here, plus there’s a cafe on the top floor with panoramic views over the entire city.
❤️ This is one of our favourite museums in Reykjavik and a must-visit!
11. Check out Reykjavík’s Christmas Markets (if visiting in Dec)
If you’re heading to Iceland in December, then it’s a great time to get into the festive spirit in the capital.
This was when we went on our first trip, and, despite it being the darkest few months in Iceland, it was also one of the brightest because of all the lights and festivities in the city.
At Christmas, the city lights up with festive decorations, twinkling stalls, and the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds. We loved wandering through the markets; it’s such a cosy experience, and it really gives you a feel for Icelandic festive traditions.
12. Go whale watching (yes, even in winter)
Iceland is home to some of the best whale-watching waters in Europe, and seeing these magical creatures in the wild is a truly magnificent experience.
While many people think of this as a summer activity, during our trip to Akureyri in winter, we were lucky enough to spot humpback whales in the fjords, and it was absolutely insane.
It was possibly even more magical in winter as we were crunching through huge ice sheets and surrounded by snowy mountains.
You can also book a tour by the same company from Reykjavik in the winter months. The boats are well-equipped and the guides are amazing at spotting humpbacks, minke whales, and orcas.
Plus, the tours often include hot drinks and thermal suits, so you stay cosy while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. It’s one of those unforgettable Iceland experiences that you’ll remember long after your trip.
❤️ We highly recommend this incredible experience in Iceland.
13. Go on an Icelandic food tour
If you’ve ever been curious about some of the weird and wonderful foods that got the Icelandic people through the harsh winters, you have got to go on a food tour.
We decided to join this tour during one of our Reykjavík trips, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the most unique experiences we’ve ever had in Iceland.
You’ll get to taste everything from traditional lamb soup to local sweets, delicious arctic cod, and even some of the more “out there” options like fermented shark (don’t worry, they usually only give you a small bite!).
The best part is that the guides are locals who share not just the food, but the stories and traditions behind it. It’s fun, educational, and surprisingly delicious.
❤️ This was the food tour we did in Reykjavik, and we loved it!
14. Watch the Lava Show
Now, this is something you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The Lava Show in Reykjavík is a live demonstration where real molten lava is poured in front of you at over 1000°C (about 1800°F).
It was pretty incredible watching it flow across the stage, hearing it crackle, and feeling the heat on our faces. Honestly, you can feel the heat instantly rise when the lava enters the room!
It’s dramatic, fascinating, and gives you a real sense of the volcanic forces that shaped Iceland. The hosts also do an amazing job of explaining the science behind eruptions in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.
There are several ticket options. We booked Premium tickets, which include entry to the Premium Lounge, a welcome drink, and premium seats overlooking the experience. We also had a backstage tour of the furnace after the show.
The Premium tickets cost 9,900 ISK (approximately £57 or $72), but you can also get the standard tickets for 5,900 ISK (£34 or $43).
Honestly, it’s one of the coolest indoor activities you can do in Reykjavík in winter.
❤️ We highly recommend this incredible experience in Iceland.
15. Visit FlyOver Iceland
FlyOver Iceland is one of the most fun and immersive experiences you can have in Reykjavík, especially if the weather isn’t great outside.
It’s a flight simulation ride that uses a massive spherical screen, motion seating, and special effects like wind, mist, and scents to make you feel like you’re actually soaring over Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
It’s located in the Grandi Harbour area, near the Whales of Iceland museum and the Lava Show, so you can easily spend a full day in this area.
How cold is Reykjavík in winter?
We were actually surprised by how mild the weather was in Reykjavik in winter. We almost expected minus temperatures every day and lots of snow. But, in December, when we visited, we had average daily high temperatures of about 2 °C (36 °F).
It definitely dropped lower when we were outside the capital or when the wind picked up, but on average, you can expect temperatures between 2°C (36 °F) and −2 °C (28 °F).
Snowfall does happen, of course, but it’s often patchy and can be followed by rain or even clear skies. The wind chill is usually what makes it feel colder, so knowing what to wear in winter and layering up properly is key.
👉 Grab our free guide on what to pack in Iceland in winter here.
How dark is it in Reykjavik in winter?
One of the things that often puts people off travelling to Iceland in winter is the limited daylight hours.
Yes, it is something you need to prepare for, especially if you’re planning on exploring beyond the city, but we actually found them to be part of the charm.
In December, the darkest month, you’ll only get about 4–5 hours of daylight, typically from around 11 AM to 3:30 PM. Iceland in January slowly gets brighter, and by the end of February, you’ll have around 10 hours of daylight.
While it might sound gloomy, the long twilights mean the skies often glow in soft shades of blue and pink for hours, creating a magical atmosphere.
Plus, those extended hours of darkness are what make Reykjavík such a good base for Northern Lights hunting.
👉 Check out our favourite northern lights hotels in Iceland.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
Technically, yes, you can, but this isn’t the optimal way to spot them.
City lights drown out the auroras and make them look less bright, so while you might be able to see them in the city if there’s clear skies and very strong solar activity, you’ll have a much better experience by joining a guided tour.
A Northern Lights tour will take you into darker, rural areas. The guides also know how to read the forecasts, which increases your chances of seeing a really good show.
Is it expensive in Reykjavik in winter?
Like the rest of Iceland, Reykjavík isn’t exactly a budget-friendly destination, and winter is no exception. We found food and drink to be especially pricey, with even takeaway meals costing a fair bit.
However, there are plenty of ways to save money, like staying in self-catering apartments, grabbing a famous Icelandic hot dog for lunch, or making the most of free activities in the city centre.
Tours can be costly, but they’re also the highlight of most people’s trips (including ours), so it’s often about deciding what’s worth the splurge.
👉Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Iceland for all our tips.
Is Reykjavík Worth Visiting in Winter?
Absolutely! There are so many wonderful things to do in Reykjavík and, in winter, the city has such a unique atmosphere that you just don’t get in the warmer months. It feels so cosy, with twinkling lights and snow-dusted streets.
Plus, it makes the perfect base for winter adventures like glacier hikes, and of course, chasing the Northern Lights. It’s a completely different vibe to summer, calmer, quieter, and in many ways even more magical.
Whether you’re spending one day in Reykjavik, 2 days in Reykjavik, or longer, we’re confident that you’ll have a wonderful time in winter!
We hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration for your trip!
If you have any questions, ask us anything in our free Facebook Group.
👉 Haven’t decided where to stay yet? Check out all of our favourite places to stay in Reykjavik.
Pin for Later!
