10 Amazing Winter Day Trips from Reykjavík (What’s Worth Doing)

Are you visiting Iceland and wondering what the best winter day trips from Reykjavik are? Here are all of our top recommendations and tips!

Iceland is one of our favourite countries to visit in winter. It’s unpredictable, wild, but so beautiful, and the scenery is just incredible.

One of the best things about staying in Reykjavík in winter is how easy it is to explore some of Iceland’s most incredible landscapes without constantly packing up and moving hotels. 

Winter in Iceland is unpredictable, and while summer road trips are fantastic, winter ones can be a little more problematic. Road closures and storms happen frequently, and quite often, you have to be flexible with your plans. 

As such, Reykjavík makes a brilliant base, and even with shorter daylight hours, there are plenty of unforgettable day trips you can do, especially if you plan things properly or opt for guided tours.

We’ve visited Iceland several times in winter and, while conditions can be unpredictable, winter day trips are absolutely worth it. In fact, some places are even more magical under snow and ice.

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What to Know Before Booking Winter Day Trips

Winter in Iceland is incredible, but it does require a bit of planning. Daylight hours are short, particularly in December and January, so tours are usually tightly scheduled to make the most of the light. 

On our very first trip to Iceland, we based ourselves in Reykjavik and just did day tours from the capital. This was literally the trip that made us fall in love with Iceland, and we couldn’t recommend a winter trip enough. 

However, on our south tour, we ended up coming back in the dark and weren’t really able to see one of the waterfalls on the itinerary due to the lack of daylight.

Weather can also change quickly, which is why flexibility is important and sometimes, itineraries are adjusted slightly for safety. We’ve had pouring rain, a huge snowstorm, and very strong winds during trips to Iceland in winter, so you should expect it all. 

Dressing properly makes a huge difference. Waterproof layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a warm jacket are essential. Even if you’re travelling by bus, you’ll be outside at waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints. 

👉 If you’re unsure what to pack, check out our dedicated winter packing guide before you go.

The Best Winter Day Trips from Reykjavík

Reykjavik is fun, but Iceland is truly spectacular once you leave the capital. So, if you’re planning on getting out of the city in winter, here are the best day trips you can take from Reykjavik in the colder months.

1. Golden Circle 

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular day trip and one that any visitor to Iceland should do at least once. 

It’s home to some of the country’s most impressive natural wonders, including Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between tectonic plates, the Geysir Geothermal Area, where you can watch the impressive Strokkur geyser erupt, and the magnificent two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall. 

In winter, it’s quieter than in summer, and the landscapes feel even more dramatic. This is one of the best winter day trips if it’s your first time in Iceland, and many tours also include optional add-ons like a geothermal lagoon. 

It’s an easy introduction to Iceland’s highlights without a long day of driving.

❤️ This is a must-visit day trip from Reykjavik!

2. South Coast 

If you only choose one winter day trip from Reykjavík, make it this one. The south coast is one of our absolute favourite parts of Iceland.

The magnificent stretch of coastline is home to some of Iceland’s best waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and much more. It’s also breathtaking in winter, with frozen waterfalls, icy cliffs, and beautiful and dramatic scenery. 

There are several ways to explore this area in winter, either by self-drive or guided tour. We’ve done both and, while the self-drive gives you more freedom, you’re also at liberty to face potentially unpredictable weather. 

Conditions in Iceland in winter can change fast, and the south coast drive can take around 2-3 hours depending on conditions. If the weather takes a turn for the worse while you’re hours away from your hotel, you could end up stuck. 

However, having a rental car also has upsides. It gives you much more freedom to explore at your own pace. You can visit extra stops that the tour guides miss and take as long as you like at the main sights.

Most south coast tours include stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and sometimes a glacier hike. But you could also add on Kvernufoss or Gljúfrabúi or even take a hike to a thermal river if you had time!

No matter how you decide to visit the south coast, it’s an incredible place and shows just how diverse Iceland’s landscapes are.

❤️ This is the tour we recommend, and it’s absolutely fantastic!

3. Blue Ice Cave Tour

Admittedly, this is a long day. It’s around a 4.5-hour drive from Reykjavik on a good day, assuming the weather is playing ball. It could easily be 5 hours or more in snow or high wind.

However, it’s also one of the most rewarding and bucket-list things to do in Iceland.

Ice caves are one of the biggest reasons people visit Iceland in winter. These tours take you inside naturally formed caves beneath glaciers.

There are several ice caves in Iceland, including the famous Katla Ice Cave and the incredible Blue Ice Cave in Vatnajokull National Park. 

Because the ice is more volatile here, it can only be visited during the winter months, so this is easily one of the best winter day trips from Reykjavik.

Some tours depart directly from Reykjavík, while others will meet you near the glacier, so you could either drive or take a tour. Either way, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something we highly recommend if you’re visiting in winter.

❤️ This is the ice cave tour we recommend, and it’s an incredible experience.

4. Northern Lights Tours

While it’s technically possible to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavík if the aurora is very strong, light pollution often makes it difficult. You won’t be able to see the full glow of the northern lights until you get away from the artificial city lights. 

A guided Northern Lights tour increases your chances significantly.

You’ll be taken away from the city to one of the many dark sky locations around Iceland, and your guide will search for the clearest skies and give you the greatest chance of spotting strong auroras.

There are different styles of tours available, from large buses to small-group minibus tours. Some go to fixed aurora camps, while others drive long distances to find the best conditions. 

Having done both a chase tour and a static camp, we recommend taking a chase tour because, in our experience, you’re more likely to see the aurora this way.

Seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, but a good tour gives you the best possible chance. Plus, the best tours will only go out if there’s a realistic chance of seeing the aurora, so you won’t waste your night seeing nothing.

❤️ We recommend taking this tour if you want to see the Northern Lights.

5. Glacier Hike

This is easily one of the best winter day trips from Reykjavik. We did this glacier hike on our very first trip to Iceland, and it remains one of our favourite activities we’ve ever done there to this day!

There are two places where you can do a glacier hike in Iceland – Solheimajokull along the south coast or Vatnajokull in Skaftafell towards the east.

Our glacier hike was on Solheimajokull, and we think this is a much easier choice if you’re staying in Reykjavik. 

It’s much closer and will only take 3 hours to reach, as opposed to 5. Plus, you can find several South Coast tours, which also include a glacier hike, which means you can tick off two fantastic experiences into one tour and a single day trip. 

With the glacier hike, you’ll likely spend around 1.5-2 hours on the ice itself, but they’ll also include prep time, equipment like ice axes and crampons, and safety briefings. 

It’s an incredible experience and one we highly recommend if you’re visiting Iceland in winter.

❤️ This is one of the best glacier hike experiences in Iceland!

6. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

This is another long drive from Reykjavik, but it’s also one of the most unique places in all of Iceland. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is located in the east of Iceland, about 5 hours by car from Reykjavik.

In our opinion, if you really want to visit this place in winter, we recommend a guided tour. It’s a long drive, and challenging weather conditions could make this unpleasant in winter. If you take a tour, the driving is one less thing to think about. 

Nonetheless, it’s still worth considering just how long you’ll be on the road. All in all, the tour is around 14-15 hours long, so you’ll be spending about 5 hours at the lagoon and Diamond Beach and 10 hours travelling back and forth.

This is why, ideally, we recommend spending a night near Jokulsarlon if you’re planning on visiting the lagoon.

It gives you more flexibility to see other places in the area – like Svartifoss Waterfall or a glacier hike on Vatnajokull – and also it’s much less travelling in one day. 

Still, if you’d rather not drive or simply prefer the ease of letting the locals deal with the road conditions, then a guided tour is a great option to see the lagoon. However, just be aware that it’s a very long day.

❤️ This is one of our favourite places in Iceland!

7. Iceland’s Geothermal Spas

Can you really visit Iceland and not visit a geothermal spa? These are some of the best winter day trips from Reykjavik, and many can also be combined with other destinations on this list, such as the Golden Circle. 

The most popular geothermal spas near Reykjavik are the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon. But you could also visit the Secret Lagoon on the Golden Circle. 

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous attractions in all of Iceland. It’s a must-visit, and you’ve simply got to go to the Blue Lagoon when you visit Iceland! It’s famous for its milky blue waters and mud masks, and is a really unique experience. 

Then, you have the Sky Lagoon. This is a much newer geothermal pool and is located closest to Reykjavik. It’ll only take you about 20 minutes to drive here from the city centre. 

This has a geothermal infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a 7-step spa ritual, which includes a steam room, sauna, and more. Check out our full review of the Sky Lagoon here.

The Secret Lagoon is pretty simple and also much more affordable. It’s also much more natural and is the oldest geothermal swimming pool in Iceland.

It doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles the other two have, but it is a wonderful example of an authentic pool. 

The option you choose depends entirely on your preference. However, be sure to book well in advance because tickets sell out for designated time slots.

❤️ Be sure to book your spot at the lagoons well in advance!

8. Snowmobiling on a Glacier

For something a bit more adventurous, snowmobiling on a glacier is a fantastic winter experience. 

These tours take you onto a glacier – often by super jeep – where you’ll ride across snowy landscapes with incredible views. It’s a great one for adrenaline junkies and is a much more exhilarating experience than many of the others on this list.

You don’t need prior experience, and all safety gear is provided. It’s a fun way to add something different to a winter itinerary. You can also get combo tours like this, which are great if you’re short on time!

❤️ We highly recommend this tour if you love adrenaline!

9. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River Hike

This is a bit of a hidden gem in Iceland, and a spot along the south coast that many people miss. 

Just an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the Reykjadalur Hot Spring River involves a lot more physical effort to reach than all of the other options. Plus, there aren’t any guided tours here, so you’ll either have to self-drive or book a private tour. 

Nonetheless, it’s easily one of the most beautiful winter day trips from Reykjavik.

The hike itself takes around 45 minutes each way, and we recommend bringing crampons if it’s particularly icy, as it’s also fairly steep. You’ll cut through several valleys, and the views are magnificent before finally reaching the thermal river. 

Then, you can soak in the water until your heart’s content! It’s completely free to visit (aside from parking), and it’s an incredibly peaceful spot to relax. 

👉 Check out our full video guide to this hike.

10. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

In our opinion, this is one of the most underrated parts of Iceland to visit. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often described as “Iceland in miniature” because it offers glaciers, mountains, beaches, and lava fields all in one place. 

It’s an incredible region with so much variety, and when we visited Snaefellsnes in winter, the scenery was amazing. We saw snowy mountains, frozen waterfalls, beautiful beaches, tiny churches, and so much more. 

We visited in March, so the driving wasn’t too bad, but in mid-winter (December to February), we recommend booking a guided tour due to the long distances and potential weather challenges. 

Part of the peninsula is completely sheltered, which often means roads can remain icy even if the part closer to Reykjavik is cleared. 

Exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula can be another long winter day trip from Reykjavik, so we recommend setting off early. However, it’s worth it, because the scenery is incredible. 

❤️ If you love unique hidden gems, you’ll love this part of Iceland!

Guided Tour vs Self-Drive in Winter

This is a debate we had before our winter trip to Iceland, and in our opinion, it depends on what time of year you visit. There’s really no best time to visit Iceland, but throughout the winter, the conditions vary massively. 

Weather and daylight can play a huge role in how much you can get done, and if you’re not confident driving in wintery conditions, you could end up feeling unsafe, or worse, getting yourself stuck. 

So, while self-driving gives you flexibility, winter conditions can make it stressful, especially if you’re not used to driving on snow or ice.

Guided tours remove that worry and allow you to relax, enjoy the scenery, and learn more about the places you’re visiting.

Yes, they can be expensive, but some places – like ice caves, glacier hikes, or the Blue Lagoon – require a cost regardless. So, adding on a tour, such as to the south coast or the Golden Circle, doesn’t usually add too much more. 

For first-time winter visitors, we’d generally recommend tours – particularly for longer routes like the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

FAQs

Are winter day trips from Reykjavík safe?

Yes, for the most part, doing a winter day trip from Reykjavik is completely safe. However, daylight and weather can make a huge difference to your experience. 

Make sure to check safe.is before you set off if you’re self-driving and always pay attention to the forecast. If you’re on a guided tour, always dress appropriately for the cold weather and stick to the marked paths and trails.

Do tours get cancelled?

Yes, sometimes, in really bad weather, the tour might get cancelled. Storms are not uncommon in Iceland, especially in the winter months, and if the driving is likely to become too unsafe, even for experienced locals, the tours can be cancelled. 

In this case, you’ll usually be offered a refund or potentially the option to join a different tour on a different day.

Is Reykjavik worth visiting in winter?

Yes, we loved our trip to Reykjavik in winter. We stayed in a hotel in the town centre, went on guided tours every day, saw incredible scenery, hiked on a glacier, and had an incredible time. 

The city itself is fantastic in winter. There are some wonderful museums, including Perlan and Whales of Iceland, geothermal spas, and sights like the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church and Rainbow Street. 

Overall, we highly recommend visiting Reykjavik in winter. For all of our top tips, check out our winter in Reykjavik guide. 

How many days in Reykjavik is enough?

If you’re visiting in winter, basing yourself in the capital, and splitting your time between day trips and city sightseeing, we’d recommend 3-4 days at a minimum. 

Our very first trip was 4 days, and it was just enough to do everything we wanted to do. We could’ve easily spent an extra 2 days in the country. 

👉 For more itinerary suggestions, check out our 2-day Reykjavik itinerary, 3-day Reykjavik itinerary, and 4-day Iceland itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Are Winter Day Trips from Reykjavík Worth It?

Yes! Winter day trips from Reykjavík are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience Iceland’s landscapes during the colder months. 

We absolutely loved all of the winter day trips we did from Reykjavik during our first Iceland trip. It was those tours that gave us our first glimpse into the amazing landscapes Iceland has to offer, made us fall in love with the country, and come back again and again! 

With the right planning – and by choosing tours that suit your comfort level – you can see glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, ice caves, and even the Northern Lights, all while staying in one base.

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, don’t let the season put you off exploring. Some of the country’s most dramatic scenery is visible during these shorter, colder days, and Reykjavík is the perfect base to experience them.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Iceland, we hope this article has helped you choose the best winter tours to do from Reykjavik. If you have any questions, ask us anything in our Facebook Group!

👉 Need somewhere to stay? Check out our top hotel recommendations in Reykjavik!

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