Iceland Travel Brochure
Refer the weather check – Iceland Weather Check – Winter: October to March
The weather is very harsh during winter. It’s a great time to visit for ice caves. You can also experience snowy landscapes and the northern lights. It’s also cheaper to travel to Iceland in the winter.
However, winter comes with a lot of disadvantages. Besides the harsh weather, the daylight hours can be as short as 4 hours (11 am – 2/3 pm). This limits your time to explore. It can be dangerous to drive in icy conditions if you have never done it before. Many camps are shut in the winters. There be road closures too.
Major activities in Iceland
- Blue Lagoon: Take a dip in the famous warm blue waters
- Silfra fissure: Snorkel or dive between tectonic plates
- Geothermal Bakery Tour: Have rye bread cooked underground with geothermal heat
- Landmannalaugar: Guided Tour or bus
- Plane Wreck shuttle
- Katla Ice Cave Tour
- Jokulsarlon Tours: Ice Cave Tour, Glacier Walk, Kayak Tour, Zodiac Tour, Amphibian Boat Tour
- Geothermal springs near Husavik: Geosea in Husavik or Mývatn Nature Baths long days to be able to see everything.
Have A Trip Around The Map!
Day 1: To Reykjavik
- Hyderabad to Reykjavik. Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and pick up your rental car. It is recommended to get a 4×4 for winter conditions.
- Day 1: Hot Springs and Reykjavík
- Drive distance: 133 kilometers (this drive is supposed to be just 75 kilometers, but due to the recent volcano in 2023/2024, some roads are closed)
- Area to stay: In or around Reykjavik
- Pick a car or campervan from the main airport in Iceland at Keflavik. The rental car company may have their office at the airport or a shuttle that picks up from the airport.
- The new route to Blue Lagoon after the current volcano takes you on a scenic seaside drive. You can check out the ‘Bridge Between Continents‘ before heading to the lagoon. It is a bridge connecting two tectonic plates – Eurasian and American tectonic plates.
- Day 1: Hot Springs and Reykjavík
Blue Lagoon
- Start your 10-day Iceland adventure with a visit to the iconic Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa. The striking light blue waters set against a black volcanic landscape make for an unforgettable sight.
- The Blue Lagoon has earned a reputation for being crowded and pricey due to its immense popularity. Yet, it’s a serene and beautiful experience. Some may suggest opting for an alternative spa like Sky Lagoon but despite the busy changing rooms. A basic package includes a mask and a drink.
- However, to avoid crowds, or if there are safety concerns due to volcanic activity, we will head straight to the nearby Sky Lagoon. It is closer to Reykjavik.
- End the day by checking for Northern Lights visibility (especially outside Reykjavik).
Day 2: Things to do in Reykjavik:
- Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Sun Voyager
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Rainbow Street
Day 3: Reykjavik to Golden Circle
- Golden Circle Route:
- Drive distance and time: 206 km (3 hours)
- Spots to visit this day:
- Thingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful winter landscapes. Drive to Thingvellir National Park (written as Þingvellir in Icelandic), and walk between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. It is also the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive between tectonic plates. You can do this in the Silfra fissure. The water has a visibility of over 100 meters! It’ll take 1.5–2 hours in Thingvellir and another 3 hours if we add in Silfra. If we do Silfra, we will have to pick and choose between the other spots on the same day’s list.
- Laugarvatn Fontana (optional) – Laugarvatn Fontana has geothermal pools that might be a fun place to spend some time. They also have a Geothermal Bakery Tour at specific times. One can see the process and sample freshly baked Icelandic rye bread. The bread is baked underground for 24 hours. Find fresh rye bread anywhere else in the country.
- Geysir Geothermal Area – See the Strokkur Geyser. It shoots hot water high into the air every 10 minutes or so. Not every eruption is the same, so spend a bit of time here.
- Gullfoss Waterfall – A powerful waterfall partially frozen during winter. It is sometimes called the “Golden Falls” because when the sun shines on the water, it looks golden. Expect this waterfall to be crowded!
- Hrunalaug Hot Pool OR Secret Lagoon – Relax in this small and quaint hot spring. It is more like a warm water spring. It was once used to bathe sheep. It feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere and not many people visit. Alternatively, we could visit the Secret Lagoon nearby, which is much larger. Both of these have entry costs.
- Kerid Crater – If the day is started early then only we can make it. We can walk around the rim and even down to the lake.
- End your day at an accommodation in or between Selfoss and Hella.
- Area to stay: Overnight near the Golden Circle area (Selfoss or Hveragerði).
Day 4: Golden Circle to Vik (South Coast)
- Start your drive along the South Coast.
- Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls: Frozen waterfalls that are particularly stunning in winter. Pick up your car from Hella and head towards Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water and experience the beauty up close. Honestly, the falls feel a bit underwhelming from the front, but when you’re behind at sunset, the water lights up golden and that’s the best time to visit. Arrive early to not miss the golden light!
- Skógafoss Waterfall: Enjoy the beauty of this iconic waterfall amidst the snowy landscape. Get to Skogafoss early in the morning before 9 AM because it can get insanely crowded once the tour buses arrive. Why? Skogafoss is THE MOST POPULAR waterfall in Iceland and a mandatory stop for everyone touring the south coast. It is indeed beautiful to see this powerful waterfall and the rainbows that form because of it. Many people forget that the steps beside Skogafoss (on the right while facing the falls) lead up to a whole load of other waterfalls and viewpoints. These are not as amazing as the one below, but it might make for a fun walk.
- Solheimasandur Plane Wreck – The plane wreck is at a stunning location on a black beach. It makes for excellent photos but only if you go outside of the main tourist hours. If photos are a thing for you, then come here right after a quick visit to Skogafoss.
- Dyrhólaey Peninsula – Take in the sweeping winter views of Iceland’s southern coastline. Head to the cliff-top at Dyrholaey, which has a cute lighthouse. From the cliffs, stunning rock formations in the water can be seen, an expansive black sand beach, views of a glacier and greenery around, and lots of puffins (May-August). It’s magical. This place is extra windy.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – A stunning sight during winter with its towering basalt columns. The beach is stunning and is often referred to simply as the ‘black sand beach’ even though there are so many in Iceland. It has dramatic cliff and basalt formations, a cave, and powerful waves crashing against the shore. The beach might be dangerous due to its unpredictable waves and strong undercurrents. Many have lost their lives to it. So do not venture close to the sea, as sneaker waves may come in suddenly and drag you into the sea. You should pay attention to the waves the whole time because sneaker waves are known to come up to the basalt columns. Also, the wind is again pretty crazy here so be ready to be hit by sand on your face and be eroded like rocks.
- Overnight in Vik – Day ends in the town of Vik. Dinner at Black Crust Pizzeria or at the Kronan store nearby before heading to the hotel for the night.
Day 5: Vik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Continue along the South Coast:
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A picturesque canyon, especially beautiful with snow. This canyon was pretty under the radar till it appeared in Justin Bieber’s ‘I’ll Show You’. There’s a walkway along the canyon and you can walk as far as you like until you’re done. I feel that none of the viewpoints give a good view of the canyon. You can also walk to the bridge near the starting point of the walk for a direct view. Honestly, we found this canyon boring (many love it!) and felt that it did not compare to the next one on this list. Better things are in store!
- Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon – After the canyon, head to this small glacier lagoon. The glacier is very close to the viewing spot, unlike the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you’re here at sunset like we were, you’ll see the most brilliant colors in the sky behind the glacier. This will make your experience that much better. Plus, there might be no other people, which is always great!
- Skaftafell National Park: Take a winter hike to the Svartifoss waterfall.
- Katla Ice Cave (optional) – Katla Ice Cave is unique. It is said to be the only ice cave that can even be seen in the summer. However, it isn’t your typical blue ice cave. Instead, it has a lot of black streaks in the ice. We can consider this for our trip and end up skipping it doesn’t matter. However, if interested in visiting, then we should book the tour here, which lasts 3 hours. Doing the earliest possible tour at 8:30 AM will help make the most of the rest of the day.
- Mulagljugur – A must visit. It requires a bit of hiking to get there and hence is not frequented by tour buses. It has a heavenly view of a dreamy canyon with waterfalls and birds flying through. The scene is right out of a fantasy movie. During the hike, you will also spot the sea and the Fjallsárlón Lagoon (which you’ll see next). If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll also see the mountain above the canyon. There is a glacier on it.
- Optional: Glacier hike or ice cave tour (book in advance for safety).
- Overnight near Jökulsárlón
Day 6: Jökulsárlón to Höfn
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch floating icebergs in the lagoon. Get ready to be amazed by this huge glacier lagoon filled with giant floating icebergs. You can walk around the lagoon and enjoy the scenery. I highly recommend doing any one (or even two) of the below-mentioned activities as well. These activities let you see the lagoon or glacier differently. Do book them in advance because they’re all very popular. These activities will take 1-4 hours of your time, depending on what you choose so plan your day accordingly. Honestly, your other two stops of the day won’t take more than an hour or so each. You’ll have plenty of time to see this breathtaking glacier.
- Ice Cave Tour: There are ice cave tours that run in the summer months. Reviews all say that the caves have started to melt, so you only see water. The caves are too small, etc. So this tour may not be worth it.
- Glacier Walk: Hike on the icy terrain for 2 hours and learn all about them
- Kayak Tour: Paddle across the lagoon in colorful kayaks and see giant Icebergs
- Zodiac Tour: These are small rafts so you’ll get as close to the icebergs as safely possible.
- Amphibian Boat Tour (least expensive): Cruise amongst icebergs, see seals, and taste 1000-year-old ice. Do this activity. I booked it after getting there because it was the only available option. I waited over an hour or so to get on the boat but loved it!
- Explore the Vatnajökull Glacier area and enjoy its stunning winter landscapes.
- Diamond Beach – Right opposite the lagoon. On this beach, icebergs that float away from the lagoon to the sea wash ashore. They glisten like diamonds on the black sand and create a magical atmosphere. The diamonds may be big, small, or non-existent. It all depends on how many icebergs are floating away from the lagoon and getting washed ashore. Also, please do not stand on the diamonds. I made this mistake and ended up falling into icy, cold water when the wave shook the diamond.
- Stokksnes Beach – A black sand beach with majestic views of the Vestrahorn mountain on one side. There is water of the lagoon on the other side. The black sand beach often has a layer of water. It reflects the dramatic mountains, clearly making for a perfect shot. Head to the Viking Cafe to pay a small fee to enter and explore the Vestrahorn area. Then drive to the photogenic 2009 Viking Village film set, where The Witcher prequel series Blood Origins was shot. Then head further down to Stokksnes Beach, and you’ll be swept away by the stunning scenery.
- Drive towards the town of Höfn, known for its delicious lobster. Relax and watch for the Northern Lights if conditions allow.
- Overnight in Höfn – Spend the night around this area or the town of Hofn.
Day 7: Höfn to East Fjords
- Drive through the East Fjords, which may be covered in snow but offer incredible views of Iceland’s coastline and fjords. Start your day early. You have a long drive ahead of you. You’ll also be driving the Oxi Pass (f-road only in the winter months). Additionally, you will be doing two hikes. Feel free to skip either one of them if you’re running short on time. Do it early the next day instead, if by choice.
- Stops on the drive – While driving towards the Oxi Pass from Hofn, you will cross some viewpoints. These include Naustin í Papafirði Scenic Lookout Spot (for a view of Vestrahorn). Red Chair is a red chair placed atop a rock in the middle of nowhere. It makes for a fun photo. Another stop is Hvalnes Lighthouse (Krossanesfjall) from where you get a great view of the mountains behind.
- Stops in Djúpivogur: Visit this charming fishing village.
- This entire drive from Hofn to Hengifoss should take about 4 hours with stops. Do get petrol and grab a bite at Hofn or at the N1 in Djúpivogur just before the Oxi Pass starts.
- Oxi Pass, or road 939, is an 18-kilometer stretch of gravel road in the mountain. It takes you inland from the coast. In the winter months, it is an F-road and can only be accessed with a 4-wheel drive. Drive slowly here, as there may be dense fog cover and the roads aren’t great.
- Seydisfjordur: This is a charming town with colorful houses along the harbor. Take a quick break here to visit the rainbow pathway that leads up to the church. Enjoying rainbows at Seydisfjordur
- Hengifoss – Hengifoss is a waterfall known for the red streaks across the cliff face of the waterfall. In pictures, it looks like layers of hot magma. In reality, the red streaks are quite dull. They just look like reddish soil. Getting to Hengifoss means hiking 2.5 kilometers each way. But the hike is quite easy. Expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here.
- Studlagil Canyon – Studlagil Canyon is full of basalt columns and splendid blueish-green water. Usually! However, if you visit towards mid-August or later, the water turns brown because of the release of reservoir water. So this place is best visited in the summer months, until July.
- There are two sides to the canyon: the west side and the east side. The west side has a viewpoint that you can climb down to photograph the canyon. However, the view is substandard from here. However, it has a toilet and you can also grab a bite here because the other side has no facilities.
- The east side is where you can hike down to the canyon. After you’ve crossed the narrow bridge with your car, there will be two parking lots you can choose from.
- The walk from this parking lot to the canyon would be about 30 minutes.
- Overnight in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland – Spend the night near Studlagil or Egilsstaðir!
Day 8: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn
- Continue your drive towards the Lake Mývatn area, a geothermal wonderland.
- Hverir Geothermal Area: Visit bubbling mud pots and steam vents. This was actually a random stop for us. We saw a lot of people pulling up and so did we. Thank god for that, because we thought the place was awesome with all it’s colors and little to no pathways. It felt so untouched. You can get really close to the bubbling mud pools and steaming sulfuric vents.
- Viti Crater Lake (Krafla) – Hike for 30- minutes to this beautiful blue crater lake, which was formed in 1724 by a massive explosion as part of the Mývatn Fires that created a lot of volcanic formations in the area. If you like, you can also walk 15 minutes to the Krafla Lava Fields.
- Hverfjall – The hike up to the top of Hverfjall was the highlight of our day. Hverfjall is a 2,500-year-old crater. It may not seem like it, but it is huge—roughly 1 kilometer in diameter. The 45-minute hike up is worth the leg burn because you’ll not only get to see the massive crater but also get a superb view over Mývatn Lake. We watched a perfect sunset from here!
- Dettifoss – Make your way to Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe! We couldn’t visit this waterfall because of a lack of time but since it’s your first stop of the day, you surely will.
- Mývatn Nature Baths: Relax in the warm geothermal waters surrounded by snow.
- Overnight in Mývatn.
Day 9: Mývatn to Akureyri
- Whale Watching – Start your morning with a whale-watching tour in Húsavík. The town is renowned as the whale-watching capital of Europe. While you’re here, it makes sense to head out to the sea. We did this whale-watching tour with Northsailing on a big boat but you might also consider a tour on a RIB boat instead. They’re a lot smaller and quicker, which will enable you to quickly reach the whale and spot it more closely. We often wished we’d been on the smaller boat!
- Godafoss Waterfall: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, partially frozen in winter. Drive to Godafoss waterfall, which is also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” It is again a powerful waterfall that can be seen from several viewing platforms and hiking trails on both sides of the river, as well as the bridge connecting both. The N1 at Godafoss is a fantastic place to grab a bite or you can also do so at a restaurant in the city nearby, Akureyri.
- Explore Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. Visit Akureyri Church and stroll through the town.
- Overnight in Akureyri.
Day 10: Akureyri to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall – Start your day by visiting this waterfall that has the perfect view of the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks, which also made an appearance in Game of Thrones. Continue your journey along the peninsula and make short stops to see the beautiful surroundings of Ingjaldshólskirkja Church, the orange Svörtuloft Lighthouse, and the dramatic cliff of Londrangar, which is an eroded crater.
- Kirkjufell Mountain: The most photographed mountain in Iceland, especially magical in winter.
- Head west towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known as “Iceland in Miniature.”
- Snæfellsjökull National Park: Visit the glacier-capped volcano.
- Overnight on Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Day 11: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavik
- Arnastapi Cliff Viewpoint and Stone Bridge: Park your car at the Arnastapi Cliff Viewpoint. When you get out of the parking lot, don’t miss observing the weird structure as soon as you enter. This is the statue of Bárour Snafellsás, who was half a troll and half a man, made by one of Iceland’s most renowned sculptors based on Icelandic sagas. After you’ve seen the view from the viewpoint, take a left to head to the Stone Bridge. It’s a narrow bridge of stone, you can walk on. It makes for a stunning view and photo but be careful while walking the bridge.
- Búðakirkja Church – Your last stop on this 10-day Iceland road trip is going to be Búðakirkja, a small church that is black in colour—an odd color for a church! If you’re into photography, you’re going to love this location.
- Drive back to Reykjavik.
- Enjoy New Year’s celebrations in Reykjavik! The city is known for its spectacular fireworks display and lively atmosphere.
- Recover from the New Year celebrations with a relaxed day in Reykjavik.
- Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 12: Relax in Reykjavik → Reykjavik → Keflavik
- Recover from the New Year celebrations with a relaxed day in Reykjavik.
- Enjoy Reykjavik’s cafes and boutiques.
- Depending on your flight time, spend the morning in Reykjavik or revisit nearby sights.
- Drive to Keflavik International Airport.
- Return the rental car and fly back to India.
Day 13: January 4, 2025 -Reykjavik to Keflavik
- Arrive back in India.
Additional Tips for Winter Road Trip:
- Car Rental: Choose a 4×4 vehicle equipped for winter driving, as roads may be icy or snowy.
- Daylight Hours: Keep in mind that Iceland experiences only 4-5 hours of daylight in December. Plan driving and sightseeing during these hours.
- Northern Lights: December is a great time to see the Northern Lights. Check the aurora forecast and stay in areas with little light pollution.
- Clothing: Dress in layers and carry winter gear like thermal wear, waterproof jackets, gloves, and sturdy boots.
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