Iceland is an absolute must visit country and it is one trip on everyone’s bucket list. And so, when my friend proposed the idea to go in December, I immediately said yes. Despite the unpredictability of visiting Iceland in winter we were determined to make it work and in this guide we will go through every tip and trick that you need to take into consideration if you want to make your Iceland winter trip a memorable one. Here every type of unpredictability you might face is accounted for in this itinerary.
Visiting Iceland in winter provides a different kind of challenge. This is because of the limited daylight you have to work with not to mention the unpredictable weather. You will need to remain flexible to the weather conditions and icy roads. Having said this Iceland is one of the most magical countries so if you plan it correctly a winter trip to Iceland can be incredible.
This Iceland winter 7 day itinerary focuses on the places that make the most sense for a first visit: the Golden Circle, Vík, the South Coast, Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavík, and one of Iceland’s famous geothermal lagoons.
I would not recommend trying to drive the full Ring Road in 7 days in winter unless you are very experienced with Icelandic winter driving and happy to spend a huge part of the trip in the car. It is also a stretch to fit everything in 7 days and since you need to adjust to the conditions then it will be risky. You do not need to force the whole country into one week.
This route assumes you are renting a car, which is the easiest way to follow it. You can do parts of it by guided tour from Reykjavík, but if you want to stay in Vík, reach Diamond Beach, and add Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a car gives you much more flexibility.
Table of Contents
Brief Introduction and Where to Stay
The South Coast is one of the best areas to visit in Iceland in winter because most of the main sights are still accessible from Route 1. You can visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vík, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach without needing to drive remote highland roads.
For this itinerary, I would recommend staying in:
- Selfoss for the first night as soon as you arrive
- Vík or a village further east for 3 nights
- Reykjavík for the final 2 nights
The above is to cater for the following day to day itinerary which I will go in depth more below.
- Day 1: Golden Circle
- Day 2: Drive to Vík and explore the black sand coast
- Day 3: Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Day 4: Waterfalls near Vík and return west
- Day 5: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Day 6: Reykjavík
- Day 7: Lagoon day and Reykjanes / departure buffer
The below map embeds the major highlights and groups them colour coded by day so you can get a rough idea where the attractions are and how to plan around them
Day 1 – Golden Circle
Start your Iceland winter itinerary with the Golden Circle. This is the most promoted route in Iceland and with good reason. It is the first spot where you get Iceland’s full force of nature just outside of Reykjavik.
The main Golden Circle stops are Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. If you have enough daylight and road conditions are fine, you can also add Kerið Crater and the Secret Lagoon.
Our Route
We arrived late at night and drove straight to the town of Selfoss so that we could start nearby the Golden Circle and make the most of the daylight. If you want you can also start from Reykjavík and drive to Þingvellir National Park first. This is what we did but from Selfoss, so the route will remain unchanged irrelevant of your starting point.
This is where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which sounds like one of those tourist clichés until you actually see the landscape. It is also a good first stop because the walking is not too intense.
You should allow around 1 to 1.5 hours here. Parking for a standard car costs around 1,000 ISK.
From Þingvellir, continue to the Geysir geothermal area. The main geyser people come to see is Strokkur, which erupts regularly, so you do not need to wait too long. This is a quick but worthwhile stop, especially in winter when the steam looks even more dramatic against the cold air. Allow around 30–45 minutes. There is no entrance fee.
Next, drive to Gullfoss. This is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and it is absolutely worth the hype. In winter, the whole area can look frozen and moody, but be careful because the paths can get icy. Allow around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
If you still have daylight, visit Kerið Crater on the way toward Selfoss. It is a volcanic crater lake and the entrance fee is around 700 ISK per person. You only need around 30–45 minutes here.
If you want to finish the day properly, go to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. It is cheaper and more relaxed than the Blue Lagoon, and it fits well with the Golden Circle route. Adult entry is around 4,500 ISK. You should allow 1.5–2 hours. We didn’t go to the Secret lagoon as it was getting late, and we wanted to save money.
If you are looking for more things to see and do and more in depth guide about the golden circle read How To Visit Iceland’s Golden Circle in Winter & What To Do! next! I go into more detail on prices and where to park at each place.
Day 1 Time and Cost Estimate
Driving time: around 3.5–4.5 hours total, depending on where you sleep.
Sightseeing time: around 5–7 hours with stops.
Estimated basic cost:
- Þingvellir parking: around 1,000 ISK per car
- Kerið Crater: around 700 ISK per person
- Secret Lagoon optional: around 4,500 ISK per adult
- Food, fuel, and parking apps extra
Stay in Selfoss as it proves a practical base and is close to everything in the Golden Circle.
After we finished the Golden Circle we immediately started heading east towards Vik so that we immediately be there in time to start early the following morning.
Day 2 – Drive to Vík and Explore the Black Sand Coast
The drive from Selfoss to Vik is absolutely beautiful and if you can do it the previous day is a bonus for time but maybe a minus for the limited light you get to view the scenery.
However on Day 2 we drive to Vik from our base in Kirkjubaejarklaustur and head to…
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland, and it deserves to be on this itinerary. You have the basalt columns, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the wild Atlantic waves crashing onto the beach.
Please be careful when visiting here as the waves here are not normal beach waves. They can be extremely dangerous, and you should never turn your back to the sea or walk too close to the waterline. There are warning signs for a reason. Before visiting, read the official Black Beach safety guidance.
We spent around 1 hour here and parking is usually around 750–1,000 ISK depending on the lot.
Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
This was one of my favourite stops as it started snowing and the whole scene looked absolutely magical. Dyrhólaey gives you one of the best views of the South Coast. It looked dramatic with the snow falling and the arch and black sand beaches in view below.
Vík Church and the Town View
Once you reach Vík, stop at Víkurkirkja, the small church above town. Here the views over Vik and the mountainous backdrop is unique and I found it to be quite serene. Moreover the parking here was free one of the few places, there were signs but it was only as a donation.
Optional: Icelandic Lava Show
If the weather turns bad or you finish outdoor sightseeing early, the Lava Show in Vík is a good indoor option. It is not cheap, but it is unique because you can watch real molten lava being poured in a controlled indoor setting. Adult tickets are around 6,590 ISK and the show lasts about 50 minutes.
If you want more details about any other stop read my 9 Best Things to Do in Vik – Exploring Iceland ‘s South Coast. It goes much more in depth about this day and everything you need to know.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
This is a beautiful canyon with a short walking route and viewpoints. In winter, access can depend on snow and ice, so treat it as a bonus stop rather than a guaranteed stop. You will need to drive a bit from Vik as it was more near Kirkjubæjarklaustur than Vik. However the canyon was a worthwhile stop and I enjoyed my time here.
Day 2 Time and Cost Estimate
Driving time from Kirkjubaejarklaustur to Vík: around 1.5 hours without stops
Sightseeing time: around 4–6 hours.
Estimated basic cost:
- Reynisfjara parking: around 750–1,000 ISK
- Lava Show optional: around 6,590 ISK per adult
- Food and fuel extra
Where to stay: Kirkjubaejarklaustur / Vik
Day 3 – Diamond Beach and Glacier Walk
Day 3 is a long but unforgettable day. You will drive from Vík toward Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. This is one of the best parts of any Iceland 7 day itinerary in winter, but it is also one of the days where you need to be realistic.
The drive from Vík to Jökulsárlón takes around 2.5–3 hours without stops in good conditions. In winter, it can take longer. This is one of the main reasons we stayed in Kirkjubæjarklaustur as it provided us easier access and less time to be on time for Diamond Beach and our ice cave and glacier walk
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. The glacier lagoon is filled with floating icebergs, and in winter it feels even more surreal. You do not need to do much here. Just walk around the lagoon, watch the ice move slowly, and keep an eye out for seals.
Entry is free, but parking is around 1,000 ISK per standard car.
Allow around 1 hour, more if you are taking photos.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is just across the road from Jökulsárlón. This is where chunks of ice wash up onto the black sand, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Iceland.
The amount of ice changes constantly. Some days it is full of “diamonds,” and other days there are only a few pieces. Either way, it is still worth visiting because the setting is incredible.
Be careful near the water. Do not climb on the ice and do not stand close to the waves just for a photo.
Allow around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Optional: Ice Cave Tour From Skafatel
We actually started with this activity before heading to Diamond Beach. It was worth considering for us as it is something surreal that you don’t get to do in another country. Albeit expensive the experience was worthwhile and apart from the parking and the geothermal lagoon on our last day this was the only thing we splurged on. One thing to note is that the ice cave in itself was underwhelming, however the views of the glacier and the walks between ice was a once in a lifetime experience.
Expect to pay around 23,900 ISK or more per person for a shorter ice cave tour, with longer glacier exploration tours costing more. You must book in advance to guarantee your spot. Below is the exact tour we did from GetYourGuide
Day 3 Time and Cost Estimate
Driving time:
- Vík to Jökulsárlón: around 2.5–3 hours without stops
- More with winter conditions and sightseeing stops
Sightseeing time: around 5–8 hours depending on optional hikes or tours.
Estimated basic cost:
- Jökulsárlón / Diamond Beach parking: around 1,000 ISK per car
- Ice cave tour optional: around 23,900 ISK+ per person
Where to stay: Back to Vik/ Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Day 4 – Waterfalls Near Vík and Return West
Day 4 is your return journey back to Reykjavik, but it should not feel like a wasted driving day. This is the day to focus on the waterfalls near Vík and the South Coast, especially if you skipped some on the way east, which we did.
The main waterfalls to visit are Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Gljúfrabúi. If you love waterfalls, this might be one of your favourite days in Iceland. This area is littered with them and if you are looking for more I wrote a list of the 17 Best Waterfalls in Iceland & How to Visit!
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. It is huge, powerful, and easy to visit because it is close to the road. You can walk right up to the base, and if conditions are safe, climb the staircase to the top viewpoint.
In winter, the spray can freeze and make the ground slippery, so be careful. If the stairs are icy, do not be a hero. The view from the bottom is already excellent.
Allow around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Parking has changed in some Iceland locations over recent years, so check the app or signs on arrival. Budget around 1,000 ISK where paid parking applies.
Kvernufoss
Kvernufoss is very close to Skógafoss but usually feels quieter. It requires a short walk and is one of the best waterfall stops in the area. In better conditions, you can usually walk partly behind it, but in winter this depends on ice. We were lucky and we were able to do so in December
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is famous because you can walk behind it in normal conditions. In winter, that path is often icy or closed, so unfortunately you can do so. Even from the front, the waterfall is still beautiful
Parking is around 900–1,000 ISK per car.
Gljúfrabúi
Gljúfrabúi is right next to Seljalandsfoss and is easy to miss if you do not know it is there. It is hidden inside a narrow canyon, and you usually have to step carefully through shallow water or slippery rocks to see it properly.
This was one of the most exciting things I did in Iceland it felt like a proper adventure entering the canyon to get close to the indoor like waterfall. If possible do start with this waterfall as when we visited the sun was going down and there was not a lot of light to grab the best photos. It was still surreal though.
Day 5 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in miniature,” and while that phrase gets overused, it does make sense. You get mountains, lava fields, black beaches, fishing villages, cliffs, waterfalls, and the famous Kirkjufell mountain all in one area.
This is a long day in winter, especially if you start and end in Reykjavík. If you can, stay in Borgarnes the night before or stay overnight on the peninsula. If not, it is still possible as a long day trip, but you need to start early and be selective.
This was the most horrific day weather wise for us. The roads were pretty rough with heavy snow falling down as we were driving. It did offer something unique views wise but it hindered us on the actual sightseeing of the peninsula. We only visited 2 places from the below but Im going to mention what was on the plan anyways.
Búðakirkja Black Church
Start with Búðakirkja, the small black church on the south side of the peninsula. It is a simple stop, but the setting is beautiful, especially in snow.
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi is one of the best stops on Snæfellsnes. The coastline here has cliffs, basalt formations, and sea views. You can walk a short section of the coastal path if the weather is calm, but in winter, watch the wind and stay away from cliff edges.
Allow around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Lóndrangar and Djúpalónssandur
If conditions allow, continue to Lóndrangar cliffs and Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach. Djúpalónssandur is beautiful but can be slippery and exposed in winter, so again, this is a “conditions decide” stop.
Allow around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how much you walk.
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
This is where we actually went and started the day before heading back to Reykjavik due to the horrific weather. Kirkjufell is the postcard mountain of Snæfellsnes. The classic view is from Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, where the waterfall sits in the foreground and the mountain rises behind it.
In winter, this area can be stunning, but it can also be icy and crowded. It was also really foggy. Do not walk off marked areas just to copy a photo angle. Parking is around 1,200 ISK.
Ytri Tunga Seal Beach
If you still have time, stop at Ytri Tunga on the way around the peninsula. It is one of the better seal-watching spots in Iceland. Winter is not always the best seal season, but it is still a nice coastal stop. We only saw seals in the water in the distance. Parking is around 900 ISK for a standard car.
Day 5 Time and Cost Estimate
Driving time: Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes and back: around 5.5–7+ hours depending on route and conditions
Estimated basic cost:
- Kirkjufell parking: around 1,200 ISK
- Ytri Tunga parking: around 900 ISK
- Food and fuel extra
Where to stay: Reykjavík
Day 6 – Reykjavík & Geothermal Lagoon
Unfortunately the trip is coming to an end but it is time to explore the capital and finally relax at a lagoon. There are some unique attractions in Reykjavik that are worth seeing.
Hallgrímskirkja
Start with Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s most famous church. The church itself is free to enter, but the tower costs around 1,500 ISK for adults. If the weather is clear, the view over the colourful rooftops and mountains is worth it. We didn’t pay to enter but this cathedral is stunning in the morning and even more so in the evening.
Laugavegur and Downtown Reykjavík
Walk along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and explore the downtown area. Reykjavík is small, so you do not need a complicated route. This is a good day to slow down, get coffee, buy souvenirs, and take a break from constant driving. There is also the famous rainbow road of course leading to the cathedral.
Sun Voyager and Harpa
The Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall are easy free stops near the waterfront. They are especially nice around golden hour, although in winter golden hour feels like half the day.
Perlan
If the weather is bad, Perlan is one of the best indoor attractions in Reykjavík. It has exhibitions about Icelandic nature, glaciers, volcanoes, and northern lights, plus a viewing deck. Adult tickets are not cheap, usually around 7,000 ISK+ depending on online or on-site booking, but it can be worth it if you want a proper indoor activity.
Allow around 2 hours.
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
Now you have a choice. Which lagoon do you go to?
The Blue Lagoon is the famous one. It is close to Keflavík Airport, so it works very well on arrival or departure day. Prices vary by date and time, but Comfort admission starts from around 11,990 ISK. Premium costs more.
The Blue Lagoon is expensive and touristy, but I will not pretend it is not impressive. The milky blue water, black lava surroundings, and steam rising in winter do feel special. Just book in advance and check the official status before going, especially because the Reykjanes area has had volcanic activity in recent years.
We eventually decided to go to the Sky Lagoon. We just liked it better from the tiktoks we saw and it did not disappoint. Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavík and feels more modern and sleek. It has an oceanfront infinity pool and a multi-step ritual. I really enjoyed my time relaxing here and you can get your tickets from GetYourGuide below.
Day 7 – Flight Back Home
For us, it was time to head back home pretty early in the morning. Unfortunately the final day for us was to drive to the airport. If you have time you can maybe include a short Reykjanes Peninsula drive if your flight is later.
Optional Reykjanes Stops
If you have a late flight and good weather, you can add a few Reykjanes Peninsula stops before or after the Blue Lagoon. Do not go into any restricted volcanic areas, and always check current safety updates.
Possible stops include:
- Gunnuhver geothermal area
- Reykjanes Lighthouse
- Bridge Between Continents
- Kleifarvatn Lake, if road conditions are good
That wraps up the 7 day itinerary. Now here are some musts that you need to check and follow during your stay there.
Iceland Winter Itinerary – Things You Need to Know
Check the Roads Every Morning
Do not check the roads once before your trip and assume everything is fine. Check them every morning before driving. Use the official Iceland road conditions website – Road.is and SafeTravel. If a road is closed, it is closed. Do not try to be clever.
Do Not Plan the Ring Road in 7 Winter Days
Could you technically drive the Ring Road in 7 days? Maybe. Should you in winter? I would not recommend it for most travellers. You will spend too much time driving, risk bad weather delays, and miss the point of the trip. The South Coast and Snæfellsnes already give you more than enough.
Rent the Right Car
In winter, I would strongly consider a 4×4, especially if you are going beyond Reykjavík and the Golden Circle. You still need to drive carefully, and a 4×4 does not make you invincible, but it helps with confidence and stability.
Make sure your rental has proper winter tyres. Also check insurance carefully, especially for wind damage, gravel, sand, and ash. Icelandic wind is no joke. Hold your car door properly when opening it.
Book Accommodation Early Near Jökulsárlón
The area around Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell, and Höfn has limited accommodation, and prices can get painful. If there is one night you should book early, it is the night around Diamond Beach.
Use Grocery Stores
Iceland is expensive, and eating every meal in restaurants will hurt. Use supermarkets like Bonus, Krónan, and Netto when you can. Even basic sandwiches, snacks, and breakfast items will save you a lot over a week.
Download the Right Apps
Useful apps and websites include:
- SafeTravel for alerts
- Iceland road conditions website
- Parka for parking
- Icelandic Met Office for weather and aurora forecast
- Google Maps offline areas
Northern Lights Are a Bonus, Not a Guarantee
Winter gives you a good chance of seeing the northern lights, but nothing is guaranteed. You need darkness, clear skies, and solar activity. The best strategy is to check the aurora forecast every night and go outside when the sky clears.
Some of the best places on this itinerary for northern lights are outside Reykjavík, especially near Vík, Jökulsárlón, and Snæfellsnes where there is less light pollution.
There are also guided tours which help if you want to see the lights. Here are some below. We only saw them briefly and not really strong but just a faint green light in the distant sky.
Bring Proper Winter Gear
You need waterproof boots, warm layers, gloves, a hat, and ideally microspikes for icy paths. This is especially useful around waterfalls, where spray freezes on the ground. A normal city winter jacket is not enough if you plan to stand near waterfalls in strong wind. I recommend buying windproof jackets and strong underlayers.
Keep Flexible in your Itinerary
This itinerary is realistic, but Iceland can still disrupt it. If the forecast is terrible, switch days around. For example, you can move Reykjavík earlier and delay Snæfellsnes, or skip a smaller stop to keep the main route safe. Another option is that if you didn’t book the ice cave tour then you can interchange the Vik and Diamond lagoon days as well.
Conclusion
This Iceland 7 day itinerary in winter gives you the best of the South Coast without trying to do too much. You get the Golden Circle, Vík, Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, South Coast waterfalls, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavík, and a geothermal lagoon, which is already a packed and unforgettable trip.
Do not overdo it and try and cram in the entire ring road. It is not worth the risk as in the north the roads are less maintained and weather can get even more rough.
If you keep the route flexible, check road conditions daily, and avoid cramming in the full Ring Road, this is one of the best winter trips you can do in Europe. It is not the cheapest destination, but between free natural sights, smart grocery shopping, and choosing only one or two paid experiences, you can still make it work without completely destroying your budget.
Thanks for reading and check out my other Iceland posts below!
