This past New Year’s, we decided to take a trip to Iceland with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, chasing a mix of adventure and winter landscapes that felt completely different from home. We booked this 3-day Iceland tour, and it ended up being one of the easiest and most unforgettable ways to experience the country. Instead of stressing over driving or planning every detail, we were able to fully take it all in, from waterfalls and geothermal areas to glaciers and a blue ice cave. It was the perfect introduction to Iceland in winter and a trip I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
✅ Iceland Winter Packing List
I’ve created an Amazon List here for you to do your shopping of What I Packed for Iceland in Winter (What I Actually Used)
Day 1: Iceland’s South Coast
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss was our first stop on the Golden Circle, and it immediately delivered that classic Iceland wow factor. Seljalandsfoss plunges nearly 200 feet off a cliff, and yes, you can walk behind it for a totally surreal view from inside the cascade. Just know that “a little wet” is an understatement. We got absolutely soaked, but thanks to our waterproof layers, we were ready to embrace the spray and enjoy the moment.
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi feels like a secret tucked away behind a narrow canyon wall. You won’t spot it right away, but as you approach, you’ll catch a glimpse of the falls cascading inside the slot canyon. It’s a bit of a squeeze to get in, especially with the crowds, and the spray is no joke. If you’re carrying a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring a waterproof case or skip bringing it to both of these waterfalls.
Skógafoss Waterfall
This tour kicked off with a waterfall bonanza, and Skógafoss was the third stunner of the day. When we arrived, a full 180-degree rainbow arched across the base of the falls. The waterfall itself drops about 200 feet with serious power, and you can get up close if you don’t mind getting soaked. There’s also a steep staircase leading to a viewpoint above. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it for a dramatic perspective from the top.
Diamond Beach
This was one of the stops I had been most excited for, but we didn’t luck out with the conditions. The beach is usually scattered with glistening chunks of massive glacier that look like diamonds against the black sand, but this time, there weren’t many to be found. That’s the nature of Iceland, unpredictable and wild. Weather and tides shift constantly, and with climate change accelerating glacier melt, the landscape is evolving. Still, it’s a surreal place to witness, no matter the conditions.
Black Beach of Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is one of those iconic Iceland spots you see all over Pinterest, with its dramatic basalt columns and jet-black sand. When we visited, the tide was too high to safely get close to the columns, so we admired them from a distance instead.
On the plus side, that gave us time to stop at the nearby café and try Skyr cake, a creamy, tangy Icelandic dessert that tastes a bit like Greek yogurt pie, but better. The texture is light yet rich, layered over a simple cookie or graham-style crust, and often topped with fresh berries or fruit preserves. It’s subtly sweet, refreshing, and the perfect treat after a day of adventuring in the cold. Just trust me and try it.
VÍk Village
We wrapped up the day watching the last light fade over the ocean from Vík Church. Perched on a hill above the town, the church offers a quiet, panoramic view of the coast. It was the perfect, peaceful way to end a whirlwind first day in Iceland.
Eldhraun Lava Fields
On the drive back to our hotel, we pulled over at the Eldhraun Lava Fields just as the sun began to set. The landscape felt almost otherworldly, jet-black lava rocks blanketed in soft green moss, glowing under the golden light. In the distance, a bright white glacier stretched across the horizon, creating a striking contrast that made the entire scene feel surreal.
Hofskirkja Church
Our last stop of the night was Hofskirkja Church, arriving in near darkness as the quiet countryside settled in around us. This small turf church, one of the last remaining of its kind in Iceland, dates back to the late 1800s and offers a glimpse into traditional Icelandic architecture, with its grass-covered roof blending seamlessly into the landscape.
We ended up lingering here much longer than expected due to an accident on the highway. In Iceland, there’s typically just one lane in each direction, so even a minor incident can cause significant delays. As we waited, it really sank in how remote this part of the country feels, there aren’t many places to stop for food along the way, so having snacks on hand is a must. By the time we finally made it back to the hotel, we were absolutely starving.
Day 2: South-East Iceland with Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave
Blue Ice Cave Exploration
The blue ice cave we explored was part of the Vatnajökull glacier along Iceland’s South Coast, a region known for its vast ice fields and ever-changing ice formations. Visiting with a guide is essential here, as conditions can shift quickly and become dangerous.
We arrived just as the sun was rising and were among the first to enter the cave, which made the experience feel even more surreal in the soft morning light. The cave itself was smaller than I expected, but incredibly striking. Since these caves are constantly forming and collapsing, there’s no guarantee which one you’ll visit, guides are always scouting the glacier to find the safest and most impressive options available.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
When we first arrived at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the sky was overcast, casting a moody light over the scene—but even then, it was mesmerizing. Massive chunks of ice drifted slowly through the lagoon’s vivid blue waters, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape. By chance, we ended up returning about an hour later (thanks to a bathroom break), and this time the clouds had cleared. With the sun breaking through, the lagoon looked even more breathtaking, the ice glowing against the brilliant sky. That’s the thing about Iceland—you never quite know what weather you’ll get, but every now and then, the timing just works out in your favor.
Fjallsárlón Glacier
Next, we made a stop at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon. A short, easy walk led us to a viewpoint where we could see the glacier spilling down from Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap, right to the edge of the lagoon. The contrast was striking—jagged chunks of glacial ice with a soft blue hue framed by dark volcanic rock and rugged terrain. It felt like stepping into a frozen world caught between fire and ice, with the lava rock serving as a stark reminder of Iceland’s volcanic origins. Watching the ice meet the earth like that—it’s a quiet kind of awe that stays with you.
Day 3 Golden Circle
Geothermal Park & Bakery
On day three, we kicked things off bright and early with a visit to a geothermal park and bakery, a spot that really captures the essence of Iceland’s volcanic energy. As we walked through the steamy landscape, we watched plumes of geothermal steam rise from the earth and a geyser erupting, shooting high into the sky with impressive force. After a short walk, we got to try Icelandic rúgbrauð, or rye bread, which is traditionally baked by burying it in the warm ground and letting it slowly cook for 24 hours. It’s nothing like the rye bread back home. It’s dense, moist, and slightly sweet, almost like a cake. Quite delicious, especially fresh and warm from the earth!
Kerið Volcanic Crater
Kerið Volcanic Crater was one of our frostier stops, and it’s where the trip really started to feel like winter. The crater itself is a vibrant, circular depression formed about 3,000 years ago, with steep slopes that dip down to a frozen lake at the bottom. We strapped on our crampons to safely navigate the icy trail that loops around the rim—slippery in parts, but totally worth it for the view. The snow-dusted red volcanic rock created a dramatic contrast against the ice below, and descending the staircase into the crater felt like walking into a frozen amphitheater sculpted by nature. It’s wild to think that this peaceful, icy landscape was once a bubbling cauldron of lava.
Gullfoss – The Golden Waterfall
We made our way to Gullfoss, and seeing it in the middle of winter felt completely surreal. The entire landscape was covered in frost, like a blanket of white stretching in every direction. Icicles clung to the grass, and the walkways were slick with ice, making crampons a must just to get close. For a California girl, it felt almost unreal, cold, and absolutely magical.
Bonus Stop at Bru Horse Farm
Along the drive, we stopped at Bru Horse Farm to meet Iceland’s famously small but incredibly unique horses. Despite their size, Icelandic horses are known for their strength and resilience, having adapted to the island’s harsh weather over centuries. They’re also one of the purest horse breeds in the world, as Iceland has strict laws preventing other horses from being imported.
What makes them even more special is their extra gait, called the “tölt,” which gives them an unusually smooth ride compared to other breeds. Up close, they were just as charming as you’d expect, thick winter coats, windswept manes, and surprisingly friendly personalities. Getting to feed and pet them was such a fun and memorable stop along the way.
Haukadalur Valley Geothermal Area
Our next stop was the Haukadalur Valley geothermal area, one of Iceland’s most active geothermal regions and home to some of the country’s most famous geysers. Walking through the area felt almost surreal, with steam rising from the snow-covered ground in every direction. The contrast between the icy landscape and the bubbling earth beneath it made it feel like we had stepped into another world, almost like a winter version of Yellowstone.
This is where you’ll find Strokkur, the geyser that erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air and drawing a crowd each time it goes off. The entire valley is filled with hot springs, vents, and mineral-streaked earth, all shaped by Iceland’s intense volcanic activity just below the surface.
After wandering the paths and watching a few eruptions, we headed across the street to grab something to eat. The area is surprisingly developed, with a cluster of restaurants and shops that felt a bit like a cozy ski resort stop, a welcome break from the cold before continuing on our drive.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can actually see the boundary between two continental plates. Here, the North American and Eurasian plates are slowly pulling apart, creating dramatic cracks and rock formations that stretch across the landscape. Walking through the park, you can see towering rock walls and deep fissures where the earth is literally splitting, giving you a front row view of this powerful geological meeting point.
Hvammsvík Spa
We arrived at Hvammsvík Spa just after sunset, so everything was wrapped in darkness. I wish we could have seen more of the surrounding mountains and open water, but even without the views, it still felt incredibly peaceful and relaxing after a long day of exploring. We made our way through the different geothermal pools, each one a slightly different temperature, before working up the courage to do a cold plunge in the Atlantic Ocean. It was freezing, the kind of cold that takes your breath away, then leaves you with pins and needles when you step back into the hot pools, and it felt like the perfect way to fully embrace the whole experience.
If you’re considering a winter trip to Iceland and don’t want to deal with driving in icy conditions, I honestly can’t recommend this tour enough. We were able to see so much in just three days without the stress of navigating the roads ourselves, which made the whole experience that much more enjoyable. If you want to check it out or book the same tour we did, I’ll link it here.