Winter Tours in Iceland

To drive in Iceland between October and April, you should be aware of certain road rules. Here are some tips to help you prepare for winter driving in Iceland.

You must keep your headlights on, even in daylight. Drive slowly in case of ice and open your car doors with care when it’s windy. You should also bear in mind that some mountain passes and roads may close due to adverse weather conditions.

We recommend that you check the latest weather updates before setting off each day. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and SafeTravel websites are two trusted resources. The latter also has an app that locates your vehicle should you need any assistance on the road.

With the appropriate 4x4 rental car and awareness of weather conditions, winter driving in Iceland can be a great way to tour the country.

Plus, when you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, you get the advice and support of a personal travel consultant to ensure your trip runs smoothly. They will rearrange your itinerary should anything unexpected arise.

Winter tyres are not compulsory but are highly recommended if you’re driving between the months of November and April. They provide extra traction on icy roads and so are ideal for driving outside of urban areas like Reykjavík.

It is much safer to drive a 4x4 vehicle in winter in Iceland. That’s why our winter self-drive packages include 4x4 car rentals which come with winter tyres.

You can spend as much time as you like in Iceland in winter! There is so much to see and do that it really depends on how many days or weeks you have to spare.

For a short break in Iceland, your best bet is to explore Reykjavík and the surroundings. Within 4 days you could visit the capital’s many fantastic museums, shops, galleries and restaurants. There are thermal pools to swim in and festive markets at Christmastime.

You could also see top sights like Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and the Geysir geothermal area, which includes the hot spring Strokkur. These are all part of the Golden Circle route in the south. You can experience the Golden Circle on a day trip from the capital, or over the course of a few days.

Or extend your route and see more of South Iceland. In 7 days you’d get to visit glaciers, black sand beaches like Reynisfjara, and other breathtaking natural attractions that the South Coast is known for. Don’t miss the chance to bathe in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, an inviting geothermal pool.

Another great option is to visit West Iceland. Enjoy a northern lights adventure in the remote Westfjords, or head to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Called “Iceland in miniature”, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is just 90 kilometres (56 miles) long and has a bit of everything. Discover volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, hot springs and fishing villages here.

If you have between 10 days and 2 weeks to spare, then you’ll get to see the many beautiful corners of Iceland. As well as the southern and western regions, you can explore East Iceland and North Iceland too by travelling the country’s Ring Road.

Venture east to admire fjords and gaze upon the mighty Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs float on the blue waters. Continue north to Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn area to marvel at the Krafla volcano, mud pools and craters. You can warm up with a dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Essentially, the more days you have to spend in Iceland in winter then the more you will get to experience. You’ll also increase your chances of spotting the northern lights!

Yes, you can select and book Nordic Visitor arrival dates online. After picking the right tour package for you, choose your dates online or speak to one of our Iceland travel consultants.

Please note that if you are joining a small group tour, these packages have fixed start dates because this allows us to organise the most cost-effective services for you. However, you can always add extra nights before or after the group tour dates.

Nordic Visitor packages are flexible, so you can always customise your Iceland tour to suit you. If you’d like to spend more time in a particular destination, you can request this when booking your tour online. Your dedicated travel consultant will get in touch to confirm the extra days with you.

Simply choose the package you like and then ask us about tailoring your tour. You will have your own personal travel consultant who can offer destination suggestions and modify your package according to your needs and preferences.

Bear in mind that if you want to book a small group tour, the duration and route will be fixed as you are travelling with other visitors. But we can of course customise your tour by adding extra nights to the beginning or end of your trip.

We recommend that you book your flights after your Nordic Visitor tour has been confirmed. You can always check flights for dates and prices, but only purchase them once your travel consultant has secured your package bookings. This is no more than 2 working days after you receive your email confirmation of payment.

Once your Nordic Visitor consultant has confirmed your tour, you will have all of the details you need to buy suitable flights. We can book your airport transfer in Iceland once you let us know the flight details.

Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!”

In winter you should prepare for cold temperatures, wind, rain and snow. That way you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country regardless of the weather.

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, we recommend wearing:

• Warm layers
• An insulated jacket
• Protective outerwear
• Good sturdy boots
• A hat, scarf and gloves

Read more about what to wear in Iceland on our blog.

Iceland is known for its ever-changing weather, so we advise that you be as prepared as possible. In winter you should bring warm layers with you to be comfortable with the cooler temperatures.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in winter:

• An insulated and waterproof jacket
• Walking boots
• Fleece jumpers
• Lightweight wool underlayers
• Waterproof or winter trousers
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Warm hat
• Thermal underwear and socks
• Swimwear and sandals

The reason we recommend packing swimwear is so you can visit Iceland’s hot springs and geothermal pools. The locals love their hot spring bathing and it’s a great way to relax after exploring the great outdoors!

For more in-depth tips on what to bring, check out our packing guide for Iceland.