Winter Tours in Iceland
Imagine marvelling at frozen landscapes during the day and hunting the northern lights at night. Your personal travel consultant will book all your accommodation, activities and transportation for your winter tour of Iceland.
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Book With ConfidencePlan your Iceland tour with peace of mind
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You are in good handsRelax knowing you have local support 24/7
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Trusted local travel expertsBenefit from our insider knowledge of Iceland
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Great reviewsHave confidence in booking with us
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Stress-free experienceLet us take care of all the practicalities
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Customisable tour optionsExperience Iceland in a way that suits you
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Full financial protectionTrust that your payment is safeguarded
Northern Lights Circle Tour
Iceland's Famous Ring Road
514454ISK
Eur
Winter Highlights & Northern Lights
Ice Cave & Glacier Lagoon
322564ISK
Eur
Natural Wonders of Iceland - Winter
Northern Lights & Ring Road
634587ISK
Eur
Best of South & West Iceland - Winter
Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes
427370ISK
Eur
South & West Iceland Classic - Winter
214255ISK
Eur
Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter
322972ISK
Eur
South Iceland at Leisure - Winter
190315ISK
Eur
Best of South Iceland - Winter
Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon
266230ISK
Eur
A New Year’s to Remember
Northern Lights, Super Jeeps and NYE Party
394206ISK
Eur
Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights
174632ISK
Eur
A Christmas to Remember
Super Jeeps, Glaciers & Blue Lagoon
320538ISK
Eur
New Year’s in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights & NYE Party
352495ISK
Eur
Active Iceland - Winter
Snowmobiling, Ice Tunnel & Golden Circle
293263ISK
Eur
New Year’s & Northern Lights
Best of South Iceland & New Year's Eve Party
411422ISK
Eur
Northern Lights Circle Tour - Private
1217702ISK
Eur
Christmas in Iceland
Reykjavik, Waterfalls, Northern Lights
280814ISK
Eur
Winter Highlights - Private
641876ISK
Eur
Golden Circle Classic - Winter
Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights
185742ISK
Eur
Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter
119562ISK
Eur
South Iceland Classic - Winter
147097ISK
Eur
South Iceland & Into the Glacier - Winter
212405ISK
Eur
South & West Iceland at Leisure - Winter
262135ISK
Eur
Christmas & New Year’s in Iceland
Northern Lights & New Years Eve Fun
Iceland Full Circle at Leisure - Winter
452212ISK
Eur
Best of South & North Iceland - Winter
Golden Circle, South Coast & Lake Mývatn
376770ISK
Eur
Northern Lights Adventure in the Westfjords
Reykjavik, Northern Lights
423213ISK
Eur
Golden Circle Express - Winter
Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights
156252ISK
Eur
Classic South Coast - Winter
Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon
239620ISK
Eur
Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter - Private
400789ISK
Eur
Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter - Private
1598386ISK
Eur
Christmas & Northern Lights
Best of South Iceland
313620ISK
Eur
Christmas in the Countryside
South Iceland & Northern Lights
245313ISK
Eur
Iceland Luxury Adventure - Winter
Northern Lights, Winter Wonders & Blue Lagoon Retreat
1157452ISK
Eur
Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter
Northern Lights, South Iceland & Blue Lagoon Retreat
1623380ISK
Eur
Iceland Ring Road in Luxury - Winter
2602922ISK
Eur
Iceland Luxury Escape at Leisure - Winter
2328410ISK
Eur
Iceland Luxury Adventure at Leisure - Winter
1639689ISK
Eur
South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private
1220182ISK
Eur
South Iceland at Leisure Winter - Private
1026450ISK
Eur
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Talk with our local experts
See contact choicesAbout Your Iceland Winter Tour
Visit Iceland in winter to witness ethereal scenery and chase the aurora borealis. You could explore Iceland on a guided or self-guided tour, with a personalised itinerary designed by local travel experts. When you book Iceland winter vacation packages with Nordic Visitor, you get:
• An authentic winter travel experience arranged by an established and trusted agency
• A dedicated travel consultant who will organise your tour
• All relevant bookings for your chosen package
• A detailed online personal itinerary and travel guide
• Hand-picked accommodation for a relaxing stay
• 24/7 emergency phone support for peace of mind
Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your winter tour. Simply follow these steps:
1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip
WHY CHOOSE NORDIC VISITOR
Book With Confidence
Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.
You are in good hands
Unexpected weather or event? No problem. Nordic Visitor will handle any unforeseen situations during your trip. Your travel consultant will rework your itinerary, re-booking your accommodation and activities while keeping you safe and informed. Our emergency 24/7 helpline means we’re only a call away.
Trusted local travel experts
Since 2002, Nordic Visitor has been helping visitors experience the best of Iceland. Our local travel consultants all know Iceland inside out and will use their unrivalled expertise to plan your dream trip.
Great reviews
Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.
Stress-free experience
Relax and look forward to your tour while Nordic Visitor arranges everything on your behalf. Your dedicated travel expert will provide you with a complete itinerary, having made all the bookings before you arrive in Iceland. We’ll also be on hand throughout your trip should you need us at any point.
Customisable tour options
These winter packages include recommended tours and routes for your time in Iceland. However, we will happily tailor your itinerary according to your preferences. We can add extra nights, activities, upgrades and destinations to your liking, so that you experience Iceland in a way that suits you perfectly.
Full financial protection
With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event that the company experiences insolvency.
WINTER TOUR REVIEWS
Find out what our wonderful clients thought of their winter trip around Iceland.
BeatriceUnited States
We had an amazing time in Iceland! Thanks to Nordic Visitor for arranging everything and making sure we had an... read more
We had an amazing time in Iceland! Thanks to Nordic Visitor for arranging everything and making sure we had an amazing and memorable stay in Iceland.
ScottUnited Kingdom
We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it.... read more
We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it. Iceland is an amazing place and I am sure we will be back and will use Nordic Visitor again!
Certificate of Excellence
YOUR WINTER TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS
With its snow and ice-draped landscapes, glowing northern lights and inviting hot springs, the Land of Fire and Ice is dazzling in wintertime. On your winter tour of Iceland, you could:
- Discover the famous Golden Circle route to see Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser and Þingvellir National Park
- Head out on a northern lights tour from Reykjavík to see the aurora borealis dancing in the night sky
- Soak up the sight of floating icebergs at the magical Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Visit Iceland's largest national park to step inside naturally formed ice caves in Vatnajökull
- Embark on a guided glacier hike in the beautiful Skaftafell wilderness area
- Stroll along Reynisfjara and other frosted black sand beaches on the South Coast
- Bathe in natural hot springs and geothermal spas such as the Blue Lagoon
- Gaze at icy waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Goðafoss
- Explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula to see the volcano and lava fields of Snæfellsjökull National Park
ADVICE ABOUT ICELAND IN WINTER
Prepare for your winter tour with these Iceland travel guides.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ICELAND WINTER TRAVEL
To learn more about what it’s like to visit Iceland in winter and the sort of tours you can do, read on. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about Iceland winter vacation packages here.
Alternatively, find out how to make a booking, have a look at our FAQs, or learn about our flexible Book With Confidence travel plan.
Iceland experiences its winter season from October to April. At this time of year, the weather is colder and the nights are longer, but Iceland becomes a winter wonderland that is beautiful to explore. You’ll also get the chance to see the northern lights between October and April.
Iceland does get cold in winter, but considering its latitude, the temperatures are milder than you would think. Its temperate maritime climate is owed to the Gulf Stream, and means that temperatures generally don’t get too far below 0°C (32°F).
Over the winter period, average temperatures in Reykjavík range from -1°C (30°F) to 6°C (42°F). The coldest months are December, January and February, when there is a higher chance of snow.
It’s important to bear in mind that Iceland’s weather is changeable, so you could experience sun, snow, wind and rain in a day! Find out more about Iceland’s weather and climate on our online travel guide.
In Iceland the days are shorter in winter than in summer. However, since winter lasts from October to April, there is a big difference in daylight hours across this period. You could experience anything from 3-17 hours of daylight in winter!
The days are shortest in December as this is when the winter solstice takes place, so expect between 3-5 hours of daylight. After the solstice has passed, the sunrise takes place earlier and earlier each day. This means that by April you get between 13-17 daylight hours.
The best thing about Iceland’s short days is that you have more chance of catching the northern lights. The dark winter nights make it possible to see the colours of the aurora borealis dancing in the sky. During summer, though, it is too light at night to spot them.
Read more about Iceland’s daylight hours, or explore our northern lights guide for viewing tips including checking the aurora forecast and where to go.
Iceland experiences snow at higher altitudes in winter, although the snow sometimes settles at lower levels too. Snowfall is more common in the colder months of December, January and February. Although given Iceland’s unpredictable weather, it could happen almost anytime!
You’re also likely to get more snow in North Iceland and East Iceland, as well as in the Westfjords. The countryside looks incredibly beautiful when dusted in snow and frost, making for a real winter wonderland.
There are plenty of exciting things to do in Iceland in winter, from exploring natural sites to soaking up the local culture. This is just one of the reasons why top publications have named it one of the best places to visit in Northern Europe this year.
Here is a list of the best winter activities in Iceland:
- Visit icy waterfalls and glacier lagoons
- Hunt for the northern lights
- Embark on an ice caving adventure
- Relax in hot tubs and geothermal pools
- Snowmobile or hike over glaciers
- Discover Iceland’s Christmas traditions
- Ride an Icelandic horse in the snow
- Explore Route 1 on a road trip
- Try snowshoeing or skiing
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the locals
For more inspiration, discover the top things to do in Iceland in winter and 10 ways to enjoy the snow in Iceland on our experts’ blog.
There are various ways you can travel around Iceland in winter. You could rent a car for a self-drive tour, or have someone else do the driving instead.
A road trip in Iceland in winter gives you the freedom to explore as you please. You could visit South Iceland or West Iceland in a few days, or discover more of the land by driving the Ring Road that circles the country.
If you’d prefer not to drive, you have a few other options instead. You could enjoy the exclusivity of a private tour, with a personal guide who will take you around Iceland and share their insider knowledge with you.
Alternatively, join a small group tour to discover Iceland with a guide and other like-minded travellers. Or opt for a multi-day tour to base yourself in Reykjavík or Akureyri and go on day trips when it suits you. That way you get a mix of independent travel and guided excursions, without needing to drive.
Discover more travel tips on how to explore Iceland on the Nordic Visitor blog.
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.
Contact us
If you’re keen to put your holiday plans into motion or need more advice on visiting Iceland in winter, get in touch. Our local travel experts will be happy to help.
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