We previously covered packing for a winter trip to Iceland. What about the itinerary? We have three suggestions for different itineraries below, taking into account flexibility due to weather and road conditions. These can of course be mixed and matched as applicable to react to unforeseen circumstances like weather warnings. In all cases, we estimate one week, which is around the average time that travelers spend in Iceland. For simplicity, we assume that travelers are staying in or around downtown Reykjavík, where most of the hotels are located.
The first option focuses on culture and takes into account being unusually unlucky with weather. The second option assumes luck with weather and focuses on nature. The last option, that we call The Mix, might be the best option for many people, balancing nature and culture nicely.
Winter Trip Itinerary 1: Culture
This itinerary is heavy on cultural activities like visiting museums, focusing on indoor activities assuming that e.g. you get unlucky with weather during your whole stay.
Day 1: Perlan, The National Museum and FlyOver Iceland
Perlan is the iconic glass dome building resting on top of six district heating tanks, a half an hour walk from Hallgrímskirkja downtown. Perlan is home to a museum as well as a restaurant on the top floor. The standard exhibitions that have already been there for years are about ice caves and glaciers on one hand, and Northern Lights on the other. Recently, a volcano show has also been set up, based on the Geldingadalir eruption in 2021, that was the beginning of the ongoing “wave” of eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula, expected to last for decades or even hundreds of years. Another exhibition allows you to discover Látrabjarg, the largest seabird cliff in Europe, located in the Westfjords. Water in Icelandic Nature is the name of another exhibition, informing visitors about the wonders of water and its importance for the future prosperity of society.
The National Museum is visible from Perlan (at least on a clear day) 2.5 km away across Vatnsmýri Nature Reserve. It displays objects providing insight into Icelandic cultural history. It was established in 1863. Until then, Icelandic museum pieces had been kept in Danish collections.
FlyOver Iceland uses state-of the art technology to give you the feeling of flight. Hang suspended with your feet dangling in front of a huge spherical screen while the film whisks you away on a breathtaking journey across Iceland. The special effects like wind, mist from a waterfall and scents from newly cut grass and more make the ride as close to the real experience as possible, by awakening all your senses.
Day 2: Whales of Iceland, Aurora Reykjavík and The Settlement Exhibition
Whales of Iceland is the largest museum dedicated to whales in Europe. 23 life-sized models based on specific individuals in the wild. Audio guides are narrated by a group of marine biologists and tour guides.
Aurora Reykjavík is Iceland’s first and only northern lights center, with an interactive exhibition, auroral displays captured all around Iceland and projected onto a 7-meter wide screen in 4K quality.
The Settlement Exhibition presents Reykjavík from settlement to the present day. It is an open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology. The remnants were discovered during construction work downtown and are the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city.
Day 3: Árbær Open Air Museum, a Food Tour and Harpa Concert Hall
The Árbær Open Air Museum is home to a fascinating collection of historical buildings, most of which were relocated from Reykjavík’s city centre. Each of the buildings has a story to tell. Showing diverse architectural styles, the museum area is divided into a square, a village and a countryside section, vividly portraying Reykjavík’s small-town life and environment in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Reykjavík Food Walk takes you to everything from well-known ‘must visit restaurants’ to small family run businesses and secret local hangouts.While everything we will have on the tour is traditional Icelandic in some way we decided to leave the fermented shark, rams testicles and sheep head off the menu. On the tour you will have the chance to try the delicious free roaming Icelandic lamb that Icelanders grow up loving, home made Icelandic ice cream from a secret family recipe, local cheese tasting, the rooted tradition Skyr, a hot dog from the famous Icelandic hot dog stand, an amazing seafood cuisine and much more depending on each day and season.
Harpa Concert Hall opened in 2011 and is one of Reykjavík’s most striking landmarks and a centre of cultural and social life in the heart of the city. Harpa is a tourist destination and an award-winning work of art that has been visited by millions of people since opening. After exploring the building and the view out to Faxaflói bay at the back end, you could go for a concert.
Day 4: Reykjavík Art Museum (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn)
Reykjavík Art Museum is divided into three locations, but the main one is Hafnarhús in Tryggvagata downtown, where the focus is on exhibitions of progressive art by recognised national and international contemporary artists. Hafnarhús is also home to the works of Erró which are permanently on show.
Kjarvalsstaðir hosts regular exhibitions of the works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885 – 1972), as he occupies a special place in Icelandic cultural and art history as one of the nation’s most beloved artists, past and present. It also holds exhibitions of paintings and sculptures by renowned domestic and international artists.
Ásmundarsafn is located at Sigtún in Laugardalur. Ásmundarsafn hosts regular exhibitions of the works of Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) together with the works of living artists. Ásmundur Sveinsson was one of the pioneers of sculptural art in Iceland and designed the building mostly himself between 1942-1959. In the garden by the museum, you will find many of Ásmundur Sveinsson’s works, which have been enlarged or made especially for outdoor use.
Day 5: The Lava Show, The Cat Café and Bíó Paradís
The idea behind Lava Show was to recreate a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to a molten state of 1100°C (2000°F) and then pour it into a showroom full of people. Once the lava enters the showroom, the temperature instantly rises and from the safety of their seats, guests can see, smell, hear and feel the intense heat from the lava. The lava originates from the 1918 Katla eruption. The source material is basaltic tephra, better known as the basaltic sand that covers the black sand beaches in the South Coast of Iceland.
Kattakaffihúsið is the first cafe of its kind in Iceland and opened in Bergstaðastræti in 2018. Cat cafes have been making their way around the world, but the first one opened in Taiwan in 1998. Cat cafes are especially popular in Asia, but have opened in recent years in the USA, Canada and all over Europe. Reykjavík is known for its many cats, some of whom have become local “celebrities”, such as Diego, who is known for sleeping at the stationery shop A4 in Skeifan during the day.
Bíó Paradís is an art cinema downtown with retro style interior, chairs and tables at the entrance. They show interesting recent films from every corner of the world in addition to older classics.
Day 6: The House of Collections, Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and Elliðaárstöð
The House of Collections is the newest addition to the National Gallery of Iceland. Originally built in 1908 in order to house the National Library, the National Archives, the collection of the Natural History Museum of Iceland and the nation’s collection of antique relics, it today presents the exhibition Resistance, featuring treasures of the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland.
In 1909, Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic people on the condition that a museum be built to house them. Jónsson chose to locate the museum on the top of Skolavorduhaed, “a desolate hill on the outskirts of town,” as he puts it in his autobiography. The museum was the first building to be constructed on the top of the hill and Jónsson realized what possibilities this location, the highest in town, offered. Like some of his contemporaries, he dreamt of Skolavorduhaed becoming the political and cultural Acropolis of an independent Iceland. The museum was built according to a plan by the artist and it may thus be said that the museum building constitutes his biggest sculpture. The building served as his studio, as a gallery for his works and even as his home.
Elliðaárstöð is a new destination in Elliðaárdalur valley in Breiðholt suburb. The Elliðaárdalur power station marked the beginning of electrification in Reykjavík when it was commissioned in 1921 and set the tone for the future. Electricity and the utilities that followed revolutionized the quality of life of the city’s residents and with it came knowledge and ingenuity that society still relies on today.
Day 7: Maritime Museum, Gerðarsafn and OCHE Reykjavík
Reykjavík Maritime Museum has a permanent exhibition entitled Fish & folk – 150 years of fisheries. Characterised by a vibrant atmosphere, this exhibition is designed to deepen the visitor experience through rich visuals and interactivity. The museum also has temporary exhibitions in the Engine Room (Vélasalur) and the Pier Room (Bryggjusalur), in addition to its floating exhibits: the Coast Guard vessel Óðinn and the tugboat Magni, which are tied up at the Museum Pier. Discover the world of fisheries in a charming location by the Reykjavík Harbour in a building that previously housed the Reykjavík Municipal Fishing Company. This place holds countless stories of the people and the sea, now celebrated in the museum’s exhibitions. The stories explore this mainstay of the nation’s working life and ways of working in the past and present and how the Icelanders’ coexistence with the sea has shaped their history.
Gerðarsafn is a progressive museum with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art, located in the heart of Kópavogur. Gerðarsafn offers temporary exhibitions with works by Icelandic and international contemporary artists as well as displaying the museum collection. The exhibition program echoes the museum‘s status as the only Icelandic museum built in honor of a female artist, Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975).
OCHE Reykjavík is part of an international chain of bars/restaurants where people can mix food and fun in the form of darts, shuffle and karaoke. You can start the night with a good meal and drinks: classic pizza, burgers, charcuterie boards, chips, and more. To drink, you can select from a range of cocktails, local beers and wine as well as various alcohol free options. Afterwards, you can go for a playful game of darts or shuffle. For those who dare, there is karaoke with an extensive library of songs, including local hits if you are up for an extra challenge!
Winter Trip Itinerary 2: Nature
Here we go with a heavy focus on nature, which can be a challenge due to the risk of bad weather. A possible way to start the week here would be a 2-day trip to Jökulsárlón, taking into account the driving time from Reykjavík and the limited daylight this time of year. This will also give you a chance to see the crystal blue ice caves. But on to the standard 7-day itinerary:
Day 1: The Golden Circle Afternoon
In the morning you could explore some highlights downtown, e.g. Hallgrímskirkja, Skólavörðustígur (“Rainbow Street”) and Tjörnin.
At noon, head out for Golden Circle Afternoon. The meeting point is at Reykjavík Terminal close to downtown (18 minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja). The tour starts with a stop at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing and the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. This is also where the gigantic tectonic plates of America and Eurasia have pulled apart and the resulting rift valley is right there before your eyes on the shores of Iceland’s biggest lake. The second stop is Geysir Hot Springs, the home of the original geyser and Iceland’s most iconic natural attraction. Here, hot water spouts from Strokkur Geyser every few minutes. The last stop before returning to Reykjavík is at Gullfoss Waterfall, rooting from a powerful glacial river and cascading down 32 meters into a narrow canyon.
Day 2: Snæfellsnes
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula gives you a sniff of Iceland in one day, with its varied landscapes and highlights, including Mt. Kirkjufell (seen on Game of Thrones), Djúpalónssandur beach, Lóndrangar rock formations, Arnarstapi cliffs and the black church at Búðir. Then there is Snæfellsjökull glacier, a national park and black sand beaches.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour
- Wonders of Snæfellsnes National Park – Small Group Tour
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Private Tour
Day 3: Into the Glacier
Into the Glacier refers to a tour into a man-made ice cave in Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier in Iceland after Vatnajökull. The drive to Langjökull from Reykjavík is scenic and a stop at Hraunfossar waterfalls in Borgarfjörður is part of the program. At Langjokull glacier’s edge, special modified glacier vehicles will take care of the ride up to the glacier and to the ice caves. The walk into the glacier itself then takes around an hour and is operated by experienced English speaking guides.
Day 4: South Coast
The South Coast is among the most popular areas of exploration in Iceland and for good reasons. The proximity to Reykjavík helps but more importantly, there are numerous natural wonders in the area: The waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and Skógafoss; the village Vík, Reynisfjara (often referred to as “The Black Sand Beach”) and the glacier Sólheimajökull to name a few. Guides will usually inform guests about Iceland’s history, geology and folklore. Below are some of the best tours to explore the South Coast:
- South Coast day tour in a small group
- South Coast Classic (Guided in 10 languages)
- South Coast Wonders
Day 5: Northern Lights & Stargazing
Northern Lights & Stargazing in a small group starts in Reykjavík and then follows the path to see Northern Lights according to meteorology and space weather data. The aim is to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds to enjoy Northern Lights in serenity. Bear in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can never be a guaranteed sight. When the chances of sighting are low, the tour is cancelled with a free re-schedule or full refund.
See other great Northern Lights tours (check the individual tour for terms and conditions) below:
- Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Hot Cocoa & Free Photos
- DT 10 Northern Lights – Free photo service – Free retry
- Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise
Day 6: Horse Riding and National Gallery of Iceland
Go horseback riding in the morning for two hours, just outside Reykjavík. Sounds like a plan? Surrounded by unique nature on friendly horses and with specially trained guides, you go through excellent riding paths enjoying a beautiful view over lava fields and hillsides. The riding time is 1.5 to 2 hours, four hours in total including transfer.
When you return to Reykjavík in the afternoon, you could go to visit one of the museums, e.g. National Gallery of Iceland. See current exhibitions on their website.
Day 7: Twin Peaks ATV on the outskirts of Reykjavík & take a dip in Dalslaug
Twin Peaks ATV takes you off the beaten track on a quad bike. From asphalt and gravel roads to mountain tracks, rocky paths to steep slopes, and through a river, you will cross a range of terrains. And all surrounded by stunning scenery. Your destinations are two mountain tops that you will reach by taking two different mountain trails that challenge you on the way to the peaks. Your reward? Stunning views across the whole capital area, the Reykjanes peninsula, Viðey Island, and even the Snæfellsjökull glacier if the weather conditions are perfect. Reykjavík´s house mountain Esja will be very close and you will have a view over the whole Bláfjöll and Hengill mountain range, where you can spot volcanic activity.
Afterwards, you could head down to Dalslaug, the newest geothermal swimming pool in Reykjavík in the up and coming neighborhood of Úlfarsárdalur, where you will have passed through on the quad bikes earlier.
Winter Trip Itinerary 3: The Mix
The final suggested itinerary is based on ideas from our specialists at the tourist information offices at Laugavegur 5 and 54, who are assisting people with itineraries and other questions every day.
Day 1: Check in, explore the sights of Reykjavik and/or go whale watching, then join a food tour for dinner.
Day 2: Golden Circle & Snowmobile
Day 3: Three hours of activities for the first half of the day, e.g.:
- ATV
- Lava Show
- FlyOver Iceland
- LavaTunnel
- Horse riding
- Guided walking tour in Reykjavík
- Northern Lights watching
Go to a geothermal spa to unwind afterwards (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvík)
Day 4: South Coast with ice cave or glacier hike OR Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón
Day 5: Museum/indoor activity day, e.g. National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavík Art Museum, Lava Show, FlyOver Iceland or Perlan.
Day 6: Outdoor activity day:
Day 7 – “Live like a local” – go to one of the city pools, walk around Tjörnin, shop, have dinner at e.g. Forréttabarinn, Grillmarkaðurinn, Apótek or Pósthús Food Hall.
We hope these suggestions help you to make your itinerary for visiting Reykjavík in wintertime. The itineraries are by no means exhaustive and there are many more things to do in Reykjavík and around Iceland of course. Our event calendar covers events in Reykjavík and some events outside the capital as well.
