Winter conditions in Iceland can be harsh and not ideal for hiking and certainly not for beginners. Weather in Iceland is also known to constantly change, something that surprises many foreign visitors. Layering and warm clothing are essential of course.
- See also: Itinerary for a Winter Trip to Iceland
Iceland is a land of contrasts, the fire (volcanoes) and ice (glaciers) being the obvious example. But winter and summer also bring stark contrasts where the same location can look worlds apart, depending on the season. On frosty and stormy winter days, I have sometimes thought that the devil himself must have sh** this island into the North Atlantic Ocean, while on beautiful summer days the country can look like heaven on Earth. These feelings could be summarized in Icelandic music, where the song Narfi by Skálmöld symbolizes winter and Birds by Emiliana Torrini symbolizes summer.
National Geographic Photographer Kiliii Yuyan traversed Iceland and captured fascinating photos & videos of the landscape in low light conditions.
Creaking snow under your boots, Northern Lights dancing in the sky above you and the moon shining brightly in the distance, somewhere above the mountains. Winter brings its own beauty and there are certain benefits of hiking in winter that you will not get in summer:
- Hike free from the crowds of summer
- Experience harsh landscapes in their most raw natural beauty
- The short daylight means you might see Northern Lights
Below, we look at what to expect and how to plan for winter hiking in Iceland.
Expect the Unexpected
Flexibility is key if you visit Iceland in the winter months and even more so if you want to get closer to nature on a hike. You need to have several more letters for plans than just A and B. The glaciers along the south coast are an option for the first day, where you can snowshoe on their surface. Glaciers are shrinking rapidly due to global warming, which is a negative development but at the same time an insight into the forces of nature.
Below the ice, you can find ice caves and winter is the optimal time to explore these. Exploring ice caves is a potential adventure for another day and you can find various options with guided tours from Reykjavík.
Winter is not the best time for longer hikes, as daylight lasts only for 3-6 hours (3 at the darkest time just before Christmas). Most hiking trails are not accessible, the ones that are accessible are at lower altitudes. Reykjadalur valley by Hveragerði is a popular route all year round.
Researching weather and trail conditions is paramount to avoid accidents. Crampons or spikes under the shoes are needed for the most part. For optimal experience and safety, we recommend joining a guided hiking tour. With the right equipment, clothing and provisions, hiking in winter is a remarkable experience.
Gear and Equipment
Headlights are required for hiking in winter, available in all the major outdoor clothing stores, such as Útilíf and Fjallakofinn. Extra batteries are recommended just in case, because you don’t want to end up lightless in the dark.
Hiking sticks can come in hand, especially in snow. They spread the pressure on knees and joints as well as helping us to keep the balance and tempo.
Crampons or spikes are also needed on slippery surfaces, not to forget proper hiking boots with good ankle support and sole. Ideally they should also be lightweight, agile and soft on the feet.
Guided Winter Hiking for Fun & Safety
As mentioned above, we recommend joining a guided tour to get the most out of the winter hiking experience in Iceland, going the tried and tested routes with people who know what they are doing. Here are some of the options you could try:
- Remote Glacier Hike and a Natural Ice Cave from Jökulsárlón
- Reykjadalur Hot River Hike – Half Day Tour
- Northern Lights Hot River Hike in Reykjadalur
- Private Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull
- Private SuperJeep South Coast and Glacier Hike Tour, a full day of adventure
- Skaftafell 5-Hours Adventure Glacier Hike
- Private Hike to Mount Esja and Hvalfjordur & Hvammsvik Hot Springs
- Mindfulness Yoga hike in Breiðdalsvík
