Best Winter Tours & Packages in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

Iceland transforms into a winter wonderland from November to March, making it one of the most popular destinations for cold-season adventures. The country’s landscapes, covered in snow and ice, offer a stark beauty that’s unparalleled. 

Whether you’re hunting for the northern lights, exploring ice caves beneath glaciers, or relaxing in geothermal hot springs surrounded by snow, the best winter tours and vacation packages in Iceland promise unforgettable experiences. 

What are Winter Tours and Vacation Packages in Iceland?

Winter tours and vacation packages in Iceland are specially designed travel experiences that allow you to explore the country’s unique winter landscapes and activities with ease. These packages combine guided or self-drive itineraries with accommodations, transportation, and popular excursions.

Guided winter tours are ideal for those who prefer expert insights and stress-free navigation, while self-drive packages offer flexibility and independence. Many packages also include seasonal highlights like hot spring bathing, snowmobiling, and exploring top destinations in Iceland, like the iconic Golden Circle route transformed by the magic of winter.

Best Winter Self-Drive Tours in Iceland

Winter self-drive tours in Iceland offer the ultimate blend of freedom and adventure in exploring the country’s snow-covered landscapes at your own pace. With a rental car like a four-wheel drive equipped for icy roads, curated itineraries, and pre-booked accommodations, you can visit iconic destinations like Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast while chasing the northern lights under the winter skies. 

1. 7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Winter Tour in Iceland - The ultimate week-long winter road trip in Iceland with the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes peninsula itineraries and opportunities to hunt for the northern lights each night.
2. 1-Week Self-Drive Tour in Winter of Iceland with Ice Caving - Immerse yourself in Reykjavik, Vatnajokull National Park, and a crystal ice cave while spending your nights seeking the aurora borealis.
3. 5-Day Winter Self-Drive Tour with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Enjoy the freedom of this self-drive winter tour while exploring Iceland's capital, mighty glaciers, and the world-famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
4. 6-Day South Coast of Iceland Winter Self-Drive Tour -  See the best of Iceland’s South Coast and other top destinations in Iceland under the beautiful winter skies and northern lights.
5. 10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland - Experience the best of the Ring Road of Iceland with opportunities to book optional excursions like glacier hiking, ice caving, and geothermal bathing.

Best Winter Vacation Packages in Iceland

Winter vacation packages in Iceland are the perfect way to experience the country’s magical snowy landscapes and capital city with ease and convenience. These packages combine accommodations, transportation, and curated activities like northern lights hunting, ice caving, and Blue Lagoon bathing.

1. 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland - Enjoy the convenience of guided tours and activities during winter in Iceland, such as ice caving, northern lights hunting, and the option to visit the Blue Lagoon.
2. 6-Day Northern Lights Adventure Package in Iceland with Ice Caving - Experience the comforts of four nights in Reykjavik and one night in the countryside with guided tours in the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
3. 1-Week Winter Package in Reykjavik and the Circle of Iceland - Spend seven nights in Iceland during winter with extended trips to the Eastfjords and North Iceland.
4. 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland - Hop on a comfortable minibus for four days to explore Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast with friendly guides.
5. 12-Day Winter Package Tour of Iceland and Snaefellsnes - Take the ultimate winter holiday in Iceland, combining 12 days in Reykjavik, the Ring Road, and the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Best Guided Multi-Day Winter Tours in Iceland

The best multi-day winter tours in Iceland feature guided tours, accommodations, exciting activities, and bus transportation.

1. 3-Day Northern Lights and Ice Cave Tour to the Golden Circle and South Coast - See an ice cave, glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and more iconic destinations in Iceland for three days. Guides, transportation, and accommodations are included!
2. 2-Day Ice Cave and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Winter Tour—This is the perfect multi-day tour in Iceland for those with limited time. It includes ice caving and a visit to the Jokulsarlon lagoon.
3. 6-Day Ring Road of Iceland Guided Tour - Circle the Ring Road of Iceland with the convenience of a small group tour and the excitement of activities like northern lights hunting and glacier hiking.
4. 8-Day Complete Ring Road of Iceland Winter Tour with Activities - Explore the Ring Road of Iceland under a blanket of snow with bonus detours to the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Best Winter Day Tours in Iceland

Winter day tours in Iceland are perfect for travelers who want to experience the country’s breathtaking beauty in a few hours or a single day. These tours offer a variety of seasonal activities, such as exploring natural ice caves, chasing the northern lights, or visiting iconic sights.

1. The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier - Discover the enchanting beauty of a crystal ice cave deep in Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Iceland.
2. Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik - Visit Iceland during winter to check off the northern lights on your bucket list. The tour includes free photos, refreshments, and transportation from Reykjavik.
3. The South Coast of Iceland Tour from Reykjavik - See Skogafoss waterfall, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and more iconic attractions on the South Coast under a beautiful blanket of snow and ice.
4. The Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik - While this sightseeing tour is available year-round, it’s not as breathtaking as seeing the Gullfoss waterfall framed by snow and ice during winter.
5. Blue Lagoon Comfort Ticket - Book your entrance ticket to the Blue Lagoon now to experience geothermal bathing in milky-blue waters while surrounded by a blanket of snow.

Best Tour Activities During Winter in Iceland

Winter in Iceland offers a wide range of unforgettable activities that showcase the country’s natural beauty and unique landscapes. From thrilling adventures to unique experiences, here are the best activities to include in your winter itinerary:

• Northern Lights Hunting: Witness the aurora borealis dancing across Iceland’s dark skies. Guided tours take you to the best viewing locations, ensuring you maximize your chances of seeing this magical phenomenon.

• Ice Caving: Explore crystal-clear ice caves within Iceland’s glaciers, a truly otherworldly experience available only in winter. Popular locations include Vatnajokull glacier and Katla ice cave.

• Glacier Adventures: Experience the icy wilderness up close on guided glacier hikes or thrilling snowmobile rides on glaciers like Solheimajokull or Langjokull.

• Hot Spring Bathing: Relax in geothermal pools surrounded by snow, such as the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Myvatn Nature Baths, or Reykjadalur valley. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

• Golden Circle Sightseeing: Experience Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route in its winter glory, with stops at the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.

• South Coast Sightseeing: Discover the dramatic landscapes of the South Coast during winter, including Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

• Reykjavik City Experiences: Explore Iceland’s vibrant capital, from museums and cozy cafes to festive winter events like Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

• Whale Watching: While puffins and other animals migrate during winter, you can still join whale watching tours from Reykjavik or Akureyri.

Best Time for Winter Tours in Iceland

The best time for winter tours in Iceland depends on what you want to experience, as each winter month offers unique highlights. Iceland’s winter season runs from November to March, with opportunities to enjoy various activities. 

• October and November: These early winter months offer the chance to see the northern lights as the nights grow longer. Snow begins to cover the landscapes, creating beautiful scenery, but road conditions are often less icy compared to the depths of winter. It’s a quieter time to travel, with fewer crowds at popular attractions.

• December: Iceland December tours are some of the most magical experiences on your winter holiday. The festive season brings a unique charm with Reykjavik’s Christmas markets, lights, and traditions. Snow blankets the countryside, and shorter days create perfect conditions for chasing the northern lights.

• January and February: These months are ideal for experiencing Iceland’s full winter wonderland. Glaciers and ice caves are at their best, and activities like snowmobiling and super jeep tours become more accessible. Long, dark nights also offer peak viewing opportunities for the aurora borealis.

• March: As winter begins to transition into spring, March offers longer daylight hours while still providing snowy landscapes and excellent northern lights visibility. It’s an ideal time to enjoy winter activities with a little extra daylight for sightseeing.

Checking Weather and Road Conditions for Winter Tours in Iceland

Iceland’s weather can change rapidly, particularly in winter, so staying informed is key to a safe journey. Use resources like:

• Vedur.is: Icelandic Meteorological Office for weather forecasts and warnings.

• Road.is: Real-time road updates, including closures and safety alerts.
  For self-drive tours, ensure your vehicle has winter tires and plan your routes carefully. 

Tour operators like Guide to Iceland also provide assistance and answer queries should travelers encounter problems during their winter adventure. 

Checking the Aurora Forecast for Winter Tours in Iceland

For travelers eager to witness the northern lights during their winter adventure, checking the aurora forecast is an essential part of trip planning. Iceland offers excellent tools to help you determine the best chances of seeing this natural phenomenon:

• Aurora Forecast on Vedur.is: The Icelandic Meteorological Office provides a dedicated Aurora Forecast tool that predicts the likelihood of aurora activity across the country. The forecast uses a scale from 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating stronger aurora activity. It also provides cloud cover maps to help you locate clear skies for optimal viewing.

• Mobile Apps and Websites: Several apps, such as Aurora Forecast and My Aurora Forecast, can provide real-time updates on northern lights activity, alerting you when conditions are ideal.

• Key Factors to Consider:

  • KP Index: This measures geomagnetic activity, with a KP of 3 or higher generally offering good visibility.

  • Clear Skies: Even if the aurora is active, heavy cloud cover can block the view. Therefore, always check the cloud cover forecast with the aurora predictions.

  • Dark Locations: Light pollution from cities or towns can diminish visibility. Head to dark, remote areas away from artificial lights for the best experience.

Tour operators specializing in northern lights tours monitor these forecasts and will guide you to the best locations based on real-time conditions. This makes guided tours a convenient and stress-free way to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis during your winter trip to Iceland.

Tips for Planning a Winter Vacation in Iceland

Planning a winter vacation in Iceland requires thoughtful preparation to make the most of your trip. Here are some essential tips to help you enjoy a safe and memorable winter adventure:

• Book Early: Winter tours, accommodations, and activities like ice caving and northern lights tours tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel months like December and February. Secure your bookings in advance to ensure availability.

• Choose the Right Tours: Tailor your itinerary to match your interests, whether it’s chasing the northern lights, exploring ice caves, or relaxing in geothermal hot springs. Consider guided tours for a stress-free experience or self-drive packages for more flexibility.

• Pack for the Weather: Iceland’s winter weather is unpredictable, so pack waterproof and windproof clothing, insulated boots, and plenty of warm layers. Don’t forget gloves, hats, and thermal socks to keep warm during outdoor activities.

• Stay Flexible: Snowstorms and icy roads can cause delays or changes in plans. Allow extra time in your schedule to adapt to weather conditions and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

• Drive Safely: If you’re opting for a self-drive tour, rent a 4x4 vehicle or 4WD equipped with winter tires and familiarize yourself with Icelandic road safety rules. Drive cautiously on icy roads and avoid off-road driving.

• Plan for Limited Daylight: During winter, daylight hours are shorter, especially in December and January. Plan your activities around the available daylight, and use the dark evenings for northern lights hunting.

By preparing thoroughly and staying flexible, you’ll be ready to embrace the magic of Iceland’s winter landscapes and activities, ensuring an unforgettable vacation.