How to prepare for a wintertrip to Iceland? The complete guide

To plan a trip to Iceland in the winter feels (and is the same as) preparing for an adventure in winter wonderland. The winter gives you unforgettable experiences, think about the snow-covered landscapes, the dancing Northern Lights and the raw power of nature. This season brings unpredictability as well, so lets prepare ourselves for this winter trip to the country of fire and ice.

Like I briefly mentioned above: the weather in the winter of Iceland is known for its unpredictability. One moment you’re able to enjoy clear skies and the next moment it’s possible you’re covered in a snowstorm. Taking appropriate clothing with you will be necessary to keep yourself warm and safe. The winter days are very short as well, there will just be 4-5 hours of daylight from November until January. Activities can become more challenging, but it also brings opportunities, like an increased likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights.

Driving can both be exciting and challenging. The roads often are icy, full of snow and sometimes not available due to storms (luckily, I don’t have a driver’s license). If you’re planning to discover the island by yourself, rent a car with studded winter tires for a safe drive on the slippery roads. To be able to navigate yourself through the snowy and icy roads, rent a 4x4 car if you’re planning on driving to more distinct landscapes. As an alternative, when you rather don’t drive yourself, consider joining an organized tour. Lots of tour operators have tours to popular destinations such as the Golden Circle, the south coast and even tours around the island which last multiple days.

Clothing

Make sure you don’t forget the following items:

• A warm coat: for example, a down jacket or an insulated parka is a must to keep yourself warm. Make sure your coat is water- and windproof.

• Thermic leggings: wear them underneath water resistant pants to keep your legs warm and dry.

• Waterproof boots: isolated and a firm grip is necessary for hiking on icy and snowy roads.

• Warm gloves (preferred waterproof): I like the ones where your fingers are together.

• A head which covers your ears.

• A scars/ buff to protect your face against the wind.

• Socks: pack multiple wool or thermic socks to keep your feet warm.

• Hand- and footwarmers: these little, warm sacks can come in handy for extra warmth when necessary.

Wearing multiple layers during the Icelandic winters is the key to keeping yourself warm. Begin with a thermic layer from fluid regulating materials, like merino wool. Add an isolating layer, like fleece or dons, to be able to keep the warmth with you. Your top layer needs to be water and wind resistant to protect you from the rain, snow and wind.

Prepare for limited hours of daylight

Plan activities around the time with daylight. Try to plan the must-sees and outside activities when the sun is up (in December and January between 10h and 15h). This applies to visits to the wonders of nature as waterfalls, glaciers and national parks.

But don’t forget to discover the country in the dark as well. Enjoy winter activities like spotting the Northern Lights, bathing in a warm water source under the stars or go hiking at night. One of the most important reasons travelers travel to Iceland in winter is to see the magic of the Northern Lights. Spotting these phenomenal lights require patience and some planning. To increase your chances:

• Choose the right time: the northern lights are most visible on clear, dark nights, mostly between September and April. The biggest chance to see the northern lights is from December until February because the nights are the longest during this time.

• Check the aurora forecast: the Icelandic Meteor Institute makes forecasts for both the solar activity and the cloudiness. A forecast with high activity and little clouds gives the best chance to see the northern lights.

• Leave the city lights: the visibility of the northern lights decreases with light pollution. Try leaving Reykjavik and other cities for better visibility.

Enjoy the winter activities

Iceland offers a wide range of winter activities which will use the snowy circumstances optimally. Discover the glaciers during a guided hike for example. Discover the amazing blue ice caves too. Those caves are only formed under the glaciers during winter and is a popular attraction.

Besides hiking over the glaciers, you can drive a snow mobile as well. It will be a thrilling but unforgettable experience. For this activity you must be 18 or older and you need a valid driver’s license. If one of these conditions isn’t met, you can go on the tour and enjoy the landscapes from the back of the snow mobile. Another way to transport yourself and enjoying your stunning surroundings is by riding the Icelandic horses. It’s a unique and calm way to enjoy nature and completely rewind.

There’s nothing better than warm yourself by swimming in one of the warm water sources or geometric baths after a hike, right? Examples are the Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Don’t jump into a random warm water source during your hike! Most of the time the water is boiling.

Stay in touch with the magical moments of your travels by taking photos and videos. Make sure you have the right equipment and don’t forget these essentials:

• Camera equipment: make sure your camera can take photos with a high ISO if you’re planning on taking photos of the northern lights or snowy landscapes. A stick can make it more stable too.

• Wearable batteries: batteries die faster whit the cold weather, so take powerbanks to charge your phone, camera and other electronics.

• Adapters: Iceland uses the European output (type C/F), don’t forget your travel adapter when you’re not living in Europe.

Know what to expect from winters in Iceland

Winters in Iceland can be both enchanting and challenging destination. Understanding what to expect will help you to prepare yourself mentally and logistically.

The winter weather can be very unpredictable. You can experience sunshine, snowstorms, heavy winds and rain within a few hours. Flexibility is essential—your plans can change at any moment due to the weather conditions. Prepare yourself for the heavy winds. Hold onto the doors of your car when opening them and always check the windspeeds before hitting the road.

The winter is low season for tourism in Iceland, which means you’ll likely experience less busyness when visiting the popular touristic spots. It can make your experience more intimate and cozier.

The Islandic winter is a season of contrasts, short days, powerful elements of nature and frozen waterfalls. As long as you’re well-prepared for the cold, planning your activities mostly during daylight and are staying flexible with the unpredictable weather, your travels to Iceland in the winter will be an amazing adventure you’ll never forget.

And most importantly: enjoy the magic of the Islandic icy wonderland. Document your trip but live in the moment too so you can take everything in.

Enjoy!