Visiting a country in the North Atlantic region of Europe, with freezing cold temperatures and food strange to the sophisticated palate might seem strange. However, Iceland in winter season easily beats all these myths. It has a lot of interesting sights to behold, dishes to sink teeth into and celebrations to lose oneself in. A customary visit to this magnificent country would not do justice to its many wonders.

10 Best Things To Do In Iceland In Winter

We bring you a list of the top ten things to do while visiting Iceland in winter, whether on a short detour or on a long sojourn. Tourists are guaranteed a completely enjoyable experience if they partake in these crazy activities:

1. Observe Northern Lights

Lights in the sky, Iceland In Winter

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Located in the North Atlantic region, close to the North Pole, Iceland is said to be one of the best spots in the world to watch the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights in layman’s language. If lucky, tourists can view them from the capital city of Reykjavik itself. However, for an advantage, a move to the nearby suburb of Seltjarnarnes is more advisable due to comparatively less light pollution there.

Location: Seltjarnarnes, Iceland

Also Read: Iceland In December

2. Blue Lagoon: Take A Swim

Blue water, Iceland In Winter

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The Blue Lagoon is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland, fittingly for all good reasons. It is a natural geothermal spring that doubles up as an impromptu spa made of heated seawater. This water is said to have healing properties due to the presence of silica and other minerals, which are suitable for healthy skin—no wonder the Blue Lagoon witnesses a massive footfall of tourists.

Location: 240 Grindavik, Iceland

3. Viking World: Take A Tour

Place for rest, Iceland In Winter

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It’s not every day where one sees a Viking Age battleship. Remarkably, that is what the star attraction is at this Viking-dedicated museum. Tourists can explore the ship in its entirety. However, it must be known that the boat is a replica rather than the unearthed original from the 9th Century AD. It is a perfect place to stroll around and take in the fantastic history of the Viking era.

Location: 1, Víkingabraut, 260 Keflavík, Iceland

Related Post: 10 Days In Iceland And Norway

4. Ásbyrgi Canyon: Hike

Hike place

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Visible in the shape of a horseshoe, this canyon is situated in the northeast region of Iceland. The notable feature of this canyon is its wide cliff, which offers a beautiful view to the tourists. Additionally, tourists can tour the bottom of the canyon, which is among the pine, birch, and fir forests. Considered one of the most picturesque places in the entire world, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking view of nature’s magnificence.

Location: Ásbyrgi, Iceland

5. Djúpalón Beach: Enjoy Black Sand

black sand, Iceland In Winter

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Famed for its black sands, this beach is famous for its creative rock formations. Also present are the rock arches and lipid pools that dot the sands. This beach is equally famous for accessibility as it is for the myths surrounding it. It is a must-go place for anyone visiting Iceland just for its sheer rich cultural experience.

Location: Snæfellsjökull, Iceland

Related Post: Museums In Iceland


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6. Hallgrimskirkja Church: Gape At The Architecture

Fabulous Church

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This church is the largest of its kind in Iceland and is located in the capital city of Reykjavik. It is modelled on the Svartifoss Waterfall, which is located in the southern part of the country. More famous here is the statue of Leif Ericsson, who discovered North America some 500 years before Christopher Columbus did.

Location: Hallgrímstorg 101, Reykjavík, Iceland

7. Thingvellir National Park: See The Tectonic Plates

National

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One of the most enthralling experiences you can have in a lifetime is the tectonic plates situated and the path of their movements. Situated in Þingvellir Plain, the view is entirely something as you can see the fault lines and the ridges separating North America and Europe! The shifting of these tectonic plates has caused rifts in the landscape of this region, resulting in rivers and valleys.

Location: Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

Related Post: National Parks In Iceland

8. Dynjandi Waterfalls: Dive In

Waterfall

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Dynjandi Waterfalls is known to be the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. Located in the Dynjandi Voguebay, the path to the waterfall is amazing in itself. As you trail through the pathway, you see many small waterways before ultimately reaching the brutish yet magnificent waterfall. The sound of the waterfall is louder than thunder and leaves you in awe of its grandeur.

Location: Dynjandi Walking Trail, Dynjandi, Iceland

9. Skaftafell Nature Reserve: Explore

Long waterfall

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This reserve is home to some of the strangest and most hypnagogic landscapes in the world. Surrounded by glacial rivers, black sands, ice caps, and a volcano, it houses some of nature’s most unreal sights. The biggest attraction here is the Svartifoss, a black basalt cliff with streams of water running through it.

Location: Skaftafell, Reykjavík, Iceland

Related Post: Things To Do In Iceland

10. Puffin Island: Have A Staycation

Puffin Bird, Iceland In Winter

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About half a mile from the capital, there are two small islands, Lundey and Akurey, which are known for housing colonies of Puffin birds. You can experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these cute puffins nesting, as they are indigenous to Iceland only. You can also see many other species on these islands, like guillemots, cormorants, etc.

Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

You May Also Like To Read: Reasons To Visit Iceland

With this elaborate list of the best things to do in Iceland in winter, all that’s left is to pack your bags and book a trip to Iceland, or as we call it, heaven on Earth. Let us know in the comments section below how your trip was.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland In Winter

Is Iceland too cold in the winter?

January is considered the coldest month in Iceland. You must kn0w that temperature vary in Iceland by location.

Which month is good to visit Iceland?

Iceland is a year-round destination. Whether you wish to explore it summer or winter, the fun is endless.

What are the best things to do in Iceland in winter?

From diving in waterfalls to encountering wildlife, one can engage in numerous activities in Iceland and have the best time.

How many days are enough to visit Iceland?

2-4 days are enough to explore Iceland. However, one can extend the vacation as per interests.

What time can one see aurora in Iceland?

One can see Northern Lights between 10 pm to 12 am.

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Category: Europe, Iceland, Places To Visit

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