A Perfect 3-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary by JetSettingFools.com

A Perfect 3-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary

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Iceland is magnificent in any season – but especially so in the winter. With exquisite landscapes and a fascinating history, we were absolutely inspired by Iceland. Planning a winter Iceland itinerary does have its challenges, but there are benefits, too! We created a perfect 3-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary that showcases the best of the country during the wintertime.

 

Why Plan an Iceland 3-Day Itinerary in Winter?

Spending a full three days in Iceland in winter was a last-minute decision for us. We were flying from the Netherlands to Costa Rica at the end of January and were able to squeeze in a quick four-night stopover in Reykjavik. Although we feared it might not be the best time to go to Iceland, visiting Iceland in winter is simply what fit into our travel plans. We did not regret it!

 

Iceland in 3 Days Trip Plan

At first, we were hesitant to try to visit Iceland in 3 days; the country is expansive, and the natural sights are numerous. Would it be worth it to go all that way to Iceland for 3 days? We carefully considered the best way to arrange a 3 Days in Iceland Itinerary and came up with our ideal plan.

It was our first time to the island nation and our list of things we wanted to see in Iceland was extensive. We had three full days to explore Iceland and were intent on making the absolute most of our time. Our 3-Day Iceland Itinerary is packed with everything we wanted to see, plus a few bonus activities!

 

Planning a Trip to Iceland in Winter

Going to Iceland in January presents a few challenges. Certain factors need to be considered when planning an Iceland Itinerary to ensure you are prepared for the unique conditions.

 

Iceland in 3 Days: Winter Daylight and Weather

The first thing to consider when planning Iceland winter travel is that there are only a few hours of sunshine in Iceland in wintertime – and not just because of cloudy skies.

First, during winter in Iceland there are on average about 6 hours of daylight each day. Throughout January, the days get longer – and, by the end of February, there are about 9 hours of daylight (which can still be a pretty short day for sightseeing).

Second, it is essential to factor in the weather when visiting Iceland in January. While the temperatures are actually milder than one might think, winter weather elements like icy roads, howling wind and blowing snow can quickly alter your Iceland travel plans. 

 

Advantages of Visiting Iceland in January

Despite the obvious downfalls, there are a few spectacular things to do in Iceland in the winter – namely, the Northern Lights!

While short days can be problematic for most sightseeing, the timing is excellent for viewing the Northern Lights. Therefore, we considered the minuscule hours of daylight to work to our advantage on our trip to Iceland.

 

Iceland Weather in January: Cold and Snowy

Make no mistake, the Iceland temperature in January is cold and often accompanied by snow and ice – but we didn’t consider this to be a total disadvantage, either. The barren Icelandic landscapes are beautiful when covered in a layer of white, sparkling snow.

Furthermore, while the Iceland weather in January can be frigid, the average high temps are about 35° Fahrenheit – so just above freezing. We give more details about Iceland winter weather at the end of the article.

 

How Can I Create an Iceland Summer Itinerary?

If a winter itinerary for Iceland sounds a little too frosty for your liking, then you might consider traveling to Iceland in the summer.

The focus of our Itinerary for Iceland is wintertime activities – but with just a few tweaks, it can be an ideal Iceland Itinerary for Summer. We provide advice throughout the post where summer activities can be substituted for wintertime Iceland sights.

 

The Best Iceland Itinerary 3 Days

Church in the snow, Vik, Iceland

We feel our Winter Iceland Itinerary is the best way to spend 3 days in Iceland. In addition to the must-see sights, we include tips on what to eat and top local experiences. Fellow travelers can use our guide to plan their own perfect 3-day trip to Iceland!

Unsure of how many days to spend in Iceland? We include suggested Iceland Itineraries for shorter and longer stays below.

 

3 Days in Iceland: A Day-by-Day Guide

Our detailed 3-Day Iceland Itinerary provides a day-by-day plan for your vacation. We organized each day to maximize sightseeing and experiences. Additionally, we provide essential tips for traveling to Iceland. Everything you need to know is included in our Iceland 3-Day Itinerary!

 

3 Day Iceland Itinerary Planning Tips

Our Iceland 3 Day Itinerary for Winter is the perfect place to start preparing for your trip. That said, there is a lot that goes into planning a winter trip to Iceland – and you will need to keep track of all the details as you go. 

We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner – that features 26 pages of travel organization! 

Travel Planner Printables by JetSettingFools.com


 

3 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary

City views, Reykjavik, Iceland, winter

Our 3-day Itinerary for Iceland in Winter is meant for first-time visitors who want to capitalize on classic Icelandic experiences. At the end of the post, we include our Top Iceland Travel Tips for longer (or shorter) trips along with other things to do in Reykjavik in winter. 

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Reykjavik Itinerary to plan your trip to Iceland!

 

Day 1: Reykjavik Winter Experience

View of Reykjavik Downtown in Winter, Iceland

On the first day of your Iceland 3-day itinerary, explore the sights, tastes and attractions in Reykjavik – the capital and largest city in the nation. Our Reykjavik itinerary for the day includes soaking in a thermal pool, exploring the city on foot, eating local cuisine and going to the top of the iconic church bell tower. Then, after dark, search for one of the best Iceland attractions in winter: The Northern Lights. 

 

Reykjavik Thermal Pool

Few of an Iceland Thermal Lagoon

Start the day early with a trip to an Icelandic thermal pool – one of the absolute best things to do in Iceland in winter. We suggest soaking with the locals at the Vesturbaejarlaug thermal swimming pool. These outdoor pools – including four Jacuzzi tubs – are open year-round.

The pools are filled with Iceland’s natural thermal water; the hottest pool has temperatures of 110° F! Watch as steam rolls off the water, light snow falls from the sky and the first light of day appears on the horizon.

 

Iceland Thermal Pool Etiquette

Before entering the pool, it is important to understand and follow the rules. There is strict thermal pool etiquette in Iceland, which includes showering completely nude before entering the pool. Also, bring a towel. Most places will rent them, but no need to spend the extra money if you have your own!

 

Alternate Option: Blue Lagoon

We opted not to visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland in winter in favor of the local pool. Although the Blue Lagoon ranks as a top Iceland attraction, it’s an expensive experience and one that we felt might not live up to the hype.

Also, being short on time, we didn’t think we would get value out of a trip to the Blue Lagoon and much preferred the local Reykjavik thermal pool experience. However, if the Blue Lagoon tops your list of things to do in Iceland, you can book a tour in advance on Viator

 

Reykjavik Walking Tour

Art on a Reykjavik Walking Tour, Iceland Itinerary

Reykjavik in January might be cold, but it’s still a fabulous city to explore on foot! For a fantastic introduction to Reykjavik and Iceland, we recommend joining a guided tour. There are many Reykjavik tours to choose from (walking, biking, Segway, private – to name a few!), but we decided to take the CityWalk Reykjavik Free Walking Tour.

 

Free Reykjavik Walking Tour

3-Day Itinerary for Iceland In Winter Reykjavik City Walking Tour JetSetting Fools

On our tour, the humorous guide provided insight into the Icelandic culture and people. He covered everything from the complicated Icelandic alphabet to the country’s early progressive stance on gender equality to how Icelanders keep their hands warm while drinking beer outdoors in the winter.

There are two daily Reykjavik City Walk tip-based tours – at 10:30am and 1:30pm. For this Iceland Trip Itinerary, we recommend taking the morning tour that lasts about two hours. Reserve your spot here!

 

More Reykjavik City Tour Options

Swans in Reykjavik, Iceland at Winter

Too cold for a walking tour? Consider touring Reykjavik by bus. As a bonus, the Iceland Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing tour ventures to sights further afield that are not easily reached on foot. Get the details!

 

Icelandic Seafood for Lunch

Fish and Chips on our 3-Day Itinerary for Iceland In Winter Fish and Chips JetSetting Fools

After the tour, head to the Old Harbor and dine on the catch of the day or fabulous fish-and-chips at Reykjavik’s oldest restaurant, Kaffivagninn. Established in 1935, the restaurant serves filling meals – and patrons can enjoy the views across the harbor toward Hallgrimskirkja Church, which is where we are headed next!

Pro Tip: For our top tips on Icelandic food, read our guide to The Best Things To Eat in Iceland.

 

Stroll the Reykjavik Harbor

View of Reykjavik Harbor, Iceland Itinerary

Walk off your lunch with a pleasant stroll on the harbor. As you walk north on the edge of the city, take in the mountainous landscapes in the distance. There are two sights to see along the route that you will want to make sure you see: the HARPA Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. From the sculpture, turn back into town on Frakkastigur Street and route your way to Hallgrimskirkja.

 

Hallgrimskirkja Church

Reykjavik Winter Experience, Church, Iceland

An iconic symbol of Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja Church was built from 1945 to 1986. The unique design resembles columned basalt rocks that are found throughout Iceland, especially along the South Coast. Named after an Icelandic poet, the imposing structure is literally impossible to miss!

Reykjavik, Iceland Hallgrimskirkja Church View in Winter

Visitors can take an elevator up the 244-foot-tall bell tower for stunning views over Reykjavik. When you’re done touring the church, take Skolavordustigur Street back to downtown Reykjavik for dinner.

Pro Tip: Find a complete map of our recommended Reykjavik sights below.

 

Northern Lights Tour

Jacqueline Kehoe www.thestrangeandnew.com Seeing The Northern Lights in Iceland

End the first day of your Iceland in Winter Trip by chasing the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that creates a magnificent and mysterious green glow in the sky. The best chance to see the Northern Lights is during the dark winter nights in Iceland and far away from the Reykjavik city lights. 

 

How to See the Northern Lights

Whether or not the Northern Lights will be visible is a very scientific process – so there are no guarantees that it will occur. Therefore, to increase your chance of seeing the Northern Lights on your Iceland winter trip, we recommend booking a Northern Lights Tour for the first night of your trip. Book your tour now!

If there is zero chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, tour operators will cancel by mid-afternoon. If a Northern Lights Tour is canceled, participants can simply re-book with the same company for the following night. During our visit to Iceland, tours were canceled for the first three nights we were in Reykjavik. Luckily, the tour operated on our last night and we were able to see the Northern Lights!

 

Northern Lights Tours or DIY Adventure

Visitors with their own transport can drive into the dark Icelandic countryside in search of the spectacle, but we found it much more enjoyable to hop on a Northern Lights Tour. Local guides know the best spots and communicate with each other when the Northern Lights are first spotted.

 

Pro Tip: For more details about seeing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland, read about our Northern Lights Experience.

 

Iceland Itinerary Summer Substitution

Although the Aurora is active in the summer, the skies don’t get dark enough to clearly see them. However, one of the fun summertime evening activities is a Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour. Find out more here!


 

Day 2: Golden Circle Iceland Winter Trip

Beautiful Icelandic Horses, Iceland

On the second day of your 3 Days in Reykjavik, explore the sights on the famous Golden Circle. After your full day tour, partake in a local experience by drinking delicious Reykjavik craft beer and sampling those famous Icelandic hot dogs.

 

Golden Circle Tour

Amazing Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland

A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without making the 186 mile loop on the Golden Circle. The three major sights on every Golden Circle Iceland Tour Itinerary include an erupting geyser, a massive waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. Even in the wintertime, these Golden Circle attractions are a must-see!

View of an eruption at Strokkur Geyser, Golden Circle, Iceland

In addition to the three main sights, visitors can opt for tours that include extra stops along the route. For our Iceland Trip Itinerary, we booked one of the 1 Day Golden Circle Tours that also included a stop at a Geothermal Greenhouse, where they grow fresh tomatoes in the middle of winter. Book it now!

Pro Tip: Read more about the attractions and add-on options in our article: The Best Golden Circle Tour.

 

Icelandic Beer

Places to drink local beer in Reykjavik Skuli Bar

Iceland beer history is quite intriguing; for 74 years – until 1989 – drinking beer in Iceland was illegal. However, times have changed. Iceland microbreweries are popping up across the nation – and brewers are intent on creating unique locally-produced craft beers.

As craft beer gains in popularity, the number of pubs in downtown Reykjavik specializing in craft beer are also increasing. The snug and cozy bars are a fun addition for a Winter in Iceland Itinerary. 

Get a taste of what is brewing in Iceland at one of the dedicated craft beer bars. While the beers are not cheap, some places offer happy hour pricing.

Pro Tip: Find out our top recommendations for The Best Places To Drink Craft Beer in Reykjavik.

 

Icelandic Hot Dogs for Dinner

Hot Dog Stand in the snow, Reykjavik, Iceland

An Iceland Travel Itinerary wouldn’t be complete without including a stop at the famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand!

Seriously, as strange as it may sound, hot dogs are immensely popular in Iceland. We recommend throwing caution to the wind and ordering them like locals do: with ‘The Works’. The unique toppings are what makes these Reykjavik hot dogs taste extraordinary. Trust us on this one – it’s a must-eat during your 3 days in Iceland!


 

Day 3: South Coast Exploration

Snow covered beach, Vik, Iceland

On Day 3 of your Iceland winter itinerary, tour the island’s southern coast, which is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery!

 

Tour Iceland’s South Coast

Skogafoss Waterfall in Winter, Iceland

Tours to Iceland’s South Coast allow visitors to witness a few of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders. The region consistently ranks as one of the best places to visit in Iceland – and the top sights can be reached on a full day tour from Reykjavik.

Blanketed in snow, the South Coast is perhaps even more beautiful in wintertime – and we think these destinations are a few of the top places to visit in Iceland in winter. The top attractions in South Iceland are the country’s most famous waterfalls. Coupled with the frozen land around them, waterfalls are really a must-see in Iceland winter!

View of the Black Sand Beach in Vik, Iceland

Other sights include glaciers and icebergs, depending on which tour you choose. However, the most photographed tour stop is the coastal village of Vik, the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the unique rock formations just offshore. Reserve your seat!

Pro Tip: For a full description of what to expect on this day trip, read our review of our Iceland South Coast Tour.

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Reykjavik Map of Sights

Use this link to Google for an online version of our Reykjavik Map. The markers pinpoint the locations of the Top Things To Do in Reykjavik in Winter from Day 1 of our 3 Days in Iceland. You can also use this map for a One-Day Reykjavik City Tour Itinerary. Also included are the locations of the Golden Circle Tour Sights (Day 2) and Vik on the South Coast (Day 3). 

3 Day Itinerary Iceland Winter Map by JetSettingFools.com


 

More Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland view with Reykjavik in the Winter

Have more time to explore the sights in Reykjavik? Consider visiting these other top attractions in Iceland.

Pro Tip: Save money on admission to top Reykjavik sights with a City Card

 

Perlan, Reykjavik

Built as a geothermal water storage facility, Perlan is also an entertainment hub that houses Iceland exhibitions, a unique Northern Lights planetarium show, a restaurant and a viewing platform that provides 360-degree views.

 

Reykjavik Museums

There are numerous museums in Reykjavik that are aimed to educate and entertain. Some of the most popular Reykjavik museums are the Viking Saga Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, the National Museum of Iceland, The Icelandic Phallological Museum (aka The Reykjavik Penis Museum) and the Punk Museum (which is housed in an old underground public toilet).

 

More Reykjavik Thermal Pools

We include a visit to the Vesturbaejarlaug Thermal Pool in our 3-Day Iceland Itinerary – but there are other local Reykjavik pools to visit. Two of the more popular are Laugardalslaug and Sundholl.

That said, the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon can also be added to your Winter Iceland Itinerary. The supreme thermal pool experiences come with a high price tag, but it’s certain to be a memorable one! 

 

More Tours for your 3 Days Iceland Itinerary

Snowy roads in Iceland Golden Circle during winter

In our outlined Winter Iceland Itinerary 3 Days, we featured two day tours: the Golden Circle and the South Coast. While these are the two best tours for a 3 Day Trip to Iceland, they are far from the only options. 

While the winter conditions may make it difficult to stray too far from Reykjavik on a short 3 Day Iceland Trip, there are some unique tours that you could add to your visit.

 

Ice Cave Tours

On a Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour, participants ride through the wintery landscapes of the South Coast to the town of Vik. The next stop is Myrdalsjokull Glacier, where you will put on crampons for glacier hiking to the Katla Ice Cave. Get the tour details!

 

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

On this full day tour from Reykjavik to the South Coast, you travel all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to see icebergs floating on the water and washing up on the black sand beach, Fellsfjara (also known as Diamond Beach). Other sights include Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls. Find out more about the tour.

 

Guided Iceland 3 Day Tour

Forego the hassle of planning all the details of your Iceland 3 Days Itinerary and leave it to a professional! On a Private, Fully Guided 3 Day Iceland Tour, participants are guided to the best sights in Reykjavik, plus the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and South Iceland. Get the specifics here!


 

What To Do in Iceland in Winter by Month

Vik, Iceland, sunset

When we were filling our Iceland Trip Itinerary, we had no problem coming up with things to do in winter. The Top Iceland Attractions – Golden Circle, Reykjavik Sights and South Coast – are incredible to see in every season. That said, here’s a breakdown of additional winter activities by month.

 

Things To Do in Iceland in December

If you are wondering what to do in Iceland in December, don’t worry, there’s plenty! Visiting Iceland in December is a great time to see the Northern Lights…and Reykjavik in December is decorated with fabulous Christmas lights!

If you plan to travel to Iceland in December, keep in mind that it’s when the days are shortest. However, Reykjavik also a fun and unique Place to Celebrate New Year’s!

You can use our above outline as an Iceland in December Itinerary – and if you are looking for more things to do in Reykjavik in December, check out the latest event calendar

 

Things To Do in Iceland in January

If you are traveling to Iceland in January – like we did – you will find plenty of things to do. Although it is the coldest month in Iceland during winter, we witnessed breathtaking landscapes and the Northern Lights. Of course, weather can be unpredictable, which is why we don’t recommend driving in Iceland in January. 

 

Things To Do in Iceland in February

If you travel to Iceland in February, expect similar weather conditions to January. An Iceland February holiday is highlighted by seeing the Northern Lights, soaking in warm thermal pools and taking in the sights of the winter wonderland. If you are visiting on the last weekend in February, you can attend the 4 Day Annual Icelandic Beer Festival!


 

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Greenhouse, Fridheimar Greenhouse

Trying to figure out the best time to travel to Iceland can be difficult – and ultimately depends on the kind of experience you hope to have. There are pros and cons to visiting in any season. Iceland winter holidays can be cold and bleak, but frozen waterfalls and the Northern Lights are the highlights.

Summers are cool and bright, but many of the natural sights can be overcrowded with fellow tourists. We thoroughly enjoyed the Iceland winter activities…but look forward to someday visiting Iceland in Summer, too!

 

When is Winter in Iceland? 

Standing in from of an Iceland Waterfall in Winter

Officially, winter in Iceland is the same as the rest of the northern hemisphere: mid-December to mid-March. But that doesn’t really help much if you are wondering how to plan a trip to Iceland based on weather. If you are trying to plan an Iceland winter trip (or attempting to avoid Iceland winter months), we recommend looking at historical average high temperatures to decide if the winter months in Iceland will be suitable to you.  

 

Iceland Weather by Month

We must admit, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Iceland wasn’t as cold as we thought it would be. The Iceland weather in December is only a few degrees cooler (based on average high temps) than New York City.

So, when is the best time to go to Iceland for the best weather? Perhaps a look at the average high temperatures (in Fahrenheit) by month will help you determine the best time to travel to Iceland.

The average high temperature for Iceland in January is 35 degrees.

Iceland in February average high temperatures are 37 degrees.

If visiting Iceland in March, average high temps are still a chilly 37 degrees.

Iceland in April is only slightly warmer with an average high temperature of 41 degrees.

It gets a little warmer in Iceland in May with an average high temp of 47 degrees. 

Summer begins in Iceland in June with an average high temp of 52 degrees. 

Iceland in July is the warmest month with an average high temperature of 55 degrees!

Still summer, Iceland in August is the second-warmest month with an average high temp of 54 degrees. Not too shabby!

It begins to cool off in Iceland in September with average high temps reaching 49 degrees.

Iceland in October has average high temps of 44 degrees.

The cold really returns to Iceland in November, with average high temps reaching 38 degrees.

The second-coldest month, average high temperatures for Iceland in December are 36 degrees.


 

How Many Days in Iceland?

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in winter, IcelandDeciding how long to spend in Iceland depends on your interests and budget. We thought 3 Days in Iceland was enough to see the highlights, but we could have easily spent 1 Week in Iceland. Below we share our advice for how many days to spend in Iceland. 

 

Weekend in Iceland

On an Iceland weekend trip, we recommend following Days 1 and 2 in our above 3-Day Trip to Iceland. Alternatively, you could let a guide plan your complete 2 Days in Iceland Itinerary and join a tour – like this one – that includes iconic sights and top activities.

 

Iceland Itinerary 4 Days

With 4 Days in Iceland, you can fit a few more attractions into your itinerary. We recommend following our above itinerary – and then add the following activities to your 4-Day trip to Iceland: Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik museums. 

 

Iceland Itinerary 5 Days

With 5 Days in Iceland, follow Days 1 and 2 of our 3-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary, on Days 3 and 4 go on an overnight tour to explore the South Coast and an Ice Cave. On Day 5, spend the morning at the Blue Lagoon and the afternoon at Reykjavik museums. 

 

Iceland Itinerary 7 Days

With 7 Days in Iceland you can really get a good look at the country! We recommend following the above 5-Day Iceland Itinerary, but extending the overnight tour to a multiple nights. You can choose from several highly rated 2 night tours for Iceland. 

 

Iceland Package Tours

Complete package tours to Iceland can be an excellent way to see the country. Find a variety of Iceland multi-day tours, including an 8-Day Winter Iceland Small Group Tour. A shorter 2- to 4-day Iceland tour can be booked through various top-rated companies as well. 


 

Iceland Roads: Self-Drive vs. Tour Bus

Iceland's South Coast Tour with Reykjavik Excursions JetSetting Fools

If you plan on driving in Iceland in winter be mindful of the road conditions. Iceland winter travel can be dangerous, especially for travelers not used to driving in these conditions. We were glad we decided to visit Iceland without a car; during our tours, we saw several cars that had slid into ditches off the slick roads. Yet, we felt completely safe with our professional drivers at the wheel.

 

Self-Drive Iceland in Winter

Those who decide to get a car rental for their Winter Iceland Trip will enjoy the freedom a vehicle provides. However, it’s important to note that some roads are closed during the winter months and the famous Ring Road may not be safe to travel. 

Of course, just because you take an Iceland winter vacation does not mean that the roads are going to be icy. Although we can certainly appreciate the lure of an Iceland winter road trip, we simply had no desire to drive on Iceland roads in winter. If you are intent on driving in Iceland in December to February, you can find an Iceland road trip itinerary here

 

How To Get Around Iceland Without a Car

Getting around Iceland without a car can be a little difficult and limiting. There is not good public transportation routes for sightseeing outside of Reykjavik. There are however numerous organized day trips from Reykjavik in winter that will transport you comfortably to most of the best sights.

We relied solely on Reykjavik Excursions for our tours in Iceland in January. The day trips were affordable, well-planned with knowledgeable guides.

 

Iceland Day Tours Winter

Whether you are traveling to Iceland in November or wondering what to do in Iceland in January, day tours are an excellent option. Excursions in Iceland winter range from big bus tours to the Golden Circle to private vehicle tours that include snowmobiling on glaciers.

You can search through the many day tours from Reykjavik in winter and decide which one suits you.

Top Tip: To find the best Iceland winter tours, don’t just rely on price – read the reviews from fellow travelers to seek out the best experiences! 


 

Iceland in Winter Itinerary Tips

Standing on the Vik Black Sand Beach, Iceland in Winter

Our Iceland Travel Itinerary is packed with the best sightseeing for 3 Days in Iceland. Now that you know what to see, do and eat, we have a few essential tips – including how to get there, where to stay and what to pack!

 

How To Get To Iceland

3-Day Itinerary for Iceland In Winter Iceland Air JetSetting Fools

Iceland is typically reached by plane, but it is also possible to arrive by cruise ship. The Keflavik International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavik has numerous direct flights from the United States and Europe. There is a Reykjavik Airport, but the service is limited to domestic flights in Iceland.

Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSettingFools, after all!) and we flew to Iceland on a layover between Amsterdam and Washington DC.  We always start our search for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner

 

Airport Transportation to and from Reykjavik, Iceland

Flying to Iceland in the winter

The Keflavik Airport is about a 45 minute drive from the city center.

There are several ways to get from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik. We went with FlyBus, for the price and robust schedule. The cheapest ticket drops off passengers at the BSI Terminal, but for just a few dollars more, travelers are dropped off at specified hotel locations in Reykjavik. There are additional savings for purchasing roundtrip tickets.

Visitors to Iceland can also rent a car, book private transportation or ride a shared shuttle.

 

Where To Stay in Iceland

3-Day Itinerary for Iceland In Winter Where to Stay JetSetting Fools

In Reykjavik there is a wide range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. We opted for an Airbnb Apartment that was centrally located, affordable and quite cozy!

For those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Reykjavik Hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews): Kvosin Downtown Hotel, Canopy by Hilton and Hotel Lotus Reykjavik. – or start searching for the best place to stay in Reykjavik on Booking.com.

Pro Tip: When searching for lodging, look for locations that are close to pick up points for Reykjavik tours.

 

What To Pack for your Trip to Iceland

Black sand beach, Vik, Iceland

We have just a few last travel hacks for your Iceland Packing List. Go ahead and grab your FREE Packing Template to get started!

 

Weather Gear for Iceland

Reykjavik Iceland Itinerary Winter Clothes Essentials

Iceland is cool or cold year-round – so it is important to be prepared with weather-appropriate clothing. We recommend layering clothes and bringing a water-resistant jacket for your top layer.

 

Iceland Winter Footwear

I made the huge mistake of not buying boots for our trip to Iceland in winter. While my favorite travel shoes, everyday Skechers, were fine for city walking, they failed miserably on the Golden Circle and South Coast. And, even though I was wearing numerous pairs of socks for our Northern Lights outing, my feet were frozen. In hindsight, proper travel boots are essential for visiting Iceland in winter!

 

Travel Camera for Iceland Photography 

The Iceland landscapes are exquisite. Don’t rely on a camera phone, upgrade to an actual camera that will capture the amazing scenery. We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. It comes bundled with an impressive starter kit, which makes it a perfect budget camera for beginner photographers. 

 

Day Pack

Whether you prefer a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll certainly want a great day bag to organize all your everyday travel essentials. Knowing where everything is stored and easy to access is key to a stress-free travel day.

 

Travel Insurance for Iceland

Trip insurance may be useful in the unfortunate case of canceled flights or lost luggage, but could also help with illness or injury abroad. If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Iceland, consider coverage with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Iceland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

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3-Day Iceland Winter itinerary by JetSettingFools.com

16 thoughts on “A Perfect 3-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary

  1. Lisa

    SO funny to stumble across this post from Pinterest! I spent a week in Iceland in 2014 (Actually, I was stuck there because of a volcano!) and am taking my husband for a long weekend next month. We are planning almost exactly this itinerary! It’s a good balance. We hope we get to see the northern lights, that’d be new for both of us! Thank you for sharing your trip.

    • Hi Lisa – We hope you get to see the Northern Lights!! We booked our tour for the first night…and it was cancelled every night we were there until the last night! It was frigid cold, but totally worth it! Enjoy your trip!! 🙂

  2. Good info. I don’t know if we’ll ever get to Iceland but if we do we’ll be back on this page.
    Love the plane pic, also like your Airbnb apartment which I checked out.
    Frank (bbqboy)

    • Thanks Frank! We were really amazed at how much we could fit into our short trip. If you do make it to Iceland, the apartment we stayed in comes highly recommended! Great space and fantastic host! 😉

  3. ruth

    Wonderful unique place. Riding the gorgeous Icelandic horses the highlight of my life. Could go back time and time again

  4. Okay..that guy is wearing a short sleeve shirt! he must be nuts. This looks nice, even though l am still not sure l want to visit Iceland. I hear it is wicked expensive :-).

    • It IS expensive – but, for us, it didn’t seem any more expensive than Australia (which is also wicked expensive!). The guy in the short sleeve shirt was a local taxi cab driver! He parked his car, got out and stood in line like it was summer. I was shivering even though I was covered from head to toe! ha!

  5. ooh! Iceland is in my bucket list… since so many years!! I was really impressed with your post. Most of the people I know that visited the island went in summer to avoid the cold… but you did so many things and pictures look amazing… So Iceland is for year-round too   Thanks for sharing!! <3

    • The scenery was beautiful covered in snow! Fortunately, it wasn’t that cold. Well, except for the night we went searching for the Northern Lights…we were FROZEN!

  6. Anonymous

    I just want to know how to keep your hands warm in winter while drinking a beer outdoors in winter!

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