A Winter Escape to Iceland – My 3-Day Snowy Adventure

Iceland in the summer has always been one of my favorite experiences—long daylight hours, dramatic landscapes, and endless opportunities to explore. But experiencing it in the winter? That was something else entirely.

The same landscapes that had felt wild and full of energy in the summer were now quieter, softer, and almost peaceful under a fresh layer of snow. It was a different kind of trip—one that felt just as adventurous, but also a lot more relaxing. It felt like stepping into a completely different world—one that was both invigorating and deeply calming.

Here’s how I spent three days soaking up Iceland’s winter magic.

Day 1: Arrival, Cozy Cafés & Sky Lagoon in the Snow

Landing in Iceland in the winter is an adventure in itself. Despite my best efforts to sleep on our red-eye flight, excitement kept me glued to the window, hoping for a glimpse of the northern lights. Just as we began our descent, we saw them—faint but unmistakable—dancing briefly above the clouds. And then, the scene changed. We dropped into heavy cloud cover and steadily falling snow, a stark contrast to the midnight sun of our past summer visits.

The usually simple walk to the rental car area was now buried under fresh snow, barely visible in the darkness—darkness being something we had yet to experience in Iceland. A quick shuttle ride later, we found ourselves standing in front of our vehicle—a much larger, complimentary upgrade from the small SUV I had originally reserved through Blue Car Rental. It wasn’t just covered in snow; it towered over both of us.

Our first challenge of the trip? Clearing off the snow and melting the ice, which turned into an unexpected (and slightly ridiculous) workout. Armed with a flimsy scraper and a lot of determination, we chipped away at the windshield, laughing at the irony of our "adventure" starting right in the parking lot. If this was a sign of how the trip was going to go, we were in for a fun ride.

I knew that driving in Iceland during the winter months could mean unpredictable weather, road closures, and sudden storms. But as we made our way into Reykjavik, the conditions were surprisingly manageable. There were a few slippery spots, and I was definitely grateful for the winter tires on our rental, but overall, it wasn’t much different from a typical snowy commute back home in New Jersey.

In the end, we got lucky. Less than a week later, Iceland was hit with a major snowstorm that grounded flights and shut down multiple roads. Timing and luck are everything when it comes to winter travel.

I had booked us a lovely King Room at the Canopy by Hilton City Centre, and we were lucky to check in early—a much-appreciated perk after an overnight flight. But first, breakfast. We met a friend at the charming Kaffibrennslan on Laugavegur, where we warmed up over Swiss mochas and freshly made waffles topped with cream and strawberry jam (divine!). It was the perfect slow start to a snowy morning. After that, the jet lag won, and a much-needed nap was in order.

The highlight of the day was our evening visit to Sky Lagoon. We arrived at 7 PM, hoping to catch the Northern Lights, but the snow had other plans. And honestly? I wouldn’t have changed a thing. There was something incredibly magical about floating in the steaming lagoon while snowflakes fell around us. The mist blurred the view, making it feel like we had the entire place to ourselves. Sky Lagoon has seen some renovations since our last visit in 2023, and it’s better than ever—expanded facilities, incredible atmosphere, and the perfect place to unwind.

Afterwards, we grabbed late-night hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (because no trip to Iceland is complete without them) and took a walk through downtown Reykjavik back toward our hotel. The snow made the city feel even more magical, and I couldn’t resist stopping to photograph the winter atmosphere.

Day 2: Snowstorms, Tattoos & Slow Moments in Reykjavik

One of the best things about winter in Iceland? You don’t have to feel guilty for sleeping in. With late sunrises and cold weather, slow mornings just make sense. We kicked off the day with crepes and coffee at Eldur og Ís on Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street), watching the snow fall outside.

And fall it did. By midday, a heavy snowstorm rolled in, bringing white-out conditions and making any major sightseeing impossible. Luckily, I had planned a more indoor-focused day—getting a tattoo from an incredible artist, Ziva. The timing couldn’t have been better. While the storm raged outside, I was tucked away in a warm studio with a warm cup of tea, getting a piece of art that would always remind me of this trip. Although, I did venture out very briefly into the whiteout to capture the storm raging in front of Harpa Concert Hall.

The rest of the day was spent taking it easy, grabbing coffee, and watching the city slow down under all that snow. For dinner, we kept things simple and ate at the hotel restaurant, Geiri Smart, enjoying the kind of relaxed evening that winter travel is perfect for.

Day 3: Sunrise at Hallgrímskirkja & A Snowy Drive Through Reykjanes

For our final morning, we started the day at Cafe Loki, across from Hallgrímskirkja. Sitting with a warm coffee (and a guilt-free helping of rye bread ice cream) watching the sunrise over the city, was one of those small but memorable moments that just stick with you.

With a little time before our flight, we decided to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula. The drive to Reykjanes Lighthouse was unreal—snow drifted across the road, and for the first time in days, the sun finally came out. It lit up the landscape in a soft golden glow, turning an already beautiful drive into something straight-up cinematic.

Our intention was to have driven a little further and explored a bit more, but if there’s one thing Iceland has taught me, it’s to be flexible with my plans. For instance, had we lucked out with better weather (and an on-time arrival), I would have loved to see Skógafoss in the dead of winter—but that’s just another reason to come back.

Winter in Iceland is a completely different experience than summer, and I mean that in the best way. The landscapes are quieter, the atmosphere is cozier, and the mix of steaming hot springs, snowy streets, and warm cafés makes it one of the most relaxing trips I’ve ever taken.

It’s the kind of trip that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment—whether that’s floating in Sky Lagoon as snow falls around you, watching the late sunrise over Reykjavik, or taking a drive through an untouched winter landscape. It was an experience I won’t forget, and one I already know I’ll be repeating.

Thinking about planning your own winter trip to Iceland? I can help make it happen. Let’s build an itinerary that makes the most of the season, from hot springs to scenic drives, private touring and everything in between.