Snow-Draped Landscapes, Blue Lagoon & Travel Tips
Looking for an unforgettable Iceland winter trip? This 6-day itinerary covers snow-covered volcano hikes near Nátthagi Valley, relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, trying Icelandic food like rye bread and pop-up burgers, and stunning scenic drives through white landscapes. Here’s everything you need — tips, highlights, and things we learned along the way!
From March 2nd to 7th, I went on a winter adventure in Iceland with my friend. Iceland had always been high on my travel list — one of the most intriguing countries in Europe. I’d heard about the hot springs, volcanoes, and epic landscapes, but the reality far exceeded my expectations. It’s wild, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
Renting a Car? Highly Recommend Blue Car Rental
Let’s be real — our trip started off a little chaotically. We accidentally booked the rental car for the wrong month! 😅 Luckily, the woman at the Blue Car Rental desk was incredibly kind and fixed everything without charging us extra (absolute legend).
Their office is just a short walk from Keflavík International Airport, super clean, and the service was amazing. Highly recommend renting from them!
Oh, and we arrived in the middle of a full-on blizzard. Driving an hour from the airport to Reykjavík in that weather was… an experience. But we just laughed it off — welcome to Iceland!
First Impressions of Reykjavík
Once we reached Reykjavík, we started exploring. First stop: lunch at Sea Baron, a cosy seafood spot where we tried their famous lobster soup and fish skewers. The soup was perfect for the snowy weather — warming, rich, and full of flavour.
Some brave souls were trying fermented shark, a classic Icelandic delicacy — not for us, but fun to witness!
We also picked up a cinnamon roll from Braud & Co. and honestly? The best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had — fresh out of the oven and perfectly spiced.
One highlight was the Harpa Concert Hall — a stunning piece of architecture where you can explore inside for free.
The weather kept flipping between sunshine and snowstorms, and occasionally, the clouds would part to reveal the mountains beyond the city. It made me even more excited to explore the rest of Iceland.
We stayed at Hotel Laxnes, a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. It felt a bit like a motel but was spacious, clean, and super convenient. There were two supermarkets and a few restaurants nearby. We tried an Icelandic fast-food place called Dúos. Their burger? Surprisingly amazing — maybe even the best in Iceland.
Road Trip Magic & National Parks
From Day 2 to 3, we hit the road. Drove around Hvalfjörður fjord, explored the port town of Akranes, hiked around Þingvellir National Park, and visited Kerið Crater.
Þingvellir National Park was a highlight — you can literally walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. We hiked past waterfalls, frozen lakes, and an old church. The weather changed constantly — sun one moment, snowstorm the next. I had to wear sunglasses to protect my eyes from the icy wind!
The landscapes were like something out of a dream: open plains, snowy mountains, and silence. I took the wheel for a bit — at first, driving on the other side and in snowy conditions felt nerve-racking, but once I got the hang of it, it was actually fun! And the scenery? Absolutely unreal.
Back in Reykjavík, we tried the famous Icelandic hot dogs. “Pylsa” is made with lamb and pork, topped with sweet mustard and crispy onions — so much better than a regular hot dog! We found a small stand called Vikinga Pylsur, and it hit the spot after a long hike.
Dinner that night was at Islenski Barinn, where we went full local with slow-cooked sheep’s head (svíð) and gratinated fish pie. I was nervous to try the sheep’s head — it looked scary! But it turned out to be tasty. What really surprised me, though, was the Icelandic rye bread. I totally got hooked — it’s slightly sweet, dense, and unlike any rye bread I’ve had before.
It also happened to be Pancake Day in the UK, so of course, we had to get pancakes for dessert.
Waterfalls, Black Sand & Getting Soaked
Day 4 was a wet one. We drove toward Vík, stopping at Hveradalir Geothermal Area and two waterfalls — Urriðafoss and Gljúfrabúi. Urriðafoss was massive and powerful, perfect for a roadside stop. Gljúfrabúi was a mini-adventure — we walked behind the falls and got completely soaked. Worth it.
Just before sunset, we made it to Vík’s black sand beach. Otherworldly. The cliffs, the crashing waves, the red church on the hill — it felt like we’d landed on another planet. I didn’t want to leave.
Lava Fields, Hidden Lakes & the Blue Lagoon Dream
On Day 5, we started with — you guessed it — another hot dog. Then we set out on a volcano hike to see lava near Natthagi Valley.
On the way, we stumbled upon a serene lake called Indjánahöfði — no tourists, no noise, just the two of us, snow-covered water, and mountains all around. It might’ve been my favourite spot of the whole trip.
Later, we hiked through a lava field. Everywhere else was covered in snow, but the volcanic area had none — a reminder of the heat still lurking below. A little scary, but so cool.
Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: the Blue Lagoon. We booked an afternoon slot (4 PM) and stayed until sunset. Floating in the warm water, sipping wine, trying different face masks, and relaxing in the cave steam sauna was perfection. It’s touristy, sure, but totally worth it — especially as a grand finale to the trip.
We left feeling completely refreshed, watching the stars from the car, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights… no luck, but still magical.
A Perfect Last Day
On our final morning, we had what might’ve been the best meal of the trip: lamb stew, homemade bread, and cinnamon rolls at a tiny café called Pallet in Hafnarfjörður. The cosy vibes and friendly staff made it even better.
Before heading to the airport, we squeezed in one last adventure — a forest walk and a peek inside Leiðarendi Lava Cave. It felt like a secret world, just us and nature.
We toasted the trip with a final beer at the airport and headed home, already dreaming about the next visit.
Final Thoughts & Tips
Iceland blew me away. Even though we didn’t see the Northern Lights, everything else made up for it. If I could do it again, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Rent a car from Blue Car Rental
- Book a Northern Lights tour in advance
- Stay in different towns every couple of nights
- Spend a night somewhere totally remote
- Stock up on snacks from the supermarket — it’s cheaper and makes for fun picnic stops
Iceland has a reputation for being expensive, but with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be. We stayed near supermarkets and tried lots of local food that way. Favorites: rúgbrauð (rye bread), gifflar (mini cinnamon rolls), dried fish, and smoked lamb. If you’re interested, check out my Instagram too — I’ve posted more photos and videos from the trip!
Already dreaming of going back in summer to see Iceland in a completely different light. And maybe next winter — Finland for the Northern Lights? Let me know if you’ve seen them, or if you have tips!
Until next time, Iceland — takk fyrir!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Iceland in Winter
❄️ What’s Iceland like in winter?
It’s cold, snowy, and absolutely magical. The days are short, but there’s so much to enjoy — frozen waterfalls, hot springs, and peaceful drives through snow-covered scenery. Personally, I think March is the best time to visit: still wintry, but with more daylight and fewer tourists (plus it’s a bit easier on the budget!).
🚗 Is it safe to drive in Iceland during winter?
Winter driving in Iceland can be tricky, especially with icy roads and sudden weather changes. If you’re planning to explore more remote places, renting a 4×4 is definitely the way to go. We used a regular car with winter tyres and kept to main roads, and it was fine! Just check the road and weather info before you head out.
🧳 What should I pack?
Think warm, waterproof, and practical. You’ll need proper layers, a windproof coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and a beanie. Don’t forget your swimwear for the Blue Lagoon or hot springs! I also brought a thermal flask — so nice to have a hot drink while walking in the cold.
🏔️ What are the must-see spots?
Some places you really shouldn’t miss are the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The black sand beaches look even more dramatic with snow. And one of my favourite stops was Indjánahöfði, a quiet, beautiful lake that hardly any tourists visit.
💰 Is Iceland expensive?
Yeah, it can be — especially eating out or joining tours. But there are ways to save money: we bought food from supermarkets, cooked when we could, and rented a car with friends. Also, we booked a package with Loveholidays, which worked out surprisingly well! March is usually less busy and hotels often have good deals too.
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