Iceland 7-Day Winter Itinerary: Iceland Winter Guide with a Rental Car

Winter in Iceland is unforgettable, and as a local rental car provider serving thousands of travellers every cold season, we see firsthand what makes a winter road trip work. Driving conditions shift quickly, daylight is limited, and many travellers underestimate how different winter travel is compared to summer in Iceland. The good news is that with the right vehicle, realistic pacing, and a route built around winter conditions, an Iceland winter 7-day self-drive roadtrip is one of the most rewarding ways to see Iceland.

This guide is based on what we see on the ground every day in winter. It brings together real driving advice, accurate expectations and a full week-long route designed for the season. You will experience Iceland’s best winter attractions, including natural ice caves, glacier views, the quiet beauty of the South Coast and several opportunities to see the northern lights.

Below you will find everything you need to plan your Iceland 7-day winter itinerary with a rental car, including weather insights, budget guidance, vehicle recommendations, safety tips and a full day-by-day plan written for winter daylight and winter road conditions.

• Related links: Best car for winter in Iceland; Car rental requirements

Table of Contents

• Weather, Temperature & Daylight
• Iceland Winter Budget
• What Car to Rent in Iceland During Winter
• Tips for Planning a Winter Road Trip
• 7 Day Winter Itinerary Map
• 7 Day Detailed Iceland Winter Itinerary
• Winter Driving Advice
• Frequently Asked Questions

Iceland in Winter: Weather, Temperature and Daylight

Winter in Iceland lasts longer than most travelers expect. Although the official season runs from November to April, winter-like conditions can begin as early as late September, especially in North Iceland and the Westfjords. By December, the country enters deep winter with about four to five hours of daylight, while February and March bring more daylight but still fully winter conditions.

We monitor winter weather patterns daily, and we can confirm that Iceland’s conditions shift quickly. Calm roads in the morning can change within an hour as storms roll in, winds rise or snow begins to drift across the highway. Because of this, winter travel requires flexibility and realistic timing.

Daylight hours by month:

• November to early January: roughly 4–5 hours
• Late January to February: roughly 7–9 hours
• March: 10–12 hours

The chart below remains one of the clearest ways to understand how each region behaves in winter.

Winter Temperature, Weather and Road Conditions by Region

	Reykjavik capital region	South Iceland	East Iceland	North Iceland	West Iceland- Westfjords area	West Iceland- Snaefellsnes
Average Temperature	-3ºC to 7ºC ~27ºF to 45ºF	-6ºC to 2ºC~ 21ºF to 36ºF	-5ºC to 6ºC~ 23ºF to 43ºF	-4ºC to 6ºC~ 25ºF to 43ºF	-2ºC to 6ºC~ 28ºF to 43ºF	-3ºC to 6ºC~ 27ºF to 43ºF
Road Conditions	Relatively easy to drive, but you can expect snowy and icy roads	Relatively easy to drive, but you can expect snowy and icy roads	Difficult driving conditions and heavy snow is expected	Difficult driving conditions and heavy snow is expected	Extremely difficult driving conditions and very heavy snow is expected	Relatively easy to drive, but you can expect snowy and icy roads
Weather	Snowy and windy with sudden storms. Feels colder outdoors on glaciers.	Coastal winds and fast-changing weather	Mountain passes may close	Persistent snow cover, colder temperatures	Severe snow and exposed roads	Windy coastal conditions

Because we assist winter travelers every day, we always recommend checking vedur.is for weather updates and road.is for road conditions before driving.

How Much to Budget for a 7-Day Iceland Winter Trip

Winter is considered low season for travel in Iceland except during Christmas and New Year. Costs can be more manageable compared to summer, but visitors should still budget realistically for a week.

Winter flights to Iceland can be noticeably cheaper than summer. From major European cities, round-trip fares typically range from 80 to 200 EUR, with lower prices available through budget airlines. From North America, winter fares often fall between $350 and $700 USD round trip, depending on departure city and booking date.

Hotels in Reykjavík typically range from $160–250 USD per night, depending on the property. Outside the capital (especially along the South Coast) expect $120–180 USD per night. Hostels and budget guesthouses usually fall between $40–80 USD, making them the most affordable option.

Eating out adds up quickly. A typical lunch runs 3,500–4,500 ISK, while dinner is usually 4,500–6,500 ISK per person at casual restaurants. Travelers who cook some meals themselves can reduce costs by 20–30 percent.

Winter activities like ice cave tours, glacier hikes, snowmobiling and northern lights tours normally fall between 10,000 and 35,000 ISK, depending on the experience. These ranges reflect what we consistently see travelers book each winter.

For winter travel, the most budget-friendly option is a 2WD economy or compact car, starting from about 8,500 ISK per day. But for safer handling on icy roads, we highly recommend a 4×4 SUV, which begins around 15,412 ISK per day for a basic model and can reach 40,000–47,000 ISK per day for larger or luxury SUVs. Campervans and motorhomes are also available in winter, starting from 29,030 ISK per day, but these require more caution in storms and strong winds. Booking early always gives you the best rate and ensures you get the right vehicle type for winter conditions.

What Car to Rent for a 7-Day Winter Self Drive

Choosing the right car is the most important winter decision. As a rental provider preparing vehicles for winter road conditions daily, we strongly recommend a 4WD vehicle with proper winter tires for any winter itinerary. Even well-maintained stretches of the Ring Road can become slick, snowy or windy with little warning.

Compact or intermediate 4WD vehicles work well for smaller groups, while full-size SUVs are ideal for families or travelers carrying heavy winter gear. Renting directly at Keflavík Airport allows you to pick up your vehicle immediately after landing, and we always advise booking early to secure the vehicle type you need.

A few practical tips from our winter staff:

• Larger vehicles handle wind better.
• Winter tires are essential on all routes.
• Avoid driving long distances in the dark.
• Plan driving around daylight, not the clock.

Tips for Planning a 7-Day Winter Road Trip in Iceland

This itinerary is the ultimate Iceland winter itinerary 7 days. Every year we see travelers underestimate winter conditions. These tips come from consistent patterns we observe among winter self-drive guests:

• Always check the forecast before leaving your hotel.
• Expect possible road closures and have a flexible mindset.
• Do not plan a full Ring Road loop in winter; a week is not enough.
• Use the limited daylight for driving and sightseeing.
• Book your accommodation and car before arriving.
• Save Iceland’s emergency number 112 in your phone.

These steps make winter travel smoother and safer.

7 Days Iceland Winter Itinerary Map

7 Days Iceland Winter Itinerary

This itinerary is based on regions that remain accessible in most winter conditions and give you the highest chance of safe travel and northern lights opportunities.

• Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, pick up your rental car and explore Reykjavík
• Day 2: Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Day 3: Finish Snæfellsnes and continue to the Golden Circle
• Day 4: South Coast highlights, overnight in Vík
• Day 5: Continue along the South Coast to Höfn
• Day 6: Ice caves and return drive to Reykjavík
• Day 7: Blue Lagoon (optional) and fly home

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland, Blue Lagoon or Reykjavík

Route: KEF airport → Blue Lagoon → Reykjavik

Pick up your winter-ready Hertz Iceland rental car directly at Keflavík Airport. Since the Blue Lagoon sits halfway between the airport and Reykjavík, many travellers stop here first to unwind after a long flight. The geothermal water is especially comforting in cold winter air, though you can also save this visit for Day 7 if timing is tight.

Once in Reykjavík, settle in and explore the city’s top year-round sights including Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture and the Sky Lagoon. Reykjavík’s compact centre makes it easy to spend a relaxing first evening before your winter road trip officially begins.

Before bed, step outside and check the sky. Even on your first night, the northern lights can appear if conditions are clear.

Main Attractions

• Harpa, the cultural and social centre of Reykjavik
• Hallgrimskirkja, the largest church in Iceland
• Sun Voyager sculpture, waterfront Viking ship sculpture
• Sky Lagoon, thermal spa
• Perlan, beautiful fine dining restaurant and museums in a glass dome

Here are some optional things you can do by joining a tour:

Day 2: Snaefellsness Peninsula

Route: Reykjavík → Ytri Tunga → Búðakirkja → Arnarstapi → Hellnar → Lóndrangar → Djúpalónssandur → Kirkjufell

Day 2 takes you northwest to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region often called “Iceland in miniature” thanks to its mix of cliffs, lava fields, beaches, volcanic craters and small fishing villages. Winter conditions add dramatic atmosphere to the coastlines and make wildlife sightings at places like Ytri Tunga especially memorable.

This region is also excellent for northern lights viewing thanks to its wide-open skies and low light pollution. Staying overnight in the area gives you the best chance of catching the aurora.

Main Attractions

• Ytri Tunga Seal Beach
• Búðakirkja Black Church
• Arnarstapi & Gatklettur
• Hellnar Village
• Lóndrangar Rock Pinnacles
• Djúpalónssandur Black Pebble Beach
• Kirkjufell Mountain & Kirkjufellsfoss

You can also check out Stykkisholmur Town, Raudfeldsgja Ravine,Olafsvik Town & Grundarfjordur Village,Bjarnafoss Waterfall, Ondverdarnes and Svortuloft Lighthouse.

Here are some optional things you can do by joining a tour:

Day 3: Golden Circle

Route: Snæfellsnes → Þingvellir National Park → Geysir → Gullfoss → Golden Circle Accommodation

Complete any remaining Snæfellsnes stops before driving south toward the Golden Circle. Your first stop, Þingvellir National Park, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart. In winter, snow settles into the fissures and creates stark contrasts across the lava plains.

Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and finish at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. In winter, parts of the canyon often freeze, making the scenery especially striking.

Overnight in the Golden Circle area for another opportunity to view the northern lights.

Main Attractions

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Gullfoss Waterfall

You will also have time to visit Skalholt, Thjorsardalur Valley, Solheimar Eco-Village, Helgufoss and Thorufoss Waterfalls, Fridheimar Tomato and Horse Farm , Kerid Crater.

Here are some optional things you can do by joining a tour:

Day 4: South Iceland via Route 1

Route: Golden Circle → Seljalandsfoss → Gljúfrabúi → Skógafoss → Sólheimajökull Glacier → Dyrhólaey → Reynisfjara → Vík

Day 4 begins your journey along the South Coast, one of Iceland’s most scenic routes year-round and a true highlight in winter. Start with Seljalandsfoss and its neighbouring hidden waterfall Gljúfrabúi, then continue to Skógafoss, where the winter light often creates incredible photo opportunities.

At Sólheimajökull, winter glacier walks are available with certified guides. Continue to the cliffs of Dyrhólaey for sweeping views and end at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black sand beach framed by basalt columns. Spend the night in Vik.

Main Attractions

• Seljalandsfoss
• Gljúfrabúi
• Skógafoss
• Sólheimajökull Glacier
• Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Vík Village

You can also visit Gljúfrabúi Waterfall, Kvernufoss, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (DC-3 Plane Wreck), Katla Ice Cave (must book a tour), and Hjörleifshöfði Cave.

Here are some optional things you can do by joining a tour:

Day 5: South Iceland (Vik to Höfn)

Route: Vík → Eldhraun → Fjaðrárgljúfur → Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → Höfn

Continue east through Eldhraun, a vast lava field dusted with winter snow. Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon if conditions allow, then continue to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where glaciers descend between steep mountains. Short trails offer accessible winter viewpoints.

Your day ends at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs drift across the water and wash onto nearby Diamond Beach, glowing like crystal against the black sand. Winter sunsets here are especially beautiful. Stay overnight in Höfn.

• Eldhraun Lava Fields
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach
• Höfn Town

If you have time you can also visit Svínafellsjökull Viewpoint, Hofskirkja Turf Church, Fjallsárlón Ice Lagoon.

Day 6: Ice Cave Tour & Return to Reykjavík

Route: Höfn → Ice Cave Tour → South Coast Return → Reykjavík

Winter is the only season when natural ice caves can be safely visited, making today a must-do. Tours usually depart from Jökulsárlón or Skaftafell and allow you to explore deep blue ice chambers formed each winter within Vatnajökull Glacier. After your tour, begin your return drive toward Reykjavík. This is your chance to revisit favourite South Coast stops or catch any you missed along the way. Spend your final night in Reykjavík.

Here are some glcier ice cave tours you can choose from:

Day 7: Blue Lagoon or Reykjanes Peninsula + Departure

Route: Reykjavík → Blue Lagoon or Reykjanes Peninsula → KEF Airport

If you didn’t visit the Blue Lagoon on Day 1, this is the perfect time to experience it before flying home. The spa offers luggage storage, making it easy for travellers on later flights. If you prefer sightseeing, the Reykjanes Peninsula has geothermal areas, dramatic cliffs and lava fields worth exploring.

Return your Hertz Iceland rental car at the KEF airport drop-off station before your flight.

Winter Driving Advice

Because our team monitors Icelandic winter roads daily, we recommend the following:

• If road.is warns of closures or unsafe winds, do not drive.
• Delay by a few hours or stay an extra night until conditions improve.
• Winter storms pass; most delays last less than a day.
• Keep your itinerary flexible enough to adjust the order of activities.

The safest winter itineraries are those with built-in room for weather changes, which is exactly how this route is designed.

FAQs

• • How many days are enough for Iceland in winter?
    Seven days is enough for a well-planned winter itinerary that covers Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes and the South Coast. It gives you time to travel safely at a slower winter pace. What seven days is not enough for is exploring the whole Ring Road or visiting every region of the country. Short daylight hours, icy roads and sudden weather changes mean you cover less distance per day than you would in summer.

 

• • Can you drive Iceland’s Ring Road in winter?
    Yes, but you should expect variable conditions. Some days the entire route is clear; other days strong winds or snowfall can close sections with little warning. A 4×4, flexible schedule and daily checks of road.is and vedur.is are essential. For most winter visitors, driving only part of the Ring Road—usually the south—is the safest and most enjoyable option.

 

• • Is it worth visiting Iceland in winter?
    Yes. Winter offers experiences you cannot get in any other season, including natural ice caves and the northern lights. However, you need to plan with flexibility. Weather may change your driving plans, so a realistic route gives you the best chance of enjoying your trip without stress.

 

• • Where is the best place to go in Iceland in winter?
    The Golden Circle and South Coast are the safest and most reliable winter routes. Roads here are maintained daily, attractions stay open and distances are manageable even with limited daylight. Snæfellsnes is another strong option when conditions are stable. More remote regions, such as the north, east or Westfjords, are harder to reach and often require extra days or backup plans.

 

The Perfect One-Week Winter Road Trip in Iceland

A 7-day winter itinerary in Iceland delivers glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and several chances to see the northern lights. Winter travel requires flexibility, but the reward is a trip fewer travelers experience and one you will never forget.

At Hertz Iceland, we prepare thousands of vehicles each winter and update our guidance regularly based on the conditions we see on the ground. Renting a winter-ready 4WD early ensures you get the right vehicle for Iceland’s roads so you can focus on enjoying the incredible winter scenery ahead.

Book Your Car with Hertz Iceland Now