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6 Day Iceland Ring Road Tour in Winter

6 days, 5 nightsGroup: Small group, up to 18 peopleEasy to moderateSmall-group minibusAge 8+October–April
5.0(20 reviews)

A 6 day Iceland Ring Road tour in winter, all the way around the country in a small-group minibus from Reykjavík. You hike on a glacier, walk into a blue ice cave in Vatnajökull, go whale watching in the north, and look for the Northern Lights from countryside hotels.

Golden CircleSólheimajökull glacier hikeVatnajökull ice caveJökulsárlón and Diamond BeachLake MývatnWhale watching from Hauganes
  • The full Ring Road in six days, with a guide who drives and plans around the weather
  • A guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with safety equipment provided
  • A blue ice cave in Breiðamerkurjökull, part of Vatnajökull, reached by super jeep
  • Whale watching from Hauganes in Eyjafjörður on the last day
  • Five nights in countryside hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast
  • Small group of up to 18, with pick-up in Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkPick-up from 8:00 at selected points in Reykjavík.
2Gullfoss waterfall in snowDay 1: Golden CircleÞingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
Gullfoss waterfall in snowStrokkur geyser erupting in winterPath through the Almannagjá gorge at Þingvellir

You walk through the rift valley at Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir and see Gullfoss drop about 32 m into its canyon. You then drive to a hotel in the Golden Circle area for the night.

Overnight · hotel in the Golden Circle area
3Skógafoss waterfall in snowDay 2: South Coast and glacier hikeSeljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara and a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull.
Skógafoss waterfall in snowSeljalandsfoss waterfall from the path behind it, in winterThe front of Sólheimajökull glacier and its lagoon

You see Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, then the black sand and basalt columns at Reynisfjara, where you should stay well back from the waves. You also put on crampons for a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull with a certified glacier guide. Minimum age is 8 and shoe size EU 34. In winter the path behind Seljalandsfoss can be closed.

Equipment · glacier safety equipment providedAge · glacier hike from age 8, minimum shoe size EU 34Tip · stay well back from the waves at ReynisfjaraOvernight · South IcelandWinter · the path behind Seljalandsfoss can close because of ice
4Visitor inside a blue ice caveDay 3: Ice cave and JökulsárlónA blue ice cave in Vatnajökull, the glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Visitor inside a blue ice caveIcebergs on the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoonVisitor beside a block of ice on Diamond Beach

You cross the wide Skeiðarársandur plain towards Skaftafell, then go by super jeep to a natural ice cave in Breiðamerkurjökull. Afterwards you see the icebergs at Jökulsárlón and the ice on the black sand of Diamond Beach.

Transport to cave · super jeepAge · ice cave from age 6Overnight · South Iceland
Read our Jökulsárlón guide →
5Fishing boats in Djúpivogur harbourDay 4: The East FjordsFishing villages, Djúpivogur and the Lagarfljót lake area.
Fishing boats in Djúpivogur harbourThe row of stone eggs on the harbour front in DjúpivogurLagarfljót lake near Egilsstaðir

A scenic day on the winding coast road through the East Fjords, with stops in small fishing villages such as Djúpivogur, past Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland's largest forest, and Lagarfljót lake. Horse riding is an optional extra today.

Overnight · Egilsstaðir areaOptional · horse riding, extra cost
6Day 5: Lake Mývatn and the northDay 5: Lake Mývatn and the northNámaskarð, Dimmuborgir and Goðafoss.
Day 5: Lake Mývatn and the northDay 5: Lake Mývatn and the northDay 5: Lake Mývatn and the north

You see the steaming mud pots at Námaskarð, walk among the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and stop at Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods, on the way to Akureyri. The short paths can be icy, so wear good boots. The Vök Baths are an optional extra at extra cost, so bring a swimsuit.

Overnight · AkureyriWalking · short paths, can be icy; wear good bootsOptional · Vök Baths, extra cost; bring a swimsuit
Read our Mývatn guide →
7Whale surfacing in a calm fjordDay 6: Whale watching and back to ReykjavíkA whale watching trip from Hauganes, then the drive south.
Whale surfacing in a calm fjordWhale watching boat beside two whales, from above

You sail out from the small village of Hauganes in Eyjafjörður to look for whales, on a trip of about 3 hours. Then you drive back to Reykjavík, arriving in the evening. The boat is cold in winter, so wear every warm layer.

Whale watching · about 3 hoursTip · the boat is cold in winter, so wear every warm layer
Read our Reykjavík guide →
8Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off in Reykjavík in the evening.

About the 6 day Iceland Ring Road tour winter

This 6 day Iceland Ring Road tour in winter takes you right around the island in a small-group minibus. You start with the Golden Circle, follow the South Coast to Vatnajökull, cross the East Fjords, spend a day around Lake Mývatn in the north, and finish with whale watching before the drive back to Reykjavík.

Three activities are included: a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, a visit to a natural blue ice cave in Breiðamerkurjökull, and a whale watching trip from the small village of Hauganes.

Winter days are short, especially in December and January, and the drive is long, so this is a full trip with early starts. Roads can be icy and the weather changes fast, and the order of stops can change because of road or weather conditions. The upside is dark skies: the hotels are away from city lights, so on clear nights you have a real chance of seeing the Northern Lights, though no one can promise them.

The last day is the longest. After whale watching in the north you drive back across the country and reach Reykjavík in the evening.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Horse riding tour
  • Entry to Vök Baths
  • Combined ticket at a lower price: horse riding and Vök Baths
  • Single room
  • Luggage storage
  • Hiking boot rental
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers rental
  • Hat and gloves to buy
  • Neck warmer to buy
  • Cap to buy

Included

  • Five nights in countryside hotels with private bathrooms
  • Breakfast every day
  • Small-group minibus with Wi-Fi and an English-speaking guide
  • Guided glacier hike with safety equipment
  • Ice cave tour by super jeep
  • Whale watching boat trip
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík

Not included

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Optional activities such as horse riding and Vök Baths
  • Single room supplement for solo travellers
  • Airport transfers
  • Flights and travel insurance

What to bring

  • Warm base layers
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support (can be rented)
  • Hat, gloves and a neck warmer
  • Swimsuit and towel

Good to know

  • Duration is 6 days and 5 nights
  • Minimum age is 8; the glacier hike needs a shoe size of at least EU 34
  • Difficulty is easy to moderate; the glacier hike is the most active part
  • Pick-up is from 8:00 at selected points in Reykjavík, not from Keflavík Airport
  • Groups have up to 18 travellers
  • Luggage: one suitcase of about 24 inches per person; extra bags can be stored in Reykjavík for a fee
  • Winter daylight is short and roads can be icy; the order of stops can change with the weather
  • Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed
  • Solo travellers pay a single room supplement

Questions people ask

Will we see the Northern Lights?

Maybe. You stay outside towns with little light pollution, and your guide watches the forecast, but the aurora needs dark, clear skies and some luck.

Do I need hiking experience for the glacier hike?

No. The guide fits your crampons and shows you how to walk on the ice. Good boots with ankle support are needed, and you can rent them.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included every day. Lunch and dinner are not, but your guide stops where you can buy food.

Can I be picked up at the airport?

No. Pick-up is in Reykjavík, so plan to arrive the day before the tour.

What if the weather is bad?

Your guide changes the order of stops or the plan when roads or weather make it necessary. Winter conditions in Iceland change quickly.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 20 reviews
5 stars20
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Beyond my bucket lists

Six days that changed my view of Iceland forever. From Reykjavik up the north, across east fjords, glaciers, ice, snow and light. Guide was passionate, patient, always aware of safety. Even with some weather delays, everything was handled with care. If I could relive it, I’d take this exact tour again.

Marcus L.
Get help from the locals

Before booking, I consulted with a local expert at Iceland Travel Guide who walked me through the winter hazards, gear, and what parts of the Ring Road would be open. We were thinking about renting a car and driving the ring Road on our own but I am very happy that we did not do it because I could have never driven in those conditions. The tour delivered drama, beauty, and comfort. From golden hour at waterfalls to nighttime auroras, it was a journey I will always remember.

Silvia M.
Beautiful

Snow-dust landscapes, glaciers, and then the northern lights dancing above. Our guide was safe and fun and aware of how weather changes can affect visibility and route, adjusted accordingly. Felt like traveling with someone who truly knew the land.

Omar C.
Cold but beautiful

Iceland in winter can feel harsh, but it was still very beautiful. Daylight was short but every hour counted. Guide knew lots of hidden routes to avoid bad weather. Wish we could’ve extended, but six days felt just right.
Liked all hotel rooms except one, but it was okay. Over all good experience with the hotels.

Jenna L.
Spectacular

Wow. So many dramatic winter views, so much peaceful road time, so many memories. Guide was excellent. Highly recommend to anyone on the fence.

David N.
Photo-Journalists Dream

Every stop was a photo opportunity. Sunrise over the glacier, frozen spray at waterfalls, reflections on icy lagoons. Our guide had great tips about angles, timing, and how to protect gear in cold. Even during overcast days, beauty persisted. This tour is ideal for anyone who loves nature through a camera lens.

Naomi C.
From276,938 ISKPer person

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