Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
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Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Ring Road trips in winter bring shorter days, a chance of the Northern Lights, and a quieter, snow-covered version of the same route. A local travel agency in Iceland can plan around the shorter daylight and less predictable road conditions this time of year.
Iceland winter tours: ice caves, Northern Lights and more
Booked with a local travel agency in Iceland · Ask a local
7-day tourSmall groupAround Iceland7 Day Iceland Ring Road TourAround Iceland AdventureFrom, per person339,990 ISKSee dates
6-day tourSmall groupAround Iceland6 Day Iceland Ring Road Tour in WinterSmall-group minibus tourFrom, per person276,938 ISKSee dates
8-day tourSmall groupAround Iceland8 Day Tour Around IcelandRing Road, Snæfellsnes & HighlandsFrom, per person389,990 ISKSee dates
6-day tourSmall groupAround Iceland6 Day Around Iceland TourRing Road small-group adventureFrom, per person309,990 ISKSee dates
8-day packageSmall group8 Day Iceland Northern Lights Tour PackageFrom, per person389,990 ISKSee dates
8-day packageSmall groupAround Iceland8 Day Iceland Winter TourRing Road, Ice Cave & Whale WatchingFrom, per person325,848 ISKSee dates
Self-driveAround IcelandRing Road in 7 DaysSelf-drive · the whole circle in a weekFrom, per person137,400 ISKSee the trip
Self-driveAround Iceland · SnæfellsnesRing Road & Snæfellsnes in 10 DaysSelf-drive · the full circle plus SnæfellsnesFrom, per person199,900 ISKSee the trip
Self-driveAround Iceland · SnæfellsnesWinter Ring Road & Snæfellsnes in 10 DaysSelf-drive · ice cave tour includedFrom, per person220,100 ISKSee the tripTry removing a filter, or ask a local and we will find the right trip for you.
Daylight is limited in winter, down to only a few hours around the shortest days, so itineraries need to allow for less driving and sightseeing time than in summer.
In December and January there are only 4 to 5 hours of daylight, so winter Ring Road tours plan shorter driving days and use the dark evenings to look for the Northern Lights.
Road conditions can change quickly with snow, ice and wind, and stretches of the Ring Road, particularly in the east and north, sometimes close temporarily in bad weather.
A guided tour or private driver removes much of the risk of winter self-drive, especially for anyone unused to driving on snow and ice.
The reward is a quieter landscape, fewer other travellers at the main sights, and a real chance of seeing the Northern Lights on clear nights.
It can be, with a suitable vehicle and caution, but conditions vary day to day and a guided option is worth considering if you are not experienced with winter driving.
Around four to five hours near the shortest days in December, increasing through the following months.
No sighting can be guaranteed; it depends on clear skies and aurora activity, but winter gives the dark evenings needed to see them at all.
Mostly yes, but short closures happen during storms, particularly on mountain passes and in the east.
Warm layers, a good waterproof and windproof outer layer, and proper winter footwear with grip for ice.