3-Day Reykjavik Winter ; Reykjavik during the winter is magical. Visualise going through the city where snow has coated the rooftops, the air is cool, and the Northern Lights cast their transients on the sky.
The capital city of Iceland is a small yet rich-in-experiences city that can make a short visit a lifetime experience. This winter guide to Reykjavik will allow even people with only three days to be in the city, experiencing everything it has to offer, both in the natural and cultural heritage worlds, as well as relaxation and fun.
Winter in Reykjavik is not only about snow, lakes of ice, and coldness, but the capital of Iceland also offers adventure, cafe and restaurant cultures, stunning landscapes worth experiencing, and various unique local cultures.
Properly planned, you can take a 3-day vacation to see all the highlights of the city, visit the nearby nature, and spend some time under the Northern Lights that will amaze with their ethereal beauty.
Day 1: 3-Day Reykjavik Winter Travel Guide hot springs.
Visit Reykjavik.
Start by taking a leisurely trip to downtown Reykjavik. Reykjavik is a small capital with lots of attractions for the traveller.
1. Hallgrimskirkja Church
The first place you want to visit is the most recognised church of Reykjavik, the Hallgrimskirkja. It is a modernist building that rises above the city to give some of the best panoramic views of the city.
In winter, the church is particularly beautiful, snow-capped and surrounded by glistening ice. Take some photos so as not to forget about the colourful rooftops.
2. Harpa Concert Hall
Then proceed to Harpa, which is the beautiful glass concert hall of Reykjavik. The geometric glass panels have special patterns evoking winter light; it is a dream of a photographer. Chances are you will find a live performance, skit or show inside.
3. An hour’s worth of shopping is at Laugavegur shopping street.
The best thing to do there is to walk around in the main shopping street, Laugavegur. Despite winter weather, the street is vibrant with cafes, shopping stores, and local handicrafts.
The place is ideal in case one wants to buy Icelandic wool products, souvenirs or to have a warm coffee.
Afternoon: Spend time at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
There is no vacation in Iceland without taking a bath in a geothermal spa.
1. Blue Lagoon
100 km, or about a 45-minute drive outside Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon has milky-blue hot waters with black lava fields. The waters are mineral-rich and ideal to relax in, soaking in the steam coming against and amidst a snow-blanketed landscape, which has a magic to it.
2. Sky Lagoon
Alternatively, you will find Sky Lagoon, which is a comparatively new and high-end experience that has a magnificent infinity pool with views to the ocean. It is a contemporary reinterpretation of the old Icelandic style of geothermal baths and the ideal place to rest your body after a day of sightseeing.
It is better to book the tickets prior to the date, as these are very famous spas, especially during the winter season.
Spelunking: Reykjavik nightlife
Feel the relaxing difference: spend an enjoyable time nourishing yourself in Reykjavik:
Icelandic Hot Dogs – You cannot miss a visit to the Baejarins Beztu Pylsur to taste their famous pylsur.
Fresh Seafood – Eat seafood caught fresh or have fish and chips at a harbour restaurant.
Comfortable Cafes – see above
When weather conditions are clear during the day, it is also an excellent night to go on your Northern Lights tour. Most tours depart directly from Reykjavik and go to the best viewing areas outside of the city.
Day 2: Golden Circle Itinerary/ 3-Day Reykjavik Winter Travel Guide
The Golden Circle is the most popular route in Iceland, which you can visit easily in one day, starting in Reykjavik. A visit during the winter can provide sightseeing that is not otherwise available, frozen waterfalls and steaming geysers.
Thingvellir National Park
Start your day in Thingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is situated within a rift valley where the N. American and the Eurasian plates converge. The winter adds a special beauty to the park: the snowy plain, deep cracks deep-frozen, and dramatic cliffs. It is also the historical locus of the first parliament in Iceland.
Midday, Hot Springs and Geysers
The next stop should be Geysir Geothermal Area, the geyser Strokkur. Strokkur spouts every couple of minutes with hot water soaring into the air. It is an excellent area to take photographs in at any time of the year, but particularly in winter, when using steam and snow effects, the photo can take on a dramatic appearance.
Stroll close by and find tiny geothermal pools and geothermal springs that form a surreal winter scene.
Afternoon: Gullfoss Waterfall
Carry on to Gullfoss, the golden waterfall. It is an impressive two-levelled waterfall that boggles the mind when partially frozen. There are walking trails that give an opportunity to have glimpses of the waterfall at a number of locations.
Do not forget to see the point of view over the Hvit2000a river falling into the canyon.
Northern Lights Hunt: Evening: Reykjavik Return
Go back to Reykjavik in the evening. If you did not spot the Northern Lights on Day 1, you can have a new tour tonight. Note: Winter nights are long in Iceland, and there is a better probability of seeing the Aurora.
Eat in the city with comfort foods such as lamb soup, the Icelandic stew to help you recharge after a day of sightseeing.
Day 3 South Coast Iceland Tour: 3-day Reykjavik Winter Travel Guide
On your last day, visit Iceland’s South Coast. It is very long but worth it with worthy sights of iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacial views.
See the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and the Skogafoss Waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss
Start at Seljalandsfoss waterfall so that you can walk behind the flowing water. In winter, there are also frozen forms that make the scenery even more spectacular.
Skógafoss
The following destination is the Skogafoss, the second largest waterfall in Iceland. The waterfall gives out rainbows most of the time when the sun is shining, and the snow and ice during the winter give it a dramatic effect.
Noon: Black Sand Beach Reynisfjara
Press on east to Reynisfjara, the black volcanic sand beach of Vik. The solid rock basalt columns and the crashing waves form a magnificent contrast to the falling snow. Stay a safe distance away from the receipt of the strong waves, but don’t fail to capture the Reynisdrangar sea stacks on camera.
Afternoon:
In high winter (December-February), come on a glacier hike or ice cave tour around Vatnajokull. During these tours, you get a chance to be transported in the breathtaking blue ice formations within the glacier, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Evening:
Last night, I flew back to Reykjavik. Have a nice dinner, maybe taste some Icelandic desserts like or skyr, and contemplate the adventures of the last three days.
Travelling to Reykjavik in winter /3-day Reykjavik Winter Travel Guide
1. ClClon: Dress in layers. Raincoats, thermals and comfortable boots would be needed.
2. Transport: A rental car is an option when you are sure of driving in snowy weather, whilst tours initiated to the Golden Circle and South Coast can also be booked.
3. The accommodation: Reykjavik has hotels and guest houses, but it will be hard to find something in winter.
4. Hours of Daylight: Daylighting is short during the winter (4-6 hours of daylight in December). Plan major activities of the outdoors in this way.
5. Northern Lights: The lights are best viewed in the late evening to early beautiful nights.
Conclusion / 3-Day Reykjavik Winter Travel Guide
Spending 3 days Reykjavik winter travel is a magical experience, which will bring you the natural wonders of the country, cultural moments, and a comfortable urban life. This itinerary is a sure way to see the best of Iceland within a limited time. It takes you to the hustle and bustle of the city of Reykjavik and visits beyond the city, such as waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches.
And regardless of whether one is inclined to go to the Blue Lagoon, gape at the Golden Circle, chase the Northern Lights, or experience the splendour of the South Coast landscaping, he/she will not forget his/her winter trip to Reykjavik.
The lands of Iceland are snow-covered, obscure, and yet exchanging in their own way. Go out there, embrace the openness, and devour the frozen beauty in its entirety.
What are the FAQs about 3 days in Reykjavik in winter?
Can one spend 3 days Reykjavik winter?
A: Yes! In three days, you can have a tour of the city, go on a Golden Circle tour, see waterfalls and a geothermal spa and maintain a calm pace.
Q2. What time of year is best to see the Northern Lights?
A: It closes during the period from September to the middle of April. Winter nights are also long, and that way, your opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis is enhanced.
Q3: Is it possible to get to the Golden Circle during winter?
Yes, and watch out on icy roads. A large number of tourists are willing to take guided tours, which are safe and convenient.
Q4 How do I prepare for Reykjavik in winter?
Waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, thermal socks, sturdy boots, camera, and swimwear are required because it will be difficult to take them off in the hot springs.
Q5 Do Icelandic roads get dangerous during winter?
The main roads tend to be in good condition, but it is icy in the rural areas. Get a warning of road conditions and weather descriptions daily.
