Free and exclusive discount codes for hundreds of tours and & travel services in Iceland
Subscribe to instantly receive discount codes for tours, car rental, camper van rental, and outdoor clothing rental. Thank you! ❤️ Jon Heidar, Editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel MagazineReykjavik has been my home base for years, and trust me: Reykjavik can be really nice during the winter. Reykjavik is cozy, quirky, and full of surprises—even when the days are short and the nights are long. This guide offers my personal take on maximizing your Reykjavik winter break experience. You’ll find the best things to do, where to eat and drink, how to explore like a local, and of course, plenty of ways to save money with exclusive Iceland discount codes. So grab your warmest coat, pack your swimsuit (yes, really), and let’s dive into Reykjavik in winter.
NB. This article is dedicated to Reykjavik in Winter. 👉🏽 Check out my overall guide to Reykjavik
Why Visit Reykjavik in Winter?
You will have a good chance to see the Northern Lights.
- Festive vibes – Holiday lights, Christmas markets, and New Year’s fireworks.
- Cozy city life – Museums, cafés, music, and geothermal pools keep you warm.
- Perfect base – Easy access to day trips like the Golden Circle and South Coast.
👉🏽 Pro tip: Consider purchasing the Reykjavik City Card to save money on entering museums in Reykjavik.
Top Things to Do in Reykjavik in Winter
Explore Reykjavik’s Landmarks
- Hallgrímskirkja Church – enter the tower for sweeping views over a snowy city. NB. Hallgrímskirkja is one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, according to Time Out Magazine
- Harpa Concert Hall – stunning glass architecture; check for winter concerts in my cultural event guide provided by my friends at the tech company Mobilitus
- Sun Voyager sculpture – beautiful at sunset or with fresh snow.
Soak in Geothermal Pools
Swimming outdoors in sub-zero temperatures might sound strange—but it’s a local tradition.
- Sky Lagoon – dramatic oceanside infinity pool, sauna, and cold plunge.
- Laugardalslaug – Reykjavík’s largest local geothermal pool, with multiple hot tubs. Yes, you have to shower naked thoroughly before entering the pool. This is strictly enforced. Anything else would be disgusting!
- Blue Lagoon (nearby) – world-famous spa, easy to combine with airport transfers.
Hunt for the Northern Lights
Winter is when people come from all corners of the Earth to Reykjavik and chase the northern lights. You can:
- Check out the new northern lights tours provided by my friends at Gravel Travel. Claim a 10% discount code on the tour price by subscribing to my newsletter.
- Sail into the bay on a Northern Lights boat tour by my friends at Elding Whale Watching Company. Claim a 10% discount code on the tour price by subscribing to my newsletter.
- Try your luck seeing the northern lights at Grótta Lighthouse just outside the city.
- The Klambratún park is also a good spot to see the Northern Lights. I sometimes see northern lights there on my way home from the Mjölnir gym #humblebrag
- Perlan is a great vantage point to see the Northern Lights
Scenic Winter Walks in Reykjavik
Even in winter, Reykjavik is a walkable city—just bundle up.
- Tjörnin Pond – often frozen, sometimes with ice skating
- Grótta Lighthouse – perfect for sunsets and aurora chasing.
- Elliðaárdalur Valley – waterfalls and wooded paths right in town.
- Mt. Esja – for experienced hikers with winter gear. Please be careful up there; it can get slippery, and the weather can turn on a dime during winter. Check the weather forecast and the advisory on the Safe Travel website before hiking up there.
Winter Events & Festivals
- Iceland Airwaves (November) – a world-famous music festival.
Christmas Season (December) – festive lights, markets, and Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads. - New Year’s Eve – massive fireworks display, fueled by locals’ love of fireworks.
- Winter Lights Festival (February) – art, light installations, and free events.
Pro tip: Use the Cultural Events Calendar from Mobilitus to find concerts, stand-up shows and other fun events in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik Weather & Packing Tips For a Winter Trip
- Temperatures: -15°C to +5°C (5–41°F). If the wind is blowing, it might feel a lot colder than the temperature indicates. So bundle up, and think layers.
- Daylight: Just 4–7 hours in December–January, but days grow longer by March.
- Clothing: Waterproof outer layers, warm mid-layers, sturdy boots, hat, gloves, scarf.
- Don’t forget: Swimwear—for pools and lagoons!
👉🏽 Pro tip: rent outdoor clothes from Iceland Cover to save on luggage and purchasing expensive winter clothing. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland discount codes to instantly receive a code that saves you 10% on your outdoor clothing rental.
How can I save money on tours and activities in Reykjavik?
Subscribe to my free newsletter for instant access to exclusive discount codes covering tours, car rentals, campervans, and more. 👉🏽 Pro tip: Check my tips on how to save on Iceland travel.
Final Thoughts
Reykjavik in winter is a mix of cozy city life and easy access to unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a longer Iceland journey, you’ll find the capital welcoming, lively, and full of surprises.
