Visiting Iceland in February is a magical experience. Snow-covered landscapes, fewer crowds, and the chance to see the Northern Lights make it an ideal time to explore this Nordic gem. We created a 5-day itinerary for our trip in 2024, packed with adventure and stunning sights. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our trip, complete with practical tips to help you plan your own journey. Don’t miss the highlight video at the end of the post.
Why Visit Iceland in February?
- Winter Beauty: Iceland in February offers stunning, snow-covered scenery that feels straight out of a fairytale.
- Northern Lights: February is prime time for spotting the elusive aurora borealis.
- Fewer Tourists: Popular spots like the Golden Circle and waterfalls are less crowded compared to the summer months.
- Unique Activities: Glacier hiking, ice caves, and hot springs provide unforgettable winter experiences.
Day 1: Arriving in Reykjavik and Exploring the City
- Pick Up Rental Car: We rented a 4WD car from Lava Car Rental. Highly recommended for flexibility and access to remote sites.
- Tip: Fuel up at Costco in Reykjavik for the best prices.
- Explore Reykjavik:
- Grab coffee at Reykjavik Roasters to kickstart your day.
- Stroll through the city, exploring landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager.
- Visit Perlan Museum for panoramic views and interactive exhibits on Icelandic nature.
- Grocery Shopping: Stock up on essentials like eggs, bread, juice, and fruits to save on meals. Local supermarkets like Bonus and Kronan are affordable.
- Dinner: Try the iconic Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur or enjoy traditional dishes at Cafe Loki.
- Look Up for Northern Lights: Don’t book a tour for Northern Lights. Just keep an eye (or your camera) on the sky.
- Stay Overnight: Airbnb accommodation in Reykjavik.
Day 2: Golden Circle Adventure
- Thingvellir National Park: Walk between two tectonic plates and marvel at Iceland’s geological wonders.
- Geysir Hot Springs: Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every 5–10 minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Witness the power of this iconic waterfall; it’s mesmerizing in winter.
- Lunch at Friðheimar: A unique dining experience inside a greenhouse. Their tomato soup is a must-try! Remember to make a reservation atleast a month in advance.
- Relax at Secret Lagoon: End the day soaking in a natural hot spring. Again, advanced booking will give you peace of mind.
- Stay Overnight: Farm airbnb near Eyjafjallajökull.
Day 3: Glacier Adventure and Vik
- Glacier Hike at Sólheimajökull: An exhilarating experience with Arctic Adventures. Make sure to dress warmly. They provided the boots at a nominal charge.
- Skógafoss Waterfall: Stop on your way to Vik for stunning views and a climb up the stairs for a panoramic perspective.
- Dyrhólaey Viewpoint: A short drive up the hill offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean. Only attempt if you have a 4WD vehicle and you are an experienced driver. The path was snowy and it was very hard to maneouver our vehicle, especially with other people walking on the side.
- Lava Show in Vik: Learn about Iceland’s volcanic history in an engaging, family-friendly presentation and take home a piece of lava rock.
- Dinner: Try the famous black crust pizza in Vik.
- Stay Overnight: The Barn Hostel in Vik. You won’t regret staying here.
Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park and South Coast
- Drive to Vatnajökull: Start early for a scenic drive to Skaftafell.
- Hike at Skaftafell: Explore this part of the national park, known for its glacier tongues and rugged terrain.
- Return to Vik: Have lunch at the Black Crust Pizza again (yes, it’s that good!).
- Reynisfjara Beach: Walk along the famous black sand beach and admire the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks.
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: A must-stop on the way back to Reykjavik. You can walk behind the waterfall if conditions allow.
- Optional Stops if time permits:
- Kerid Crater: A colorful volcanic crater.
- Kaffi Krus in Selfoss: Perfect for coffee and light bites.
- Stay Overnight: Airbnb accommodation in Reykjavik.
Day 5: Reykjanes Peninsula and Departure
- Breakfast at Ikea: Going from Canada, Ikea in Iceland exceeded our expectation. The food menu has a lot of variety to choose from at a budget-friendly price.
- Explore Reykjanes Peninsula:
- Visit the Bridge Between Continents. Its only extra 15 minutes drive from the airport one-way.
- Return Rental Car: Ensure you refill the tank before drop-off.
- Fly Home: Depart from Keflavik Airport with unforgettable memories.
Practical Tips
- Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. Dress in layers and wear waterproof gear.
- Driving: Roads can be icy, so drive cautiously and check road conditions at road.is.
- Packing Essentials: Packing right is very important for a winter trip to Iceland, therefore we have a separate post on how you Pack Like a Pro.
- Budgeting:
- Eating out is expensive, so make use of grocery stores and affordable spots like Ikea and hot dog stands.
- Fuel is pricey—plan your routes wisely to save on gas.
- Northern Lights: Checkout our special post on Chasing Iceland’s Northern Lights.
Closing Thoughts
Iceland in February is a dream destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. From glaciers and waterfalls to the magical Northern Lights, every moment is unforgettable. If you’re planning your trip, we hope this itinerary inspires you to explore Iceland’s winter wonderland.
