5-Day Iceland Adventure: Chasing the Northern Lights on NYE
Iceland in winter is nothing short of magical, cold, crazy, not for the faint of heart. As a first-time visitor, especially during New Year’s, the experience is truly unforgettable. Over the course of five days, I had the chance to explore two of Iceland’s most iconic locations: the charming town of Vík and the vibrant capital of Reykjavík. From the rugged beauty of black sand beaches and towering waterfalls to the warmth and culture of Reykjavik’s cozy streets, my winter adventure was a perfect mix of nature’s raw power and Icelandic charm. Whether you’re dreaming of chasing the Northern Lights or soaking in geothermal hot springs, here’s a glimpse into my 5-day journey through this otherworldly winter wonderland.
I’m not sure where I got the idea to brave Iceland in the winter. I guess I was captivated by the idea of seeing the Northern lights that I didn’t give much thought to how cold and icy (duh) Iceland would be. I would not trade my experience for the world, it made those hot coffees and warm car rides that much better. Here are some of my quick tips for Iceland in the winter:
Quick Tips
- For the love of everything, if you have never driven in snow, do not go to Iceland in the winter the roads and winds are insane (I live in Chicago so I know a few things about snow and ice). You are better off going in the warmer months with less ice and snow
- Winters in iceland don’t get much day light. Some days even less than 4 hours. Plan accordingly and try to be on the rode while it is still dark out so when you reach your destination the sun is making its way out
- Rent a 4 wheel drive car/SUV, per statement above roads in Iceland are crazy, you don’t want to get stuck in the snow
- I recommend breaking your trip out in areas, you will be driving a lot so it is important to strategically plan your day. We stayed 2 nights in Vik and 3 nights in Reykjavik to break up the trip.
- The speeding the laws in Iceland are VERY strict. Do not speed and watch out for speeding cameras and limits when driving through smaller towns.
- If you are traveling to Iceland in the winter (Early December to Early March), a lot of popular restaurants close for the season, do your research before 🙂
- I won’t mention a specific day to go Northern Lights hunting. It really depends on the weather and how cloudy it is. I would try to go every night to see if you can find some and monitor the weather during your stay
- If you are in fact visiting during the New Year’s Eve celebration, get in front of Hallgrimskirkja Church at least 30-45 minutes early. They block off entry closer to midnight and you will not be able to get through
Day 1
We flew into Reykjavik super early in the morning (scheduled to land at 6:30am but landed more like 7:30am due to delays). While most people would start their day in Reykjavik and wait around for hours to get checked into their hotel, we picked up our car and hit the road. We drove 3.5 hours to Vik where we started our adventure.
Hotel
- Hotel Katla: We stayed at Hotel Katla, a quick 5 minute drive away from the main town of Vik. Unique hotel with different rooms on the property (you will have to walk to get to reception)
- Hotel Kria: This was my first choice of hotel but it sold out so book way in advance! In the main town of Vik with beautiful rooms and great breakfast buffet.
SIGHTS & Activities
- Katla Ice Caves: After we landed we headed straight to the Kalta Ice Caves. We booked through Guide to Iceland. This tour is around 4 hours and is pretty pricey around $200 but definitely worth the experience in Iceland.
- Reynisjara: You probably have seen pictures of this beach with the beautiful black rock formations and black sand beach. Don’t get to close to shore, and come for sunrise it is breath taking.
Food
- Sudur: This place had amazing reviews but like I mentioned above some things are closed for the winter season and this was one of them.
- The Soup Company: Great place after a day in cold. Unlimited refills on soup with the famous Icelandic lamb soup.
- Black Crust Pizzeria: Inside the place you might go to the Katla ice caves is a Pizzeria with a good variety of pizzas.
Day 2
Day 2 you’ll continue your road-trip in southern Iceland and ending your last night in Vik before heading back to Reykjavik for night 3. There’s still much more of southern iceland to explore, would definitely love to experience in the summer months.
Sights & Activities
- Fjadrargljufur Canyon: A beautiful canyon on your way to Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach: Another famous beach in Iceland, the beautiful pieces of glacier washed up on the shore is so cool.
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Across the street from Diamond Beach you have Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. I was awestruck with the Blue ice and water, so beautiful and definitely worth the drive.
- Crystal Ice Caves: If you have time and feel like exploring more ice caves, the Crystal ice caves will have that beautiful blue color as the Jokulsarlon Lagoon.
Food
- Drangar Restaurant: Inside the Hotel Kria you will find this place, finer dining
- Strondin Pub Vik: Small pub with local Icelandic bites. TBD there aren’t too many options in Vik!
Day 3
Now is time to make our way to the capital of Reykjavik but we have a few stops to make along the way before we get there 🙂
Hotel
- Edition Reykjavik: If you’re looking for a luxury stay while in Reykjavik, I recommend the Edition Reykjavik hotel with beautiful views of the water and modern upscale feel
- Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton: A Hilton option very cute hotel in a great location
- Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton: Another great option in a great location
- Thingholt by Center Hotels: This is where we stayed, this is on the budget friendlier side (not our first option but a lot of the hotels were sold out for the New Year holiday!). Good location in the middle of everything, good option if you’re looking for a decent hotel in a perfect location
Sights & Activities
All of these spots are on our drive back to Reykjavik from Vik. I would follow the order I have laid out for a cohesive itinerary.
- Seljalandsfoss: One of the many beautiful waterfalls Iceland has to offer. I liked this one because the view from the bottom was picture perfect, but there were stairs up to continue your hike if you wish to see the view from above and other views from Seljalandsfoss.
- Skogafoss: Continuing on your journey you will come across Skogafoss. Unfortunately when I came here the snow and wind was really coming down so we didn’t stick around too long. However, this one you can go behind the waterfall if weather allows.
- Secret Lagoon: The last stop we made before heading into Reykjavik was Secret Lagoon. It was the perfect way to finish off the day of driving. A smaller geothermal hot spring, for the price I think it is definitely worth it (~$60). Nothing fancy but a good way to break up your drive back to Reykjavik.
Food
- American SchoolBus Cafe: On your way to Secret Lagoon, stop at American SchoolBus Cafe. It is an actual yellow school bus with a cafe inside with retro decor, super cool!
- Apotek Restaurant: ideal if you’re looking for a place with a stylish ambiance, creative dishes, and a great mix of Icelandic and international flavors. It’s a solid choice for both locals and tourists who want to explore Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist
- Kol Restaurant: We went here for NYE dinner and it was actually really good. A fusion of different cuisines, the drinks were also fantastic. I would make a reservation in advance.
- Potturinn og Pannan: offers reasonably priced traditional Icelandic food, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy authentic dishes without breaking the bank
Day 4
Day 4 we spent exploring the town of Reykjavik with all the cute shops and restaurants. We spent the second half of the day at the stunning Sky Lagoon.
SIGHTS & Activities
- Sky Lagoon: This was my favorite “Lagoon” that we visited. We did the premium ticket that includes food and a drink. I was so relaxing and the views from the lagoon are perfect. Only a 10-15 minute drive from the center of Reykjavik, this is a must do.
- Hallgrimskirkja: The iconic church definitely worth a visit when strolling through Reykjavik. We were here during the NYE fireworks and it was electric
- Food Tour: A lot of people online recommend a food tour which I think could be interesting and a great way to try different food spots in Reykjavik and famous spots like Rainbow Row
Food
- Íslenski Barinn – The Icelandic Bar: We stopped in here for dinner and if you are looking for true Icelandic dishes this is your place. The lamb soup was our fav!
- Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron): If you’re craving fresh seafood with a casual, cozy vibe, Sægreifinn by the harbor is a must-visit. The restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes, including their famous lobster soup and grilled fish skewers
- The Laundromat Café: Went here for a big breakfast, it was decent but deff on the pricer side. Good if you’re looking for a big filling breakfast
Day 5
On our last day in Iceland we went on a journey through the Golden Circle. For those that don’t know, the Golden Circle consists of 3 different locations in west Iceland. The Great Geysir, Thingvellir National Park and Gulfoss Waterfall.
SIGHTS & Activities
- Blue Lagoon: The infamous Blue Lagoon. I have to say I was a little disappointed with our visit here compared to Sky Lagoon. The wait time to get in and also to get face masks and drinks were ridiculous. For what you pay, I excepted this to be top notch but left wanting more. Also we went on a super windy day so hard to see anything in front of you let alone the beautiful blue water.
- Golden Circle: An area in west iceland that consists of Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall and the great geysir. If you have a car I would drive to these places on your own. We originally had a tour booked but decided to cancel so we can go at our own pace and utilize our rental car. The great geysir was my favorite of the 3, so exciting to wait for it to go off!
- Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure: I wish we planned this into our trip (I wear glasses it and recommends you have contacts for this excursion). Snorkeling between two tectonic plates with some of the clearest water in the world is a bucket list item. It’s perfect after going through the golden circle and ending in Thingvellir National Park for snorkeling.
Food
- Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: You cannot leave iceland without trying these hot dogs. I know kinda strange (especially for me, being from Chicago it’s hard to impress me with a hot dog), but these were honestly one of the best things we ate, worth the hype.
- Baka Baka: On our last day we stopped in for a quick coffee. They make homemade croissants and OMG they are Paris level good.
Conclusion
I didn’t know what to expect when visiting Iceland in the winter (other than the obvious of cold weather). Spending five days in Iceland was another experience I will never forget . From the stunning landscapes of the Golden Circle to the relaxing waters of the Blue Lagoon, the country offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Reykjavik, with its vibrant atmosphere, is a cozy city to explore, full of art, culture, and fantastic food. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik is unforgettable, and this year, I was lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights right over the city as the clock struck midnight. The sky, already glowing with fireworks, seemed to come alive with dancing green and purple hues, adding an extra touch of magic to the celebration. I would definitely return to iceland but maybe in the summer next time to experience 24 hours of day light lol. If you love winter getaways just as much as I do, check out my Switzerland blogs and other of my winter adventures <3
