Snow Days in Iceland – What it‘s really like

For travellers experiencing snow in Iceland for the first time, the right gear will make all the difference in your snowy day experience. To make it enjoyable, be sure to stay warm and dry. That means layers upon layers. You may think that a thick down jacket will be sufficient (and they are great!) but it might surprise you what a simple layer of wool can do. In its simplest form, we’re talking about a wool base layer and a waterproof outer shell. Everything in between is a plus. Most Icelanders swear by layers of wool rather than bulk. “Warmth without weight” could be a tagline that applies here. A warm hat for your head is essential, as this is where heat will primarily escape your body. Good gloves and waterproof boots are a must. Head, feet and hands need to be warm and dry. In icy conditions, consider getting crampons or light studded rubbers for your shoes, you can get cheap ones in most grocery stores.

As far as your vehicle is concerned, driving in Icelandic winter conditions requires proper tyres, a four-wheel drive (with some height), and experience on icy roads. The winter tyres will ensure you have enough grip on the road since snow often means very slippery surfaces. If the snow is piled on top of icy or wet roads, it can become very hazardous to drive on if you’re not familiar with the conditions. The four-wheel drive will get you out of heavy and packed snow whereas your regular vehicle will struggle to get unstuck. And the height is simply about getting over those banks of packed ice, especially in the city after the snow trucks have packed up a little tunnel, and you have to struggle out of or into your parking space.

Driving in these conditions is no walk in the park, for various reasons. The roads can be slippery and icy, the snow builds up to incredible heights, and cars repeatedly get stuck, in and out of the city and towns. But many people don’t realize that visibility in heavy snow is very low. With many cars stuck on the road, it is best to be careful. If these conditions are unfamiliar to you and/or your rental car isn’t properly equipped for heavy winter conditions, leave the driving to someone else. This doesn’t have to mean you miss out on all the magic. You can join a tour and let a professional do the cautious driving (it’s our specialty), and enjoy the magnificent ride. Joining a guided winter tour in Iceland means safe transport, local expertise, and no worries about road closures.

A big snow day is a truly magical setting and a scene set for adventure. Everything becomes clean, crisp, and somehow just extra beautiful and extraordinary. But the best part is the tranquillity and the silence that comes with that great insulator that is snow. Snow also reveals Iceland’s contrasts in their most striking form: black sand beaches dusted in white frost, waterfalls framed in ice, and vast valleys wrapped in stillness. Heavy snowfall usually means epic scenes of the dramatic landscapes shrouded in white, the perfect setting for an adventure, a marriage proposal, or just a moment of deep contemplation. It’s the kind of beauty that truly shouts the phrase “winter wonderland” into reality.

To be perfectly honest, a lot of Icelanders will spend hours queuing up for that overdue tyre change on that first real snow day. Twice a year, most car owners will go to a tyre shop for a full tire change from summer to winter and vice versa in autumn and spring. Others will opt for all-season tyres that should be good in any condition. After the headache of the tyre business, locals settle into the heart of Icelandic coziness. Candles are lit, a hot meal warms the table, and books open as homes glow against the snowy hush outside.
And then, of course, there is some fun! Many will head outside to build snowmen, igloos and have snowball fights (with or without their kids) in their backyard.
Taking walks in the snow is just as magical. It really does make everything so clean and fresh, but the best byproduct of heavy snow is that peaceful quiet. Snow is a great insulator, and even downtown Reykjavik will seem perfectly still and quiet in heavy snow. Traffic will also slow down, cars don’t touch road, so the quiet is almost unreal. A long walk in sensible shoes comes highly recommended. It’s a tranquil pastime and extremely good for your body and mind. A gentle reminder that Iceland’s winters aren’t just to be endured, they’re meant to be savoured.
And on that note, there is one activity that we must highlight...

There is one activity Icelanders love more than most. Soaking in warm geothermal water in open air. And yes, this is extra nice and cozy when it's snowing outside. We're talking luxury spas, geothermal lagoons and of course our many public pools. Take a load off, join the locals and gaze up into the snowflakes from a toasty hot tub of your choice. This is best enjoyed in a beautiful lagoon, such as Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, the gorgeous setting of Hvammsvik and the classical bucket list item Blue Lagoon.

An honorable mention goes to the ice cream shop which is the only rival to the classic soak. Believe it or not, bad weather is no deterrent for ice cream in Iceland and you'll find packed ice cream parlours all over the city, even in the worst of storms.

Great news! If it's snowing, that likely means it's freezing which means the glaciers and their enticing ice caves are thriving. Make the most of your Iceland winter itinerary and join a guided tour on a glacier hike or explore the insides of an ice cave. We also highly recommend seeing Iceland's most famous sites in their beautiful winter outfits. The Golden Circle covered in snow is no less dramatic and gorgeous than in its best greens. Check out the icy waterfalls of the South Coast in winter and the snow trying to find footing on the black sands of Reynisfjara beach. Head out to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to see the glorious Kirkjufell mountain in its winter dress and the many sites and natural wonders of Snæfellsness all dressed in white. The list goes on so check out our tours and activities and make the most of your Iceland experience.

Snow in Iceland isn’t something to fear — it’s part of what makes this island so extraordinary. With the right gear, good planning, and trusted guides, you can experience the country at its most peaceful and enchanting.

This winter, skip the stress of driving. Let Icelandia’s team of expert guides show you the real Iceland under snow — safely, warmly, and beautifully.