We went to Iceland on our way back to the States from Ethiopia—where it was warm, sunny, and absolutely beautiful. When people found out our next stop was Iceland, the reactions were almost always the same: Why would you go to a frigid country right after Ethiopia?

The more I heard that, the more I stressed. I hate the cold. I was worried about layering, about freezing temperatures, and especially about the fact that Iceland only gets about four hours of daylight in winter. That alone made me nervous.

But then we arrived—and Iceland completely surprised us.

Yes, it was cold. But there was also a sense of warmth everywhere: lights strung across the city, glowing windows, cozy cafés, and an energy that made the darkness feel intentional, not limiting. At one point, I randomly checked the weather back home in the D.C. area—and it was actually colder there than it was in Iceland that day. So there’s that 🙂

Iceland isn’t cheap—you’ll pay more for food—but every single thing we ate was delicious. And by the end of just three days, we were all completely blown away.

Here’s exactly how we spent 3 unforgettable winter days in Iceland.

Day 1: Reykjavik in Winter — Architecture, Art & Cozy Food

We started by exploring Reykjavík, a compact, colorful capital that’s easy to navigate even in winter.

Our first stop was Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark. Taking the elevator to the top is a must—the panoramic views of the city, framed by snow and mountains, are stunning.

From there, we walked along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager, a striking sculpture that symbolizes discovery, hope, and freedom. It felt especially powerful against the winter sky.

Next, we admired the modern glass façade of Harpa Concert Hall. Even if you don’t attend a performance, it’s worth stepping inside—the light reflections alone are mesmerizing.

Dinner in the City

For dinner, we kept things local and cozy. Hlemmur Mathöll is perfect if you want options, while Skál Restaurant is great for trying Icelandic specialties like lamb and fresh fish.

We also dined at Harry’s Seafood & Grill Restaurant one night and it was amazing. They are only open during certain hours and days, they are worth checking out.

I had a lamb dish and it was spectacular! The kids and hubby had a pasta and fish dish.

After dinner, we wandered a bit more before heading back to rest—knowing the next day would be big.

Day 2: The Golden Circle & Chasing the Northern Lights

Morning: The Golden Circle

After breakfast at the hotel, we headed out for the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most famous routes—and just as magical in winter. For this, there are plenty of companies that offer tours that you can book ahead of time. We didn’t book ours ahead of time, so we drove ourselves instead.

You can easily type in these names in the GPS and it’ll guide you if you want to drive yourself. If you’re going in the winter, like we did, I would recommend you not book a tour because you won’t really be able to see the full beauty since most of it will be frozen anyway.

• Þingvellir National Park
  Walking through the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet is surreal. It’s one of those places where geology and history collide.
• Geysir
  Strokkur normally erupts every few minutes, but because everything was frozen when we were there, we didn’t see anything erupt.
• Gullfoss
  Partially frozen in winter, Gullfoss is powerful and breathtaking, with icy mist rising into the air.

Afternoon: Cafés, Shopping & Rest

Back in Reykjavik, we grabbed a warm drink and light lunch at Mokka Kaffi, one of the city’s oldest cafés.

We spent the afternoon browsing Laugavegur for souvenirs, then stopped by Kolaportið, Iceland’s only flea market, for unique finds.

We also passed by the University of Iceland before heading back to the hotel to rest and layer up.

Evening: Northern Lights at Sea

That night, we boarded a Northern Lights cruise with Elding Whale Watching, departing at 9:00 p.m. from downtown Reykjavik. January is one of the best times of year to see the aurora borealis thanks to the long nights—but nature, of course, has the final say.

The only real disappointment of the trip was that it just wasn’t a good night for the northern lights. The skies didn’t cooperate, and we didn’t get to see them from the boat. Still, the experience itself—being out on the water, bundled up under the winter sky—was memorable in its own way.

On the bright side, the tour company provided us with open tickets to return anytime, which honestly felt like a gift. It gave us the perfect excuse to come back—and after how much we loved Iceland, that’s a reason we’re more than happy to hold onto.

Day 3: Blue Lagoon Bliss & Heading Home

Morning: A Perfect Send-Off

We had breakfast at the hotel at 7:30 a.m. before heading out early to the Blue Lagoon.

Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water while surrounded by snow-covered lava fields is one of those experiences that fully lives up to the hype. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the trip.

Our kids also enjoyed the experience. My hubby and I got to test a few different lava masks from the mask bar, which left our skin feeling loved.

If time allows, lunch at the Lava Restaurant is absolutely worth it—not just for the food, but for the views. If you’re short on time, grab snacks and eat later at the airport food court. We decided not to stay for lunch to save some time.

Heading Home

From the Blue Lagoon, it’s about a 22-minute drive to Keflavík International Airport, where we returned the car and caught our late afternoon flight home. Something to note: it is a must to rent a car in Iceland, as it gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and reach natural sights that aren’t easily accessible by public transportation.

Where We Stayed in Reykjavik

We stayed at Fosshotel Raudara, located at Raudararstígur 37, and it was a great base for exploring the city. The hotel was comfortable, welcoming, and—most importantly—within walking distance of so much of Reykjavik. We were able to easily walk to major sights, cafés, shopping streets, and restaurants, which made getting around especially convenient during winter.

Final Thoughts on Iceland:

Iceland in winter exceeded every expectation I had—and eased every worry I carried going in. Despite the cold and limited daylight, the country felt warm, welcoming, and full of life. The lights, the food, the landscapes, and the people all made it feel special.

Yes, it’s a bit pricey—but the quality is there, and the experience is worth it. In just three days, Iceland managed to surprise us, comfort us, and completely win us over. We’re looking forward to going back to visit again sometime soon, maybe in the summer next time? We’ll see.

If you’re debating a winter trip, take this as your sign: go. Or any other season for that matter.

Yours,