Hiking in Iceland in Winter: Trails, Gear and Safety
Hiking in Iceland in winter is very possible, but it is a different activity from summer trekking. The highlands are closed, daylight is short, trails are often icy and storms can shut roads for a day or more. In return you get snow-dusted waterfalls, empty trails and the chance of northern lights after dark. This guide covers which trails work in winter, how much daylight to expect, the gear that matters and when to go with a guide instead.
What changes in winter
From roughly October to April, the highland interior is closed to normal vehicles, mountain huts are unstaffed and multi-day routes like the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls become serious winter mountaineering undertakings. Winter hiking in Iceland therefore means short lowland routes close to the Ring Road or Reykjavík. Conditions change fast. A trail that is bare and dry one day can be glazed with ice the next, and wind is often the deciding factor rather than temperature. Build flexibility into your itinerary so you can move a hike to a calmer day.
Daylight hours
Around the winter solstice, Reykjavík gets roughly four to five hours of daylight, with the sun low on the horizon and long twilight either side. North Iceland gets even less. By late February and March, daylight returns quickly, and hiking days feel much more relaxed. Plan to start at first light, choose routes you can finish with time to spare and always carry a headlamp with spare batteries. Twilight is useful for walking on easy terrain, but navigation on unfamiliar ground in the dark is not.
Best trails for winter hiking
These trails are short, popular and close to main roads, which makes them the most realistic choices in winter. Conditions still vary, so check the forecast and local reports. All of them are short enough to finish comfortably within the limited daylight, and most have car parks close to the main road. Even so, treat each one as a proper outing: icy steps, wind and early darkness can turn a familiar summer stroll into a much harder walk. Bring traction and turn back if the path is glazed.
- Reykjadalur – A steaming valley near Hveragerði with a warm river to bathe in. The path can be icy and muddy; microspikes help.
- Mount Esja (lower trails) – The lower and middle sections towards Steinn are popular year-round. The upper scramble to Þverfellshorn is best left alone in icy conditions.
- Svartifoss – A short climb in Skaftafell to basalt columns that look stunning with snow and icicles.
- Kvernufoss – A brief walk near Skógafoss to a waterfall you can walk behind in calm, ice-free conditions.
- Brúarfoss – A riverside path in the Golden Circle area to a vivid blue waterfall, usually accessible in winter.
- Reynisfjall – Short walks on the ridge above Vík give sea-stack views, but stay well back from the cliff edges in wind and ice.
Winter gear that matters
Microspikes or light traction devices are the single most useful item; many icy trail falls happen on the walk from the car park. Add waterproof insulated boots, a warm insulated jacket, a waterproof shell, thermal base layers, a hat, buff and two pairs of gloves so you always have a dry pair. Bring trekking poles, a headlamp, a charged phone in a warm pocket, a hot drink and high-energy snacks. Cold drains batteries quickly. For anything steeper than a well-trodden trail, crampons and an ice axe may be needed, along with the skills to use them.
Guided glacier hikes in winter
Winter is a popular season for guided glacier hikes at Sólheimajökull and in Skaftafell, and for natural ice cave tours on Vatnajökull, which generally run in the colder months when the ice is stable. These tours provide crampons, ice axes, helmets and harnesses, and the guides judge daily whether conditions are safe. Never walk onto a glacier on your own. Snow can hide crevasses, and glacier surfaces change constantly. A certified guide is the only safe way to experience the ice.
Avalanche and weather awareness
Avalanches occur in Iceland's mountains, the Westfjords and the north in particular, and also on steep slopes closer to Reykjavík. The Icelandic Met Office publishes avalanche information on vedur.is. If you do not have avalanche training, stay off steep snow slopes and out of gullies and avoid traversing beneath them. Wind is the most common reason to cancel. Gusts strong enough to knock you over are not rare, especially on exposed ridges and near mountains on the south coast. Check vedur.is, read the alerts on SafeTravel.is and turn back early rather than late.
Driving to winter trailheads
Most winter trailheads are reached by road, so road conditions matter as much as the hike. Check umferdin.is before setting off, allow extra time and fill up when you can. Rental cars in winter should have studded or winter tyres, and a 4x4 adds margin on unploughed car parks. If driving in snow and ice is unfamiliar, consider a guided day tour that combines a short hike with transport; it removes the most dangerous part of the day.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you hike in Iceland in winter?+
Yes, on short lowland trails such as Reykjadalur, Svartifoss, Kvernufoss, Brúarfoss and the lower slopes of Esja. Highland and multi-day routes are not realistic for most visitors in winter.
Do I need microspikes for hiking in Iceland in winter?+
Strongly recommended. Many trails and car parks are icy for much of the winter, and microspikes make even short walks much safer.
Can you hike the Laugavegur in winter?+
Not as a normal hike. In winter it is an expedition requiring skis or snowshoes, winter camping or unstaffed huts, avalanche awareness and strong navigation. Most people should only consider it with an experienced guide.
How many hours of daylight does Iceland have in December?+
Around four to five hours in Reykjavík near the winter solstice, with long twilight periods. North Iceland has less.
Is glacier hiking possible in winter?+
Yes. Guided glacier hikes run year-round at Sólheimajökull and in Skaftafell, conditions permitting, and ice cave tours typically operate in the colder months.