Planning a 7 days in Iceland itinerary Ring Road winter means embracing shorter daylight hours, icy landscapes, and unpredictable weather while still experiencing the country’s most dramatic natural wonders. Winter travel around the Ring Road is absolutely possible with the right pacing, cautious driving, and realistic expectations, allowing you to enjoy frozen waterfalls, geothermal pools, black-sand beaches, and—if the skies cooperate—the Northern Lights.
Day 1: Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon
Arrive in Reykjavik and keep your first day light, especially if travelling after a long flight. Explore the compact city centre, visiting Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Old Harbour. Save time for the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa in the late afternoon—warm waters paired with crisp winter air offer a calm transition into Iceland’s colder climate. Rest early to prepare for the longer driving days ahead.
Day 2: Golden Circle – Geysers, Falls, and Winter Landscapes
Start your 7 days in Iceland itinerary Ring Road winter with the classic Golden Circle. Visit Þingvellir National Park for tectonic views and snowy walking paths, then continue to the erupting geyser at Strokkur. Finish at Gullfoss, where winter transforms the waterfall into a mix of ice formations and roaring water. Roads in this region are generally well maintained, but allow extra time for icy conditions. End the evening in Selfoss or Hella for an easier start the next morning.
Day 3: South Coast – Waterfalls and Black-Sand Beaches
Travel along the South Coast, stopping at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, both dramatically framed by winter ice. Continue to Dyrhólaey for clifftop views and then to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where basalt columns and crashing waves create some of Iceland’s most striking scenery. Be cautious—winter waves are powerful, and wind can be intense. Spend the night in Vik or its surroundings, giving yourself a chance to chase Northern Lights if the sky stays clear.
Day 4: Glacier Region – Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón
This stretch often becomes the highlight of a winter Ring Road journey. Drive towards Vatnajökull National Park, stopping in Skaftafell for an easy winter hike such as the one leading to Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue. In the afternoon, visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach, where icebergs sit scattered along the black shoreline. Winter light makes the ice glow in pale blue and silver tones. Overnight in the Hofn region for a quiet coastal atmosphere and another chance at aurora viewing.
Day 5: East Fjords – Remote Villages and Mountain Roads
Head into the East Fjords, an area that feels peaceful and untouched in winter. Snow-capped peaks rise above long fjords, and small fishing towns such as Djúpivogur provide scenic stops. Road conditions vary more here, so drive slowly and watch for icy bends. Enjoy the tranquillity of the region, stopping at viewpoints whenever visibility is good. Stay overnight in Egilsstaðir, the gateway to the eastern region.
Day 6: North Iceland – Myvatn Geothermal Area
Make your way north towards Lake Myvatn, an area rich in geothermal activity. Visit the Hverir mud pools, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and, if conditions allow, the Myvatn Nature Baths—an excellent winter alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Continue towards Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital, noting that daylight ends early, so prioritise your stops based on visibility and weather. This region offers strong Northern Lights potential thanks to its darker skies and minimal light pollution.
Day 7: Return to Reykjavik – Coastal Drive and Final Stops
Complete your loop by driving back to Reykjavik via the Ring Road’s western stretch. If conditions permit, stop in Hvammstangi or at viewpoints overlooking Hrútafjörður. Once in Reykjavik, enjoy a final evening at a cosy restaurant serving lamb stew or fresh fish. If you missed the Northern Lights earlier in your trip, consider booking a guided evening tour; local drivers know where skies are clearest, improving your chances significantly.
A well-planned 7 days in Iceland itinerary Ring Road winter offers a captivating mix of frozen landscapes, geothermal warmth, and peaceful remote moments. Travel slowly, check weather and road updates daily, and build flexibility into your schedule to make the most of winter’s unique rhythm. With careful pacing and a sense of adventure, exploring Iceland’s Ring Road in winter becomes an unforgettable journey shaped by nature’s raw beauty.
