Exploring Iceland’s north: Rob’s winter adventure

Northern Iceland in winter feels like stepping into another world—snow-covered landscapes, otherworldly geothermal wonders, and the magic of the Northern Lights. Rickshaw’s Rob recently went on a winter adventure to northern Iceland on a whirlwind trip of relaxation and jaw-dropping scenery. Keep reading to find out more about Rob’s experience and his top tips on how to best prepare for your own northern Iceland trip. As always, get in touch with our friendly travel team to start planning your own adventure.

Before we even landed, I quickly realised that preparing for Iceland in winter is part of the adventure, so get the notepad out and start taking some notes.

Temperatures are very low (daytime highs of 0-2°C), so you’ll need to be fully prepared to tackle the outdoors with several layers. Keep reading for a list of what to pack so you’re not woefully unprepared like I was at times!

• Base Layers (Thermal)
  • Moisture-wicking thermal tops and leggings. These are essential for trapping heat and keeping you dry during outdoor activities.
• Mid Layers
  • Fleece or insulated sweaters to provide additional warmth. A light insulated jacket for layering if temperatures drop further.
• Outer Layers
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (preferably insulated for extreme cold). Waterproof and insulated snow pants or ski trousers for protection against snow and ice.
• Accessories
  • Warm hat that covers your ears (fleece-lined is ideal).
  • Insulated gloves or mittens (preferably waterproof).
  • Neck gaiter or scarf to shield your face and neck from icy winds.
  • Thermal socks and extra pairs to keep your feet dry.
• Footwear
  • Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip for icy and snowy terrain.
    Crampons or ice cleats for added traction on slippery surfaces.
    Comfortable indoor shoes or slippers for lounging in hotels.

You’ll want to rent a car and trust me, this is essential if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path gems. Your car will be fully prepared for the ice and snowy conditions, but there are still a few things to keep in mind before you hit the road.

• Headlights are mandatory, even during the day—not a big deal once you get used to it.
• The roads can be icy, so take it slow and plan your route ahead of time. If you’re unsure, check the road.is website daily for traffic and weather updates.
• If you’re feeling bold, try the F-roads to experience the rugged beauty of the East Fjords, but be ready for a bumpy ride!
• Driving in challenging conditions can be tiring, so make sure to stop regularly to rest and stretch your legs.
• It’s a good idea to bring some essentials in case of any emergencies such as warm clothing, blankets, snacks and water just in case you get stuck.

Food in Iceland is pricey, but we discovered two budget-friendly hacks:

• Bonus Supermarket: Stock up on snacks and sandwiches for road trips. A sandwich and crisps cost us around £7–8.
• Petrol Stations with NESTI Signs: Surprisingly, these offer decent hot meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Chasing the Northern Lights

The HelloAurora app became our best friend, sending real-time alerts when the Aurora Borealis was active. The app provides up-to-date forecasts to inform users of potential Northern Lights activity, including cloud cover maps so you increase your chances of seeing the incredible light show. Seeing the lights swirl above us is something I’ll never forget.

The first stop on our trip was Goðafoss, a breathtaking waterfall halfway between Akureyri and our next destination. It may not be the tallest waterfall you’ll see, but it’s rather unique due to being split into two horseshoe -shaped falls. And if like me, you visit during the winter months, the icy landscape made it even more magical.

Pro tip: Get there early to avoid the crowds and catch the soft morning light on the falls.

Next, we visited an ethical snow dog farm. Unfortunately, dogsledding wasn’t available during our visit, but we spent quality time with the dogs—cuddling and learning about their lives on the farm. If you’re an animal lover, this stop is a must!

We wrapped up the day at Mývatn Nature Baths. Imagine soaking in steaming hot pools surrounded by snow—it’s as dreamy as it sounds. With fewer crowds than the Blue Lagoon, it felt like our own private paradise. Don’t miss the swim-up bar for a warm drink!

Sel Hotel: A cosy lakeside stay
We stayed at Sel Hotel, perched beside a peaceful lake. The views were stunning, especially at night when the Northern Lights lit up the sky. The hotel’s hearty breakfast fuelled us for the adventures ahead.

 

The bubbling ∫felt like stepping onto Mars—steam rising from the earth, the smell of sulfur in the air, and colourful mineral deposits everywhere. It’s only 15 minutes from Mývatn, so it’s a quick but fascinating stop.

This was one of the highlights of the trip! After an off-road drive through snow and rivers, we geared up to explore Lofthellir Ice Cave. Inside, we saw intricate ice formations—stalactites, stalagmites, and sculptures shaped by nature. Our guide was fantastic, ensuring we stayed safe while keeping the experience fun and educational.

Tip: Wear warm, waterproof gear for this tour—the cave is cold and damp, but it’s worth every shiver.

Snowmobiling across the Arctic Tundra
For an adrenaline rush, nothing beats snowmobiling. We zoomed across snowy plains at speeds of up to 100 km/h, the wind whipping past us and the landscape stretching endlessly ahead. Both single and double-rider options are available, so it’s great for couples or groups.

Foss Hotel: A Warm Retreat
We stayed at Foss Hotel that night, enjoying the complimentary sauna to relax our muscles after the day’s adventures. Families will love the spacious rooms and interconnecting options here.

Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall
I’d seen photos of Dettifoss, but nothing prepared me for its sheer power. The thunderous roar of the water and the icy mist in the air made it unforgettable. Since it was winter, we booked a super jeep tour to access the falls safely. The tour included a snowshoe hike, which gave us three unique viewpoints and plenty of time to soak in the scenery.

Forest Lagoon: switch off in nature
For our final evening, we treated ourselves to the Forest Baths, a geothermal spa nestled amongst birch and pine trees, with views overlooking one of Iceland’s longest fjords. The baths include two infinity geothermal pools with water sourced from the nearby Vaðlaheiði Mountain, cold plunge pools, a traditional dry sauna and even a swim-up bar and bistro! Visiting the lagoon at night was magical—the Northern Lights danced above while city lights twinkled below.

In Akureyri, we stayed at Hotel Northund, a family-run boutique hotel with a quirky history—it used to be a cinema! The hotel is surrounded by mountains and grassy fields, with many walking trails nearby. Akureyri is just a short drive away, with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars and shops to explore. The rooms were homely, and some even had balconies with views of the city and there was the winning bonus of an outdoor hot tub on the terrace.

1. Pack layers: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable. Bring waterproof and windproof clothing, and always have a warm hat and gloves handy.

2. Be prepared to be flexible: Due to the weather, you may find some activities may not be available. On the plus side, Iceland has so much to offer that you’ll always find a fun alternative.

3. Load up on apps: Alongside HelloAurora, apps like ROAD.IS and Vedur (for weather) are lifesavers.

4. Book your trip early: Popular experiences, especially ice caving and snowmobiling, fill up quickly in winter.