An Incredible 15-Day Winter Adventure in Iceland – Itinerary Review

Jewells Chambers — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:59:19 +0000

Can you plan an incredible 15-day trip to Iceland in January? Absolutely! But there are some important things to consider, especially when it comes to winter driving, limited daylight, and making the most of your time.

I recently had the opportunity to review a detailed Iceland itinerary submitted by Robert, a traveler from the United States who is planning a very special trip with his wife.

They got married 10 years ago but never had a honeymoon. Now, they’re celebrating their anniversary with a long-awaited honeymoon in Iceland!

How sweet is that?!

Robert is planning a 15-day trip in January 2027, exploring South Iceland, Southeast Iceland, the Eastfjords, the Golden Circle, West Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Reykjavík.

He’s also a member of my All Things Iceland Travel Club, where I personally help travelers plan their trips, answer questions, and provide itinerary reviews.

With Robert’s permission, I’m sharing highlights from his itinerary and my recommendations so you can apply some of these lessons to your own Iceland adventure.

Whether you’re visiting for three days or three weeks, there’s a lot to learn from this itinerary!

What I Loved About Robert's Iceland Itinerary

Before getting into the day-by-day review, I want to give Robert some credit.

He put an incredible amount of thought and research into this trip. In fact, he told me that he helps create tours and travel guides in the United States, so he already has experience putting together detailed itineraries.

He even used my All Things Iceland podcast, along with Google and other resources, to help plan his trip. I absolutely loved hearing that!

Robert had four main questions when he submitted his itinerary:

Was he accounting for enough daylight?
Were his driving routes realistic for winter?
Was he doing any unnecessary backtracking?
Was he missing any important attractions along the way?

These are fantastic questions for anyone planning a winter trip to Iceland.

One thing that impressed me was that he built approximately 25% extra driving time into his schedule to account for winter conditions. He also planned multiple nights in certain locations rather than constantly changing accommodations.

Another thing I appreciated was that he wasn’t attempting to drive the entire Ring Road.

While 15 days might sound like plenty of time to drive around Iceland, January brings additional challenges. Snow, ice, wind, road closures, and limited daylight can make traveling much more complicated.

Instead, Robert chose to focus on several regions and return along the South Coast rather than continue north.

There is some backtracking involved, but in this particular situation, I actually think that makes sense.

Let’s get into the itinerary!

Day 1: Driving From Keflavík Airport to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

This was my biggest concern with Robert’s entire itinerary.

Robert and his wife are scheduled to arrive at Keflavík International Airport around 6:00 AM after an overnight flight from the United States.

Their original plan is to pick up their rental car and drive all the way to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon area in Southeast Iceland.

That’s approximately five and a half hours of driving without stops, assuming normal conditions.

In January, I would not personally recommend doing this immediately after arriving on an overnight flight.

Why I Wouldn't Recommend This Drive on Arrival Day

First, there’s the issue of fatigue.

I’ve taken overnight flights between the United States and Iceland countless times. Even when you think you’ll sleep on the plane, it’s not always easy to get quality rest.

I’ve arrived in Iceland absolutely exhausted and needed to lie down by noon or 1:00 PM.

Now imagine adding several hours of driving to that experience!

There’s also the issue of daylight.

In early January, Iceland has only around four to five hours of daylight, depending on your location. That means a significant portion of this drive would take place in darkness.

Combine that with potentially icy roads, strong winds, snow, and unfamiliar driving conditions, and it becomes a much more challenging journey than it might appear on Google Maps.

Driving while extremely tired is dangerous, and it’s something I encourage everyone visiting Iceland to take seriously.

What I Recommended Instead

My preference would be for Robert and his wife to stop in Vík for their first night.

Vík is approximately two and a half to three hours from Keflavík Airport under normal driving conditions.

That would significantly reduce their first day’s driving time and give them an opportunity to rest.

Another option Robert mentioned was Kirkjubæjarklaustur, which is farther east than Vík but still short of Jökulsárlón.

We discussed these possibilities inside the Travel Club, and he explained that he and his wife travel frequently and feel comfortable with longer travel days.

Ultimately, it’s their vacation, and I respect that.

However, my recommendation remains to be flexible and willing to stop earlier if they’re tired or the weather isn’t cooperating.

For anyone planning their first day in Iceland, I generally recommend keeping things relatively relaxed.

You could explore Reykjavík, visit a geothermal lagoon, enjoy a local swimming pool, or simply settle into your accommodations.

There’s no need to exhaust yourself before your Iceland adventure has even begun!

My takeaway: Just because a driving route looks manageable on a map doesn’t mean it’s a good idea after an overnight flight, especially during winter.

Day 2: Exploring a Blue Ice Cave and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The reason Robert wants to reach Jökulsárlón on his first day becomes clear when you look at Day 2.

He has a blue ice cave tour scheduled for approximately 9:30 AM!

I completely understand why he wants to be nearby for this experience.

Exploring a natural blue ice cave is one of the most incredible activities you can do during winter in Iceland.

These caves are constantly changing, and the brilliant blue ice can be absolutely breathtaking.

Explore a guided Vatnajökull ice cave tour

One important thing to know is that natural ice caves should only be explored with qualified guides who understand current glacier conditions and provide the necessary safety equipment.

After the tour, Robert and his wife plan to explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach.

They’re also considering Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is another beautiful location in the area.

Personally, I find Jökulsárlón especially impressive, but if time and conditions allow, there’s nothing wrong with visiting both lagoons.

This is a wonderful day in their itinerary, assuming they arrive in the area safely and have enough energy to enjoy it.

Day 3: Vestrahorn, Stokksnes, and Driving Into East Iceland

On Day 3, Robert and his wife plan to visit Vestrahorn Mountain on the Stokksnes Peninsula before continuing toward Egilsstaðir in East Iceland.

Vestrahorn is one of my favorite places to photograph in Iceland.

The mountain is absolutely spectacular, especially when the conditions allow it to reflect on the wet black sand.

I’ve spent hours photographing this area, and some of the images look almost unreal.

However, I encouraged Robert to allow flexibility in his schedule.

He originally allocated around two hours to explore Stokksnes, but depending on the snow, wind, and walking conditions, he might need more time.

Be Careful Driving Into the Eastfjords in Winter

My bigger concern was the drive into East Iceland.

One route travelers sometimes encounter is Öxi, Road 939, which can shorten the journey during favorable conditions.

I would not recommend relying on this mountain road during January.

Instead, travelers should check the official road conditions and follow a suitable, open route.

Two websites I highly recommend are:

SafeTravel.is — Travel safety information and weather warnings.
Umferdin.is — Road conditions, closures, and traffic cameras.

Having a four-wheel-drive vehicle is helpful, but it doesn’t make unsafe roads safe.

If the weather prevents Robert from continuing east, I suggested spending more time around Höfn.

There are restaurants, a swimming pool, and indoor activities in the area, making it a good alternative to forcing a difficult drive.

Having a backup plan doesn’t mean your trip has gone badly. It means you planned well enough to adapt!

Day 4: Stuðlagil Canyon, Seyðisfjörður, and East Iceland

Robert has several beautiful places on his itinerary for Day 4, including Stuðlagil Canyon and Seyðisfjörður.

Stuðlagil is famous for its incredible basalt columns and striking blue-green river.

It’s a stunning location, but winter access can be challenging.

Snow, ice, and road conditions may prevent travelers from reaching certain viewpoints or safely exploring the canyon.

Seyðisfjörður is another fantastic destination, known for its colorful buildings, blue church, and rainbow-painted street.

However, reaching Seyðisfjörður from Egilsstaðir requires driving over Fjarðarheiði, a mountain pass that can experience significant snow, ice, fog, and temporary closures.

I’ve driven this route in May and still encountered snow!

I encouraged Robert to treat these stops as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed.

If Stuðlagil isn’t accessible, other possibilities include Hengifoss waterfall, when trail conditions are safe, or visiting the East Iceland reindeer park.

And if you’re lucky, you might even spot wild reindeer while driving through East Iceland during winter!

The key is to let the conditions determine what’s realistic.

Day 5: Exploring the Eastfjords and Returning Toward Jökulsárlón

On Day 5, Robert plans to begin traveling back toward Southeast Iceland.

Some travelers might question why he isn’t continuing around the Ring Road, but I actually like this decision.

Winter driving conditions can become increasingly complicated as you travel farther north, and there’s no reason to force a complete Ring Road adventure just because you have 15 days.

Along the way, Robert plans to visit Djúpivogur, where you can see the famous Eggin í Gleðivík outdoor sculptures.

He’s also interested in Nykurhylsfoss waterfall.

The name reminds me of the nykur, a mythical water horse from Icelandic folklore.

According to the stories, this creature might appear near water and lure unsuspecting people onto its back before dragging them into the depths.

A little spooky, right?

I’ve talked about Icelandic folklore on my podcast before, and it’s one of the many things that makes exploring this country so fascinating.

Why Backtracking Isn't Always a Bad Thing

One of the interesting things about returning along the same route is that Iceland’s scenery can change dramatically in a short period.

I remember visiting Diamond Beach on one trip and seeing relatively small pieces of ice scattered along the black sand.

When I returned approximately 24 hours later, there were enormous icebergs on the beach, some taller than me!

It was like seeing a completely different place.

So while Robert and his wife will be driving past some familiar locations, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll have the same experience twice.

Day 6: Svartifoss Waterfall and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

As Robert and his wife continue along the South Coast, they plan to explore Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

Svartifoss is particularly famous for the dramatic basalt columns surrounding the waterfall.

The hike generally takes around 45 minutes each way in favorable conditions, but winter can make it significantly slower.

Snow and ice may affect the trail, and I strongly recommend having appropriate traction equipment.

I personally use Yaktrax-style traction devices when exploring icy areas in Iceland.

They’ve helped me navigate some incredibly slippery conditions near waterfalls and on trails.

However, even with traction equipment, you should never assume that an icy trail is safe to hike.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is another beautiful stop, but access and viewpoints can also be affected by winter conditions.

I encouraged Robert to keep these stops flexible rather than feeling pressured to complete everything.

Day 7: Exploring Vík, Black Sand Beaches, and a Special Surprise

I really love this part of Robert’s itinerary because he and his wife are spending two nights in Vík.

That means they don’t have to pack up and move accommodations every morning.

Instead, they can settle in and explore the surrounding area at a more relaxed pace.

Some of the attractions on their list include Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey, and the Icelandic Lava Show.

Explore Icelandic Lava Show

The Lava Show is a particularly good activity to consider during winter because it’s indoors.

A Safety Reminder About Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches, but it’s also one of the most dangerous.

The beach is known for powerful sneaker waves that can rush much farther up the shore than visitors expect.

People have tragically lost their lives here.

Please pay attention to warning signs, keep a safe distance from the water, and never turn your back on the ocean.

A Romantic Horseback Riding Experience

Robert also planned a special surprise for his wife: horseback riding on a black sand beach!

I think this is such a lovely addition to their honeymoon.

Explore black sand beach horseback riding in South Iceland

It’s a wonderful way to experience Icelandic horses and the landscape together.

What I particularly appreciate about this day is the combination of indoor and outdoor activities.

With limited daylight in January, having that balance makes a lot of sense.

Day 8: South Coast Waterfalls — Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and More

Day 8 focuses on some of the South Coast’s most famous waterfalls.

Robert plans to visit Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, along with smaller attractions such as Kvernufoss and Gljúfrabúi.

These are all beautiful places, but winter conditions can make exploring them more difficult.

At Seljalandsfoss, for example, visitors can sometimes walk behind the waterfall during suitable conditions.

However, in winter, that path can become extremely icy or inaccessible.

I’ve personally seen people struggling to navigate thick ice near waterfalls because they weren’t wearing proper traction equipment.

Please don’t underestimate how slippery these places can become!

If you don’t want to purchase winter traction equipment or additional clothing for your trip, consider renting it.

[IcelandCover — INSERT YOUR RENTAL LINK AND DISCOUNT CODE]

This is another day where I would prioritize the main attractions and treat the smaller stops as bonuses.

Want Me to Review Your Iceland Itinerary Too?

We’re about halfway through Robert’s itinerary, and this is a great example of why I created the All Things Iceland Travel Club.

Planning a trip to Iceland can be overwhelming.

You might have dozens of saved Instagram posts, Google Maps pins, and activities you’re excited about. But figuring out the best order to visit everything, how long to drive, and what’s realistic for the season is a completely different challenge.

Sometimes you just want to ask someone who actually lives in Iceland!

That’s where I come in.

Inside the All Things Iceland Travel Club, you get:

Direct access to me: I’m in the community daily answering questions, sharing advice, and helping members make decisions about their trips.
Monthly live Q&A sessions: Ask me your Iceland travel questions and get answers in real time.
Personalized itinerary reviews: Get feedback on your route, driving times, activities, and overall trip plans.
My Iceland Itinerary Blueprint: Learn how to build an itinerary that fits your travel style, priorities, and the season you’re visiting.
Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland: My comprehensive travel-planning course with eight modules and more than 12 hours of content, coming to the club.
Packing checklists and discount codes: Helpful resources to prepare for your adventure and save money.
A community of Iceland travelers: Connect with people planning their first visit and others who have visited Iceland many times.

Robert is one of the members who received a personalized itinerary review.

In his case, I provided approximately 20 pages of written feedback, including recommendations for each day, alternative activities, and suggestions to make his trip more manageable.

My goal is for members to feel seen, heard, and helped.

I moved to Iceland from the United States in 2016, and even after all these years, I still love exploring this country and sharing what I’ve learned.

I want you to feel like you have a friend here in Iceland who can help you plan.

The first 50 Travel Club members are guaranteed a free personalized itinerary review from me, normally valued at $99.

Join the All Things Iceland Travel Club

Day 9: Exploring Iceland's Golden Circle

On Day 9, Robert and his wife plan to explore the famous Golden Circle.

Their itinerary includes Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Kerið volcanic crater, Faxi waterfall, and Brúarfoss.

When I first looked at the order of his stops, I wondered whether he should rearrange them.

However, after considering the location of his accommodations and the limited daylight, I understood why he planned the route that way.

Sometimes a route that looks inefficient on a map actually makes sense when you consider sunrise, sunset, and where you’re staying.

Brúarfoss vs. Faxi Waterfall

One suggestion I made was to prioritize Brúarfoss over Faxi if they’re running short on daylight.

Both waterfalls are beautiful, but personally, I find Brúarfoss especially spectacular.

The vibrant blue color of the water is absolutely stunning!

[INSERT PHOTO: Brúarfoss waterfall]

Adding a Geothermal Lagoon

I also suggested considering a geothermal bathing experience in the evening.

Some options in the Golden Circle area include Laugarás Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana, and the Secret Lagoon.

Explore Laugarvatn Fontana

Explore Secret Lagoon tickets

One reason I particularly like Laugarás Lagoon and Laugarvatn Fontana is that they also have food available.

Laugarás has a full restaurant, while Laugarvatn Fontana offers more casual options.

Since geothermal bathing doesn’t require daylight, it can be a great evening activity during winter.

That said, Robert and his wife already have a hot tub at their accommodations, so they certainly don’t need to add another lagoon unless they want to.

Day 10: Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier and Driving to Snæfellsnes

On Day 10, Robert and his wife plan to visit the Geysir geothermal area before heading out on a snowmobiling adventure on Langjökull Glacier.

Explore Langjökull snowmobiling tours from Geysir

I think snowmobiling on a glacier is an exciting addition to their itinerary.

However, I did have one concern.

After spending several hours on the glacier, they’re planning to drive approximately three hours or more to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

That’s quite a lot for one day in winter.

Even though snowmobiling might not involve much walking, being outside in the cold, wearing heavy equipment, and participating in an adrenaline-filled activity can be surprisingly tiring.

I encouraged Robert to allow extra time for the drive and take breaks whenever necessary.

The important thing is not to underestimate fatigue, especially when driving in winter conditions.

Day 11: Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often described as Iceland in miniature because it has so many different landscapes within one relatively compact region.

You’ll find black sand beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, lava fields, mountains, and even a glacier.

Robert’s itinerary includes Kirkjufell Mountain, Saxhóll Crater, Djúpalónssandur Beach, Arnarstapi, and Lóndrangar.

I also suggested adding Búðakirkja, the famous black church, if time allows.

I love exploring Snæfellsnes, but winter conditions can affect access to certain attractions.

I remember visiting Djúpalónssandur with my mom in January when the snow was so deep that it reached our knees.

We tried to walk down toward the beach but quickly realized it wasn’t worth the risk.

And that’s exactly the kind of decision you sometimes have to make when exploring Iceland.

Even if the weather is beautiful on the day you’re visiting, snow from previous storms can still make certain areas inaccessible.

Days 12 and 13: West Iceland, Krauma, and a Relaxing Glass Lodge Stay

These might be two of my favorite days in Robert’s itinerary!

On Day 12, Robert and his wife plan to explore West Iceland, including Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

They’re also visiting Deildartunguhver, one of Iceland’s most powerful hot springs.

The geothermal water from this area is used to heat homes and provide hot water in parts of West Iceland.

Nearby is Krauma, a geothermal spa that I personally love.

Explore Krauma Geothermal Baths tickets

The facilities are lovely, and I’ve really enjoyed the food there as well.

Staying in a Glass Lodge

After exploring West Iceland, Robert and his wife are heading to a glass lodge for a special part of their honeymoon.

I’ve stayed at a glass lodge in this area before, and it was absolutely beautiful.

Imagine lying in bed beneath a glass ceiling, looking up at the stars or potentially watching the northern lights dance across the sky!

The Glass Lodge I have stayed in.

These accommodations are definitely a splurge, but for a special occasion like a honeymoon, I can understand why someone would want to include the experience.

Day 13: Doing Absolutely Nothing!

When I first reviewed Robert’s itinerary, I noticed that Day 13 had no activities planned.

I asked him about it, and he confirmed that this was intentional.

They’re planning to spend the entire day relaxing at the lodge!

And I love that for them.

They can enjoy the hot tub, sauna, beautiful scenery, and simply spend time together.

After so many days of exploring Iceland, having a full day to relax sounds fantastic.

I suggested picking up groceries before arriving so they wouldn’t have to leave the property unnecessarily.

If they do feel like venturing out, I also recommended the Settlement Center in Borgarnes.

It’s one of my favorite museums in West Iceland, particularly because of the fascinating storytelling and exhibitions about Icelandic history and sagas.

But this is completely optional.

Sometimes the best thing on your itinerary is absolutely nothing!

Days 14 and 15: Exploring Reykjavík and Visiting Sky Lagoon

For the final two full days of their trip, Robert and his wife are exploring Reykjavík.

I think this is a great way to finish their Iceland adventure.

Day 14: Downtown Reykjavík

Their plans include some of the capital’s most recognizable attractions, such as Hallgrímskirkja Church, Rainbow Street on Skólavörðustígur, Austurvöllur Square, the Icelandic Parliament area, and the Old Harbour.

Reykjavík is a wonderful city to explore on foot, although I recommend being careful on icy sidewalks during winter.

I also suggested considering a guided food walking tour.

It’s a great way to sample Icelandic food while learning about the city and getting your bearings.

Explore Reykjavík food walking tours

Some of my favorite bakeries include Deig, Brauð & Co., and Sandholt.

For restaurants, I recommended places such as KOL, Kopar, and Sumac.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, Reykjavík also has plenty of indoor attractions.

Some options include the Lava Show, FlyOver Iceland, Volcano Express, and the city’s many museums.

Explore Reykjavík Lava Show tickets

Day 15: Perlan, the National Museum, and Sky Lagoon

For their last full day in Iceland, Robert and his wife plan to visit Perlan, the National Museum of Iceland, and Sky Lagoon.

These are all excellent choices!

Perlan is especially interesting because it combines exhibits about Icelandic nature with interactive experiences, including a man-made ice cave.

It’s a wonderful place to learn about glaciers, volcanoes, and Iceland’s natural environment.

Explore Perlan tickets

The National Museum of Iceland is another great option for anyone interested in the country’s history and culture.

However, both museums can take a considerable amount of time if you want to explore everything.

Since Robert and his wife already have Sky Lagoon booked for the afternoon, I suggested prioritizing the exhibits they’re most interested in.

Explore Sky Lagoon

Finishing their Iceland adventure with a relaxing geothermal bathing experience sounds pretty wonderful to me!

My Overall Thoughts on This 15-Day Winter Iceland Itinerary

I genuinely enjoyed reviewing Robert’s itinerary.

He clearly put an enormous amount of thought into planning this trip, and I appreciate how he considered driving times, daylight, sightseeing, and relaxation.

I especially liked that he included multiple-night stays, allowed extra driving time, and didn’t feel obligated to complete the entire Ring Road in January.

My biggest concern remains that first-day drive from Keflavík Airport to Jökulsárlón.

That’s a very demanding journey immediately after an overnight flight, particularly during winter.

I also encouraged him to be flexible when visiting East Iceland, allow additional time after snowmobiling, and be willing to skip certain attractions if the conditions aren’t favorable.

But overall, I think he and his wife have planned a really special adventure.

What You Can Learn From Robert's Itinerary

There are a few lessons I hope you’ll take away when planning your own Iceland trip.

1. Don’t underestimate your arrival day. Give yourself time to recover from traveling, especially if you’re arriving after an overnight flight.

2. Plan around daylight. Winter days in Iceland are short, and outdoor sightseeing needs to be prioritized accordingly.

3. Build flexibility into your schedule. Weather and road conditions can change quickly, so always have backup options.

4. Don’t feel obligated to drive the entire Ring Road. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on fewer regions and exploring them more thoroughly.

5. Mix active days with relaxing experiences. Your trip doesn’t need to be packed with sightseeing every single day.

6. Remember that there’s no perfect Iceland itinerary. The best trip is one that reflects your interests, travel style, and comfort level.

That’s something I really want to emphasize.

My goal when reviewing someone’s itinerary isn’t to make them travel exactly the way I would.

It’s to help them experience Iceland the way they want while making their plans as realistic, safe, and enjoyable as possible.

Maybe you love busy sightseeing days. Maybe you’d rather spend several nights in one location. Or perhaps you’re more interested in food, history, small towns, and local culture than famous attractions.

All of those are valid ways to experience Iceland!

I want to give a huge thank you to Robert and his wife for allowing me to share their itinerary and my recommendations.

I truly hope they have an unforgettable belated honeymoon in Iceland!

Want Personalized Help Planning Your Iceland Trip?

If you’ve been putting together your Iceland itinerary and wondering whether your plans are realistic, I’d love to help you.

Inside my All Things Iceland Travel Club, you’ll have direct access to me, monthly live Q&A sessions, helpful planning resources, and a community of fellow Iceland travelers.

And if you’re among the first 50 people to join, you’ll receive a free personalized itinerary review from me, normally valued at $99.

Whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time or returning for another adventure, my goal is to help you plan with confidence and make incredible memories.

Join the All Things Iceland Travel Club

I look forward to helping you plan your Iceland adventure!

Note: Some activity links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you.

The post An Incredible 15-Day Winter Adventure in Iceland – Itinerary Review appeared first on All Things Iceland.

itinerary review Archives - All Things Iceland