Iceland has plenty to offer all year-round, but if there’s one holiday worth planning a trip around, it’s New Year’s Eve. Check out this self-drive itinerary idea that starts with Reykjavik’s famous year-end festivities and continues with a week of the winter activities Iceland is known for.
Icelanders hold New Year’s Eve in the highest regard, and their infectious enthusiasm for celebration has transformed Reykjavik into a truly vibrant and captivating destination to welcome the arrival of the new year. The city pulsates with energy as massive bonfires ignite throughout the neighborhoods, casting a warm glow against the winter darkness. As midnight approaches, the sky erupts in a breathtaking fireworks display, painting the heavens with vibrant colors and dazzling patterns. This spectacular holiday is not merely a celebration; it’s the grandest party of the year for both Icelanders and the countless visitors who flock to witness this unforgettable spectacle.
But the New Year’s celebration is just the beginning. It presents the perfect opportunity to embark on a week-long adventure and discover the enchanting winter wonderland that the “land of fire and ice” magically transforms into during the colder months. Imagine yourself gliding through pristine snow-covered landscapes on a thrilling dogsledding excursion. Or perhaps you’d prefer the challenge of glacier hiking, where you can traverse the icy expanse and marvel at the sheer power of nature. The experience of touring ice caves, with their ethereal blue hues, is simply awe-inspiring. The list of seasonal activities is seemingly endless, each one offering a unique and unforgettable experience. And all of this is set against the backdrop of Iceland’s stunning, snow-draped scenery, a panorama of natural beauty that will accompany you on every step of your journey.
As night descends, be sure to turn your gaze towards the heavens, where the mesmerizing Northern Lights often dance across the sky, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable spectacle. While you may need to venture slightly outside of Reykjavik to find the best viewing spots, many lucky locals have even witnessed this celestial phenomenon from the heart of the downtown area when the sky is exceptionally clear and the aurora activity is particularly strong. Here’s a pro tip: download a reliable Aurora app, which constantly monitors real-time aurora activity and sends you timely alerts whenever there’s a significant chance of witnessing this elusive and captivating display.
**Day 1: Immersing Yourself in New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik**
To make the most of your New Year’s Eve adventure, plan to arrive at Keflavik Airport in the morning of December 31st and promptly pick up your pre-booked rental car. The scenic drive to the city center of Reykjavik typically takes around 45 minutes, allowing you to soak in the surrounding landscapes. If you’re planning on staying in a hotel, it’s crucial to book your room well in advance – this is undeniably the most popular time of year to be in Reykjavik, so don’t delay in securing your accommodation.
It’s worth remembering that days are significantly shorter during the winter months in Iceland. The sun won’t grace the horizon until after 11 am, and it will begin its descent a little before 4 pm, leaving you with approximately four hours of daylight. However, fear not, as Reykjavik boasts a compact and incredibly walkable downtown area, ensuring that navigating between attractions is swift and convenient. Embark on a leisurely stroll along one of the two main shopping streets, the vibrant Laugavegur Street and the charming Skolavordustigur, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Continue your exploration until you reach the picturesque Lake Tjornin, which often freezes over in winter, transforming into a delightful ice-skating rink, a popular pastime among locals. Of course, your visit wouldn’t be complete without admiring the architectural marvel of Harpa Concert Hall, the futuristic building that stands as the epicenter of the town’s cultural life. And just a short five-minute walk from the Hall, overlooking the harbor, awaits the Sun Voyager sculpture, a captivating work of art.
The New Year’s Eve festivities truly commence around 8:30 pm, with the lighting of the magnificent bonfires. In 2016, a remarkable ten bonfires blazed across the city, and they tend to be held at the same locations each year. Don’t hesitate to ask a friendly local or your hotel receptionist for recommendations, but the bonfire at Ægissíða beach, situated west of the city center, is consistently a popular choice, drawing crowds of revelers.
Don’t be alarmed if the city seems to quiet down between 10 pm and 11:30 pm – the celebrations are merely taking a brief pause. Icelanders traditionally retreat to their homes to watch a beloved comedy show on television, resulting in temporarily quieter streets. But as soon as the show concludes, the streets explode with renewed energy as people pour out and the party truly begins. The square in front of Hallgrimskirkja Church is an ideal spot to witness the breathtaking fireworks display, as the sky above erupts in a symphony of light and color.
For an alternative perspective, you can also opt for a captivating boat tour that lasts approximately an hour and a half, granting you a front-row seat and unobstructed views of the dazzling firework display, as it reflects upon the still waters.
**Day 2: Discover the Majesty of Glacier Hiking**
If you find yourself energized and not overly fatigued from the previous night’s celebrations, seize the opportunity to venture to Sólheimajökull glacier, nestled in the South, approximately a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. As one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland, it has become a sought-after destination for hikers and adventure enthusiasts. Gravel road number 221 will guide you from Route 1 to the Sólheimajökull parking lot, which serves as the central meeting point for most guided tours.
While all tour companies provide essential ice-walking equipment, it’s imperative that you bring waterproof pants, a sturdy jacket, and a reliable pair of hiking shoes to ensure your comfort and safety on the glacier. Prepare to be mesmerized by the frozen field of ice formations and the otherworldly vistas that stretch before you. However, remember to always adhere to your guide’s instructions and never wander off on your own. Glaciers possess numerous hidden crevasses that can pose significant risks. Plan to dedicate approximately two hours to exploring the glacier, and if you choose to incorporate ice-climbing into your adventure, it will add an additional hour to your overall time.
**Day 3: Experience the Magic of Horseback Riding in the Snow**
Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a complete novice, horseback riding in the snow is an absolute must-do activity in Iceland. The origins of the Icelandic horse can be traced back to the Viking era, and today, there are an estimated 80,000 horses residing within the country.
Many of these horses reside on farms, with a significant number located in the vicinity of Reykjavik, and these farms graciously open their doors to the public. Numerous companies even offer convenient pick-up services from your hotel, streamlining the process. If you prefer to drive yourself, the journey to the farm should take no more than half an hour to an hour, depending on the specific farm you’ve chosen.
Upon arrival, prepare to spend approximately 90 minutes riding through the breathtaking wintry scenery of the Reykjanes peninsula, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Icelandic landscape. You’ll also have the invaluable opportunity to learn more about this unique breed of horse and its rich history. As with any winter tour, wearing warm socks and waterproof clothing is essential, as the winds tend to be particularly strong during this time of year.
**Day 4: Embark on a Super Jeep Tour to Landmannalaugar**
With its rugged and often inaccessible terrain, especially during the winter months, Iceland is the ultimate destination for thrill-seeking travelers. One such region that beckons exploration is Landmannalaugar, nestled within the Icelandic Highlands in the south. This captivating area is renowned for its vibrantly-hued rhyolite hills, inviting hot springs, and dramatic volcanic landscape.
Traverse this remote region in a specially-modified super jeep, expertly designed to conquer the harsh wintry terrain with ease. This specialized vehicle grants you access to places and sights that would be unattainable in a conventional vehicle. And remember to pack your bathing suit, as there’s truly nothing quite like immersing yourself in a naturally-heated geothermal spring, surrounded by a pristine snow-covered field. Most tours commence at a designated meeting point in the vicinity of Hella and Hvolsvollur, charming small towns situated approximately an hour to an hour and a half drive along the main Route 1 road from Reykjavik.
**Day 5: Glide Through the Countryside on a Dogsledding Adventure**
There’s a compelling reason why dogsledding tours consistently sell out months in advance – it’s an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to witness the country’s beauty from a completely unique perspective. Prepare to spend approximately an hour racing through the Icelandic countryside on a sled pulled by a team of friendly and energetic huskies. You’ll even have the chance to meet and cuddle these adorable canines after the exhilarating ride. Remember to bring warm clothing, sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare of the snow, and of course, your camera to capture these unforgettable moments.
The most popular dog sledding farm is Hólmasel, conveniently located about an hour and a half south of Reykjavik, making it an ideal option if you also plan to visit some of Iceland’s renowned and breathtaking sights along the South Coast.
**Day 6: Experience the Thrill of a Snowmobiling Glacier Tour**
While many visitors only admire Iceland’s glaciers from a distance, if you’re seeking to inject your vacation with an exhilarating dose of adrenaline, consider booking a snowmobile tour. These tours typically last between two and three hours and take place on the largest glaciers in the country, situated along the south coast: Vatnajökull, Langjökull, or Mýrdalsjökull. The Langjökull tours generally depart from Gullfoss, located approximately an hour and a half northeast of the capital.
Mýrdalsjökull presents an especially exciting option due to the sweeping panoramic views of the south coast that you can enjoy from the summit of its icecap. It is conveniently located near the charming small town of Vik, approximately a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. If you’re planning to join an ice cave tour the following day, consider staying overnight in Vik, as it will significantly reduce your travel time to the meeting point the next morning.
**Day 7: Discover the Enchanting World of Ice Cave Exploration**
People often describe Iceland’s landscape as “otherworldly,” and nothing embodies this sentiment more profoundly than its mesmerizing ice caves. These natural wonders are formed within glaciers during the winter months, as melting water freezes within the ice. The resulting formations are caves of varying sizes, adorned with icy walls in shades of blue and black (the black coloration is actually volcanic residue), creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
Most tours take place in Vatnajökull glacier, approximately a four-hour drive from Reykjavik if you didn’t choose to stay in the quaint fishing town of Vik the night before – which is highly recommended, given the limited daylight hours during the winter months. After your captivating adventure, you can either head back to Reykjavik or spend another night enjoying the ambiance of Vik before returning to the capital for your departure flight home.
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