Introduction: Why North Iceland in winter?

Most winter travelers to Iceland keep to the Golden Circle or south coast. They’re easier, familiar, and full of famous names. But head north in winter and you’ll discover a more authentic side of Iceland: steaming geothermal baths in snowy lava fields, cozy fjord towns under the aurora, and landscapes where the Arctic light makes every moment feel otherworldly.

The north isn’t about rushing from sight to sight. It’s about slowing down, embracing short days, and planning carefully for safe winter driving. With limited daylight and colder conditions than the south, preparation is everything. That’s why choosing the right car and a rental company that truly has your back matters. At Zero Car Rental, you get zero excess insurance, gravel and ash protection, unlimited mileage, and roadside assistance included — so you can drive north with confidence.

This guide combines practical driving advice, safe winter routes, and unique experiences — an alternative to the usual winter trips in Iceland.

Winter weather in North Iceland

The weather in North Iceland is colder and snowier than in the south. According to North Iceland’s official site, December temperatures average between -3°C and 3°C, with heavy snowfall and icy stretches on the roads. Daylight is limited to just 3–4 hours, so you’ll need to plan short drives and avoid long detours.

The upside? The long nights create perfect conditions for northern lights hunting. Snow-covered landscapes also add a magical glow, especially around Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.

For month-by-month breakdowns, check this practical Iceland weather guide.

Driving in North Iceland in winter: what to expect

Roads and safety

The Ring Road (Route 1) is generally kept open year-round, but mountain passes and secondary routes may close due to snow. Always check road.is for conditions before setting out. Icy stretches are common, especially around fjords.

For practical safety tips, Zero has a full blog on navigating Iceland’s weather.

Daylight hours

In December, you’ll have just a few hours of usable daylight. By February, the light stretches to 7–8 hours, making longer trips possible. Use the short days to focus on quality experiences close together rather than rushing across distances.

Car choice

A winter-ready 4x4 is strongly recommended:

• Dacia Duster for budget travelers
• Toyota RAV4 or Kia Sportage for comfort and automatic transmission
• Toyota Land Cruiser for families, groups, or those wanting maximum safety

For help picking, see Zero’s winter car rental guide.

Alternative winter road trips in North Iceland

1. Reykjavík to Akureyri – the winter road north

The journey north from Reykjavík to Akureyri takes about five hours in good conditions, but in winter it’s best to break it into stages. Leaving Reykjavík, you’ll soon enter Borgarfjörður where you can stop at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. In the cold season, the cascades often freeze into shimmering icicles that look otherworldly.

Overnight in Borgarnes or Reykholt for a relaxing first day. This gives you time to ease into winter driving while enjoying hot pools and small-town Icelandic hospitality.

On day two, continue north on the Ring Road. Blönduós is a practical stop for fuel, food, and a short stroll by the glacial river. Soon after, the dramatic Öxnadalsheiði mountain pass delivers sweeping snowy views before dropping you into Akureyri. Known as the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri rewards you with cozy cafés, a botanical garden blanketed in snow, and skiing at Hlíðarfjall. It’s a laid-back, authentic winter base.

2. Lake Mývatn – volcanic wonderland under snow

Just 1.5 hours from Akureyri, Lake Mývatn is like stepping onto another planet in winter. The landscape is dotted with volcanic craters and lava fields, all softened by fresh snow.

Your first stop should be the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can sink into milky-blue geothermal waters while watching steam rise into the frosty air. Many visitors say this experience rivals the Blue Lagoon but with fewer people and a wilder setting.

Nearby, Dimmuborgir lava fields offer an eerie hike among frozen formations — folklore says this is the home of Iceland’s Yule Lads. For something more dramatic, head to Hverir geothermal area, where boiling mud pots and steaming vents contrast starkly with the frozen ground.

When the short day ends, stay put. The dark skies around Mývatn make it one of Iceland’s best northern lights hunting grounds (see Zero’s northern lights guide).

3. Húsavík – whales and geothermal infinity pools

One hour from Mývatn lies Húsavík, a small fishing town with a big claim to fame: whale watching. Even in winter, boats head out to spot humpback whales and, with luck, orcas. The experience is quieter than in summer, with snow-dusted mountains as your backdrop.

Afterwards, warm up at Geosea Geothermal Baths. This oceanside infinity pool blends naturally heated seawater with Arctic views. As you soak, you might even glimpse seabirds or the glow of the northern lights above the fjord. This mix of adventure and relaxation is uniquely North Iceland.

4. Siglufjörður – the herring town in the snow

A 1.5-hour drive from Akureyri, Siglufjörður is tucked between steep mountains and the sea. Reached by dramatic tunnels, this former herring capital now charms visitors with its colorful houses and tranquil pace.

Visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum to learn how this small town once fueled Iceland’s economy. In winter, the surrounding mountains transform into a playground for skiing and snow sports, while the harborfront cafés invite you to slow down with a hot drink.

Siglufjörður feels like a hidden gem — a cozy winter retreat with genuine local charm.

5. Arctic Coast Way highlights

For those with extra days, consider sampling parts of the Arctic Coast Way, a 900 km route that traces the dramatic northern coastline. In winter, focus on sections near Akureyri for safety.

Drive to Dalvík, where you can combine skiing with whale watching, or explore the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, where jagged mountains plunge straight into the sea. These short drives offer some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery — and with winter’s low light, the landscapes often look like paintings. For trip planning, Visit North Iceland and this traveler’s guide are excellent resources.

5 days: Quick escape to the north

Day 1: Drive from Reykjavík to Borgarfjörður, stopping at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Overnight in Borgarnes or Reykholt to ease into winter driving and check out into the glacier if you have time and visibility
Day 2: Continue north along the Ring Road, crossing Öxnadalsheiði pass into Akureyri. Settle into town and enjoy its cozy cafés or evening ski slopes.
Day 3: Explore Akureyri in the morning, then take a short day trip to nearby Eyjafjörður villages or enjoy Hlíðarfjall ski resort. Overnight in Akureyri.
Day 4: Day trip to Lake Mývatn. Soak in the Nature Baths, explore Dimmuborgir, and hunt for northern lights at night. Go to Husavik.
Day 5: Drive back south at a relaxed pace, allowing time for scenic stops.

7 days: balanced north Iceland highlights

Day 1: Reykjavík to the Snæfellsnes peninsula and stay in Stykkisholmur.
Day 2: In the morning head north to Akureyri, stopping in Blönduós for a break. Evening stroll through Akureyri’s charming center.
Day 3: Full day in Akureyri. Visit museums, the botanical garden, or take a ski run or a bath in the Forest Lagoon
Day 4: Drive to Lake Mývatn. Visit the Nature Baths and nearby geothermal sites. Overnight near the lake.
Day 5: Explore Dimmuborgir and Hverir, then spend the evening chasing northern lights. Overnight again at Mývatn.
Day 6: Head to Húsavík for whale watching and Geosea Baths, or north to Siglufjörður for fjord scenery and the Herring Museum. Overnight in chosen town.
Day 7: Return south, enjoying the scenic valleys and fjords along the way.

10 days: south and north combined

Mix a short Golden Circle visit and south coast highlights (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara) with four focused days in the north around Akureyri, Mývatn, and either Húsavík or Siglufjörður. This itinerary blends Iceland’s most famous spots with quieter northern gems.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable trip north

• Check weather.is daily for storms and aurora forecasts
• Fuel up whenever you can — distances between stations are long
• Use offline maps in case of patchy signal
• Pack extra food and warm clothing in the car
• Plan around daylight — don’t try to squeeze in too much
• Travelers often find themselves surprised at how Iceland challenges expectations. For more insights, see Iceland’s biggest travel surprises.

Why choose Zero Car Rental for winter driving?

• Zero excess, zero deposit — no hidden fees, no stress
• Roadside assistance included — essential in remote regions
• 24/7 support at KEF and Reykjavík offices — staff always available
• Winter-ready fleet of 4x4s and SUVs
• Unlimited mileage — drive as far north as you like
• That’s why so many travelers say renting with Zero is the best decision.

Conclusion: Heading north in winter is well worth it

North Iceland in winter is not the obvious choice  and that’s exactly the point. With fewer crowds, authentic experiences, and landscapes at their most dramatic, it’s a region for travelers who want something beyond the usual.

Plan around daylight, drive safely with a proper 4x4, and rely on Zero Car’s all-inclusive support. You’ll find that heading north in the coldest months can become the warmest memory of your trip.