Winter walking in Iceland
A Winter Tale in Iceland
- 8 Days
- From 7,845
- Iceland
- Moderate
Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.
Highlights
- Breathtaking Winter Landscapes: Explore Iceland's stark beauty with winter walks through frozen waterfalls and sweeping arctic vistas. Snow and ice create a magical atmosphere that's simply unforgettable.
- Dog Sledding Adventure: Experience the thrill of a dog sledding tour with Siberian Huskies at the Heiði farm. Share a wooden sled with 8-10 energetic Huskies as they pull you through Icelandic snowfields, followed by a chance to play with the friendly dogs and learn about this traditional activity.
- Northern Lights: Marvel at the stunning Northern Lights as they illuminate the winter sky in vibrant colours. It's a breathtaking natural spectacle and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Lofthellir Ice Cave Exploration: Venture inside a volcano to discover the Lofthellir Ice Cave, filled with centuries-old ice formations and incredible natural wonders.
Overview
As the days grow longer, join us on an enchanting winter journey through Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes. With snow and ice sculpting the terrain into a winter wonderland, the beauty of this season is simply magical. Walk with us through frozen waterfalls and vast sweeping landscapes, bathed in the soft light of winter.
A highlight of this adventure is an exhilarating dog sledding tour through the snow-covered Icelandic countryside. You’ll visit the Heiði farm, home to the Siberian Husky Kennel, where you’ll be greeted by an enthusiastic team of sled dogs. Alongside a musher and another guest, you’ll ride a wooden sled pulled by 8-10 Siberian Huskies along a scenic 6-10 km trail. The journey takes around 45-70 minutes, complete with picturesque stops to soak in the stunning snowcapes. Afterward, you’ll have the chance to meet and play with some of the friendliest dogs in the country while learning about the art of dog-sledding and the remarkable Siberian Huskies.
During this trip, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights dancing across the winter sky. In Mývatn, snowmobiling is a popular way to navigate the Arctic wilderness, and the locals will eagerly share their passion for this thrilling winter activity with you. You’ll zip across snow-covered plains as snowmobiling is not just a pastime here, but a way of life.
For the adventurous, we offer an exploration of the Lofthellir Ice Cave, a natural marvel nestled inside a volcano. This permafrost ice cave, hidden within a lava tunnel, boasts stunning ice formations that have developed over centuries. Departing from our hotel, the journey to Lofthellir takes us along rugged tracks, showcasing Iceland’s impressive volcanic landscapes, including the Hverfjall volcano and the Lúdentarborgir crater row.
Our winter walks will take you deep into Iceland’s striking landscapes. Equipped with snowshoes, overalls, hiking poles, and spikes, you’ll be prepared for an invigorating hike in the winter wilderness. And, of course, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a hunt for the elusive Northern Lights. Thanks to the unique magnetic conditions around the poles, the night sky can burst into vibrant displays of green, purple, pink, and even red. These moments are truly unforgettable and are sure to be a highlight of your adventure.
A visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths is another must during this winter escape. While we’ve enjoyed these soothing baths during the summer, winter adds an extra layer of charm. Opened in 2004, this beautifully designed complex offers an authentic Icelandic experience. Immerse yourself in clouds of steam rising from deep within the earth, and indulge in a luxurious bath in the mineral-rich geothermal waters. The warm, soothing water, sourced from depths of up to 2,500 metres, is known to nourish both the skin and spirit.
For a relaxing break, we’ll also visit Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum, located at the farm Ytri-Neslönd beside Lake Mývatn. Housing Iceland’s largest private bird collection, the museum was founded to continue the pioneering work of Sigurgeir Stefansson. It’s a perfect retreat on a day when the weather turns unfavourable.
Iceland in winter offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Depending on weather conditions, we have plenty of additional activities on offer to ensure your experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Hotels & Cuisine
During our seven-night stay at a charming hotel nestled on the shores of Lake Mývatn, we are immersed in nature’s tranquillity. The hotel, with its unique grass-roof design, seamlessly blends into the landscape, ensuring that nothing distracts from the stunning views of the serene lake and the meandering Laxá River. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking – a perfect blend of Icelandic beauty and peaceful seclusion. Each day begins and ends with panoramic views, where the natural world feels just within reach.
The hotel’s restaurant is a highlight of the stay, offering a fine dining experience that mirrors the purity of the landscape. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the chefs craft an array of delectable dishes that celebrate the rich Icelandic culinary heritage. As we savour every bite, we are treated to uninterrupted views of Lake Mývatn, with its shifting light and vibrant wildlife. Whether enjoying breakfast or a candlelit dinner, the restaurant provides the perfect backdrop to our journey, where the beauty of the food and the surroundings come together in perfect harmony.
Transportation
Myvatn
Laxá Hótel
begins
18 March 2025
Akureyri, Iceland
ends