Iceland has been a beloved destination among travelers for years, and I completely understand why: much of it remains untouched, and the landscape is unlike anything else you’ll find in Europe. It’s almost otherworldly, so beautiful. Most people visit this northern island during the summer months. It’s never truly warm, but you do have a chance to enjoy some lovely sunshine. This makes Iceland especially remarkable in winter; calm, undiscovered, and untouched in its winter coat. I traveled there on a Tuesday in March and returned on Saturday. Here’s what Iceland looks like then.
How to Plan the Ultimate Midweek in Iceland
→ Tip: You can easily book a midweek in Iceland through Voigt.
→ Need a car? Rent one through EasyTerra.
How to Get There: Fly to Akureyri
To reach Iceland in winter, you can choose the travel agency Voigt Travel. They specialize in Northern Europe and have made a significant commitment to winter Iceland. There are few to no competitors heading that way in the colder months. With them, you can fly directly from Amsterdam to Akureyri, in the north of the country. The flight only takes about 3 hours, and you land early in the morning on Icelandic soil, so you can set off immediately. Each day here is an adventure.
→ Book right away: Book your midweek in Iceland through Voigt.
→ Pick up your rental car at the airport: A car can easily be rented through EasyTerra.
Things to Do in Iceland During Your Midweek
Discover which must-do activities you don’t want to miss during your midweek in Iceland:
1. Explore the Coastline
I love having rental cars at a destination because they give you extra freedom to go wherever you want. Logically, a rental car was also ready for us this time (if you need to arrange it yourself, do so through EasyTerra). From Akureyri, we made our first kilometers to Sauðárkrókur, a small village located in a kind of fjord. The route there, through a valley, is already magical. We’re immediately immersed in the winter vibe that is often missing in the Netherlands! In Sauðárkrókur, you can admire your first black beach, but don’t forget to visit the museum ‘1238 The Battle of Iceland.’ Here, you’ll learn a lot about the battle for Iceland, and they have a VR experience where you can even take part in the fight yourself. They also have a small lunch and tea room to warm up, and we stopped by the local bakery down the street for a tasty snack.
From there, you can continue along the coast headed east on ‘Route 79,’ part of the Arctic Coast Way. Your next stop could be Siglufjörður, for a visit to the herring museum. And I can hear you thinking, “What would I do in a herring museum?!” I thought so too at first, but it’s genuinely an interesting museum when you go through it with a guide! Herring was incredibly important for this part of Iceland, and they even have a whole shed dedicated to how the harbors used to look. It’s almost as if you’re walking around it yourself.
→ Tip: Want a special place to stay in winter Iceland? Check out these cool cabins!
2. Whale Watching in Iceland
The last thing you want to experience on the Icelandic coast is, of course, whale watching. In the winter months, whales swim deeper into the fjords; you don’t even need to sail far to catch a glimpse of these magical creatures. This is often done without sonar equipment. Just with our own senses! Boats for this depart from Hauganes or Akureyri, and you can book them in advance. Make sure to dress warmly, as you will be standing still on the boat, and temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, especially with a breeze!
3. The Interior of Mývatn
After this beautiful loop along the water, it’s time for the interior. Here you’ll find a different kind of magic – namely that of volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls. So set your navigation for Mývatn!
On the way from Akureyri to Mývatn, keep your eyes open. You will encounter the Goðafoss waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in the country, and you don’t even need to detour for it. You can park your car for free and view the rushing water from various viewpoints. In winter, it’s particularly special as it is surrounded by ice in many forms. Just don’t forget to bring spikes for under your shoes, as it can be slippery!
After about an hour’s drive from Akureyri, you approach the Mývatn area. It gets its name from the centrally located Mývatn lake, and you can definitely spend a few days here to immerse yourself in Icelandic beauty.
→ Read also: Godafoss, the waterfall in Iceland you want to see.
→ Read also: This is everything you want to do in Mývatn.
4. Visit Dimmuborgir
This is a nature reserve with unique rock formations, formed from solidified lava that came to light about 3000 years ago. They have the most extraordinary shapes, and it almost feels like you are walking through ruins. Don’t forget your spikes as the paths are not flat.
5. Soaking in Mývatn Nature Baths
A relaxing experience in a true hot spring cannot be missed! At Mývatn Nature Baths, you look out over the otherworldly surroundings while treating your skin with the minerals in the water. Swimwear is mandatory. Keep in mind that it is not quite comparable to a wellness center in the Netherlands – you’ll be spending about 1.5 to 2 hours here.
6. Hiking at Skútustaðagígar
This piece of nature is one of the first encounters as you drive into Mývatn. It is a group of craters where you can hike and see this phenomenon up close.
7. Hverir
This is an area where volcanic activity is literally bubbling. For a small fee, you can park your car here and hike a bit to see the living landscape with your own eyes. The solfataras field is colorful and amazing to see. However, the sulfur smell is quite strong here, so keep your nose covered!
8. Climbing Hverfjall Crater
This is genuinely a must! The Hverfjall crater stands about 400 meters high and is excellent for a beautiful hike. You will need to climb up gradually, which is steep yet gradual. Once at the top, if the weather permits, you can walk around the ‘ring’ of the crater. In full winter, you may be able to walk just a small portion. How many chances will you get to do that?! In the winter months, the contrast between the snow and the black lava landscape is extra magical. This is what people mean when they say Iceland is otherworldly… It could easily be another planet.
→ Tip: Take this hike during sunrise! You can book this excursion directly when you book with Voigt Travel.
9. Stay in One of the Nice Hotels in Mývatn
- Vogafjós Farm Hotel: Stay with the dairy farmer! They even have a fantastic restaurant with large windows, so you might spot the northern lights. My favorite!
- Berjaya Mývatn: A trendy, more affordable hotel with a cool vibe.
- Fosshotel Mývatn: For those seeking luxury and comfort. The hotel consists of natural elements both inside and out.
Feeling Inspired to Take a Midweek Trip to Iceland?
My conclusion is clear: even though I’m a summer person, Iceland in winter is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! So quickly book your trip to Iceland with Voigt Travel.
→ Want to arrange your own trip? Rent a car via EasyTerra.
Want to Read More?
Check out these articles:
- Nature in Iceland: The 15 Most Beautiful Places You Must See
- 10 Attractions You Must See in North Iceland
- These 20 Photos Prove That You Must Go to Iceland Quickly
- Godafoss, the Waterfall in Iceland You Must See
Ready to Plan a Trip?
Useful links:
- Ticket deals to Iceland
- Plan your winter trip to Iceland with Voigt Travel
- The coolest hotels in Iceland
→ View all articles about Iceland here.
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