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Follow our itinerary for a winter expedition to Iceland. Experience frozen nature, explore ice caves and get a chance to see the Northern Lights live.
Unlock Learn moreIt is not for nothing that Iceland is called “the land of fire and ice”. And it’s its icy side that’s the focus of our new 5-day itinerary, which will see you explore the harsh and frozen landscape, venture into icy caves and have the chance to see the Northern Lights for yourself. Are you ready for a proper winter expedition?
During the 5 days we will explore especially the southern part of the island, see the capital, taste a great cinnamon snail and warm up in the geothermal baths, which you will appreciate in sub-zero temperatures.
See what it looked like during our winter expedition in February 2024.
During the winter months, only Icelandair flies direct from Prague to Iceland. Alternatively, you can travel with one change or from Berlin. We can recommend a flight from Berlin, from where the low-cost airline Play flies.
Europe
Icelandic airline Play is a new player in the field of cheap flights. In the season from April to October it also offers direct flights from Prague and year-round from Berlin.
Prague
Even in winter, the best way to get around Iceland is by car. However, it must be said that it is in winter that the weather can cause problems on the roads and driving in snow or blizzards is no exception. We therefore recommend driving to more experienced drivers.
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We start our journey through the winter landscape of Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where, in addition to active volcanoes, there is also Keflavik International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, we'll still make our way to the capital, Reykjavik.
If you land later in the afternoon or even at night and have not managed to pick up your car at one of the rental agencies (we recommend Blue Car Rental, where you can get a 5% discount on the entire rental when booking through Retkee), you can stay at one of the hotels around the airport.
Keflavík • $$
Modern hotel at a good price close to Keflavik airport with 24/7 reception.
However, this itinerary assumes that we have more time and therefore we will head straight from the international airport to Reykjavík.
50.5 km (47 mins)
Our first stop will be the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. It can be seen dozens of kilometres away. Yet the most interesting things you’ll find in its bowels. It’s a vantage point from which you can see in all directions and over the whole city and its surroundings.
Reykjavík
Official parking
Yes
Allowed
Parking directly at Hallgrímskirkja Church.
Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and one of the most important symbols of the country. It is located in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and is named after Hallgrimur Pétursson, an Icelandic cleric and poet. The church was built between 1945 and 1986 and is made of black basalt, which is typical of the Icelandic landscape.
Its design is inspired by Reynisdrangar, two cliffs located in the south of Iceland. The church is 74 metres high and is the tallest building in Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja is a popular tourist destination. The view in the church tower, where the elevator leads, is also great. There is no entrance fee to the church, but there is to this viewpoint. A ticket for one will cost 1 300 ISK (year 2023), which is slightly over 200 CZK. There is a beautiful view of the whole of Reykjavik, so the “investment” is definitely worth it.
With this extraordinary structure towering over virtually all of Reykjavík, it is a beautiful sight from many other places in the city, such as the famous Rainbow Street.
Just a few dozen metres next to the church is our favourite bakery in Iceland – Brauð & Co. A stop here is a must, their cinnamon snail is simply delicious. From the church we continue along the famous Rainbow Street towards the water.
0.3 km (3 mins)
Reykjavík • $$$
The famous bakery Brauð & Co, near the famous Hallgrimskirkja church, should not be missed by anyone who likes cinnamon snails and sweet pastries in general. It is a small shop where these golden snails are baked directly.
0.4 km (5 mins)
Rainbow Street is one of the main streets in the capital city of Reykjavík, Iceland. As you might guess, this is due to the painting of the roadway in rainbow colours, which took place in 2015 as a celebration of tolerance as part of the Pride festival. Pride in particular is a popular event in Iceland, and has been repeated annually since 1999. Rainbow Street is a beautiful street and area in general, not only because of the coloring of the road, but also the view of the majestic Hallgrímskirkja Church. There are also many shops and restaurants in the area.
Rainbow Street is not the only road painted in rainbow colours in Iceland. In the north of the island, in the town of Seyðisfjörður, there is a similar street leading to the local church.
Before we go any further, the first dilemma comes up. How hungry are you? Will a hot dog be enough or would you rather have something bigger? Depending on the state of your stomach, we’ll either head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, where former US President Bill Clinton had a hot dog, or to a modern foodhall.
0.5 km (6 mins)
Reykjavík • $
A small stand with the legendary hot dog, which was also visited by former US President Bill Clinton. We recommend the “full” version with mustard, ketchup and fried onions.
Reykjavík • $$$
A great foodhall that offers about 10 different options to eat – from pizza to burger to Asian cuisine. Plus, in a beautiful setting in a quiet part of Reykjavík.
0.6 km (8 mins)
Since we probably won’t be able to do much else on the first day after arrival, we will stop by the beautiful Harpa concert hall, which also offers a beautiful view of the sea. Then we head back to the car and head to our first accommodation.
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to do much on your first day in Reykjavík, don’t despair – we’ll be back on our last day, when we’ll be on a whale watching expedition. You will have a chance to visit these and other places at the end of our trip.
Harpa Concert Hall is a modern concert hall located in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. It is one of the most important architectural structures in Iceland and is a popular tourist destination. The hall was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and Icelandic architect Olafemurm Eliasson. It is made of coloured glass panels that create a unique and futuristic atmosphere. The concert hall is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and hosts many international concerts and performances.
Harpa’s location near Reykjavík harbour, just over a kilometre away from the city centre, makes it a must-see not only in Reykjavík, but in Iceland in general. It is a truly beautiful and photogenic building, whatever the weather.
We make a short stop on the way to the car. You can’t miss the Sun Voyager sculpture on your way along the water.
0.6 km (8 mins)
Sun Voyager is a statue/sculpture located in Reykjavik, Iceland. It is a popular spot in the capital, especially among photographers. It is also very accessible from the city center, where it is only a few hundred meters away. The statue was created by Jón Gunnar Árnason, an Icelandic sculptor, in 1990. It is made of steel and copper and is in the shape of a ship hurtling into the sun. The statue is a symbol of hope and dreams.
If you visit this place, ideally continue further along the coast towards the next major site, which is the Harpa concert hall.
70.4 km (59 mins)
The drive to the beautiful secluded accommodation takes us about 1 hour. We chose the apartments not only because of their good location for the day ahead, but also because of the complete darkness you can see the Northern Lights.
TIP: In the practical information, you’ll find all sorts of tips on how to take pictures of the Northern Lights, what apps to use to predict them, and who to follow on Instagram.
Selfoss • $$
One of the most beautiful accommodations we can recommend in Iceland. Separate cells for 4 to 6 people, with spacious kitchen, living room and jacuzzi on the terrace.
Verified by experienced travelers
Detailed plan for each day with a map
Tips for accommodation and places to eat
Good to know before your trip
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Martin & TinaExplore black beaches, glaciers, majestic waterfalls and more with our itinerary for the south coast of Iceland.
6 days
By car
High pace
Spring - autumn
Winter expedition to Iceland with Northern Lights (Iceland) je jedním z itinerářů, které Retkee nabízí. Každý itinerář nabízí přehledný popis jednotlivých dní, včetně interaktivní mapy či praktických informací. Kromě itinerářů Retkee nabízí i blog , podrobné průvodce destinacemi , například Island , Norsko či Madeira .
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