Ultimate Winter Adventure: 8-Day Iceland Itinerary Based on ChatGPT Recommendations

January 2025

Northern Lights near Gullfoss, Iceland. December 2024.

Planning an Iceland trip can feel overwhelming, right?

I started with a general ChatGPT itinerary, but then I fine-tuned it to match our travel style—pulling insights from other blogs and social media so you don’t have to. Whether you're dreaming of chasing waterfalls, seeing the northern lights, or finding the best hot springs, this post has all the tips to make your trip unforgettable!

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

We landed in Reykjavik early in the morning, greeted by a crisp winter chill. Stocking up on duty-free wine, we picked up our rental from Lotus Car Rental. This isn’t sponsored, but I was highly impressed with their no-hassle, kind service, and reliability! Afterwards, we headed to Reykjavik to check into our hotel. The Skuggi Hotel is the central and downtown place to be. Four words: breakfast, comfort, parking garage. That’s all you need to know to book it!

With only three hours of daylight left, we visited Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church that dominates Reykjavik’s skyline. Though we didn’t climb to the top, we took time to appreciate its striking architecture and enjoyed a quiet moment inside.

For lunch, we stopped by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (famous for their Icelandic hot dogs). Topped with everything and paired with a Coke, eating out in the snow was an unforgettable experience.

Next, we wandered down Rainbow Road, snapping pictures and window shopping. If you’re in the market for a traditional Icelandic sweater (“lopapeysa”), visit the Handknitting Association or check out the Red Cross for budget-friendly options.

Since it was Christmastime, we caught a glimpse of the Christmas Cat and a giant troll, part of the folklore tied to the Yule Lads. A nearby Christmas market offered roasted almonds (absolutely amazing), festive drinks, and unique trinkets.

For dinner, we opted for Svarta Kaffið, a cozy spot serving bread soup bowls. They only offer one vegetarian and one meat soup daily. My asparagus soup was delightful, though my husband's reindeer soup wasn’t quite to my taste.

After dinner, we stocked up on snacks and non-perishables at Bonus, a local grocery store—an essential prep for our upcoming road trip. We ended the night feeling accomplished, acclimated, and ready for the adventure ahead!

Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

After an amazing breakfast at Skuggi Hotel around 8 AM, we set out for the Golden Circle at 10 AM. This route is a must-do, featuring some of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks.

Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Walking between the rift valleys felt surreal. While you can snorkel between these plates (even in winter!), we decided to stay dry. Without crampons, some paths were slippery, so we kept our exploration brief, staying just under an hour.

Next, we visited the Geysir geothermal area. Watching Strokkur erupt every few minutes was mesmerizing. The crowd’s cheers added to the excitement. You don’t need much time here; 30 minutes is plenty to explore. There’s also a nice café and gift shop at the rest stop.

By 3 PM, we arrived at Hotel Gullfoss, our stay for the night. After such a full day, we booked dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. The lamb platter and smoked salmon were exactly what we needed to unwind.

That night, around 1 AM, we were treated to an unexpected show: The Northern Lights! Seeing the aurora borealis had been a bucket list dream for both of us, and we were emotional as green ribbons danced across the sky. Despite a low KP index (a measure of geomagnetic activity), the lights were stunning. To me, it felt like a sign from my grandmother, who passed away earlier this year. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

Day 3: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

Our Golden Circle journey wrapped up with Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall.” Just a short drive from Hotel Gullfoss, the falls are spectacular, especially in the morning light. We also bought crampons at the gift shop here—easily the best investment of our trip! If you’re visiting in winter, bring your own or pick them up early.

From here, we headed south along the coast to explore more waterfalls. Our first stop was Seljalandsfoss, known for its unique feature allowing visitors to walk behind the falls. Unfortunately, the winter pathways were closed, but its grandeur from the highway was still breathtaking.

A short drive later, we reached Skógafoss, a powerful and majestic waterfall. As the rain picked up and daylight faded, we decided not to climb the stairs to the top—the slippery conditions didn’t feel safe.

Waterfall stops like these are perfect for breaking up a road trip and stretching your legs. By 4 PM, we arrived in Vik, a quaint town with an iconic red-roofed church perched on a hill. We checked into Carina’s Guesthouse and grabbed dinner at Smíðjan Brugghús (highly recommend their food!) before settling in for the night.

Later, we received storm warnings from Lotus Car Rental. With non-refundable plans for the next day, we decided to brave the storm—a decision I wouldn’t recommend. It was the scariest drive of our lives.

Day 4: Christmas Day at Jökulsárlón

We left Carina’s early, navigating white-knuckle conditions to reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by noon. A crucial tip: Icelandic gas stations often require PIN-enabled credit cards. We avoided trouble by purchasing an N1 gas card in advance, which works at unattended stations.

First, we visited Diamond Beach. The storm had calmed, and sunlight glistened on the ice chunks scattered across the black sand. It was pure magic.

Across the road, the glacier lagoon showcased its vivid blue icebergs (a result of compressed ice expelling air bubbles). The winds were fierce, making it challenging to take photos, but the sight was unforgettable.

We checked into the newly opened Hotel Jökulsárlón, which became a highlight of our trip. The hot tubs and saunas overlooking the glaciers were an unparalleled luxury. Our Christmas dinner at the hotel was perfect, and the serene setting felt like a dream.

Day 5: Black Sand Beach and Vik

Reluctantly, we checked out of our stunning hotel and drove back to Vik. The weather had improved, making the return trip far less stressful. We made a brief attempt to visit the Yoda Cave but opted to spend our remaining daylight at the Black Sand Beach instead.

The wind was relentless, stinging our faces and turning my white coat gray with sand. While I couldn’t take many photos due to the conditions, the dramatic waves and basalt columns were worth the struggle.

We spent the night at Hotel Katla, another property in the Kea Hotel group. While simpler than Skuggi, it was spacious, warm, and comfortable—ideal for winter travelers.

Day 6: Back to Reykjavik

Before leaving Vik, we stopped for photos at the red-roofed church, Vík í Mýrdal. The wind was still strong, so we didn’t linger. By 2:30 PM, we were back in Reykjavik at Skuggi Hotel. As returning guests, we received welcome drinks and a room upgrade—a lovely touch. The evening was spent strolling downtown, enjoying dinner, and soaking in our last night in the city.

Day 7: Hvammsvik Hot Springs

After breakfast, we drove 45 minutes to Hvammsvik, a tranquil hot springs retreat with eight pools of varying temperatures. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking a lake, it was the perfect way to unwind after our winter adventures. Pro tip: bring flip-flops and a towel for extra comfort.

In the evening, we dined at Skal, a must-visit restaurant offering shareable dishes like zucchini noodles, steak, and fresh Icelandic fish. Later, we drove to Aurora Basecamp, where heated bubbles provided a cozy spot for northern lights viewing. Unfortunately, clouds limited our view, but it was still a unique experience.

Day 8: Blue Lagoon and Airport Hotel

Our final day began with a trip to the Blue Lagoon. Recently reopened after a volcanic eruption, this iconic attraction was the perfect ending to our trip. We splurged on the Premium Package, enjoying three face masks, two drinks, and a relaxing afternoon in the warm, milky blue waters.

We spent the night at Aurora Airport Hotel, a three-minute walk from KEF Airport. Dinner was simple but satisfying—pizza and soda at the airport’s 24-hour convenience store—before catching our early flight home the next morning.

Reflections

Iceland is truly spectacular, with landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. However, winter travel comes with challenges. The weather can be extreme, and icy conditions require extra caution. While December offers the best chance to see the northern lights, limited daylight and harsh weather restricted our activities. If I were to visit again, I’d choose a less frigid month with more sunlight to maximize exploration time.

That said, Iceland remains a bucket-list destination with something for everyone.

If you stuck around and read my entire post, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I hope this helps you plan for your Icelandic adventures. As a bonus, click here for my free Google Maps guide with over 50 pins for my must-see/stay/eat/do destinations!

Tag me in your Icelandic adventures and let me know if these tips helped.

Happy traveling!