Top 10 Free Things to Do in Iceland on a Long Layover or in Winter
There are so many beautiful things to see and adventurous things to do in Iceland, no matter how long you are there. But, if you are going only for a layover and your time is limited OR if you are going in winter and the amount of open roads are limited, here is a list of my top 10 free things you can/must do on the Southwest coast of Iceland:
10. Walk the Streets of Reykjavik
What better way to kick off your trip than exploring a little bit of that Reykjavik magic? The streets are colorful, and the views are majestic. You can stand at the top of the streets and see the harbor and mountains. You can take pictures with the ever-evolving street art. You can pick a quaint cafe, bar, or restaurant if you want to get a quick bite to eat or experience the Icelandic beer. This is truly a city you need to see at least once!
9. Visit Arnarstapi
Next up, we have the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, about a 2 and a half hour drive from Reykjavik. While there are so many things to see on this peninsula, Arnarstapi is a can’t miss. It is a jaw-dropping coastline off a beautiful bright blue ocean. There is a natural rock bridge over the ocean, and there are small coves that bring in the waves.
Behind you, there is a mountain range, where in winter, you look back and see snow-covered mountains and you look forward, and you see bright blue water and the ocean waves. It is a contrast that makes it a must-see on this little drive around the peninsula.
8. Visit Kirkjufell
The other must-see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Kirkjufell. It is a famous mountain that claims to be the most photographed in the world. If you go to the parking area near it, you can walk up the side of a nearby waterfall and get a great picture of the waterfall in front of the mountain. If you are lucky, you can even pet some of those famous Icelandic horses, located in the fenced area at the top of the waterfall!
7. Experience Natural Phenomenons
While there are many man-made attractions out of the natural wonders, some of the best sights and experiences are those that occur naturally. If you go in winter, you have a high likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. In winter, if it is snowy for most of the trip, the clouds will make them difficult to see, but anywhere between September and April has a good chance of seeing them. Go to any place not polluted with light, and you might get a glimpse of the dancing magic!
Another natural phenomenon is the nature lining the roads. There are purple-flowered ranges, lava fields, and mountain ranges that scatter the views from the road. You can easily find a large open area on the side of the road, pull over, and just take in the beauty and frolick in the natural wonders of Iceland.
6. Do a DIY Golden Circle Tour
There might not be anything more popular than the Golden Circle. Located closest to Reykjavik, it is quite the spot for tourists. Instead of hopping on a bus with all the other big groups, hit the road and do it yourself. You can stop at all the famous spots, but you can also go off the beaten path and see other things, all at your own pace. You can go to Pingvellir National Park and see Silfra and Oxararfoss, go to see the massive Gulfoss, and see the phenomenon that is Geysir.
Other stops to add to this visit are trips to Efstidalur II, an ice cream and coffee shop between stops, and Solheimar, which is an eco-village of people with disabilities who live and work together. The extra stops alone are worth the DIY tour.
5. Visit Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is the first waterfall you will come to when driving the Southern coast from Reykjavik. Make a left turn, and you will shortly come to the large parking area. While it is a main tourist attraction, it is massive and worth seeing. You can walk behind the waterfall (when it’s not frozen), and you can cross a small bridge made over the river of the water. Definitely wear rain protective gear, because it has a powerful spray
4. Visit Skogafoss
Skogafoss is my favorite waterfall I’ve seen so far in Iceland. Both times I’ve seen it have been completely different, but amazing experiences all the same. In winter, there is a more gray, ice-covered experience. In fall, there is a green, bright experience. Either way, you must walk as close as you can to the waterfall. It is worth getting sprayed, because as you walk into the cove formed in the mountain, it fills your whole view. You feel so small, and it brings a sense of awe that is unmatched. If you go on a sunny/rainy day, you just might see a double rainbow crossing right in front of the waterfall!
3. Enjoy Free Hot Springs
While I did not get the chance to visit any hot springs during my time in Iceland, they are still amazing to see. You can see some from the road, and some are hidden throughout the country, only accessed by a hike or by reading the right sources. At any rate, hot springs are a classic Iceland experience, and you don’t have to pay a fortune at the Blue Lagoon to make the most of it!
2. Visit the Black Sand Beach
Near Vik, there is the famous Reynisfara Black Sand Beach. While it is typically very crowded, you can easily walk along the flat, black sand and escape the tourist vibe. Black sand is completely unnatural in the United States, so it was strange, yet calming to see, especially in the winter. In the snow and cloudy haze, it seemed to make the world into a black and white picture.
Not to be missed, however, are the basalt columns that can be seen immediately upon walking onto the beach. You can climb onto them and take a picture, or you can just take the time to figure out how such formations came to be so perfectly made naturally.
1. Visit Fjadrargljufur
Last, but definitely not least, is Fjadrargljufur. This canyon is truly incredible. Bright green, luscious, with a small river running through it, the high walls of the canyon make it look huge. Even though they have put caution ropes up on the classic path leading into a picture spot, there are other views around the canyon that still show off the immense beauty this has to offer. If you walk up the path, you can go further and further into seeing how far the canyon goes. The best part? It is off the beaten tourist track and bus tour trips, so there are not many people here to fight for parking spots.
There are so many things to do in winter or on a short layover in Iceland, all on the Southwest Coast, from Reykjavik to Snaefellsnes to Vik. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to experience the rich beauty of the island, you simply have to have a sense of adventure and an open mind to find joy in the beauty. Make the most of your time in Iceland, no matter how much money you have! Allow Iceland to bring you the gift of awe through nature and a sense of peace through simplicity.
P.S. While driving in Iceland, you may feel as if you are on a different planet. Don’t forget to download the perfect playlist to jam to while taking in the vast beauty from the road!
