Family Road Trip in Winter

North Iceland offers plenty for families to see and do during winter, with activities suited to different ages. Around Lake Mývatn, children can discover volcanic landscapes and try winter activities without travelling long distances every day.

 

If you're planning to explore North Iceland in winter with kids, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Here's what to know before hitting the road.

Why Choose North Iceland for a Family Winter Road Trip?

North Iceland offers winter activities for children of different ages. Younger kids can meet characters from Icelandic folklore or enjoy dog sledding, while older children and teenagers can try more adventurous activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.

 

The Lake Mývatn region is particularly convenient for families, with several attractions close together. This makes it easier to plan shorter outings, allow time for breaks, and adjust your plans around winter weather.

 

You can also enjoy quieter moments together as a family, whether relaxing in local pools or watching for the Northern Lights.

Things to Know Before Visiting North Iceland in Winter with Kids

Winter weather and limited daylight can affect how you travel around North Iceland. Knowing what to expect will help you plan a more comfortable winter road trip in Iceland with your family:

 

• Cold temperatures: North Iceland is generally colder than Iceland's southern coastal areas. Temperatures frequently fall below freezing, particularly inland.
• Snow and ice: Snow covers roads, pavements, and walking trails in winter. Access to some attractions depends on weather and road conditions.
• Changeable weather: Winter can bring strong winds, snowfall, and poor visibility. Road closures and travel disruptions are possible during severe weather.
• Limited daylight: Daylight hours are short in winter. December is the darkest month, with around 3–4 hours of daylight during the winter solstice.
• Holiday closures: Some restaurants, shops, and attractions operate reduced hours during Christmas and New Year.

 

These seasonal conditions are important to consider when planning your route and daily activities. Allow extra travel time, keep your itinerary flexible, and avoid scheduling too many stops in one day.

Planning Your Family Winter Road Trip in North Iceland

Planning a winter road trip with kids involves a few extra considerations, from choosing the right vehicle to organising daily stops. Here's what to keep in mind before setting off around North Iceland.

Getting to North Iceland and choosing a vehicle

Akureyri Airport receives seasonal international flights from select European cities. Otherwise, flying from Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Akureyri is one of the most convenient ways to reach North Iceland. If you're staying around Lake Mývatn, the drive from Akureyri takes approximately 1 hour in good conditions. Alternatively, check whether your accommodation offers airport transfers if you'd prefer not to drive immediately after arriving.

 

For exploring the region, consider renting a 4x4 with suitable winter tyres. Mývatn Car Rental is a local option if you'd prefer to arrange a vehicle after reaching the Lake Mývatn area. Make sure your car has enough space for luggage, winter gear, and appropriate child seats.

Choosing family-friendly accommodation and restaurants

Staying around Lake Mývatn for 2–3 nights can make your family travel to Iceland easier, with less time spent packing and changing accommodation. Depending on your family's needs, you can choose between:

 

• Accommodation with family rooms: Look for places with enough space for everyone, such as Berjaya Mývatn Hotel, Sel Hotel Mývatn, or Vogafjós Farm Resort
• Cottages and self-catering places: For more space and flexibility, consider Vogar Travel Service, Hlíð Camping and Guesthouse, Skútustaðir Farm Guesthouse, or Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

For meals, think about what works best for your children, whether that's familiar food or something a little different. Here are a few things to look for:

 

• Casual meals: Daddi's Pizza is an option for a relaxed family meal
• Children's menus: Kaffi Borgir, Earth Lagoon Bistro, and Bistro Sel & Pizza offer options for younger diners
• Unique dining experiences: At Vogafjós Cowshed Café, children can watch the cows while parents enjoy local food and views of Lake Mývatn

 

Remember to check opening hours and availability, particularly around Christmas and New Year, when some establishments may operate reduced hours.

Planning your driving days and sightseeing stops

When planning your family winter road trip, consider how much driving and sightseeing your children can comfortably manage each day. A few things to factor into your itinerary include:

 

• Daily driving distances: Plan 2–3 main stops per day, with enough time for meals, toilet breaks, and slower winter driving in Iceland's northern region.
• Activity choices: Choose experiences suited to your children's ages and abilities. Balance outdoor adventures with quieter activities, especially when travelling with younger children.
• Daylight hours: Plan outdoor sightseeing during daylight and leave some flexibility for changing weather conditions.
• Food and supplies: Identify supermarkets along your route and plan where to buy snacks, drinks, and easy meals, particularly around holiday closures.
• Car essentials: Prepare spare warm clothing, blankets, snacks, and a winter emergency kit. Consider books, games, or downloaded entertainment for longer drives.

 

Tip: Check out our guide to packing for winter in Iceland to make sure you have everything you need for your family trip.

 

Leave some time between activities for rest and unexpected delays rather than filling every day with a fixed schedule.

Family-Friendly Stops Along the Diamond Circle in Winter

The Diamond Circle is a scenic sightseeing route connecting some of North Iceland's best-known attractions. The full route includes remote destinations such as Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, but some roads may be difficult or inaccessible in winter. For families visiting North Iceland in winter with kids, focusing on the following stops offers a more manageable introduction to the region.

1. Akureyri

Akureyri makes a convenient starting point, with restaurants, cafés, shops, and family-friendly facilities. Families can enjoy the town's geothermal swimming pools, explore the centre, or stock up on supplies before continuing their journey.

2. Goðafoss Waterfall

Approximately 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) from Akureyri, Goðafoss is a convenient stop along the Ring Road. Families can view the (sometimes frozen) waterfall from several viewpoints without a lengthy hike. However, paths and viewing areas can be icy in winter, so take extra care when walking.

3. Lake Mývatn Area

Lake Mývatn area offers several attractions within a relatively compact area. Families can explore the Dimmuborgir lava formations, visit the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, or see fumaroles and colourful grounds at Hverir. These stops are suitable for shorter outings. However, it's important to check access conditions and supervise children closely around geothermal areas.

4. Húsavík

Húsavík is a coastal town known for whale watching and its harbour lined with colourful traditional houses. While whale watching tours don't operate in winter, families can visit the Húsavík Whale Museum or explore the town centre. Allow approximately one hour to drive from Mývatn in good conditions, with extra time during winter.

Why Make Mývatn Your Winter Road Trip Base?

Mývatn is one of Iceland’s best winter destinations for families, thanks to it having several attractions and activities close together. Dimmuborgir, Hverir, Skútustaðagígar, and other volcanic sites are all within a short drive, allowing for shorter excursions.

 

Staying in one location also makes it easier to return for meals, rest, or a change of clothes. If the weather disrupts longer journeys, you may still have options closer to your accommodation, provided local roads are safe.

 

For families travelling with young children, this flexibility can make a winter holiday considerably more comfortable.

Best Winter Activities for Families Around Mývatn

There's more to a winter family trip to North Iceland than sightseeing. Around Mývatn, families can choose from outdoor adventures, festive traditions, and relaxing experiences. Some winter activities around Lake Mývatn are particularly appealing to younger children, while others suit teenagers looking for adventure.

 

Winter experiences for younger children

For families with younger children, there are several ways to enjoy Mývatn's winter scenery and local traditions without taking on demanding outdoor activities.

 

• Try dog sledding: Meet friendly huskies and experience a guided sled ride through snowy landscapes. Snow Dogs also offers kennel visits, which animal-loving children may enjoy.
• Go winter birdwatching around Lake Mývatn: Look for Barrow's goldeneyes around the lake, where they remain throughout winter. Bring binoculars to spot birds around the Höfði area and also visit the nearby Sigurgeir's Bird Museum.

Winter adventures for older children and teenagers

Older children and teenagers may enjoy more active winter experiences, depending on their interests, abilities, and age requirements, including:

 

• Snowmobiling: Join Mývatn Snowmobile for a guided, thrilling ride across the region's snowy terrain
• Skiing and snowboarding: Try cross-country skiing around Mývatn or downhill skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Krafla Caldera region.
• Ice fishing: Learn traditional fishing techniques with local anglers during organised winter events.
• Icelandic horse riding: Explore snowy landscapes on a guided ride with Eyjadalsá Horse Riding

Winter experiences for the whole family

Some winter experiences are best enjoyed together. These activities offer opportunities to experience North Iceland's winter atmosphere as a family:

 

• Northern Lights watching: Look for colourful auroras above Lake Mývatn on clear, dark evenings. Sightings depend on weather and solar activity, so keep your plans flexible and dress warmly for the wait.
• Relax at Earth Lagoon Mývatn: Enjoy a family soak in warm geothermal waters with views of the surrounding winter landscape. You can also grab drinks at the swim-up bar or stop by the bistro for snacks. Children of all ages are welcome.

 

If you're visiting Iceland with kids between late February and early March, look out for the Mývatn Winter Festival. Families can watch events such as horses-on-ice and dog sledding competitions on the frozen lake, depending on the annual programme.

Family-friendly activities around Christmas

Families visiting Mývatn during the Christmas season can enjoy several local events and festive traditions.

One of the highlights is meeting the Icelandic Yule Lads at Dimmuborgir, where they're said to live. They usually welcome visitors on selected days in December, between 11:00 and 13:00, around Hallarflöt, where their cave is located. Children can dance with the Yule Lads and take photos in the High Seat. Tickets are required, so check the dates and book ahead through tix.is.

 

The Yule Lads also make their annual bath visit to Earth Lagoon Mývatn, usually in early December around 16:00. According to local folklore, they bathe only once a year! Families can join them in the geothermal water for a Christmas bathing party.

 

Other Christmas activities to look out for include:

 

• Mývatn Christmas Market: Usually held in early or mid-December at Skjólbrekka, where local vendors sell regional foods, smoked meats, handmade crafts, and other products. Families can also enjoy hot chocolate and waffles.
• Christmas buffets (Jólahlaðborðin): These traditional Icelandic Christmas feasts can start as early as November. Restaurants to check include Mylla Restaurant, Bistro Sel & Pizza, and Eldey Restaurant.

 

Note: Dates and programmes can vary each year, so check local announcements before planning your visit.

Sample 3-Day Family Winter Itinerary Around Mývatn

Here's a suggested three-day itinerary around Lake Mývatn if you're exploring North Iceland in winter with kids:

 

• Day 1–Akureyri to Lake Mývatn: Explore Akureyri, stop at Goðafoss Waterfall, and continue to your accommodation near Lake Mývatn. Keep the evening free for rest or Northern Lights watching.
• Day 2–Discover Mývatn's Volcanic Landscapes: Visit Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, and Hverir, depending on weather and road conditions. End the day with a relaxing geothermal bath at Earth Lagoon Mývatn.
• Day 3–Enjoy a Family Winter Adventure: Choose an activity suited to your children's ages, such as dog sledding, horse riding, or snowmobiling. Alternatively, explore Húsavík if conditions allow.

 

Treat this itinerary as a starting point rather than a fixed schedule. Adjust your plans around the weather, winter daylight in Mývatn, and your family's pace.

Plan Your Family Winter Road Trip Around Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn makes a convenient base for exploring North Iceland in winter with kids. Whether you're discovering volcanic landscapes, trying outdoor activities, or experiencing local traditions, there's something for different ages and interests. Keep your itinerary flexible, plan around winter conditions, and allow plenty of time to enjoy the trip together.

FAQs

Is it a good idea to visit Iceland in winter?

Yes, Icelandic winter offers opportunities for snow activities, Northern Lights watching, and exploring volcanic landscapes. However, travel requires extra preparation because of changing weather, icy roads, and limited daylight.

Is North Iceland a good place to visit with kids in December?

Yes, North Iceland is one of the top places to visit during Christmas, especially for families interested in local traditions. Children can meet the Yule Lads during scheduled appearances around Mývatn and enjoy endless snowy landscapes.

Is North Iceland covered in snow during winter?

Yes, snow is common across North Iceland during winter, including around Lake Mývatn. However, snowfall and snow cover vary with location, temperature, and weather conditions.

How many days should families spend around Lake Mývatn in winter?

Allow at least 2–3 days to explore the top stops around Lake Mývatn and enjoy winter activities. Additional nights provide more flexibility if weather affects your plans.

Do you need a 4x4 for a winter road trip in North Iceland?

Yes, a properly equipped 4x4 is recommended, particularly when travelling outside towns. However, even four-wheel-drive vehicles cannot guarantee safe travel during severe winter conditions.