Winter is coming, winter is here. Iceland is the place to be for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. Add these popular Game of Thrones film locations to your must-visit list.
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1) Game of Thrones film locations: Reynisfjara Beach, near Vik
Everyone visits the south coast to see its black sand beaches. Reynisfjara Beach and Víkurfjara Beach are two of the amazing black sand beaches in Iceland, and they are located close to Vik. In the Game of Thrones series, the coastal land around Eastwatch by the Sea (the Night’s Watch castle) is Reynisfjara Beach.
Sad Fact: The filming crew didn’t gain permission upfront from the Environmental Agency of Iceland to ride with vehicles on the beach, thus damaging the beach.
2) Game of Thrones film locations: Thingvellir National Park
Is that the wall? The northern border of the Kingdom of the North?
3) Almannagjá gorge
Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a few centimeters per year. It is one of the most popular stops on the Golden Circle Tour!
One of the scenes is the hike to the high Eyrie (in the vale) filmed in the Almannagjá gorge (the walk of Aria & the hound, the battle between Brienne of Tarth & the hound, the walk of Sansa & Littlefinger).
Fun Fact: Öxarárfoss Trail is located in the Thingvellir National Park, and it leads to the Öxarárfoss waterfall. This site was used for the location of the Bloody Gate in Season 4, Episode 8.
Frequently Asked Questions Iceland General (FAQ)
✈️ Traveling in December to Iceland?
As you schedule tours and sightseeing, remember that December is when the daylight hours are the shortest. The winter solstice also means you get the longest hours of nighttime throughout the year, which is perfect for northern lights hunting.
December is one of the coldest months of the year in Iceland. Iceland is also very windy during this month. However, the weather in Reykjavik in December is usually more temperate because of the shelter from the wind provided by the city’s buildings.
💲Is Iceland a budget-friendly destination?
Iceland itself is not the most budget-friendly destination. There is no way around it: Iceland is an expensive country. Even if there are ways to save a few Icelandic Króna, you should set your budget expectations accordingly. Food and drinks are above European prices.
Budget tip: We brought some pre-packed food in our luggage, such as pasta, sauces in a plastic bag, cornflakes, etc.
❄️ Weather in December in Iceland
In the winter, the temperature generally hovers around freezing, ranging between -1°C and 4°C.
Snowfall is common in December. While the rest of the country might be covered in snow, Reykjavik won’t be. The capital’s climate is warmer than the rest of the country, and it tends only to be covered in snow sporadically between January and April. Many streets in Reykjavik are heated underneath, melting the snow and preventing it from becoming icy and slippery.
🧳 What to pack for Iceland (Winter edition)
Make sure you have warm headwear and gloves, thermal undergarments, windproof and waterproof outer layers, and warm clothes in between. You’ll also need hiking boots if you’re planning to do some exploring or hiking. Use my ultimate winter packing list to make it easy.
Frequently Asked Questions Iceland Road Trip (FAQ)
🛎️ Where to Stay in Reykjavik in December
Reykjavik is the top choice to enjoy the festivities in Iceland in December. The weather can affect the roads to North and East Iceland and the Westfjords, making the capital and South Iceland the two best options. We stayed in a cozy apartment in the center of Reykjavik!
🕒 How many days do you need for a road trip in Iceland?
The ideal length of your trip to Iceland depends on what you want to see and do. My brother did a road trip of 3 weeks, and we discovered the south with the capital city in one week.
🚙 Can you take a road trip in Iceland (December)?
Driving in Iceland during winter is only recommended for experienced and confident drivers, as the roads are often icy. Therefore, if you plan on renting a car in Reykjavik, it’s highly recommended that you choose a rental car with four-wheel drive. If you want to drive out of the capital and into the country, it’s essential.
If you’ve never driven in snowy or icy conditions before or aren’t comfortable doing so, it may be worth skipping a rental car and instead taking tours around the country, letting more experienced drivers take the wheel. Hopping onto a tour is undoubtedly the easiest, safest, and most stress-free option. That’s what we did!
🛟 Is it safe to take a road trip through Iceland?
Yes, Iceland is safe for travelers. Always stay vigilant for pickpockets, scams, or snowstorms.
Iceland made me watch Games of Trones ;-)!