Discover Iceland’s Secret Season

There’s no better time to see the dichotomy of Iceland—the land of fire and ice—than in winter. Traveling between snowy tundras and lava-formed landscapes, you’ll observe the stark contrast between the glacial and geothermal forces that carved the terrain around you. And when you experience it with Explora, you’ll see Iceland’s winter at its most wild, remote, and elemental.

Exploring Iceland in All Seasons

Explora is an award-winning collection of lodges and expeditions in some of the world’s most remote places. On an Explora Expedition, jaw-dropping sights are complemented by active adventure, giving visitors a chance to experience a place rather than simply visiting it. Included accommodations are remote yet cozy—think boutique hotels and country lodges—and the provided meals highlight the best of local cuisine.

Last year, Explora brought its well-honed travel philosophy to Iceland with a season of summer expeditions. Showcasing the pristine natural landscapes of the Southern Highlands, these summer journeys paved the way for an adapted version of the expedition debuting in winter 2026–2027, giving curious travelers the chance to see Iceland’s most stunning spaces from a whole new perspective.

Winter Brings New Opportunities for Adventure

Iceland in winter is defined by its contrasts. That means snowy landscapes, vast glaciers, and the chance to witness the dancing northern lights, all set against active geothermal vents pouring heat from Earth’s core. Explora’s seven-day winter expedition brings the silent splendor of these otherworldly landscapes into focus with experiences as unique as their settings.

Each day of an Explora Expedition features at least one curated adventure, chosen by collaboration between the group, the guides, and the fickle Icelandic weather. Rather than viewing an expedition as a series of rigid plans, Explora’s guides let the trip progress naturally. If the group is tired or the weather is bad, there’s always a way to explore that still showcases the beauty of the destination.

Snowshoe to a frozen summit in Þórsmörk ValleyExplora

Sebastián Correa, vice president of explorations and expeditions at Explora, gave the perfect example of what he calls “progressive exploration.” At the Vatnajökull glacier—Europe’s largest—guests can choose from a long trek atop the glacier itself, a shorter hike alongside a glacier tongue, or a peaceful visit to several glacial lagoons: three unique experiences that each achieve an immersive connection with the place in their own way. And with a designated guide and team leader to assist, groups are free to split up.

Traveling from Reykjavik east through southern Iceland, the expedition features plenty of such adventures. You can walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park, snowshoe to a frozen summit in Þórsmörk Valley, snowmobile to the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, and hike above the black-sand beaches at Reynisfjara. Your trip ends at the iconic Sky Lagoon hot springs, where you can relax and reflect with sweeping Atlantic views.

With flexibility at the forefront and an intimate understanding of the destination, Explora Expeditions are more than just a checklist of must-see sights. In Iceland, that means forging a deep connection with one of the world’s most dynamic landscapes.

Start Exploring

Founded in 1993, Explora is a certified B Corporation operating lodges and overland expeditions across Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Iceland. From Torres del Paine to the Atacama Desert and beyond, Explora pioneers immersive journeys into the world’s most remote landscapes, rooted in low-impact exploration, scientific conservation, and cultural respect.