EASTER IN ICELAND: TRADITIONS, OPENING HOURS & WHAT TO DO IN REYKJAVÍK

Easter is one of the most beautiful times to visit Iceland. Winter still lingers in the landscape, daylight is rapidly returning, and Reykjavík comes alive with locals enjoying the first real feeling of spring.

If you’re visiting Iceland during Easter, you might be wondering:

Are attractions open?
What traditions should you expect?
What can you do in Reykjavík during the holidays?
Can you still see the Northern Lights?

Here is everything visitors need to know about spending Easter in Iceland, plus the best ways to enjoy Reykjavík during the holiday weekend.

What Is Easter Like in Iceland?

Public Holidays & Opening Hours During Easter

Spending Easter in Reykjavík

Best Things To Do in Reykjavík during Easter

Easter in Iceland With Kids

Can You See the Northern Lights at Easter?

Local Tips for Visiting Iceland at Easter

Why Easter Is a Wonderful Time to Visit Iceland

Planning Your Easter Visit to Reykjavík

← Laval

Full moon aurora at Þingvellir National Park, Iceland

What Is Easter Like in Iceland?

Easter is an important national holiday in Iceland. Many locals take time off work, travel around the country, or spend the long weekend with family.

Unlike Christmas, Easter in Iceland feels relaxed and outdoorsy. You’ll notice:

Families heading to summer houses
Cafés filled with locals enjoying longer daylight
Snow-covered mountains still framing the city
A mix of winter atmosphere and early spring energy

One thing you’ll see everywhere? Icelandic Easter eggs.

These large chocolate eggs are filled with candy and include a traditional Icelandic proverb inside: a beloved custom for both children and adults.

For visitors, Easter offers a wonderful balance: winter scenery without midwinter darkness.

Public Holidays & Opening Hours During Easter

This is the most important thing travelers should understand.

Several official public holidays take place during Easter:

Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday

On these days:

Many shops close or operate limited hours
Some restaurants open later than usual
Supermarkets may have reduced opening times

However, Reykjavík does not shut down.

Söfn, tours, and major attractions typically remain open, especially those designed for international visitors.

Pro Tip: Always plan a few indoor activities during Easter in case of wind, snow, or changing weather.

Northern Lights over the Iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, downtown Reykjavík

Panoramic view over the Reykjavík Pond and downtown Reykjavík

Spending Easter in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the heart of Icelandic Easter celebrations and an excellent base for visitors.

The city offers:

Walkable streets and colorful houses
Cozy cafés perfect for spring weather
Söfn og cultural attractions
Easy access to nature and day tours

Because many locals travel outside the city, Reykjavík often feels calm and relaxed during Easter, ideal for sightseeing.

Visitors especially appreciate having flexible plans that work regardless of weather or holiday closures.

Stunning Northern Lights Movie at Aurora Reykjavík

Best Things To Do in Reykjavík during Easter

1. Explore Museums and Indoor Attractions

Easter weather in Iceland can be unpredictable. One moment sunny, the next snowy or windy.

Indoor attractions are therefore among the smartest choices.

A highlight for many visitors is Aurora Reykjavík — The Northern Lights Center, where you can experience the magic of the aurora all year round.

Inside you can:

watch a spectacular Northern Lights film
learn how auroras form
practice photography settings
explore interactive displays
prepare for your real Northern Lights hunt

It’s a perfect activity whether the weather is stormy, bright, or somewhere in between, and especially popular with families.

Lava in the Making at Lava Show, next door to Aurora Reykjavík

2. Discover Reykjavík’s Old Harbour & Grandi District

The nearby Grandi area has become one of Reykjavík’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Here you’ll find galleries, cafés, local design shops, sea views and walking paths, whale watching tour departures. In the Grandi area, you can also:

Stop for indoor quality time with the whales at Whales of Iceland, the large, immersive whale exhibition dedicated to cetaceans found in Icelandic waters
Step into the world’s only live lava spectacle at Lava Show, where the show features real molten lava heated to over 1,100 °C that pours and crackles right before your eyes in a safe, purpose-built showroom
Experience Iceland from a whole new perspective at FlyOver Iceland, where you soar over glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes in an immersive flight ride that will make you feel like you’re truly flying

Whether you’re chasing the magic of the Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavík, diving into the marine world at Whales of Iceland, or feeling the heat at Lava Show, Reykjavík’s Grandi district is the perfect place to spend a relaxed Easter afternoon.

Couple enjoying the sunset in the infinity pool at Sky Lagoon

Looking for the ultimate pampering experience? Visit Sky Lagoon, Reykjavík’s own geothermal spa

3. Warm Up in Reykjavík’s Swimming Pools

Icelanders celebrate holidays outdoors — even in cold weather.

Geothermal swimming pools remain open year-round and offer:

hot tubs
steam baths
family-friendly facilities

Soaking in warm water while cool air surrounds you is a uniquely Icelandic Easter experience.

4. Enjoy Reykjavík’s Food Scene

Many restaurants remain open during Easter, though reservations are recommended.

Expect:

fresh Icelandic seafood
vegetarian-friendly options
cozy brunch cafés
seasonal spring menus

A person Northern Lights watching and Stargazing

Visit the Aurora Reykjavík Café for a warm cuppa and home-made local pastries

Candy Filled Easter Eggs, a true Icelandic Tradition

Easter in Iceland With Kids

Easter is an excellent time for families visiting Iceland.

Children love:

Icelandic chocolate eggs
interactive museums
open spaces and nature
shorter crowds compared to peak summer

Family-friendly indoor attractions become especially valuable during holiday weekends when outdoor plans may change quickly.

Aurora Reykjavík is particularly popular with children thanks to its immersive visuals and interactive experiences — offering an educational break between outdoor adventures.

Can You See the Northern Lights at Easter?

Yes — sometimes.

Easter usually falls toward the end of Northern Lights season.

Good news:

Nights are still dark enough early in the evening.
Solar activity can remain strong into spring.

Challenges:

Longer daylight hours reduce viewing time.
Cloud cover can affect visibility.

That’s why many travelers visit Aurora Reykjavík first — to understand how the Northern Lights work and learn how to maximize their chances during their stay.

Even if nature doesn’t cooperate, you’ll still experience the aurora indoors.

Pale green and purple northern lights rays dance over a cone-shaped mountain in the snowy landscape. In foreground, a small frozen waterfall

End of Season Northern Lights, don’t miss your chance and join a northern lights tour from Reykjavík

Tour of the Katla Ice Cave and South Coast

Local Tips for Visiting Iceland at Easter

✔ Check restaurant opening hours in advance
✔ Book tours early — holiday weekends are popular
✔ Expect changing weather conditions
✔ Pack layers and waterproof clothing
✔ Plan at least one indoor activity each day

Having flexible plans is the secret to a great Iceland trip at Easter.

Why Easter Is a Wonderful Time to Visit Iceland

Easter offers a unique moment between winter and summer:

snowy landscapes remain
daylight increases rapidly
fewer crowds than peak season
cozy Reykjavík atmosphere
excellent conditions for sightseeing

For many travelers, it becomes one of the most memorable times to experience Iceland.

Snowmobiles driving on a snowy landscape on a glacier

Join a Golden Circle with snowmobile tour during your Easter holidays!

Women wearing the world's first 360°VR Northern Lights Headset at Aurora Reykjavík

World’s first VR northern lights experience – only at Aurora Reykjavík

Planning Your Easter Visit to Reykjavík

If your Easter plans include Reykjavík, consider adding an indoor Northern Lights experience early in your trip.

Aurora Reykjavík allows you to experience the beauty, science, and photography of the aurora regardless of weather or season — making it an ideal stop during the Easter holidays.

👉 Warm, educational, family-friendly, and open year-round.

Enjoy Easter in Iceland!

Whether you’re chasing the last Northern Lights of the season, exploring Reykjavík’s culture, or simply enjoying Icelandic chocolate eggs, Easter is a magical time to visit.

We look forward to welcoming you to Reykjavík this spring!

JOIN US ON ICELAND'S BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

So, if you can – buy the ticket, get the ride. You will find our hand-picked selection of tours here:

Skoða allar ferðir

OUR BESTSELLER

BÓKA NÚNA

NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPER JEEP TOUR

HÁPUNKTAR:

✓ Úrvals leiðsögn - Norðurljósaferð super jeppi ✓ Free pick-up and drop-off ✓ Fríar hágæða myndir ✓ Heimagert heitt súkkulaði ✓ Hlýir bílar á staðnum

HÆSTA ÁRANGURSHLUTFALLIÐ

FRÍR AÐGANGSEYRIR AÐ AURORA REYKJAVÍK - SPARIÐ 3900KR

NORTHERN LIGHTS AND SOUTH SHORE Combo Tour with Reykjavik Sightseeing and AURORA REYKJAVIK

BÓKA NÚNA

NORÐURLJÓS & SUÐURSTRÖND

HÁPUNKTAR:

✓ 2f1 TILBOÐ: SPARAÐU YFIR 2000KR ✓ Visit Sólheimajökull ✓ Labbaðu um bæinn Vík ✓ Labbaðu um í Reynisfjöru ✓ Sjáðu stórkostlegu fossana, Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss ✓ Vertu vitni af norðurljósunum dansa BEST VALUE FOR MONEY NORÐURLJÓSA ÁBYRGÐ: KOMDU MEÐ AFTUR FRÍTT EF ENGIN LJÓS SÁUST.

Small Group Northern Lights Photography tour with free pickup in Reykjavik

BÓKA NÚNA

NORÐURLJÓSAFERÐ - LÍTILL HÓPUR

HÁPUNKTAR:

NORÐURLJÓSAFERÐ í lítilli rútu

FRÍAR MYNDIR af þér undir norðurljósunum

✓ Homemade hot Chocolate og Pastries

✓ Frítt Skutl til og frá

VINSÆLASTA FERÐIN

FAQ ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Hvar get ég séð norðurljós á Íslandi?

The northern lights season in Iceland begins in late August and continues through mid/late April.
During this long period, Iceland experiences sufficient darkness for the Aurora to be visible at night.
However, chances of experiencing the northern lights vary depending on the time of year. Find out which months are the best for seeing the Aurora here.

Can you see the Northern Lights during a full moon?

Yes. Strong auroras remain clearly visible even during a full moon.

What time do the northern lights show up?

Northern lights are statistically often seen between 9:00pm and 1:00am, but they may appear at any time as long as it is dark (and the sky clear). During the winter months, when the hours of light are limited, the northern lights can often appear as early at 7:00pm. As the exact time of an Aurora display cannot be predicted, keep your eyes at the sky. And remember, patience is key!

How long do the northern lights last?

Auroras can last any time between few minutes and hours. Each northern lights display is different, and varies in duration. Furthermore, the northern lights are not always visible for the entire duration of a single Auroral episode: they often change in intensity throughout a single display, and can go from very bright to incredibly faint, to the point they are hardly visible at all any more. Learn more about how the northern lights behave duration-wise here.

Can I see the northern lights when it is cloudy?

Well, that depends. First of all, Iceland is well-known for its unpredictable weather: the fact that it is cloudy now does not mean that the sky will still be cloudy 5 minutes from now. As long as we can find some gaps in the cloud cover, some windows of clear sky – there’s hope. And, even when it’s cloudy, keep in mind that not all clouds are the same. For example, high clouds are often see-through and do not necessarily disrupt our view. Rule of thumb: if you can see the stars, you can potentially see the northern lights too. Once again, keep your eyes at the sky and check the forecast regularly for the most reliable prediction.

Do the northern lights only appear when it is cold?

The northern lights season in Iceland starts in late summer. As you can imagine, this means that you don’t need cold temperatures to see an Aurora (although you should not expect t-shirt weather at night in Iceland, not even in August). The northern lights happen way above the weather systems, and are not influenced by weather systems and temperature fluctuations in the lower atmosphere. Find out more here.

Are the northern lights visible all over Iceland?

Iceland is located within the so called “aurora belt“, the area where the northern lights are typically seen. In the Arctic region, the belt extends between 60°N and 70°N latitude. As Iceland in its entirety is included between 63°N and 67°N, and therefore well within the aurora belt, chances of seeing the northern lights are virtually the same everywhere around the island – if weather allows. That said, the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights is higher away from the city lights, and some areas around the country are especially scenic. Here are our favourite locations for northern lights spotting in Iceland.

Are the northern lights really colourful?

Is a new moon better for aurora viewing?

It can help with faint auroras, but solar activity and cloud cover matter far more.

Is the full moon good for aurora photography?

Yes — it often improves landscapes, foregrounds, and image sharpness.

Katarina Raker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: KATARINA RAKER

Katarina Raker is a passionate Northern Lights expert and award-winning photographer based in Iceland. With years of experience chasing the aurora across the Arctic, she combines her love for storytelling with a deep knowledge of the science behind the Northern Lights. As a team member at Aurora Reykjavík, Katarina is dedicated to helping travelers experience the magic of the aurora borealis through expert tips, guided tours, and stunning photography. When she’s not capturing the sky’s most dazzling displays, Katarina enjoys exploring Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and sharing her adventures with the world.