Explora’s latest expedition highlights the beauty and solitude of the Arctic winter
iceland in winter time (Photo: Explora)
Published June 16, 2026 03:11 pm
There’s no better time than winter to witness the duality of Iceland—the land of fire and ice. Traveling through snowy tundra and lava-filled landscapes, you’ll notice the stark contrast between the glacial and geothermal forces that shape the terrain around you. And when you experience it InvestigationYou’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 locations. On Explora expeditions, stunning views are complemented by active adventures, giving visitors the chance to experience a place rather than visit it. The accommodations included are remote but comfortable – think boutique hotels and country lodges – and the food provided highlights the best local cuisine.
Last year, Explora brought its cultured travel philosophy to Iceland with a season summer campaign. Showcasing the pristine natural landscapes of the Southern Highlands, these summer voyages pave the way for an adapted version of the expedition launching in winter 2026-2027, giving curious travelers the chance to see Iceland’s most stunning locations from a whole new perspective.
Winter brings new opportunities for adventure
Iceland in winter is characterized by its contrasts. That means a chance to see snowy landscapes, towering glaciers, and the dancing northern lights, all set against active geothermal vents that pour heat from the Earth’s core. of explora seven day winter campaign Brings to mind the silent splendor of these otherworldly landscapes with experiences as unique as their settings.
Each day of an Explora expedition includes at least one curated adventure, chosen collaboratively between the group, the guide, and the changeable Icelandic weather. Rather than viewing an expedition as a series of rigid plans, Explora guides allow the journey to unfold naturally. If the group is tired or the weather is bad, there is always a way to explore that still captures the beauty of the destination.
Sebastian Correa, vice president of exploration and missions at Explora, provided the perfect example of what he calls “progressive exploration.” At the Vatnajökull glacier – Europe’s largest – guests can choose between a longer trek above the glacier, a shorter walk along the glacier tongue, or a peaceful visit to one of the many glacial lagoons: three unique experiences that each elicit a deeper connection with the place in their own way. And groups are free to split up, with a designated guide and team leader to assist.
Traveling from Reykjavik east to Southern Iceland, this expedition includes plenty of such adventures. You can walk between tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park, snowshoe up frozen summits in Þórsmörk valley, snowmobile up the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, and hike over black-sand beaches in Reynisfjara. Your journey ends at the iconic Sky Lagoon Hot Springs, where you can relax and reflect over sweeping Atlantic views.
With flexibility and an in-depth understanding of the destination at the forefront, Explora expeditions are more than just a checklist of must-see sites. In Iceland, this means making a deep connection with one of the world’s most dynamic landscapes.
Established in 1993, Investigation is a certified B corporation that operates lodges and overland expeditions in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Iceland. From Torres del Paine to the Atacama Desert and beyond, Explora leads intensive journeys into the world’s most remote landscapes, rooted in low-impact exploration, scientific conservation and cultural respect.

