Easter in Iceland is a fascinating mix of religious traditions, family celebrations, seasonal food, and outdoor adventures. Falling between late March and April, Easter marks a transition period when winter slowly gives way to spring. For travelers, it’s a quieter but rewarding time to explore Iceland, especially on a self-drive trip.
Whether you are planning a holiday or simply curious about Icelandic culture, this guide covers Easter traditions, weather, opening hours, travel tips, and why renting a car is the best way to explore Iceland during Easter.
Icelandic Easter Traditions (Páskar)
Easter in Iceland, known as Páskar, is celebrated over a long five-day weekend from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday. While Christianity plays a role, modern Easter celebrations in Iceland are largely centered around family time, food, and chocolate eggs.
One of the most beloved traditions is the exchange of Icelandic Easter eggs (Páskaegg). These large chocolate eggs are filled with sweets and include a small paper slip with an Icelandic proverb or saying inside. You’ll find them in every supermarket and bakery across the country in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Children often take part in Easter egg hunts, where parents hide the eggs around the house or garden. Kids search for them using “hot” and “cold” clues, a fun tradition enjoyed by many Icelandic families.
Shop and Restaurant Opening Hours During Easter
Opening hours in Iceland change noticeably during Easter. On Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, many businesses close or operate with reduced hours.
Key things to know:
- Supermarkets may have limited opening hours
- Many restaurants remain open, especially in Reykjavík
Weather During Easter in Iceland
Easter weather in Iceland is famously unpredictable. You may experience late winter snow, cold winds, rain, or early signs of spring sunshine, sometimes all in the same day.
Temperatures typically range between -2°C and 7°C, depending on location and weather systems. Despite this variability, Easter can still be a great time to visit Iceland.
Ski resorts such as Bláfjöll near Reykjavík and Hlíðarfjall in North Iceland often remain open, while longer daylight hours make sightseeing easier. On clear nights, travelers may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, especially outside urban areas.
Celebrating Easter in Reykjavík
Spending Easter in Reykjavík offers a relaxed mix of culture, food and, city life.
Popular attractions include the National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavík Art Museum, and churches such as Hallgrímskirkja, which hold Easter services throughout the holiday period.
Opening hours may vary during Easter, so checking ahead is recommended.
For music lovers, Easter also coincides with Aldrei fór ég suður, a free and much-loved Icelandic music festival held in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords.
Road Conditions and Driving During Easter
Driving in Iceland during Easter requires flexibility and good preparation. While main roads are usually open, conditions can change quickly due to snow, ice, or strong winds, especially outside the capital area.
Essential Easter driving tips:
- Check road conditions daily
- Avoid driving on icy roads if conditions are poor
- Monitor weather forecasts before long drives
- Reduce speed on gravel roads
If you are planning to drive beyond Reykjavík or explore the Iceland Ring Road, choosing the right vehicle is essential.
Renting a Car with Firefly Iceland for Easter
Exploring Iceland by car is the most flexible way to travel during Easter, especially when public transport and tours operate on reduced schedules.
Firefly Iceland offers cheap, reliable, and well-maintained rental cars, making it easier to travel independently during the holiday period. Whether you are driving around Reykjavík, heading along the south coast, or planning a longer road trip, renting a car allows you to travel at your own pace.
Benefits of renting with Firefly Iceland include:
- Budget-friendly rental rates
- Vehicles suitable for Icelandic road conditions
- Freedom to adjust plans based on weather
- Easy access to seasonal attractions
Driving yourself also makes it easier to follow Icelandic road laws and adapt safely to changing conditions.
Additional Easter Activities in Iceland
During the Easter holidays, many Icelanders head north for skiing and outdoor adventures, while others enjoy hot pools, coastal walks, and countryside escapes.
Popular Easter activities include:
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Visiting geothermal pools
- Short self-drive trips from Reykjavík
- Exploring quieter natural attractions
Easter Monday is traditionally a relaxed day focused on family time, shared meals, and outdoor walks if the weather allows.
FAQ: Easter in Iceland
- Is Easter a good time to visit Iceland?
Yes. Easter offers fewer crowds than summer, longer daylight hours, and a mix of winter and early spring activities
- Are shops and restaurants open during Easter in Iceland?
Some shops close on public holidays, but many restaurants remain open, especially in Reykjavík.
- Can I drive the Ring Road during Easter?
Yes, but conditions can still be wintery in some regions. Always check road and weather conditions and rent a suitable car.
- Can you see the Northern Lights during Easter?
Possibly. Late March and early April still offer dark nights in rural areas if skies are clear.
- Is renting a car necessary during Easter?
Highly recommended. Public transport and tours operate on reduced schedules during holidays, and a rental car provides full flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Experience Easter in Iceland Your Way
Celebrating Easter in Iceland offers a unique blend of culture, food, seasonal landscapes, and freedom of travel. From chocolate Easter eggs and traditional meals to scenic road trips and outdoor adventures, Easter is a rewarding time to explore the country.
To make the most of your trip, rent a cheap and reliable car with Firefly Iceland and enjoy Iceland on your own schedule.
