Experience the winter edition of this popular Iceland journey, featuring the iconic Ring Road combined with the magic of the northern lights and Iceland’s breathtaking winter landscapes.
Seeing the northern lights shimmer across the Arctic sky is truly an unforgettable experience. This carefully designed winter itinerary combines Iceland’s most famous natural attractions with the unique atmosphere of the colder season, where snow-covered scenery, soft winter light, and peaceful surroundings create an entirely different perspective of the country.
Travel through some of Iceland’s most remarkable regions, including the Golden Circle, Glacier Lagoon, Lake Mývatn, and the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, all enhanced by the beauty of winter conditions. Along the way, enjoy dramatic landscapes, charming towns, geothermal wonders, and opportunities to experience authentic Icelandic culture.
To maximise your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis, northern lights wake-up calls are offered on most evenings throughout the tour, so you won’t miss the opportunity to see this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Arrive Keflavik airport, Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you could consider adding a visit to one of the neighbourhood geothermal pools, a relaxing and refreshing way to recover after a long flight. It’s also a good way to experience daily life in Iceland. Take a stroll in the old city centre, visit a museum or simply enjoy a coffee a cosy café.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Geysers – Waterfalls – Black sand beaches
Breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for the start of your tour. First visit will be to the interesting Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre. Learn about how the northern lights are formed and the legends surrounding them.
Continue to the famous Golden Circle highlights. Visit Gullfoss waterfall, especially stunning in winter when parts of the cascade freeze over. Travel onward to the geothermal area of Geysir, home to bubbling mud pools and the active Strokkur geyser.
Continue along Iceland’s scenic south coast, stopping at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls before reaching the dramatic black sand beaches of the South Shore.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Vík area.
If weather conditions allow, your guide may take you on a northern lights walk outside the hotel this evening or on another night during your countryside stay.
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you’ll visit the southern area of Vatnajökull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers around 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe! Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty dominated by several magnificent glaciers.
Next vist will be the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with breath-taking sights of icebergs floating in the 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon (be sure to have your camera ready!) Located a short distance away, is Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before they drift out to sea.
Head to Höfn town for overnight. Dinner by own arrangement this evening. Höfn has a good selection of restaurants, well known for its speciality of langoustines.
Overnight in the Höfn area.
Dramatic fjords – Coastal scenery – Local culture
Breakfast at your hotel. Today offers spectacular scenery as you travel through the Almannaskarð pass with stops to admire the rugged coastline. Continue into the East Fjords, where steep mountains descend dramatically into the sea.
Keep your camera ready and watch for wild reindeer, often spotted in this region during winter. Pass through charming fishing villages, including the small village of Breiðdalsvík, where you’ll visit the local Beljandi microbrewery for a tasting and a glimpse into small-town Icelandic life.
Continue to Egilsstaðir, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake famous for its legendary creature. The town is also known for its excellent local cuisine.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Eastfjords area.
Volcanic landscapes – Lava fields – Powerful waterfalls
Breakfast at your hotel. Travel across the remote highland plateau of Möðrudalsöraefi, a stark yet beautiful winter landscape, on your way toward the Lake Mývatn region.
Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, weather and road conditions permitting. Continue to the geothermal area of Námaskarð, known for its steaming mud pools and colourful mineral deposits that create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Explore the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn, including the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the Laxá salmon river. Visit the extraordinary lava formations of Dimmuborgir, often linked to Icelandic folklore and tales of hidden elves.
Later, admire the impressive Goðafoss waterfall before continuing to Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital, beautifully situated along Eyjafjörður fjord.
Dinner is at your own leisure this evening.
Overnight stay in the Akureyri area.
Coastal views – Historic fishing towns – Maritime heritage
Breakfast at your hotel. Continue along the scenic coastline of Eyjafjörður and the dramatic Troll Peninsula, where towering mountains meet the Arctic Sea.
Stop in the picturesque town of Siglufjörður, known for its beautifully restored timber buildings and charming harbour setting. Visit the award-winning Herring Era Maritime Museum, which recreates the atmosphere of the town’s booming fishing industry in the early 20th century.
The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy Akureyri’s cafés, restaurants, and cultural attractions at your own pace. Dinner is on your own.
Overnight stay in the Akureyri area.
Optional Activity (recommended pre-booking):
Forest Lagoon Baths – Relax in a geothermal lagoon surrounded by forest and fjord scenery.
Duration: Flexible | Included: Entrance fee and towel | Not included: Swimsuit rental
Historic regions – Icelandic horses – Scenic countryside
Breakfast at your hotel. Travel through mountain landscapes and narrow passes toward Skagafjörður, a region famous for Icelandic history and horse breeding.
Continue to the village of Blönduós, located along the Blanda River in an area rich in saga history. Cross the Holtavörðuheiði plateau into West Iceland and continue through Borgarfjörður, known for its Viking heritage and diverse scenery.
Visit a family-run horse farm to learn about the unique Icelandic horse breed. Meet the horses, take photos, and enjoy homemade rye bread baked using geothermal heat, served with hot chocolate.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Borgarfjörður area.
Hot springs – Waterfalls – UNESCO National Park
Breakfast at your hotel. Discover some of West Iceland’s natural highlights, beginning with Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where vivid blue water flows through lava fields, and nearby Barnafoss waterfall.
Continue through the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of Iceland’s first parliament. Here, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Afterwards, return to Reykjavík for your final evening in Iceland. Your guide will say farewell upon arrival at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Reykjavík. Dinner is at your own arrangement.
Breakfast at your hotel. If you flight is an early departure, a light breakfast may be provided. Transfer to airport for your departure flight.
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