Overview

Take in the tranquil beauty of Iceland’s winter season with this guided trip around the island. You’ll enjoy the company of like-minded travellers and the expertise of a local guide for a well-rounded and memorable experience. By day, wander to roaring waterfalls, vast glaciers, black sand beaches and the stunning glacier lagoon. By night, you can relax at carefully selected accommodation or keep an eye on the sky for the majestic aurora borealis.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 |  Arrival and sightseeing in Reykjavík

On arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will drive you to your accommodation in the city centre of Reykjavík.

After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant capital city with its abundance of museums, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. If you're interested in checking out Icelandic design or experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, and enjoy its various shops and cosy cafés.

Spend the night at Fosshótel Reykjavík or similar.

If you arrive early, you have the option to upgrade your journey from the airport to include a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa before heading to the city. It’s the perfect way to start your Icelandic adventure!

Average travel & exploration time: 50 minutes

Day 2 | Wonders of The Golden Circle

This morning your guide will pick you and your fellow travellers up from your accommodation to start your adventure. The first leg of the journey takes you around the famous Golden Circle, a popular route containing some of the best-known natural sites in Iceland. Highlights include Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Geysir geothermal hot spring area and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. You will also have the chance to visit the geothermally heated greenhouses at the Friðheimar farm, where the group will get a taste of the fresh tomato products. You will also go for a visit at the local stables to meet beautiful, Icelandic horses. This evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your group at your accommodation.

Spend the night at Hotel Grímsborgir or similar.

Average travel & exploration time: 9-11 hours

*Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon. If weather conditions and visibility are not favourable, the guide will inform you.

Day 3 | Waterfalls, Volcanic Beaches & Northern Lights

Today you will explore majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches and learn about the unique geology of Iceland. You will start with a visit to the Lava Centre, a one-of-a-kind interactive exhibition about Iceland’s volcanic activity, its frequent earthquakes and evolution over millions of years. Next up is the fairy tale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the icy cascade on a footpath. Close by, your guide will also take you to Skógafoss, an impressive 60-metre-high (197-feet-high) waterfall, followed by a visit to the Skógar Folk Museum. 

The last stop for today is the black sand volcanic beach near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Here, you will be able to see the spectacular rock arch and steep cliffs along with the Reynisdrangar basalt columns just off the shore.

Next, you will travel to your accommodation for the night where you’ll enjoy dinner. It is located far from the city lights to give you the best chance of seeing the northern lights.

Spend the night at the Magma Hotel or similar.

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 hours

Day 4 | The Glaciers Lagoon & Diamond Beach

You have a full day of exciting icy highlights ahead of you. You will spend some time exploring Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park and a place of great natural beauty. The group will then head to the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, famous for its floating icebergs in shades of milky white and bright blue. On a clear day, you may get a good view of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier behind the lake. Next to the glacier lagoon, you will also have the chance to walk along Diamond Beach where large chunks of ice have washed up on shore after being shaped and polished in the surf of the glacier lagoon. It’s truly a beautiful sight and a great photo opportunity!

Later, you’ll head to your accommodation for the night. A delicious local dinner will be served, and after, you can spend the evening gazing at the sky waiting for the northern lights to appear. 

Spend the night at Hótel Höfn or similar.

Average travel & exploration time: 10-11 hours

Day 5 |  The Mystical East Fjords & Mývatn Nature Baths

Today you will get to experience a slice of Iceland that few get to explore. Your guide will drive you along majestic East Iceland, with gorgeous scenery that includes tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra and sweeping landscapes. If you are lucky, you might spot a reindeer or two as they come down from the mountains to stay close to the sea during the winter months.

Among other highlights, you will stop in the small villages of Stöðvarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður. The latter is known for its French heritage and fascinating northern lights photo exhibition. The final destination of the day is the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area. It's known for being one of the best places in Iceland to view the northern lights due to the altitude and the lay of the land. For that reason, we highly recommend you be on the lookout for the aurora borealis tonight!

Spend the night at Hótel Laxá or similar.

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 hours

Day 6 |  Lake Mývatn & Charming Akureyri

Start the day by exploring the unusual, moon-like landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area, including the Námaskarð pass and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters—sights that are even more surreal in wintertime. You will also have a chance to see Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, which is among the most beautiful falls in the country.

You will then have some free time in Akureyri to explore on your own. Akureyri is a charming town with museums, shops, cafes and a picturesque harbour area, before heading to Skagafjörður, where your will dine and stay at Hofsstaðir.

Spend the night at Hofsstaðir Country Hotel or similar.

Average travel & exploration time: 7-8 hours

Day 7 |  West Iceland & Return to Reykjavík

Before heading back to Reykjavík, you will get the chance to explore the incredible western part of Iceland along beautiful Borgarfjörður. Your guide will stop at Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, and the spectacular twin waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Next, you’ll visit the historical sites at Reykholt, which is rich in Saga history. Reykholt is the home of 13th century writer, poet and scholar Snorri Sturluson.

After being dropped off at your accommodation, you can spend the evening at your leisure in the city centre of Reykjavík.

Spend the night at Fosshótel Reykjavík or similar.

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 hours

Day 8 |  Departure from Reykjavík

When it’s time for your Iceland adventure to end, you will be picked up from your accommodation by shuttle bus for your airport transfer in time for your flight. If you’re flying later, you have the option to visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to the airport. It’s a great way to end your trip, while relaxing in the warm mineral waters (optional: not included).

Average travel time: 50 minutes

Why we love it

City Break

Northern Lights

Waterfalls

Geysers

Gallery

All images courtesy of © Nordic Visitor Iceland