Iceland Complete Winter : The Northern Lights Edition
OVERVIEW
Enjoy the northern lights version of our most popular tour! We’ll show you the main attractions of the legendary Ring Road, but with the added beauty—and northern lights—of an Icelandic winter.
Witnessing the elusive northern lights’ exotic dance in the night sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Our team of experts created this special northern lights edition of the popular Iceland Complete tour to combine the best of the Ring Road with the enchanting beauty of an Icelandic winter. Witness “must-see” attractions such as the Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss, but with extra-added magical snow, peacefulness, light, and shadows of an Icelandic winter. Northern lights wake-up calls are available on most nights of your trip, ensuring you don’t miss your chance to see the lights up close.
Day 1 : Arrival in Iceland
Good to Know: Generally, on Day 2 – 8 there will be no more than 45 minutes to one-hour driving between each tour stop. You’ll arrive at each night’s accommodation in the late afternoon.
Please note: If you have added extra nights in Reykjavik before your tour, your tour starts with the evening meeting on Day 1 according to the standard “Iceland Complete” itinerary.
Arrival at Keflavik International airport. Transfers to Reykjavik are not included in the tour. We would be happy to arrange shared or private transfers for you, so let us know at booking time.
If you arrive earlier in the day, you might consider adding a day tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests.
Tonight, there will be an information meeting at your hotel. You’ll meet your guide, travel companions, and learn more about the tour.
Dinner this evening is at your leisure. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a wonderful way to get better acquainted with Iceland’s capital.
Please note that hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.
Day 2 : The Golden Circle and The South Shore
Approximate Distance : 325 km / 201 miles - Exploding Geysers – Waterfalls – Black Sand Beaches
Breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel. Start your adventure by visiting the fascinating Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre. You’ll get a great introduction to northern lights, how they are formed and the folklore surrounding them. You’ll also get tips about how to capture northern lights on film.
Continue to the Golden Circle natural wonders. Explore Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade. Continue to the geothermal fields of Geysir with bubbling mud pools and the high-spouting Strokkur hot spring (and other geysers). Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Shore. Continue to the village of Vik.
Dinner and overnight in the Vik area.
If weather conditions are right, your guide will take you on a northern lights hunt on foot in the area outside your hotel tonight, or on one of the other evenings that you are staying in the countryside.
Day 3 : Vatnajokull National Park (Skaftafell area)
Approximate Distance : 265 km / 165 miles - Lava Fields – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Europe’s Largest Glacier
Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 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. Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you can enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon (make sure your camera is loaded and ready!) Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, where shrinking icebergs settle on the black sands before they drift out to sea.
Dinner and overnight in Southeast Iceland or in the Hofn area.
Day 4 : The East Fjords
Approximate Distance : 260 km / 162 miles - Narrow Fjords – Picturesque Coastline – Legendary Lake Monster
Breakfast at your hotel. Get ready to enjoy some amazing views today! Drive through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to an area of towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Keep your hand on your camera and keep an eye out for wild reindeer, which can sometimes be seen in the area during the winter months.
You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Here, you’ll visit the local Beljandi microbrewery and sample some of the beer. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small town. Drive to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster. Egilsstadir is also getting a name for itself for its excellent locally sourced cuisine, and you will surely enjoy some of it at dinner.
Dinner and overnight in the Eastfjords area.
Day 5 : Lake Myvatn Area
Approximate Distance : 255 km / 158 miles - Highland Desert – Bizarre Lava Formations – Volcanic Winter Wonderland
Please note: The visit to Dettifoss waterfall depends on weather and road conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Breakfast at your hotel. Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful in its winter snows, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. On the way, stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colours. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!
Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. You will probably see why this area, especially during the wintertime, has been so popular for movie makers.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area.
Optional Activity – we recommend you book and pay for this activity in advance to ensure a spot for you on the tour. Let us know during the booking process.
Myvatn Nature Baths – Relax in an azure geothermal lagoon in a peaceful wilderness setting | Duration: Flexible time | Included: Bathing fee and swimsuit | Not Included: Swimsuit (rentals available).
Day 6 : Akureyri and the Troll Peninsula
Approximate Distance : 235 km / 146 miles - “Waterfall of the Gods” – Akureyri – The Beautiful Troll Peninsula
Breakfast at your hotel. Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. The name means “Dark Citadels” in Icelandic, and they certainly look as though were built by fantasy creatures. There are local legends that elves live here.
Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of the most important symbols of North Iceland. Afterwards, drive to Akureyri, the colourful northern “capital” of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord.
After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and the black sand coastline. Enjoy a stop in Siglufjordur, a town set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory.
Visit Siglufjordur’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time.
Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding.
Dinner and overnight in Northwest Iceland.
Day 7 : Skagafjordur – Borgarnes
Approximate Distance : 235 km / 146 miles - Mountain Views – Unique Viking Horse Demonstration
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait, the tolt. Icelandic horses are very important to the country’s history. These gentle horses are known as the Icelandic people’s most faithful servant.
Continue towards the village of Blonduos, built on both sides of the river Blanda. This is a part of Iceland known from the Icelandic literary work Vatnsdaela Saga. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its diverse landscapes and its Viking history.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Borgarnes area.
Day 8 : Borgarfjordur – Thingvellir – Reykjavik
Approximate Distance : 205 km / 130 miles - Hot Springs – Picturesque Waterfalls – National Park with Geological Wonders
Breakfast at your hotel. Visit some of West Iceland’s beautiful natural wonders. Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with a brilliantly blue colour.
Drive through the scenic and mountain rimmed Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world’s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents! Afterwards, head to Reykjavik for a last night in the colourful capital city. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Reykjavik. Dinner is on your own.
Day 9 : Farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice
Breakfast at your hotel. Please note that this might be a light breakfast if you are taking an early morning flight. Transfer on your own to the international airport for your departure flight. The airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers.
We recommend you depart your hotel no later than three hours before your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back to your homeland and hope to see you in Iceland again!
End of our services.
Our services include :
- Guided coach tour from day 2 to day 8
- Expert professional English-speaking local guide from day 2 to day 8
- Free Wi-Fi on board the motor coach
- Accommodation 2 nights in a standard room with facilities in Reykjavik
- Accommodation 6 nights in a standard room with facilities in the countryside
- Icelandic breakfast (except arrival day)
- 6 three-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside with coffee/tea (days 2-7)
- Souvenir Icelandic Search and Rescue keyring
- Information meeting with guide (day 1)
- Entrance fee to the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre (day 2)
- Microbrewery visit and beer tasting in Breiddalsvik (day 4)
- Entrance to the Herring Era Maritime Museum (day 6)
- Horse show in Skagafjordur (day 7)
- Use of crampons/cleats (if needed) for walking on snow/ice covered surfaces
- Great photo stops
- Seat rotation during the tour
- Northern lights guided hunt on foot one selected evening, including use of crampons and headlight
- Customer care service during office hours
- 24-hour emergency line assistance while you are in Iceland
- Also (Added Value): Northern lights “wake-up call” option during the night on days 2-7 (please note: available at most countryside hotels)
Our services do not include :
- Breakfast on arrival day
- International airfare
- Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Round-trip transfers between airports and hotels
- Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
- Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland starts between 14:00 and 16:00 (2:00pm and 4:00pm)
- Guaranteed late check-out
- Any service not specifically listed under “Included”
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
Day |
Hotel |
Day 1 |
Berjaya Iceland Reykjavik Natura |
Day 2 |
Kalta Hotel Kea |
Day 3 |
Hotel Hofn |
Day 4 |
Valaskjalf Hotel |
Day 5 |
Laxa Hotel / Fosshotel Myvatn |
Day 6 |
Hofsstadir Country Hotel |
Day 7 |
Hotel Hamar |
Day 8 |
Berjaya Iceland Reykjavik Natura |
Iceland is an extraordinary destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, from erupting geysers and active volcanoes to massive glaciers and geothermal hot springs. Here’s a complete guide for planning an adventure to this Nordic island.
Overview
- Capital: Reykjavik
- Official Language: Icelandic (English is widely spoken)
- Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for the midnight sun and mild weather; Winter (November to March) for Northern Lights and winter sports.
Top Destinations
1. Reykjavik
- Description: Iceland’s vibrant capital offers a mix of artsy culture, lively nightlife, and historical landmarks.
- Must-See Spots: Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, the National Museum of Iceland, and the Sun Voyager statue.
- Activities: Explore Reykjavik's hip coffee culture, enjoy geothermal pools (like the Blue Lagoon), and sample Icelandic cuisine.
2. Golden Circle
- Description: A popular day trip route that includes Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
- Must-See Spots: Þingvellir (site of Iceland’s first parliament and part of a tectonic rift), Strokkur Geyser, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall.
- Activities: Snorkel between tectonic plates in Silfra at Þingvellir or walk the trails around the geyser fields.
3. South Coast
- Description: Known for black sand beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
- Must-See Spots: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and the Sólheimajökull Glacier.
- Activities: Take glacier hikes, explore lava fields, and visit the famous plane wreck on Sólheimasandur.
4. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Description: This region offers a taste of Iceland’s diverse geography, including lava fields, mountains, and quaint fishing villages.
- Must-See Spots: Snæfellsjökull National Park, Kirkjufell Mountain, and Arnarstapi cliffs.
- Activities: Glacier hiking, cave tours, and visiting picturesque fishing villages like Stykkishólmur.
5. The North (Akureyri and Lake Mývatn)
- Akureyri: Iceland’s second-largest city offers a cozy charm and is a gateway to northern attractions.
- Lake Mývatn: Known for its geothermal activity, lava formations, and unique birdlife.
- Must-See Spots: Goðafoss waterfall, Húsavík (Iceland’s whale-watching capital), and the Myvatn Nature Baths.
- Activities: Whale watching, exploring lava fields, and bathing in geothermal pools.
6. East Fjords
- Description: Known for remote fjords, fishing villages, and hiking opportunities.
- Must-See Spots: Seyðisfjörður, Hengifoss waterfall, and the scenic coastal roads.
- Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, and exploring Iceland’s lesser-known countryside.
7. The Highlands
- Description: A rugged and remote area with volcanic landscapes, often accessible only in summer by 4x4 vehicles.
- Must-See Spots: Landmannalaugar, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, and Hveradalir geothermal area.
- Activities: Hiking, natural hot springs, and off-road adventures.
Key Activities in Iceland
- Northern Lights Viewing (October to March): Ideal viewing locations include Reykjavik, Thingvellir, and remote northern areas.
- Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools: Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and natural hot springs like Reykjadalur.
- Ice Caving and Glacier Hiking: Popular on glaciers like Vatnajökull, Sólheimajökull, and Skaftafell.
- Whale Watching: Húsavík is one of the best places, with opportunities to see humpback and minke whales.
- Hiking: Trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes in places like Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk.
- Bird Watching: The puffin colonies in places like the Látrabjarg cliffs and Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) are a highlight.
- Snorkeling/Diving: Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park offers unique diving between the North American and Eurasian plates.
Practical Tips for Visiting Iceland
- Accommodation: Reykjavik offers various hotels, but in rural areas, guesthouses and farm stays are common. Book early, especially in summer.
- Transportation: Renting a car is popular for flexibility, but check for conditions if you plan on driving in winter or on gravel roads. Buses also run between major towns.
- Food: Iceland is known for seafood, lamb, and traditional dishes like skyr (Icelandic yogurt). Dining out can be expensive; self-catering is a good option.
- Weather: Unpredictable, with rapid changes even within a day. Layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy shoes are essential.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Iceland can be costly, but you can save by shopping at supermarkets like Bonus, cooking meals, or using refillable water bottles (Icelandic tap water is excellent).
Important Travel Considerations
- Weather Conditions: Iceland’s weather is highly changeable; be prepared for quick shifts in conditions, especially in winter.
- Safety: Stay on marked paths when exploring natural sites; geothermal areas and cliffs can be dangerous if not navigated carefully.
- Environmental Responsibility: Iceland’s delicate ecosystem requires care; follow Leave No Trace principles to protect its landscapes.
- Money: Credit cards are widely accepted; you rarely need cash.
Iceland’s unique landscapes, volcanic activity, and stunning natural phenomena make it a magical destination. Whether you’re planning a quick stopover or a full circuit of the island, Iceland offers memorable experiences for all types of travelers. Prepare, pack for varied conditions, and embrace the adventure in this captivating destination!
Iceland Complete Winter : The Northern Lights Edition
Reference #: WTP0412
- Unique wonders
- Golden Circle
- Glacier Lagoon
- Reynisfjara Beach
- Dettifoss waterfall
- Myvatn nature reserve
- Icelandic life
- Authentic local activities
- Delicious dinners
- Overnight countryside locations
- Search for the elusive northern lights
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Enjoy the northern lights version of our most popular tour! We’ll show you the main attractions of the legendary Ring Road, but with the added beauty—and northern lights—of an Icelandic winter.
Witnessing the elusive northern lights’ exotic dance in the night sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Our team of experts created this special northern lights edition of the popular Iceland Complete tour to combine the best of the Ring Road with the enchanting beauty of an Icelandic winter. Witness “must-see” attractions such as the Golden Circle, the Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss, but with extra-added magical snow, peacefulness, light, and shadows of an Icelandic winter. Northern lights wake-up calls are available on most nights of your trip, ensuring you don’t miss your chance to see the lights up close.