Leave Reykjavík in the morning and spend three days on the road that shows Iceland at its most dramatic in winter. A small group and a local guide make it easy to linger where the light is good and skip the crowds where it isn’t.
Day one follows the South Coast: walk behind the falling water at Seljalandsfoss, stand at the foot of Skógafoss, and see the basalt columns and sea stacks of Reynisfjara black sand beach before a stop at the hilltop church in Vík. On day two you reach Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift out to sea and wash up on the black sand of Diamond Beach, then spend about 5–6 hours on the Crystal Blue Ice Cave tour, exploring a natural ice cave inside Vatnajökull that only forms in the cold months. The last day brings you back west along the Golden Circle: Gullfoss, a photo stop with Icelandic horses, the Strokkur geyser, the blue water of Brúarfoss and the rift valley at Þingvellir National Park.
Both nights are spent in South Iceland, away from city light. When the forecast allows, your guide takes you out after dinner to look for the northern lights.
Morning pickup in Reykjavík and drive to the South Coast. Walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss, then feel the spray at the foot of Skógafoss. Continue to Reynisfjara black sand beach, with its basalt columns and sea stacks, and stop at the hilltop church in Vík for views over the village and the coast. Overnight in South Iceland, with a northern lights hunt if the skies are clear.
Drive east to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs break off the glacier and drift slowly towards the sea, then walk among the ice washed up on the black sand of Diamond Beach. Next comes the highlight of the trip: the Crystal Blue Ice Cave tour (about 5–6 hours), with a transfer to the edge of Vatnajökull and a guided walk inside a natural blue ice cave. Overnight in South Iceland, with a northern lights hunt if conditions allow.
Head west to the Golden Circle. Start at Gullfoss, the two-tiered waterfall plunging into a deep canyon, and stop to meet and photograph Icelandic horses. Watch Strokkur erupt at the Geysir geothermal area, see the bright blue water of Brúarfoss, and finish with a walk through the rift valley between two continental plates at Þingvellir National Park before returning to Reykjavík in the evening.
Suggested minimum age is 8 for the ice cave tour. Crampons and a helmet are provided where needed.
The ice cave runs only in the cold season and depends on ice conditions. If it is closed, a different glacier activity is offered.
No. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Your guide goes out to look for them on clear nights.
A moderate level of fitness is needed. Walking inside the ice cave and at the waterfalls and beaches can be wet, uneven and icy. The order of stops may change because of weather and road conditions.
Warm base layers and a fleece or down mid-layer, a waterproof jacket and trousers, sturdy ankle-high hiking boots (can be rented), a hat, gloves and a neck warmer, and one medium suitcase or travel bag per person.
An evening chase for the aurora in a small heated minibus. Your guide reads the cloud and aurora forecasts and drives to the darkest clear spot away from city light. Hot drinks on board, and a free second try if the lights stay hidden.
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