Categories Northern Lights Tours Iceland Winter Tours Adventure & Eco Travel Winter Tours Self Drive Tours

Winter in Iceland is a fantastic season to experience the majestic might of glaciers. These powers of nature have forcefully carved Iceland‘s landscape on their ponderous march to the sea. Icelandic glaciers have been the focus of international news programmes and movies; they are worth a closer look, and this new driving vacation gives more time in prime glacial areas.

Discover glaciers‘ ever-changing beauty and their importance to both Iceland and the world. Drive on roads paralleling Europe‘s largest glacier, experiencing its ever-changing angles and fantastic photo opportunities. Visit a glacial wonderland in a new national park. Indulge your inner explorer and join tours bringing you onto -- and even inside -- the heart of a glacier. You‘ll also experience the Golden Circle as well as Viking Saga locales and the impressive glacier-fueled natural wonders of the Borgarfjordur region. Overnight in stunning locations that make a fabulous backdrop for elusive northern lights.

Please note: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.

Itinerary

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collect your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Iceland, we suggest that you to explore the unique Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik.

Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge dividing the European and North American tectonic plates cuts through the area. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.

Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance. We can help you with that!

Travel to your hotel in Reykjavík and check-in. Please note check-in for most hotels begins at 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm-4:00pm)

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Whale Fjord – Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring – Magical waterfalls

Approximate distance: 155 km / 96 miles

Today, head to the scenic Borgarfjordur region via the Hvalfjordur tunnel (if you don’t want to take the tunnel, you can take the scenic coastal road instead (adds additional 17 km / 10 miles to the trip). Borgarfjordur is a popular area among locals from Reykjavik, who enjoy coming here for holidays. It’s also been gaining popularity with international visitors for its exotic landscapes and Viking history. We suggest a stop in Borgarnes town where you can learn about the first Viking settlers in the area at the popular Settlement Museum. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs, the beautiful Hraunfossar (the Lava Falls), where melted water from a glacier flows through interesting lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss (the Children’s Falls) and its brilliant blue waters. Near Deildartunguhver you can indulge in hot spring relaxation at the Krauma natural geothermal baths. Krauma is known for its “fire and ice” experience since it combines Deildartunguhver’s hot spring waters with cool spring water that originates from the mountains.

Tonight, you are well situated to catch a glimpse of the famous northern lights, if Mother Nature decides to cooperate.

Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area (2 nights).

Langjokull Glacier and Icelandic Sagas OR Snaefellsnes and Snaefellsjokull National Park

Approximate distance: varies

Today you can choose to continue to explore the marvelous Borgarfjordur region, or you can visit the scenic Snaefellnes Peninsula. Each area has something to offer.

Borgarfjordur: Here’s a hidden gem filled with enchanting volcanic scenery, glacial views, and Viking age history. Langjokull glacier offers exciting adventures such as exploring an ice cave and tunnel built into the icy-blue heart of the glacier. Start with an adventurous ride up the glacier in a monstrous 18-wheeled vehicle. Once in the tunnel, you’ll view a glacier from the inside and learn how these icy wonders are formed. Another interesting area activity is a guided visit to the colorful Vidgelmir lava cave. Another beautiful place to visit is the scenic Husafell nature area. An exotic experience is a guided winter hike to the Husafell Canyon Baths, stone-lined hot pools in the secluded highlands.

Snaefellsnes: This peninsula is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” because it contains so many different types of Icelandic landscape in one location. Give yourself an early start since there is so much you can see in this beautiful area. We recommend you stop at the wind tangled Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. The beautiful Snaefellsjokull glacier-volcano is the crown jewel of the peninsula. Legends say that the mountain is home to a benevolent half-troll guardian. Drive along the north coast through bustling fishing villages, stopping to look at Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in the country.

Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

National Park with Geological Wonders – The Golden Falls – Spouting Geysers

Approximate distance: 200 km / 125 miles

Today you’ll be visiting some of Iceland’s best-known national wonders! Head for the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where the world's oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. This is also the meeting point of the tectonic plates that divide the North American and European continents, giving you the rare chance to take a walk between two continents. Visit the quirky geothermal fields of Geysir. Stroll along a footpath around colorful bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. The most famous of these is Strokkur, which erupts about every ten minutes. Then visit the dramatic, two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade.

Afterwards drive along winter country roads to your overnight in South Iceland. If nature co-operates, you might glimpse some northern lights!

Travel idea: The Golden Circle area is full of hot springs, and there are two great local favorite bathing pools. Laugarvatn Fontana is built on top of a hot spring, and its steam baths are good for your skin and joints. The Secret Lagoon is a lovely historical stone-lined natural geothermal pool with its own tiny geyser nearby. We’re happy to book a visit for you.

Overnight in the Hella or Hvollsvollur area.

hundering Waterfall – Black Sand Beaches – Sea Cliffs & Stone Arches

Approximate distance: 380 km / 236 miles

Travel along the south coast, one of Iceland’s main farming areas. You’ll see many farms and shaggy haired herds of Icelandic horses as you head along the Ring Road. See the magnificent waterfall Skogafoss, site of hidden treasure. (Make sure you have your camera ready- Skogafoss makes a fantastic backdrop for a selfie). Nearby is Skogar Folk Museum, well known throughout Iceland for being the best of its kind with a collection of mementos from this region’s past housed in beautifully preserved old turf-roofed buildings. Make a stop in pretty Vik village. Nearby you can admire stunning views of a black sand beach and the black basalt columns of Reynisdrangar.

You’ll also see glaciers from the road, including Myrdalsjokull and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull. The road leads alongside Vatnajokull as you head to your overnight in Southeast Iceland.

Overnight in the Hofn area

Optional: Snowmobiling on Myrdalsjokull Glacier (from Basecamp)

Approximate distance: 210 km / 130 miles

Today is perfect for exploring glacial wonders in Vatnajokull National Park, Western Europe's largest national park. Start with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where blue, white, turquoise, and black-streaked icebergs shift and dance. The mystical lagoon is enormous and has been the backdrop for many major feature films and programs. It is a special place for photographers who enjoy the challenge of catching the icebergs in just the right light conditions. If you want a different glacial lagoon photography experience, the Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon is beautiful and often has fewer visitors.

Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area where icebergs rest on black sand. It has become a famous site for Instagrammers.

Visit Vatnajokull National Park’s majestic Skaftafell area, which is located between two glaciers and offers several winter hiking possibilities. Depending on your schedule, Skaftafell is an excellent place to try a guided hike on a glacier. There are few better ways to really get close to a glacier and learn about their formation.

Overnight in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

Amazing Waterfall – Volcanic View – Geothermal Village

Approximate distance: 265 km / 165 miles

Drive along the scenic south coast back to the west. Visit Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that you can walk behind (subject to trail conditions). You’ll also be passing through landscapes impacted by Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. If the skies are clear, you might even get a glimpse of the glacier-crowned volcano.

The Bobby Fischer Center in Selfoss is dedicated to the world-famous American chess master who defeated Russian Boris Spatsky in the 1972 Match of All Time in Iceland. Bobby Fischer lived his last years in Iceland and is buried in a nearby cemetery. (During the winter, you can call in advance to make an appointment to visit the museum).

The town of Hveragerdi is great to take a break and enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere. Hveragerdi is famous for its geothermal greenhouses where flowers and vegetables are grown year-round. The town has several charming restaurants featuring local cuisine, as well as a small geothermal park.

Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon/early evening.

Overnight in Reykjavík.

Approximate distance: 50 km / 30miles

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport**. We recommend departing from your hotel in Reykjavik no later than at least 3 hours before your flight departure. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the airport, and the check-in will start 2 hours before your departure.

If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon earlier but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2,5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

**Please note that the package price is based on 7 x 24-hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 8, an additional supplement will be charged unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik when the 7-day rental is up and use our Airport Direct departure transfer.

Notes