8 Days of Magic: Iceland’s Northern Lights Adventure
Discover Iceland’s magic on an 8-day road trip along the Ring Road! Step away from the crowds and experience the wonder of the Northern Lights.
Details
Highlights
- South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara)
- Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir)
- Skaftafell National Park
- Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
- Crystal Ice Cave
- Northern Lights
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Wilderness Center
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
- Lake Mývatn
- Whale Watching in Dalvík
- The Diamond Beach
- Myvatn Nature Baths
Included
- Hotel room with private bathroom (7 nights)
- Breakfast each morning at hotel
- Guided minibus tour
- Free Wi-Fi onboard the bus
- Whale Watching in Dalvík
- Glacier Hike or visit to a Natural Ice Cave
- Free photos with the Northern Lights
- In case of unsuccessful Northern Lights viewing, unlimited re-tries valid for 3 years
Start your adventure in Reykjavík, the lively capital of Iceland. Your centrally located hotel makes it easy to explore the city’s best museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
Stroll along the unique Laugavegur shopping street, one of Reykjavik’s oldest. Dive into culture at top-notch museums like the National Museum, the Reykjavík Museum of Photography, or the Culture House. For something quirky, visit the Phallological Museum, a remarkable collection that started as one person’s unusual hobby and became the world’s only museum of its kind.
Take in a breathtaking view of Reykjavík from Hallgrímskirkja church, inspired by the Svartifoss Waterfall at Skaftafell. As night falls, immerse yourself in the city’s buzzing nightlife before heading out on a magical Northern Lights boat tour. Set sail under pitch-dark skies for the perfect view of the emerald aurora, guided by an expert sharing captivating insights about this natural wonder.
Wrap up your day with an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Reykjavik.
On day 2, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to explore some of Iceland’s most famous attractions.
We begin at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in geological, historical, and cultural significance. This is where the Icelandic Parliament, Alþing, was established in 930 CE, making it the world’s oldest democratic parliament still in existence. It’s also where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Next, we visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to the Great Geysir, which inspired the English word “geyser.” Watch Strokkur, the area’s most active geyser, as it shoots steaming water into the air every 5 to 10 minutes.
The Golden Circle’s final stop is Gullfoss Waterfall, known as “the golden falls.” Admire the golden mist surrounding this powerful waterfall as the Hvítá River crashes below.
Before reaching your hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we’ll stop by two breathtaking waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Both stand 196 feet tall, yet each has its own charm. Skógafoss flows gracefully from ancient sea cliffs, while Seljalandsfoss offers a hidden pathway behind the falls, giving you a unique perspective of nature.
We continue along the South Coast to the stunning Reynisfjara black sand beach. Just offshore, you can admire the striking Reynisdrangar peaks rising dramatically from the ocean.
Leaving the beach behind, we head toward the glaciers. At Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, take part in a three-hour glacier hike on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, covering 8% of Iceland’s land. From October to April, this hike is replaced with an enchanting tour through the Crystal Ice Cave.
On the way, take in the breathtaking sight of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, home to the renowned Katla Volcano. Nearby, you’ll also see Eyjafjalljökull, another of Iceland’s legendary volcanic landmarks.
From these fiery landscapes, we journey back to icy wonders at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the world’s most famous ice lagoon. Watch the brilliant blue icebergs gently float through the lagoon. A short stroll brings you to Diamond Beach, where black sands are beautifully scattered with glistening icebergs shaped by the tide.
Your evening will conclude with an overnight stay in the South East area.
Today’s journey takes us through the scenic beauty of the East Fjords. As we drive through this captivating region, you’ll witness a variety of landscapes, including the serene Lón, the dramatic Þvottárskriður landslides, and the tranquil Álftafjarðar Fjord. Each stop offers unique views that showcase the diverse natural beauty of the area.
Our first destination is the quaint fishing town of Djúpivogur. Known for its eco-conscious efforts and friendly atmosphere, Djúpivogur is a small town with a rich cultural vibe. The village may be peaceful, but it has plenty to offer for those looking to explore its history and artistic heritage.
Take time to wander through its museums, parks, and sculptures. One highlight is the famous Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs of Merry Bay), a striking outdoor sculpture exhibition that consists of 34 large, egg-shaped pieces, each dedicated to the local birdlife that thrives in the area.
As the day progresses, we’ll head to the Wilderness Center, an immersive destination nestled in Northern Europe’s largest wilderness. This center offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to horseback riding, allowing you to experience Icelandic nature up close. The center’s museum takes you on a journey through Icelandic history and the highland way of life. You’ll enjoy complimentary access to the museum, giving you the chance to learn about the area’s culture and traditions. After an active day, you can unwind in cozy, historic accommodations, sample local cuisine, and soothe your body in the warm waters of the bathing house.
Our final stop for the day is Egilsstaðir, where you’ll spend the night in a charming country hotel, ready for the next part of your adventure.
Day 5 takes us through the peaceful landscapes and iconic natural wonders of North Iceland.
We begin our journey from Egilsstaðir, traveling through the wild terrain to reach Stuðlagil Canyon, a stunning basalt rock formation that is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Our next destination is the enchanting Lake Mývatn, where we’ll explore the surrounding area. Just outside the lake, we’ll visit Námaskarð, a captivating geothermal area filled with steaming hot springs and bubbling craters. For more dramatic scenery, we’ll head to Dimmuborgir, known as the Dark Castles, where unusual lava formations create an almost mystical atmosphere.
From there, we’ll make our way to the Mývatn Nature Baths, often called the "Blue Lagoon of the North." This peaceful spa, located near Lake Mývatn, offers a chance to relax in the warm geothermal waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind amidst the breathtaking northern landscape. Whether you’re soaking in the pools or enjoying the saunas and relaxation areas, it’s an experience of serenity in Iceland’s raw wilderness. (This is an optional activity.)
Our final stop before we head towards Eyjafjörður is the historic Goðafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." After taking in the beauty of this famous waterfall, you’ll spend the night at Berjaya Iceland Hotels, resting and readying yourself for the next leg of the adventure.
Day 6 takes you to the charming fishing village of Dalvík, known for its lively harbor and beautiful views of Eyjafjörður and Hrísey Island.
A major highlight of the day is a three-hour whale-watching tour from Dalvík harbor. You’ll have the chance to witness the majesty of humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and, on rare occasions, blue whales. Dalvík's whale-watching tours have an impressive 98% success rate!
Afterward, we head to Siglufjörður, a picturesque fishing village with a fascinating history. In the early 20th century, the town's quiet, isolated life changed dramatically when it became known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic.
As we travel, we’ll drive along Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula), where the road offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains. Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse of life in these tight-knit, isolated Icelandic villages when we visit Siglufjörður.
Your overnight stay will be in Laugarbakki, a peaceful place to rest after a day of exploration.
On the final day before returning to Reykjavik, you’ll experience the remarkable sights of West Iceland, a region named one of the best travel destinations by Lonely Planet in 2016, and still a favorite among travelers.
We start the day with a visit to Grábrók, an ancient volcanic crater created by a fissure eruption and surrounded by lava. Your guide will take you on a hike to the top for panoramic views of the crater and the landscape around it.
Next, we head to Hraunfossar, a fascinating waterfall that forms a wide curtain of water flowing from a lava field. Just nearby, we’ll visit Barnafoss, also known as “the children’s falls,” named after a tragic Icelandic folktale. Then we’ll make our way to Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe.
In Reykholt, we’ll explore the historic site linked to Snorri Sturluson, the famed Icelandic saga writer and poet. Take a moment to admire the natural pool of Snorralaug, where Snorri is said to have bathed.
On our way back to Reykjavik, we’ll pass through the scenic Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), enjoying the beautiful views. We’ll arrive back in the city around 5 – 6 pm, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
Once back in Reykjavik, leave the city lights behind for a Northern Lights adventure. Our minibus tour will take you into the wilderness, searching for the best viewing spots to experience the aurora. Our expert guides will track the aurora forecast to ensure you get the most spectacular view of this natural light show.
We head back to Reykjavík for one final chance to discover the lively capital. You can explore new areas by walking or biking, and if you're craving more of Iceland's stunning nature, you can easily reach the mountain-view peninsulas of Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær by bus.
Make sure to visit the Reykjavík Botanical Gardens to experience Iceland’s rich biodiversity. Nearby, you’ll find the historical hot spring pools where women in Reykjavík once did their laundry, located right next to Laugardalslaug, the largest swimming pool in Iceland.
Whether you choose to enjoy more nature, shop, relax in cozy coffee shops or restaurants, visit another museum, or take one last day trip, the day is yours to make the most of!
- Warm outdoor clothing
- A waterproof jacket and pants
- Headwear
- Gloves
- Good hiking boots are recommended