Home / Multi-Day Tours / Reykjavík / Iceland Winter Tour Package – Guided Tour For 8 Days
Explore the beautiful Icelandic winter in this 8-day Iceland winter package. Included in this itinerary are exciting guided tours, both to the very best highlights as well as the lesser-known beauties of Iceland. During your stay in Iceland, you will not only visit the three national parks in Iceland but also venture on some exciting outdoor activities. At various stunning locations, you will also have the chance to see the magic northern lights.
(During this time of the year the ice caves are accessible. If you want to come to Iceland in September, October or beginning of April we can prepare a slightly different tour with a guided glacier walk instead of the ice caving)
If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.
Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences. The package can also be offered as a privately guided tour if a self-drive option is not what you had in mind for your Iceland experience.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
NL-08
Nov - Mar
Guided Group Tours
8 Days / 7 Nights
Reykjavík, South & West Iceland
8 Years old
Welcome to your winter holiday in Iceland! After landing in Iceland, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Reykjavík city center. You’ll be staying in a guesthouse or hotel in the city center, making it easy to go out and explore the highlights of Iceland’s capital city.
If you arrive in the morning or around noon, we highly recommend starting your holidays with a guided walk in Reykjavik. On the tour, you will not only get a first overview of the city itself but also receive useful tips about the best places to eat and where to spend your free time. You should also visit the Northern Lights Center where you can learn more about the magic lights in the sky. Other interesting museums we recommend visiting are the National Museum of Iceland and the Whales of Iceland Exhibition.
Today you will go on a two-day guided tour around the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland (minibus tour, maximum 18 people). Snæfellsnes has been given the nickname “Iceland in Miniature” because many of the sights Iceland is famous for can be found in this area. Start the tour by visiting the Reykholt area to see the Hraunfossar waterfalls. They are actually a collection of small waterfalls coming out of a huge lava field. Close by you will then find another waterfall named Barnafoss.
Hraunfossar simply translates to “lava waterfalls” but Barnafoss supposedly takes its name from two children who fell into the waterfall centuries ago (Icelandic folk mythology), and translates to “the waterfall of the children”. You will then continue to Snæfellsnes, passing the magnificent crater of Eldborg. Before reaching your accommodation, you will see Gerðuberg, an impressive wall of beautiful basalt columns forming geometric patterns in the cliffs. Stay for the night in a cozy accommodation in the countryside, and if the weather allows, don’t forget to look for the Northern Lights in the evening sky.
Reykjavík
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
After breakfast, your journey around the peninsula will continue. Your guide will make a stop at Hellnar, a little fishing village in the South coast of Snæfellsnes. There you will go on a short hike to explore the cliffs in the area. Because of the rich birdlife there, chances are that you will lay eyes on some seabirds. From Hellnar, you can also see the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
One of the trip’s highlights will definitely be the exploration of a lava cave in the area. You will go on a journey 35 meters below the surface. During the tour, you will reach two different sections of the cave by staircases. The lower section of the lava cave was hidden from the outside world for thousands of years. There you will experience total quietness and complete darkness when your guide and group switch off the headlights.
Your next stop will be the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík. These beaches are stunning and extremely interesting places to see with unusual cliff formations and black pebbles stones. In the afternoon you will drive to the North side of the peninsula, stopping at the famous Mt. Kirkjufell, close to Grundarfjörður. The mountain is very photogenic and therefore a favourite among many photographers. A picturesque waterfall can also be found nearby. From Grundarfjörður you will pass the Berserkjahraun lava field and then start making your way back to the capital. Stay for the night in heart of Reykjavik.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Reykjavík
Today, you’ll be going on a minibus day tour, visiting all the popular locations of the Golden Circle. First off is the fascinating Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you can walk in between tectonic plates. Later you will also see the fountain geyser Strokkur, which erupts every 4 to 8 minutes. Last but not least you will also visit Gullfoss, the so-called “golden waterfall”. The waterfall is often partly covered in ice during winter time.
After exploring these amazing places amongst other scenic attractions, you will head back to Reykjavik. In the evening we recommend a nice dinner in one of several recommended restaurants in Reykjavik. If you are interested, you can also join an optional Northern Lights tour by boat.
~ 9 hours
Today you will be joining a two-day adventure to the south coast of Iceland. You will be picked up from a meeting point close to your hotel, and soon enough – once all the guests are on board, you will leave the city of Reykjavík. The first stop of the tour is Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This unusual waterfall has a path leading behind and around the beautiful falling cascade. Although you might get a little wet, it is well worth the astonishing experience. Next up, another waterfall awaits; the picturesque Skógafoss, which is located at the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
Moving on, your next stop will be at the black beaches of Reynisfjara, with majestic views of the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks rising from the ocean. You will then drive through the village of Vík and onwards to the Skaftafell area, where you will be staying for the night. On your way there, you will witness diverse Icelandic landscape, such as great lava fields, glacier tongues and various smaller waterfalls. You can then expect a relaxed evening in the cosy countryside. However, if conditions are promising, you will be closing off the day with a hunt for the northern lights in the surrounding areas.
Reykjavík
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon area
Once you have finished breakfast, you will drive to Jökulsárlón, the monumental glacier lagoon which may be the crown jewel of Icelandic nature. The lagoon has been made famous by several Hollywood movies and simply is a must-see for the majority of all of Iceland‘s visitors. Icebergs of all shapes and sizes, which continually calve off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, float around in the fascinating lagoon. Before eventually making their way into the Atlantic ocean, a good number of these natural chunks of ice are washed onto, what we call, the Diamond Beach. As the name implies, here you can see parts of the glacier shimmer and shine like diamonds, laying around in the black sands.
Later on, you will be visiting another phenomenon; a natural ice cave somewhere inside the great Vatnajökull glacier. A qualified glacier guide will be joining you on this part of the tour. Each winter, new ice caves are formed by the melt/freeze cycle of the glacier. They even change within each winter, so in fact, the cave you will be visiting might not even be there a month later. Photographers will love this part of the tour as you will not come across photo opportunities such as these very often in a lifetime. Afterwards, you and your travel companions will head back towards Reykjavík, with a stop at the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. On your way, in the late afternoon and evening, you will keep an eye out for the magical aurora in the sky, making short stops along the way if conditions allow.
Do keep in mind that the program of this overnight tour can slightly change, with factors such as weather forecast and time of year often having a say.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon area
Reykjavík
Today you can enjoy a full free day in Reykjavík, the northernmost capital of the world. There are several different ways to spend your day. Go swimming in one of many thermal swimming pools within the city limits, visit museums and/or exhibitions, or go for a long walk in town. In the city center, you will find plenty of coffee shops, Icelandic designer stores and several versatile restaurants.
Don´t miss out on Reykjavík´s top sightseeing spots and landmarks, such as the Hallgrímskirkja church tower, the viewing deck of Perlan (The Pearl) and the Sun Voyager sculpture by the sea. Don´t leave Iceland without trying one of our famous hot dogs by the tiny hot dog stand „Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur“ near the harbor. Close by you´ll also find Kolaportið, Reykjavík´s one and only fleamarket, open on weekends from 11:00 – 17:00. Today you can also join various guided tours, such as whale watching, a helicopter flight or a snorkeling tour in crystal-clear water.
Your winter adventure is about to come to its end. You will be transferred to Keflavík International airport in time for your departing flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, you still have time to stop at the Blue Lagoon. There you can enjoy a soak in the milky blue earth sea, a perfect end to your stay and a nice way to relax and unwind before your flight home. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight back home and hope to see you again in Iceland!
Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness.
Breakfast is included.
Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.
Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.
Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.
Alþingi is the national parliament of Iceland. It is one of the oldest parliaments in the world, founded in 930 at Þingvellir National Park. It is located in downtown Reykjavik.
Hallgrímskirkja Church is most certainly Reykjavík´s best-known landmark. The white concrete Church whose image is printed in many postcards, dominates the city. As a matter of fact its tower can be seen from almost every corner of Reykjavík. Its distinctive and futuristic exterior made the Church one of the most visited spots in Reykjavík.
Harpa is the famous concert hall and conference center located in Reykjavik. The building features a distinctive and original colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. Its unique architecture makes it one of Reykjavik most loved landmarks.
The Aurora is a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged particles, mainly electrons and protons ejected from the sun colliding with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen causing them to emit light that is visible to us. These hypnotic lights are known as Aurora Borealis, Polar Lights or Northern Lights in the arctic north and Aurora Australis (southern lights) around the south pole. The color of the Aurora has to do with the type of gas that these particles collide with, oxygen produces green light at low altitudes and red at high altitudes. Nitrogen produces purple Aurora. The green color is the most common and red can only be seen at the strongest of geomagnetic storms. The full understanding of the physical processes that cause the aurora are still a mystery but we know the fundamental causes of the Aurora is the interaction of solar wind with the Earth‘s magnetosphere.
There are three basic requirements for seeing the northern lights. Solar activity, darkness and clear skies. This means that you cannot see the northern lights during summer, they are still happening, there's even a phenomenon called daylight aurora, but our eyes cannot detect them as sunlight drowns out the Aurora. So the darker the better. Going out of the city is not a requirement, the Aurora can often be spotted within city limits in Iceland, however to best enjoy them going away from city lights enhances the experience. Also people should not use mobile phones if they are looking for the northern lights, as the light from the screen will make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. It‘s always a good idea to take warm clothes on your Aurora excursions as Iceland can get very cold in the winter, that means wool undergarments, warm mid layer and a windproof shell.
Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls coming from underneath Hallmundarhraun, a lava field formed by an eruption of the volcano situated under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river. Hraunfossar is located near Húsafell and Reykholt.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.
The history of Reykholt spans over a thousand years. Reykholt is most notable for being the home of the poet Snorri Sturluson(1179-1241), the author two of the greatest works of Icelandic literature, the Prose Edda and the chronicle of Norwegian kings; Heimskringla. Snorrastofa is the cultural center located in the age-old home of Snorri at Reykholt. Snorrastofa houses research, lectures, exhibitions, and tours. Also worth noting is the Snorralaug, the hot spring pool that Snorri used to unwind in after writing, this perhaps is the oldest hot tub in Iceland.
Barnafossar, also known as Bjarnafoss, is a series of rapids coming from out of the surrounding lava plains. The name means "Children´s falls".
Snæfellsjökull Glacier is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano in western Iceland. The glacier-volcano is active and it is believed to be one of the seven energy centres of the earth.
Kirkjufell is a stunning 463 m high mountain on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland. It is located near Grundarfjörður village.
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village at the foot of Stapafell mountain, between Hellnar village and Breiðavík farms, on the southern side of Snæfellsnes, Iceland. It is famous for its extraordinary columnar basalt and rock formations.
Búðakirkja Church is a famous black wooden Church built up in 1703. This fascinating building sits alone in the Búðahraun lava field.
Þingvellir National Park is the most important historic and geological sites in Iceland. The area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and today the entire area is a protected national treasure.
Gullfoss, also called the Golden Waterfall, is one of the most iconic gems of the likewise named Golden Circle. The waterfall is located in the upper part of the River Hvíta. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters.
Geysir is the famous hot spring area located in the Haukadalur valley. The main attraction is known as Strokkur, which erupts energetically at regular intervals of 10 minutes or so its boiling waterjets can reach as high as 30 meters.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland. It located along the South Coast of the Country right by the road n. 1. The waterfall is part of the Seljalands river that originated from the famous volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The waterfall is approximately 60-meter high and it is famous for its path that leads visitor behind its powerful water flow.
Skógafoss is a waterfall located on the Skógá river on the South Coast of Iceland. This picture-perfect waterfall descends 60 meters from the cliffs. Before pouring down the cliffs becoming the famous waterfall, the river flows through the Skógárgil gorge.
Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in the South of Iceland, just next to the village of Vik. Black sand, lava formations, and basalt columns make it a popular stop for all visitors.
Reynisdrangar cliffs are towering basalt-type rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara black sand beach, on the South Coast of Iceland. The folk legend wants them to be the rocky representation of two trolls turned into stone after being caught by the sunlight after dawn.
Eldhraun is a lava field in the southern highlands of Iceland. It was created by a great volcano eruption known as Skaftareldar.
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake located in the Southeast of Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. The Lagoon developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. The lagoon offers outstanding views of the ice cap and it is one of the most spectacular and loved, natural destinations in all Iceland.
The newly named Diamond Beach is a popular site for visitors in recent years. The icebergs floating out of the glacier lagoon wash up on the black beach and visitors get a chance to get up close with crystal clear ice.
Vatnajökull glacier is the 3rd largest glacier in Europe at 8100 km is the largest ice cap in Iceland and covers close to 9% of the entire country. The glacier is named after the lakes that can be found on top of the ice cap as the several active volcanoes melt the ice from below.
The visitor center for the Vatnajökull national park is a source of information and support for weary travelers all year round. From Skaftafell hikers enjoy paths to Sjónarnípa, Svartifoss as well as the ever-popular glacier hiking tours, including a day climb to the highest summit in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Reykjavik's largest swimming pool with many facilities such as a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, several hot tubs, steam bath, gym and mini golf course. It is located at Laugardalur valley.
This sublime museum displays artifacts from the settlement to the modern age of Iceland history. The exhibition gives you an excellent and enlightening overview of Iceland's history and culture. The museum functions as the center for the preservation of Iceland´s national heritage. It counts about 300,000 artifacts and nearly four million photographs in its collation.
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum is located by the old harbour in Reykjavík, founded in 2004 and open daily from 10:00 – 17:00. One of their main exhibitions is the former coast guard vessel Óðinn, and is accessible for guided tours three time per day; 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00.
Solfar Sculpture, also known as the Sun Voyager, is the famous steel sculpture created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. The art piece is located next to the Sæbraut road in downtown Reykjavík. Its shape reminds of a ship floating on air, facing the ocean.
The Kolaportið flea market is located in the old harbour area just a few minute walk from the city center. It is an indoor market that opens every weekend. It is located in a large industrial building and it is features an authentic display of secondhand clothes, toys, jewellery and much more. A realReykjavik Institution and the perfect place to find a bargain.
Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavik and it is located in the heart of the city. Its name means literally „wash road“ as this was once the route to the hot springs where many Icelanders took their clothes to launder. Today it is a vibrant and innovative street filled with designer ateliers, tourist gift shops, bars, and restaurants.
The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa located in Reykjanes peninsula nearby the International Airport of Iceland. It was formed during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Reservations in advance are necessary for those who are planning a visit.
