Home / Multi-Day Tours / South Iceland / Iceland Winter Activity Tour For 9 Days
Iceland is world renowned for its northern lights holidays and for a good reason. Experience Iceland in winter and be your own boss on an unforgettable self-drive tour. This tour is for adventurous people who not only want to explore the beautiful nature of Iceland but also to enjoy exciting activities every day such as whale watching, a snowmobiling tour on a glacier and a tour in a lava cave. This Iceland winter self drive tour is the perfect combination of unforgettable tours during the day and magical northern lights in the evening.
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.
NL-03
Oct - Apr
Self-Drive
9 days / 8 nights
South & West Iceland
Welcome to your Iceland Northern Lights holidays! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the heart of Reykjavík. In the afternoon we recommend visiting the Northern Lights Center where you can learn something about the science behind this amazing phenomenon and can read about Northern Lights legends all around the world. In the evening you can have a relaxed time in one of the restaurants or you join an optional Northern Lights boat tour where you can see the aurora borealis out on the Atlantic ocean with the city lights in the background. Overnight in the heart of Reykjavík.
After having received your rental car in the morning you are ready to hit the road. You will start your adventure discovering Snæfellsnes peninsula and visit Vatnshellir lava cave. There are a number of stunning natural attractions along the way to Vatnshellir like Arnarstapi, the small church in Buðir and Eldborg crater. Vatnshellir is located in the Snæfellsjökull National Park and is 8000 years old. On the lava cave tour, you follow a lava path about 200 meters into the cave and then approximately 35 meters below the surface to see stunning colours and lava formations. Search for the Northern Lights in the evening and overnight on the peninsula.
Another adventure is on the schedule for today, a winter whale watching tour, departing from the town Grundarfjörður (only available from December to April). This is one of the best places in the world to see orcas (also called killer whales). It truly is the perfect opportunity to watch these gigantic mammals in their natural environment. In between, you have the chance to see some groups of dolphins. After having spent some time sailing in the fresh ocean breeze you will hit the road again and drive west back to the west of Iceland. If the weather allows you should check out Hraunfossar waterfalls coming from underneath the lava and Deildartunguhver, Europe´s most powerful hot spring on the way back (optional). You will stay the night in the area of Borgarfjörður fjord.
After breakfast, start by driving to Þingvellir National Park, via the underwater tunnel and visit one of the most important historical sites in Iceland where you´ll find unique geology and natural beauty. Continue towards Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring. In the afternoon you can relax in either Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir with a chance of seeing the northern lights in the late evening. Afterwards, you will drive to the area of Selfoss where you´ll stay overnight and if you are lucky some northern lights might light up the sky.
Today we have another exciting activity waiting for you. Start your day by leaving the Golden Circle area behind and continue driving towards Mýrdalsjökull glacier. On the way there you can stop at Seljalandsfoss and experience a waterfall that you can walk behind, but be prepared to get a little light drizzle on you. A little closer to Mýrdalsjökull you´ll find a small road #222 and there you´ll find the glacier base camp, where your 1 hour-long snowmobiling tour begins. You will drive on top of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, where you will experience stunning views. After your snowmobiling adventure, make your way towards the town Vík, where you´ll find beautiful black beaches. Overnight in the area of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Yet another exciting activity awaits for you today. Leave Kirkjubæjarklaustur and drive towards Skaftafell; an oasis between the black desert and the magnificent Vatnajökull glacier. On the way you will find a number of interesting attractions, such as the church floor – columnar basalt that looks like tiles (exit at Geirland) and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which is often overseen by visitors. When you reach Skaftafell you will meet up with your tour guides and they will take you on a 3-hour long glacier walk on Svínafellsjökull, which is a breathtaking outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull glacier. After your guided glacier walk you will continue driving east towards Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and explore the area, before heading back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you will stay for the second night.
Your Iceland Northern Lights holidays continue with a horse back riding tour today. On your way back along the South Coast you can make a photo stop at Skógafoss. Just after you have reached the small town Hella, you will find a nice horse farm where you will enjoy a one hour long horse back riding tour where you will meet the Icelandic horse. This is the only breed of horse in Iceland and it displays two gaits in addition to the typically walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. You will stay for the night in this area.
Today you will discover the geothermal wonders of Reykjanes peninsula with its endless lava fields and black beaches. You will find several geothermal areas around, and you should definitely visit the Krýsuvík area and the Gunnuhver area. Both geothermal fields are situated in the middle of the fissure zone in the mid-Atlantic ridge which traverses Iceland. Make a stop at the Blue Lagoon and relax after the last couple of days of travelling before driving back to Reykjavík where you drop off your rental car and stay overnight for your last night in Iceland.
It is time to leave! Hope you have had a wonderful time experiencing the Icelandic winter. We wish you a nice journey back home and hope you will leave our island with fond memories of Iceland and its inhabitants.
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.
Type: Intermediate Wagon
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Economy
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 3
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size Intermediate
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: SUV Full Size Luxury
Passenger: 5
Luggage: 4
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
Type: VAN
Passenger: 8
Luggage: 5
Doors: 5
Transmission: Automatic
(Manual option available)
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.
Reykjavík Old Harbour is fast becoming the new lively center of the city. There you will find museums such as Maritime Museum, the Northern Lights center and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. The harbour, which is quickly transforming into a modern city space, is also home to restaurants and cafes. A local favourite is ice cream shop Valdís, which makes fresh ice cream every morning and always offers new flavours.
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.
Eldborg is a beautiful crater rising 60m above the surrounding lava in West Iceland. It is possible to walk all the way around the crater as well as up to it.
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.
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.
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.
Barnafossar, also known as Bjarnafoss, is a series of rapids coming from out of the surrounding lava plains. The name means "Children´s falls".
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Europe. It provides all hot water for the neighbouring villages.
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.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located in the area called Grímsnes in the South of Iceland, along the famous Golden Circle route. The crater walls are steep and often covered with Icelandic moss. The inside of the crater is a lake whose water is aquamarine colored due to the minerals from the soil. The crater is 55 meters deep and about 3000 years old.
Laugarvatn Fontana is a Spa & Wellness center built on natural hot springs. It is located at the Golden Circle area, you can enjoy steam baths or the geothermal pools while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake Laugarvatn.
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.
Skogár Folk Museum is located next to the Skógafoss waterfall, in south Iceland. It consists of a cultural heritage collection of folk craft artifacts and examples of typical Icelandic turf farmhouses.
Please visit the museum's webpage for further information. https://www.skogasafn.is/
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is home to Iceland’s first monastery, built in 1186. In the area of the village there are many of the South Coast's interesting attractions such as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Kirkjugolf- the church floor.
Kirkjugólf Basalt Tiles or "the Church floor" is an 80 square meter expanse of columnar basalt stone slabs which have eroded over time. The hexagonal ‘tiles’ look as if they were man-made.
Svínafellsjökull is a part of the great Vatnajökull glacier. All glacier tongues have names and Svínafellsökull is the most famous with its raw and grand icy curves. This astonishing and majestic outlet of Vatnajökull Glacier offers amazing scenery and views all around with the possibility to see the glacier crevasses and sculptures.
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.
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.
The Reykjanes peninsula is located on a drift zone, between two continents, the North American and Eurasian plate. It is a unique area where you can see different elements of the drift zone; very active geothermal energy, lava fields and other natural phenomenon. The Blue Lagoon and Keflavik international airport are also located in the area.
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.
Gunnuhver is an active geothermal area. It is located within the Reykjanes UNESCO Geo park and there you can find mud pools, boiling hot springs and steam coming up from the ground.
Gunnuhver is named after a female ghost named Gunna and she had caused great disturbance in the area until a priest set a trap for her and she fell into the spring.
Seltún is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a highly active geothermal area. Seltún consists of boiling mud pools and colourful mountains.
The Bridge Between the Continents is a small footbridge over a large fissure, where the continental plates are diverging. The bridge is located on the Reykjanes peninsula and is a symbol of the connection between Europe and North America.
Here you can have one foot in each continent at the same time.