5-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour: South Iceland’s Wonders
Duration
5 Days
Availability
Sep - Apr
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
None
Overview
On this amazing road trip, you’ll travel around southern Iceland, from Reykjavík to Vatnajökull National Park. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Golden Circle, the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and more. Then, at night, you’ll have plenty of free time to hunt for the elusive northern lights. This fantastic 5-Day Self-Drive Tour was designed for travelers seeking freedom, flexibility, and adventure.
Get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of Iceland in winter! Book your adventure today!
- Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, allowing you to explore at your own pace and choose your own adventure.
- Customize your journey, from choosing your accommodation to adding extra nights and activities like visiting ice caves & the Blue Lagoon
- Receive a personalized itinerary from a local travel advisor who will oversee your journey.
- Have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing northern lights, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Included
- 4 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included for all levels; more detailed info in accommodation tab)
- Vehicle for the duration of the trip with unlimited mileage (VW Golf 2WD or similar. Upgrades available)
- Medium Protection Package for car rental: CDW, SCDW, PAI, THW and GP (More Info Click Here)
- Mobile WIFI including 3GB total
- Detailed Itinerary with fun and practical information on the nature, history and culture of Iceland
- Hands-on travel agent to oversee your itinerary
- Taxes
Not included
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Personal travel insurance
- Gasoline/Petrol
- Driving-Related Fees
- Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
- Any services not listed as “Included”
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Welcome to Iceland! You’ll arrive at Keflavik International Airport. Once you’ve picked up your luggage, find your rental car and head to this country’s vibrant capital city, Reykjavík. Once you’ve settled into your hotel room, you can explore the city.
Highlights:
- Reykjavík
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Day 2 – Golden Circle
Today, after breakfast, you’ll leave the city behind for the beautiful Icelandic wilderness. You’ll explore the three sites that make up the Golden Circle route before heading to your accommodations in South Iceland, perhaps with a few additional stops along the way. In the evening, remember to check the skies for signs of the Northern Lights.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Kerið Crater
Optional Activities
- Snorkeling in Silfra: Snorkeling between continents in crystal-clear water. Includes a tour with a certified PADI divemaster, all necessary snorkelling gear, Silfra admission fee, and hot chocolate to warm up after the dive. Minimum age 12 years.
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull: An exhilarating tour on top of a glacier, no previous riding experience needed. Included is a one-hour snowmobile ride with a guide and use of overalls. Two people share a snowmobile and the driver needs to bring their driving licence. Age limit for passenger is 8 years.
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour: Meet the friendly Icelandic Horse. Includes 1-1.5 hour guided horseback ride with a specially trained guide. Use of riding helmets, boots & rain wear. Minimum age is 8 years.
Day 3 – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
Today, you’ll explore the diverse attractions of Iceland’s southern coastline. You’ll see waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand beaches before finding your accommodation in Vatnajökull National Park. If the sky is clear of clouds, check it for signs of the Northern Lights before bed.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfalls
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vatnajökull National Park
Optional Activities
- Katla Ice Cave: Visit an authentic ice cave in a glacier that covers an active volcano! Don’t worry, all volcanoes in Iceland are monitored so this is perfectly safe. Includes a tour with a certified glacier guide and use of all necessary glacier gear such as crampons and helmets. Minimum age is 6 years.
- Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull Glacier: A fun and easy glacier hike. No previous experience needed. Tour includes an English speaking glacier guide, use of helmet, crampons, ice axe and other necessary safety equipment. Minimum age is 8 years.
- Black Sand Beach & Plane Wreck ATV Tour: Hop aboard an ATV and explore the black sand beaches of South Iceland and stop at the hauntingly beautiful DC plane. En route, you’ll cross rivers and get magnificent views of the nearby glaciers. An English-speaking guide will provide you with a helmet, insulated coveralls, and baklavas, but bring with you good shoes. The minimum age for passengers is 8, but drivers need to be at least 17 and hold a valid driver’s license.
Day 4 – Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Now, it is time to head back to Reykjavík. But first, stop at the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach. As you drive back to Reykjavík, you can choose to visit again any of the sites you saw in the previous days. During the winter, these attractions are ever-changing, so seeing them in a new light will provide new photo opportunities. Alternatively, you can explore some new sites.
Highlights:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Hjörleifshöfði Cave
Optional Activities
- Ice Caving in Vatnajökull: Explore a cave in Europe’s largest glacier. Includes a tour with a certified glacier guide and all necessary glacier gear such as crampons and helmets. Minimum age is 8 years.
Day 5 – Departure
Today, you will bid farewell to this land of fire and ice. Then, in good time for your flight, you will drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula to Keflavík Airport, where you will return your rental car and board your plane. If your flight leaves in the evening or afternoon, you can explore the city or, perhaps, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon.
Highlights:
- Tjörnin Lake
- Old Harbour
- City Hall
Optional Activities
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel and 1st drink of your choice.
- Blue Lagoon Premium Entrance: Includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining.
Accommodation
You’ll have a choice of three accommodation levels. See details about each one in the boxes below. All accommodations for this tour have been hand-picked by our local travel experts.
Please keep in mind that hotel quality in Iceland varies between regions and that not all locations offer quality-level accommodations
Budget
Nice and comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities and shower located in farmhouses, guesthouses or hostels, in good locations with breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Kex Hostel.
Comfort
Comfortable rooms in three-star hotels or quality guesthouses, centrally located, very close to popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Fosshotel Rauðará.
Quality
Rooms in four-star hotels or superior rooms in quality three-star hotels at fantastic locations near popular attractions. Private bathroom and breakfast is included. An example of this in Reykjavík would be Icelandair Hotel Marina.
Car
You’ll have a choice of three options for your rental car. See details for each option in the boxes below. We only work with highly reputable dealerships, ensuring a smooth ride throughout your holiday.
The vehicles for all levels are current models, no older than two years. They all come standard with a medium protection package, including CDW (Collision damage waiver), GP (Gravel Protection), Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and a Theft Waiver (THW). They also come equipped with free Wi-Fi with 3GB total. You will also get 24-hour roadside emergency services from the car rental agency. In the wintertime, all cars have winter tires.
Compact 2WD
2WD vehicle such as a VW Golf, good for city driving and shorter trips. Fits up to 5 travellers & light luggage. No Highland capabilities. Driver must be at least 20 year old.
Comfort 4x4
4x4 jeep or SUV. Fits up to 5 travellers and 2 large pieces of luggage. Decent for snow and off-asphalt driving. Basic highland capabilities. Driver must be min. 20 years old.
Large 4x4
Large 4x4 like a Toyota Land Cruiser. Comfortable up to 5 travellers with 4 large pieces of luggage. Full highland capabilities. Driver must be min. 21 years old.
Map
Good to know
- Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, outside of Reykjavík, you will be staying at rural hotels which increases your chances of seeing them when the weather allows.
- Note that the itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
- The itinerary depends on road and weather conditions, so it may be altered if conditions are not favorable. This includes optional activities as well. If extreme weather affects your travel plans, you will be notified and we will be our best to assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when applicable.
- Some optional activities may need a valid driving license, or you may need to send additional information to your travel agent. For snorkeling, you will need to know how to swim and fill out an online medical document.
What to bring
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Good winter shoes that have soles with a good grip or crampons
- Swimsuit and towel
- Camera
- Driving license
- More information on what to pack HERE
