South Iceland under the Northern Lights: 6-Day Self-Drive Tour
Duration
6 Days
Availability
Sep - Apr
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum Age
None
Overview
Discover the beauty of Iceland in the winter. This 6-day Self-Drive Tour will see you behind the wheel, traveling between the diverse attractions of Iceland’s southern coastline. On your tour, you’ll visit the Golden Circle and the waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. You’ll see Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach before heading to Vatnajökull National Park to admire the beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This fantastic tour is designed for anyone looking to enjoy Iceland’s wild nature this winter.
Experience the natural wonders of Iceland during the winter season! Book this fantastic adventure today!
- Immerse yourself in the wild nature of Iceland during the Northern Lights season and create unforgettable memories
- Enjoy the freedom of driving yourself and exploring at your own pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wild nature of Iceland
- Customize your tour; choose accommodation levels, add extra days or additional adventures such as ice caving, glacier hiking, or Blue Lagoon visits
- Each day is filled with new adventures, from northern lights and black sand beaches to glacier lagoons and hot springs.
Included
- 5 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
You start this 6-day tour at Keflavík Airport, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. After picking up your bags, find your rental vehicle and make your way through the rugged lava field of the peninsula to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. In the city, find your accommodation and get comfortable. You can explore the area if you are not too tired after your flight.
Highlights:
- Reykjavík
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Hallgrímskikrja Church
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
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
You depart Reykjavík in the morning and travel east. This day is a history and nature lover’s dream as you will spend the day exploring the diverse sites that make up the Golden Circle route. You’ll visit the birthplace of Iceland’s democracy, Þingvellir National Park, the geysers at Geysir Geothermal Area, and the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. Remember to check the skies for signs of the Northern Lights before heading to your accommodation in the area.
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
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
After breakfast, you’ll travel along the south coast, first visiting two equally beautiful but vastly different waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. From there, head to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara to see the roaring waves of the North Atlantic Ocean crash upon shore. The charming village of Vík is close by, it’s a great place to stop for snacks. Continue East until you reach your accommodation near Kirkjubæjarklaustur Town.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfalls
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vík Village
Optional Activities
- 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.
- Snowmobiling on Sólheimajökull Glacier: Race across a glacier on a snowmobile. No prior experience needed and all you have to bring are warm clothes and good shoes. Use of overalls, helmets and balaclavas are included. Two people share a snowmobile, and the driver needs to bring their driving licence. Age limit for passengers is 5 years.
Day 4 – Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Today, you’ll be exploring the many wonders of Vatnajökull National Park, home of Europe’s largest glaciers. Nestled underneath it is Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an excellent stop for hiking enthusiasts. Then visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where blue and white icebergs float on a calm lake. A short walk away is the Diamond Beach, where icebergs have washed up onto the black sand shore. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Highlights:
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
Optional Activities
- Glacier Hike in Skaftafell: Easy glacier hike, suitable for most people. 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.
- 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 – Hidden Gems of South Iceland
Today, it’s time to head back to Reykjavík, but not without a few adventures first. As you are behind the wheel, you are in control of where you stop. Do you want to visit some of the sites you’ve seen again? No problem. Iceland’s winter light is ever-changing, meaning these attractions might look completely different on your return journey. You can also stop at new locations, such as Hjörleifshöfi Cape, Friðheimar Tomato Farm, or Selfoss Town. The choice is yours.
Highlights:
- Hjörleifshöfði Cape
- Friðheimar Tomato Farm
- Selfoss Town
Optional Activities
- ATV tour on Black Beach: Drive across black sand beaches, glacial streams, and rugged hills to the DC3 Plane Crash on this thrilling Quad Bike Tour from South Iceland’s Myrdalsjokull Glacier.
Day 6 – Departure
Today, it’s time to head back home. We hope you’ve had a fantastic time on your road trip adventure of South Iceland. If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, you will have some time to explore the city. Alternatively, you could have a little adventure and stop at the Blue Lagoon. That way, you’ll arrive at the airport feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Highlights:
- City Hall
- Parliament House
- Tjörnin Lake
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 do 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 licence
