Experiencing the Northern Lights in Iceland is nothing short of magical. With its remote location, long winter nights, and vast unspoiled landscapes, Iceland offers some of the best conditions in the world to witness this awe-inspiring natural wonder. As you journey through the western and southern regions, you’ll explore iconic sights while maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in their full glory.
Each evening spent away from city lights brings a new opportunity to watch the auroras dance across the sky, a truly unforgettable sight. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary blends Iceland’s dramatic natural beauty with rich cultural experiences, promising an adventure that’s as soul-stirring as it is scenic.
So, bundle up, look up, and prepare to be enchanted by Iceland’s endless wonders. Safe travels and happy aurora hunting!
Upon arrival at Keflavik airport transfer by Flybus shuttle bus to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You may explore Iceland’s capital city on your own if time allows.
After breakfast, meet your tour guide at 9:00 AM for an exploration of Iceland’s vibrant capital city. Discover some of Reykjavík’s cultural and historical highlights before heading west toward the Borgarnes Settlement Center, where you'll delve into the fascinating story of Iceland's earliest settlers.
Continue your journey to Borgarfjörður , also known as the Saga Valley for its rich history and legendary tales. Along the way, climb the Grábrók volcano crater , and visit Deildartunguhver , Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Marvel at Hraunfossar , a series of delicate waterfalls streaming from beneath a vast lava field, and nearby Barnafoss , also known as the Children’s Falls, steeped in local folklore.
After breakfast, set out to explore the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula — often called “the peninsula of the snowy mountain.” This dramatic stretch of land juts out from Iceland’s west coast like a long arm ending in a clenched fist, offering a remarkable blend of geological wonders and coastal charm.
Your first stop is the quaint fishing village of Grundarfjörður, surrounded by striking mountains, tranquil lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Here, you’ll see the iconic Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, rising dramatically from the edge of the bay.
Continue to the picturesque coastal hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, then prepare for an unforgettable underground adventure at Vatnshellir Cave. Equipped with helmets and lights, descend 35 meters below the surface and venture nearly 200 meters into this ancient lava tube beneath the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
On your return to Borgarnes, your guide will share practical tips on photographing the Northern Lights, as part of the Northern Lights Academy experience. After dinner, step out into the crisp night air — whether soaking in the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs or standing beneath the stars, you’ll be perfectly positioned to witness the magical auroras dancing across the sky.
Today’s journey takes us along the scenic Hvalfjörður fjord, offering tranquil views of mountains, sea, and untouched Icelandic landscapes. Our first major stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This historic location is also the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament, founded over a thousand years ago.
We continue along the renowned Golden Circle route, stopping at the Geysir geothermal fields, where steam rises from bubbling hot springs and erupting geysers. At Restaurant Geysir, enjoy a unique Icelandic tasting experience, freshly baked hot spring bread, served with traditional butter, boiled eggs, and pickled herring.
Next, marvel at the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, a powerful double cascade plunging into a rugged canyon, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.
In the afternoon, delve into Icelandic culture with a visit to a horse farm, where you'll learn about the Icelandic horse and its distinctive gait, friendly nature, and deep historical significance. Then, tour a geothermal greenhouse, showcasing how Iceland uses its natural energy to grow fresh produce year-round.
We end the day at our accommodation in South Iceland, where you can step outside after dark and, with a bit of luck, witness the Northern Lights dancing in the stillness of the night sky.
Today, we journey along Iceland’s captivating South Coast, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Our first stop is the Lava & Volcano Exhibition Center, where you’ll gain fascinating insights into Iceland’s geology and its powerful volcanic activity.
Continuing eastward, we visit one of the country’s most impressive folk museums, home to a remarkable collection of farming tools, domestic artifacts, and beautifully preserved turf houses that offer a glimpse into Iceland’s rural past.
Next, we stop at the majestic Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s tallest at 60 meters. Its thundering cascade and mist often create vivid rainbows on sunny days, a true photographer’s delight.
In the afternoon, take a walk along the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, famous for its basalt columns and dramatic bird cliffs. This surreal landscape is one of South Iceland’s most iconic sights.
We then make our way to the Vatnajökull National Park region, where we’ll spend the next two nights near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Far from city lights, this area offers ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights — so keep your eyes on the sky after dark!
After breakfast, today’s journey is dedicated to glaciers, ice, and breathtaking natural wonders. We begin with a visit to the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift serenely across crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for seals swimming in the icy depths as you soak in the surreal beauty of this arctic scene.
Just a short walk away is the Diamond Beach, a striking black sand shoreline where glistening icebergs wash ashore, creating a dazzling contrast of ice and volcanic sand — a must-see for photographers and nature lovers alike.
In the afternoon, we stop at the charming turf church in Hof, a picturesque example of Iceland’s traditional architecture. From there, we explore Vatnajökull National Park, home to Iceland’s highest mountains, dramatic alpine landscapes, and Europe’s largest glacier.
As night falls, enjoy an inspiring film presentation on the Northern Lights, part of the Northern Lights Academy program. Don’t turn in too early, in this remote and peaceful setting, the auroras may once again light up the sky, offering one more unforgettable glimpse of nature’s most magical display.
After breakfast, we depart from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and travel across the vast Eldhraun lava field, a hauntingly beautiful landscape shaped by one of the largest lava flows in recorded history. Our next stop is the picturesque coastal village of Vík, where we pause for photos at the dramatic black sand beach, framed by towering bird cliffs and the thunder of crashing Atlantic waves — a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Continuing westward, we visit the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a tall and slender cascade plunging from a cliffside. If conditions allow, you can even walk behind the waterfall for a unique and immersive perspective
In the afternoon, unwind and rejuvenate in the world-famous Blue Lagoon, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by surreal lava fields — the perfect way to relax after days of adventure.
We arrive in Reykjavík by evening, just in time for dinner and one final night in Iceland’s charming capital.
Post breakfast transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from your accommodation in Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport.
Trip Cost (double occupancy) - US$ 2850
Trip Deposit - US$ 450 [60 days before start date of trip]
Final payment - US$ 2400 [45 days before start date of trip]
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