Pursue Mother Nature’s spectacular show of colour and light on this five-day winter adventure of Iceland’s Southern Coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden …
Iceland's Classic Northern Lights
Pursue Mother Nature’s spectacular show of colour and light on this five-day winter adventure of Iceland’s Southern Coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle – soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir. Strap on the crampons and hike across the Solheimajokull Glacier, feeling the mist of thunderous waterfalls on your face. As the sun falls, rug up in your finest thermals and search the night sky for dancing lights.
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and explore the city's boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.
Take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out to the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at the Bridge Between Continents along the way – this footbridge spans the fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named after the angry ghost that’s said to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. Then, head to Hafnarfjordur and check out a local artists’ community. You’ll see their space on a guided tour where you’ll meet the artists and learn about the history of the building and the community. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then continue through the geothermal areas of Krisuvik and Seltun. Your final stop today will be Strandarkirkja – a Lutheran church that’s been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day, you’ll head to your accommodation near the town of Hveragerdi and settle in for the night.
Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains – the site where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in AD930. You’ll also see the Silfra fissure where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Then, you’ll visit the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting 15 to 20 m into the air. Next, take in the sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River. After witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity yourself. Your group will head out for a winter soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon – fed by various hot springs, this spot is the oldest man-made pool in Iceland. When you've had your dose of relaxation (or before your fingers start to prune), head back to your accommodation, where you can relax for the night or head outside to search the skies for colour.
Start the day by visiting the mighty Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective. Continue chasing waterfalls at the powerful Skogafoss – one of Iceland's biggest falls at 25 m wide with a drop of 60 m. From here, embark on a short hike to Kvernufoss Waterfall, hidden in a nearby valley. These falls are framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to their otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of falls, take a walk on one of Europe's biggest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. This evening, you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. When you arrive, your leader will take you out on a walking tour to discover more of the history and culture of this fascinating city. After, your trip comes to an end and there are no further activities planned. If you’d like to extend your stay in the city and keep searching for the Northern Lights, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Trip Inclusions
Meals
4 breakfasts and 1 dinners are included
Transport
Private vehicle
Accomodation
Hotel (4 nights)
Included Activities
Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
Hafnarfjordur - Local artist community visit
Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
Fludir - Secret Lagoon
Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall visit
South Coast - Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Reykjavik - Leader-led walking tour
Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
Trip Highlights
Make the most of Iceland’s long winter nights by tracking down the shimmering lights of the Aurora Borealis.
Revel in an I’m-so-far-from-home moment as you explore one of Europe’s largest ice caps on an adventurous walk over the Solheimajokull Glacier, and bask in the spray of the spectacular Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss falls.
Visit a local art workshop and chat with the artists in a rugged, off-the-beaten-track harbour town.
See the sights that make Iceland’s famous Golden Circle so celebrated, from Gulfoss Waterfall to Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
Soak in a geothermal pool at the lesser-known Secret Lagoon – is there anything more quintessentially Icelandic?