Come to Iceland in winter and visit the pearls of the north and south of Iceland. This 10 days self-drive tour includes numerous natural highlights of Iceland. During the day you visit glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, volcanic beaches, geysers, volcanoes and more while in the evening you search for the magical northern lights. This Iceland winter tour includes the best highlights Iceland has to offer.
This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).
Welcome to Iceland – a magic island located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. You will be transferred to your accommodation in the center of Reykjavík. In the next days, you will explore the natural highlights of the South and the North of Iceland. During the day you will explore waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, beautiful beaches and more and during the night you will search for the magic Northern Lights also called Aurora. Aurora is an unpredictable lady and you never know when she will decide to turn up. This diva keeps you waiting, so whenever you go hunting for the Northern Lights, make sure you set aside the whole evening.
After you received your rental car in the morning you are ready to start your Iceland winter self-drive tour. You will visit the so-called Golden Circle a popular tourist route in the South of Iceland. The three primary stops on the route are the National Park Þingvellir, the waterfall Gullfoss and the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur, which contains two geysers called „Geysir“ and „Strokkur“. Before driving to your accommodation in the area of Selfoss we recommend a stop at the Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn where you can relax in the warm geothermal pools and natural steam rooms.
Today can also be called „the day of the waterfalls“ since you will visit the three waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and Skógafoss. Seljalandsfoss offers one of the most iconic images of Iceland. It is a waterfall that you can walk right around but please be very careful the path is often wet and icy. The Gljúfrabúi waterfall is sometimes called the „hidden fall“ since it is located behind a large cliff which gives it a mystical aura. The Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland with a drop of 60 meters. On sunny days a rainbow is often visible over the waterfall due to the amount of spray it consistently produces. In the afternoon you drive to the charming village of Vík where you will stay for the night.
Today you explore the surroundings of Vík. The combination of black sand and impressive rock formations makes it a very scenic place to visit. Offshore lie fingers of basalt rock and folklore tell that these are former trolls who were unable to land their ship before dawn and turned to stone — as will happen when trolls are caught in sunlight. The sea around them is rather wild and stormy but if you like the ocean, the wind and the sand it is the perfect place to go. Later you will drive back in the direction of Reykjavik and on the way we highly recommend to stop at the glacier Mýrdalsjökull. Drop-off your rental car in the evening and stay in an accommodation in the city center.
Today you take an inland flight from the domestic airport in the city centre of Reykjavik to Akureyri in the North of Iceland. At the airport of Akureyri you will receive your second rental car and in the next days, you will explore the North of Iceland. This area is normally a bit colder than the South and you can expect a winter wonderland often with a lot of snow and ice. Stay for three nights in an accommodation in the area of Akureyri. In the afternoon you can relax in the swimming pool in Akureyri, we can arrange an optional riding tour or you visit the Christmas garden where you find a magical Christmas world.
Today you visit the lake Mývatn area and you will explore a unique landscape formed by intense volcanic activity. You should definitely visit the geothermal area Hverir by Námaskarð. This is a high-temperature area where you find steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. Visit Krafla area, one of Iceland´s most active volcanic areas and walk around in the Dimmuborgir lava park. In the afternoon we recommend taking a relaxing bath in the Mývatn Nature Bath where you should not forget to try out the natural steam bath. Drive back to Akureyri and stop on the way to Goðafoss waterfall. You stay for a second night in Akureyri and you should look for the Northern Lights in the evening.
Today you will go on a tour around the so-called Troll Peninsula. If the weather allows you should visit Siglufjörður, a small fishing town in the Northern part of the peninsula. The town grew up around the herring industry that was in much bloom in the 1940s and 1950s. After the herring was gone everything changed a lot but you can still see many signs around the city that reminds a little bit of the long passed gold rush. In winter Siglufjörður is a paradise for skiers and you can try some cross-country skiing. In the afternoon we recommend visiting one of the most beautiful swimming pools in Iceland in Hofsós. The best thing about the pool is its location next to a stunning fjord. You stay for a third night in Akureyri.
Today you drop off your rental car at the airport of Akureyri and you flight back to Reykjavík. In the afternoon you can go on a winter whale watching tour in Reykjavik, you can visit the famous Blue Lagoon or you visit one of the museums of Reykjavik. We recommend having a look at the Aurora Centre where you can learn what causes the Northern Lights, in which areas they are visible and how different they can look. You can also read some interesting folklore stories about these magic lights. Stay for the night in an accommodation in the center of Reykjavík.
Enjoy a free day in the capital of Iceland. We recommend visiting Halgrimskirkja where you can enjoy the view over the city from the church tower. You should also have a look at Harpa Music Hall located by the old harbour. Situated on the boundary between land and sea, this modern glass building is a gleaming sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour. It is also possible to join a guided tour where you can learn more about the architecture and where you visit the four halls. In the evening we recommend to celebrate your last night in Iceland in one of the gourmet restaurants of Reykjavik. You stay in the same hotel as the night before.
Unfortunately, this is the last day of your Iceland winter tour. Transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight home and thanks for travelling with Iceland Unlimited.
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Experience a higher level of comfort with our carefully selected comfort accommodations, each offering private facilities including a shower and toilet for your convenience and privacy. These lodges fall under the 3-star hotel category, providing a perfect blend of quality and value. Most properties boast an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of meals without needing to venture far. In Reykjavik, all comfort accommodations are ideally situated in central locations, giving you easy access to the city’s main attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural spots. This category represents a significant upgrade in both comfort and service compared to budget options, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cozy yet affordable stay. To make your mornings hassle-free, a delicious breakfast is included with your stay.
Our quality accommodations feature spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering the choice of a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, along with a private toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. These rooms represent the best available lodging options, found within prestigious 4-star hotels or the finest, highest-quality lodges across each region. In Reykjavik, all quality accommodations are centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the city’s key attractions, shopping areas, and vibrant dining and cultural scenes. These accommodations provide an elevated experience with superior comfort, thoughtful amenities, and attentive service designed to make your stay truly memorable. To enhance your visit, a complimentary breakfast is included each morning, helping you start your day well-nourished and ready to explore.
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Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA, US, UK, and Canadian citizens can enter without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). Other nationalities should check with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or their local embassy.
We accept all major credit cards. We also allow you to pay by electronic bank transfer.
Yes. Visitors can drive in Iceland with a valid driver's license from their home country. If your license is not in Latin script, an international driving permit is recommended.
Absolutely. Iceland has some of the purest and cleanest drinking water in the world—straight from natural springs. No need to buy bottled water.
