Geothermal Wonders, Waterfalls & Northern Lights - Iceland Winter Getaway: 4 Day Tour

Being short on time doesn’t have to mean you are going to miss out. With this exciting self-drive tour, you will get to explore the most stunning places in Southern Iceland in a wintery aura. The South Coast offers some of the most spectacular natural features that can be found in Iceland. Not to mention the opportunity to witness the wonders of the Northern Lights, that ever so often grace the crisp arctic sky over Iceland during the winter months. This self-drive holiday package focuses on unique places like Geysir, Gullfoss, the stunning Þingvellir National Park with its diverging tectonic plates, as well as mesmerizing waterfalls and black sandy beaches. Bathe in the rejuvenating geothermal waters of Sky Lagoon and choose from other exciting activities that Iceland has to offer, such as snowmobiling, glacier hiking, riding tours, ice cave tours, and many more.

SEASON
Sept- Apr
travel style
Self-Drive Tours
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Location
South Iceland
accessibility
Not Recommended

The itinerary

This itinerary can be offered throughout the year (some adjustments might be required depending on travel dates).

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík and Relaxing Time at Sky Lagoon

dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
About your day

Welcome to Iceland! After you have cleared customs, you will pick up your rental vehicle at the airport and you will drive straight to the charming city of Reykjavík. After you have checked at your hotel and received your travel documents, you will get to relax and rejuvenate both your mind and your body at the newly opened spa just 15 minutes away from your accommodation. Sky Lagoon is known for its 7-step ritual, a unique experience tightly connected to the roots of Icelandic culture. Bathe in the geothermal waters in an infinity pool, relax in a warm blanket of steam and revitalize your skin with a nourishing body scrub. Afterward, you’ll have free time in Reykjavik to explore and enjoy the northernmost capital of the world. Alternatively, you can join a Northern Light to admire this breathtaking, natural phenomenon. Stay the night in central Reykjavík.

Day 2: The Astonishing Golden Circle

dAY STARTS IN
Reykjavik
DAY ENDS IN
Hella area
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 225 km / 140 miles
About your day

Today you will start the day by driving East towards the amazing Þingvellir National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with its incredible natural beauty and history. There you will be able to see how the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. Continue to the famous Geysir geothermal area and witness the great spouting spring, namesake of every other spouting spring in the world. Even though Geysir itself has been dormant for decades, his brother Strokkur gets to erupt every 6 to 10 minutes, spouting water to the average height of 20 meters. After a short drive, you are going to arrive at Gullfoss (Golden Falls), which has been voted as one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. If you fancy grabbing some lunch, the area around both Geysir and Gullfoss is your place to go. From there, make your way towards the South Coast and drive through the farmlands, but make sure to make a stop at Kerið, a volcanic crater displaying its crystal-clear water. Stay the night in the Hella area.

Day 3: The Wintery South Coast

dAY STARTS IN
Hella area
DAY ENDS IN
Reykjavík
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 310 km / 193 miles
About your day

After having breakfast and packing, it is time to travel further east along the beautiful South Coast. Shortly after leaving the Hella area, you will reach the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Take the opportunity to enjoy a 360° view of the waterfall, as it is possible to walk behind it but watch out – it can get quite icy during wintertime! Don’t forget to have a look above, as you can get a very good view of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. Don’t skip paying a visit to the majestic falls of Skógafoss, with the impressive heights of 60 meters. If interested, visit the Skógar Folk Museum where you can see reconstructed turf houses and ancient artifacts on display. From there, continue to Dyrhólaey promontory with its impressive stone arch and Reynisfjara beach, with its black sand, stunning cliffs, and basalt columns. If you wish, grab something to eat at the adorable town of Vík í Mýrdal and head back all the way back to the capital city. Overnight in the center of Reykjavík.

Day 4: Departure

dAY STARTS IN
DAY ENDS IN
DRIVING DISTANCE
~ 51 km / 32 miles
About your day

Your wintery Iceland adventure is about to come to its end. Drive to the Keflavik International Airport, where you drop off your rental vehicle. If your flight is in the afternoon, you still have time either to explore the lovely city of Reykjavík or for an optional stop at Blue Lagoon to enjoy a soak in the milky blue waters. It’s a perfect end to your stay and a nice way to relax and unwind before your flight home.

Attractions of the day

What's included in the tour

Included

3 nights accommodation (Comfort or Quality) with continental breakfast

Rental car of your choice for 4 days with unlimited mileage, CDW & VAT

1 extra driver for each rental car

WiFi hotspot in your rental car for easy internet access

Admission to Sky Lagoon

Handwritten, detailed map with route, sightseeing recommendations, and accommodations highlighted

Written guides of the regions you will be visiting

24-hour emergency service

Taxes and service fee

Not included

Flights to/from Iceland

Meals, drinks at restaurants, and entrance fees (unless otherwise agreed upon)

Personal travel insurance

Gasoline

Discover local activities and adventures

Let your personal travel consultant know what other activities catch your eye and we’ll add them to your custom-made trip itinerary.

Your route

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Unwind in the perfect accommodations

We handpick accommodations to ensure memorable stays for every type of traveler.

Comfort

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.

Quality

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.

Luxury

Our luxury accommodations feature exquisite suites and premium rooms within top-tier lodges and resorts, offering an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Designed with refined decor and upscale touches, these accommodations provide a seamless blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity. Personalized services cater to your every need, ensuring a truly indulgent and tailored experience. In Reykjavik, all luxury accommodations are centrally located, placing you at the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural scene, fine dining, shopping, and key attractions. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an immersive urban experience, these upscale lodgings deliver the perfect base. Classy, elegant, and supremely comfortable, our luxury options strive to provide a first-class stay marked by exceptional amenities, impeccable service, and attention to detail. Every aspect is carefully crafted to make your visit not just memorable, but extraordinary.

Good to know

Prepare for your adventure with these essential tips and information for a smooth journey.

Contact us
Can I drive in Iceland with my foreign driver’s license?

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.

What is icelandunlimited.is?

IcelandUnlimited.is is the official booking platform and trading name of Iceland Unlimited Holdings. We are a fully licensed and locally operated travel agency based in Reykjavík, Iceland. Specializing in incoming tourism, we offer tailor-made travel services and guided tours throughout Iceland and Greenland. Our office is located at Suðurlandsbraut 34, 108 Reykjavík, and we proudly work only with certified guides and trusted local partners.

How far in advance should I book?

All travel arrangements should be booked at least 48 hours in advance. For holiday packages and custom-made tours, we strongly recommend you book with a few weeks/months notice. For larger groups we recommend you book with a few months’ notice.

Is Iceland safe for tourists?

Yes, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world with very low crime rates. However, nature can be unpredictable. Always follow weather alerts, road conditions, and safety advice when exploring outdoors.

What language is spoken in Iceland?

The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry. Most locals are fluent and happy to assist visitors in English.