8-Day Iceland Northern Lights Tour

Reykjavík 

Reykjavík is a bustling metropolis where city life meets nature. Though one of the smallest capital cities in the world, this urban hub ranks as one of the cleanest, greenest and safest metropolitan areas on Earth.

You’ll have a free day in Reykjavik and in the evening, a boat tour to hunt the Northern Lights!

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a major highlight of this tour. Throughout the tour, you’ll have multiple chances to see the emerald lights. 

During your first and last night in Reykjavik, we offer short Northern Lights excursions with expert aurora guides. Hop on a boat tour from Old Harbor and sail under dark clear skies or bump along rugged terrain on a minibus tour outside the city. Both tours take you far from the city lights, perfect conditions to witness this glowing solar display 

On our tour around the Ring Road, each night we stay at a remote countryside hotel far from light pollution. Step outside your room on a clear evening and you might find the sky lit up with green auroras. 

Each day, our aurora experts scout out the best viewing spots and check the aurora forecasts to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.  

Even with ideal conditions sometimes the northern lights aren’t visible. If you won't be able to see the Aurora Borealis during this tour, we will provide the voucher which will give you the opportunity to join one of our Northern Lights evening tours (without any fees, the voucher is valid for one year).

Golden Circle 

The Golden Circle is the most popular route for tourists to Iceland.

We first stop at Gullfoss (“the golden falls”), where a narrow winding path leads you to the main stage of the two-tiered waterfall. Located in the mammoth Hvítá river canyon, the cascade begins at the Langjökull glacier and leads into dramatic cascades down Gullfoss. 

Then we’ll head to the world-famous vistas of Thingvellir National Park. In 2004, Þingvellir National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its geological, cultural, and historic significance. 

On this spot, the oldest surviving parliament in the world was founded in 930 CE. And history isn’t the only noteworthy feature in Þingvellir! Here you can also stand between two continents at the point where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.

On the last leg, witness Iceland’s most active geysers at Geysir Geothermal Area. Strokkur Geyser shoots water 40 meters in the air every 10 minutes.

South Coast 

Iceland’s South Coast is a shining example of the country’s contrasting landscapes. 

The Reynisfjara black sand beach is an unmissable attraction in the region. Covered in ink-black sand and lined with basalt sea stacks, this unusual beach was voted one of the 21 Best Beaches in the World by National Geographic. 

Your next stop is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and its famous floating icebergs. A short walk from the lagoon takes you to the magnificent Diamond Beach, where clusters of white and blue icebergs span across the black sand. 

East Fjords 

Bask in the warmth of Iceland’s sunniest region and glimpse spectacular wildlife in the East Fjords. Herds of wild reindeer graze along Iceland’s east coastline! 

We’ll also stop by the fairytale fishing village of Djúpivogur. 

Lake Mývatn & North Coast

The crowning glory of North Iceland is turquoise Lake Mývatn. Dip your toe in the geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. 

Swing by Dimmuborgir's curious rock formations and take in the cool volcanic scenery around Krafla Caldera and Víti Volcano. 

Ocean views and marine wildlife provide an idyllic setting for North Iceland’s fishing villages. Sail away on a whale-watching adventure to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and even blue whales. 

West Iceland

You will be exploring West Iceland which has been awarded the prestigious title of Winter Destination of the Year by Luxury Travel Guide. Look no further than Borgarfjörður Valley for a snapshot of what makes the region so popular. 

Borgarfjörður is an agricultural haven brimming with horses, sheep, and geothermal greenhouses. 

Immerse yourself in the fuming waters of Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The spring pumps out 180 liters (47 gallons)  per second and reaches 100°C (212 °F). 

As the final stop, you’ll get to visit West Iceland’s two most famous waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. After a day of sightseeing in this diverse region, we head back to Reykjavik for our final day. 

Your journey begins in the lively capital of Reykjavík. Your hotel is centrally located, providing easy access to the best museums, galleries, shopping areas, restaurants, and historic landmarks. 

Walk along the offbeat Laugavegur shopping street, one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik. Satisfy your culture craving at one of the city’s excellent museums, such as the National Museum, the Reyjavík Museum of Photography, or the Culture House. For a more eccentric cultural experience, check out the Phallological Museum, which began as one collector’s strange hobby and evolved into the world’s only museum on the subject. 

Catch a birds-eye view of Reykjavík from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, inspired by Svartifoss Waterfall at Skaftafell. When the sun goes down, dive into the vibrant nightlife of the capital. 

Later you will get the opportunity to hunt for the magical Northern Lights of Iceland on a boat tour! Set course for pitch-black skies, the perfect setting for the emerald light show. An expert aurora guide tells you everything you could wish to know about the lights.

You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Reykjavik.

On day 2, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and head straight for Iceland’s most iconic attractions. 

We start at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park and absorb its geological, historical and cultural impact. This is the site where the historic Icelandic Parliament, Alþing, was founded in 930 CE. This governmental body is the oldest existing democratic parliament in the world. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs right through Þingvellir, the spot where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. 

The adventure gains steam as we head to Geysir Geothermal Area. This is the home of the famous Great Geysir, the hot spring that gave us the English word “geyser.” Witness the spectacle of Strokkur, the area’s most active geyser. Scorching water bursts from Strokkur every 5 to 10 minutes.

The final stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss Waterfall, or “the golden falls.”’ Observe the golden mists that surrounds the waterfall and the chaotic Hvítá river that crashes below. 

On the way to your hotel in the area near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we’ll stop at two other stunning waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Both falls stand 196 ft (60 m)  high but possess their own distinct features. Skógafoss cascades peacefully from former sea cliffs. Seljalandsfoss hides a secret pathway that leads behind the falls, offering adventurers a rare view of nature.

We continue along the South Coast route to the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. Just offshore, catch a peek at the majestic Reynisdrangar peaks that shoot out of the sea. 

Next, we leave the beach behind and head deep into Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. In September, this tour includes a three-hour glacier hike in Skaftafell with a certified glacier guide. You’ll explore an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, where sparkling blue ice, crevasses, and incredible ice formations create a surreal landscape.  

From October to mid-April, the glacier hike is replaced with an unforgettable journey into the Crystal Ice Cave. Formed naturally each winter, the cave glows with deep blue tones and twisting ice shapes created by the glacier’s movement. It’s a rare chance to step inside a living glacier and see its frozen heart up close. 

Along the way, witness the jaw-dropping Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, home to the infamous Katla Volcano. Mt. Katla isn’t the only fire spitfire in the region. You also will see her neighbor, the notorious Eyjafjalljökull. 

We depart from the fire and return to the ice at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the most famous ice lagoon in the world. Behold crystalline blue ice-floes as they meander through the lagoon. Then we’ll walk over to Diamond Beach. Another coastline with coal-black sands, this beach is dotted with glittering blue and white icebergs washed ashore by the tide. 

Your accommodation for the evening will be in the South East area.

Today’s journey takes us to the picturesque East Fjords. As we drive through the eastern countryside, we’ll pass the diverse scenery of Lón, the Þvottárskriður landslides, and Álftafjarðar Fjord. 

Our first stop is the charming fishing town of Djúpivogur. This traditional community has earned a reputation for its eco-conscious efforts and welcoming attitudes. Djúpivogur may be quaint, but it also has fascinating cultural spots. 

Explore museums, parks, and sculptures. Make sure to check out the famous Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs of Merry Bay), a 34-piece outdoor sculpture dedicated to the area’s birdlife. 

At the end of the day, our journey leads us to the Wilderness Center, an immersive history and adventure hub located within Northern Europe's biggest wilderness. Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horse riding, and immerse yourself in the authentic Icelandic lifestyle. Explore the museum's exhibits on highland living and Icelandic history with complimentary admission during your stay. Unwind in cozy historic accommodations, savor local cuisine, and soothe your muscles in the warm pool at the bathing house after a day of exploration.

Finally, we make our way to Egilsstaðir, where you’ll spend the night in a country hotel.

Day 6 takes you to the traditional fishing villages of the North. The towns have bustling harbors and stunning views over Eyjafjörður Fjord and Hrísey Island. 

Your adventure highlight is a three-hour whale-watching tour from Eyjafjörður Fjord. Marvel at majestic humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and, on occasion, blue whales. Our whale-watching tours have a 98% success rate!

Next, we drive to Siglufjörður, a quaint fishing village with a rich history. In the early 20th century, life in the town exploded when the small, isolated community became known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic. 

You'll ride along Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula) and pass incredible ocean panoramas and mountains. Get an inside look at daily life in tight-knit, isolated Icelandic villages when you visit Siglufjörður.

Your accommodation for the night will be in Laugarbakki.

The final day before we return to Reykjavik features the phenomenal sites of West Iceland.  Lonely Planet voted this region one of their best destinations in 2016 and it remains a traveler favorite. 

Your first stop is at Grábrók, an ancient volcanic crater formed by a fissure eruption and enveloped in lava. Your guide leads you on a hike to a birds-eye view of the crater and surrounding area. 

You’ll also see the fascinating Hraunfossar cascade, a wide curtain of water made up of tiny rivulets that careen out of a lava field. Then we’ll stop at  Barnafoss waterfall, or “the children’s falls,” named for a tragic folktale. The next point of interest is Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe.  

History, literature, and nature meet in Reykholt, home of Snorri Sturluson, a famous Icelandic saga writer and poet. Gaze into the natural pool of Snorralaug, where Snorri is said to have bathed. 

Our ride back to Reykjavík takes us through the scenic Hvalfjörður (“whale fjord”).  We arrive back in the city at approximately 5 – 6 pm and drop off you at a hotel in Reykjavik.

Once you’re back in the city, leave the bright lights behind on a hunt for the Northern Lights. Our minibus tour takes you deep into the wilderness for the best views of the aurora. Our expert guides check the aurora forecast to find the best place to marvel at this spectacular light phenomenon.

We return to Reykjavík for one last chance to explore the vibrant capital. Wander down new paths on foot or by bike. Haven’t had your fill of Iceland’s natural scenery? Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær are both mountain-view peninsulas easily reached by bus from Reykjavik.

Visit the Reykjavík Botanical Gardens for a snapshot of Iceland’s biodiversity. Discover the hot spring pools where women in Reykjavík used to do their laundry. These impressive gardens grow next to Laugardalslaug, Iceland’s largest swimming pool. 

Whether you want to take in more nature, shop, relax in coffee shops or restaurants, check out another museum, or embark on one final day trip – it’s up to you!