10-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive of Iceland’s South Coast & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day one is your arrival day in Iceland. After picking up your car from Keflavik International Airport, you can visit the attractions in Southwest Iceland on your way to the Icelandic capital.

For example, you could explore the Reykjanes Peninsula's sites, famous for its breathtaking geological formations. Visiting the black lava fields and seemingly endless nothingness of the Reykjanes Geopark is an excellent introduction to Iceland's rich geology.

On the other hand, you could choose to make a stop at the Blue Lagoon. This world-renowned spa is known for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. It's in the middle of a moss-covered lava field, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.

Travelers can choose different entrance tickets to the Blue Lagoon. The cheapest is the comfort package, which entitles you to entrance to the lagoon, silica mud mask, and towel use. Meanwhile, the premium package offers entrance to the lagoon, three mud masks, and bathrobe use.

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there is no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added to another day. Your travel consultant will be able to arrange this for you.

Depending on your flight arrival schedule, there is plenty to see and do in Reykjavik. The city boasts excellent shops, restaurants, and attractions you can explore on your first day. If you want to see the most famous landmarks here, head down to the downtown area, as most of these top cultural attractions are easily accessible.

For example, you can walk to the Old Harbor to see the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. While the Harpa Concert Hall boasts hundreds of glass panel that mimics the northern lights, the Sun Voyager is a metal sculpture resembling a Viking ship. 

You will spend the first night in a cozy accommodation in Reykjavik.

On your second day, you'll explore the most beautiful sites of West Iceland on your way to Snaefellsnes. There are many places to see, starting with Hvalfjordur, 'the Whale Fjord,' which sits just north of Reykjavik. This stunning place has dramatic mountains, many waterfalls, and spectacular seascapes.

Once around the bay, you could head to Borgarnes, home to the Settlement Center exhibition, where you can learn about the earliest arrivals to Iceland. Near here is a waterfall called Fossatun, steeped in troll folklore.

Nearby is Europe's highest-flowing hot spring, Deildartunguhver, and a bit further east, you can find the historic village of Reykholt. This was once home to legendary medieval writer Snorri Sturluson and now houses the Snorrastofa Museum on his life and works.

A little further afield but still worth a visit are two more waterfalls, Barnafoss and Hraunfossar, which are vastly different in appearance despite their proximity. The former rages and winds down a narrow gorge, while the latter streams gently from a vast stretch of twisted lava.

On this day, you can also visit the great Vidgelmir lava cave, one of Iceland's largest lava tube caves. It is easy to access, and walkways have been built so that everyone can enjoy the fantastic sights and colors formed on the lava rock surface.

Another option is the ice tunnels in Langjokull glacier, where artificial tunnels have been carved out of the old ice, creating halls and corridors in a miniature under-ice palace. An experienced guide will tell you more about the history of this underground attraction.

You'll continue to Snaefellsnes, making any detour that draws you. Once you arrive, you can begin exploring, hunting for the aurora borealis, or relaxing in your accommodation. Regardless, you'll have the next day to make the most of this incredible peninsula.

Your third day will be dedicated to witnessing the marvels of the Snaefellnes Peninsula. This 56-mile (90-kilometer) stretch of land is often called 'Iceland in Miniature' due to the diverse scenery nestling here.

The landscape's dominant feature is, without a doubt, Snaefellsjokull, a giant volcano topped with a gleaming ice cap. As you visit sites such as Djupalonssandur black sand beach, you'll be in the shadow of this incredible landmark.

It is not the only famous mountain on the peninsula. You'll also see one of the most photographed peaks in the country, Kirkjufell, which stands alone on the northern shore in a beautiful setting. The mountains surrounding the fjords of Hraunsfjordur and Kolgrafafjordur are also particularly dramatic.

If you're fond of watching popular TV shows, you may recognize Kirkjufell mountain from the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. The show featured this mountain as the "Arrowhead Mountain" north of the Wall. Its distinct shape and surrounding waterfalls make Kirkjufell a photographer's dream, and it's often cited as one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.

All day, you'll head from site to site, from places as diverse as the seal colony on the shores of Ytri Tunga to the barren, haunted lava fields of Berserkjahraun. However, the seals' presence during winter become rarer compared to other seasons in Iceland.

To learn more about the history and local culture of West Iceland, you can make stops at Arnarstapi and Hellnar. These coastal villages used to have a vibrant fishing industry when Iceland's economy solely relied on fishing. Although fishing remains active here, it's not as productive as before.

While exploring these settlements, you can stroll around the neighborhood to see the old houses and charming cafes. Or, visit the harbor to see the rugged cliffs and surrounding mountains.

You'll return to spend another night at your accommodation on the peninsula.

On day four, you'll visit the three iconic sites of the Golden Circle, on the country's most popular driving route. The Golden Circle spans 190 miles (300 kilometers) and is one of the ideal destinations for a day's sightseeing.

The first of these you'll visit is the original site of the world's longest-running, still-ongoing parliament, Thingvellir National Park. This historical place is nestled directly in the North Atlantic Rift and is the best place in the world to see the edges of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Apart from rift valleys, you can find fissure lakes, waterfalls, and unique rock formations in the national park.

The second site of the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area, located within Haukadalur valley. This area, dotted with bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and hissing fumaroles, is most famous for its geysers, as its name suggests. The most active of these is Strokkur, which erupts every five to 10 minutes.

The final point of this famed trail is the Gullfoss waterfall. Fed by the most popular rafting river in Iceland, the Hvita, this waterfall is mighty, plunging two steps into a dramatic canyon. There are several platforms from which you can marvel over this natural phenomenon.

On this day, you'll have the option to partake in an exceptional tour. You'll have the chance to snorkel in Thingvellir National Park through a freshwater spring within a ravine called Silfra. Its visibility exceeds 328 feet (100 meters), and it's considered one of the world's best places for snorkeling and diving. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

After enjoying the sites of the Golden Circle and possibly a tour, you can use your custom itinerary to find other beautiful locations in the area, such as the Secret Lagoon geothermal spa and Kerid crater lake.

You will reside at your accommodation near the Golden Circle that evening.

On your fifth day, you'll start to explore the sites of the South Coast up to Vik. This route is famed for its waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and incredible stretches of coast.

Regarding waterfalls, the three most easily accessible and rewarding can all be found reasonably early on your journey. The first is Seljalandsfoss, a narrow, high waterfall cascading over a concaved cliff. Behind the waterfall, a circular path allows visitors to experience the unique perspective of watching the water plummet down from within a cavernous alcove.

A short walk from here is Gljufrabui, which is often overlooked because it's hidden within a cleft in a mountainside. The cavern it tumbles into and fills with mist is otherworldly.

The third notable waterfall is Skogafoss, most known for its dramatic size and incredible power. Like Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss drops from a high cliff of 200 feet (60 meters). However, it presents a stark contrast with its mighty breadth and thunderous roar, sending up mists that often gift onlookers with a shimmering rainbow on sunny days. Its grandeur and surrounding landscape have made it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.

As you head between these waterfalls, you'll be driving beside the infamous glacier Eyjafjallajokull. The volcano beneath the glacier erupted in 2010, causing mayhem in air travel. If the weather is clear, you may see the Westman Islands across the seas to your right.

As you head further along the South Coast, you'll come across more glaciers, most notably Myrdalsjokull, the fourth largest in the country. While here, you can partake in one of two tours. Choose from an adrenaline-pumping snowmobiling ride on this ice cap or a fascinating glacier hike on one of its many tongues, Solheimajokull.

The next destination is Reynisfjara beach, a black sand stretch of coast near Vik village, renowned for its fascinating geological features. You'll retire for the night in comfortable accommodations in South Iceland.

For your sixth day, you'll drive the rest of the South Coast across diverse landscapes of dramatic coastline, farmland, and black sand desert.

When the tongues of the vast Vatnajokull glacier, the largest ice cap in Iceland, start to materialize to your left, you'll know you're nearing Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This region is well worth a visit. It's forested, sheltered by ice and jagged peaks, and full of hiking routes to various spectacular features.

If you're inclined, you can also book a glacier hike here. Skaftafell is one of the best places for glacier hiking in Iceland because of its endless snow fields and rugged landscapes. An expert guide will be with you to ensure your safety while having fun on the ice.

Further east, you'll come across one of the most popular places in Iceland, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This vast lagoon is filled with giant icebergs calving from a glacier tongue, making for an ethereal sight. It's also a reminder of the effects of global warming, with the lagoon's constant expansion due to glacial melt.

For those wishing to get up close to these floating ice giants, there's the option to take a boat trip on the lagoon. Weaving through the maze of ice, perhaps even spotting some seals lounging on the icebergs, is an unforgettable way to appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural phenomenon.

The nearby Diamond beach is just as fascinating. The black volcanic sands of this Icelandic beach make a perfect contrast to the gleaming chunks of ice that end up on its banks before slowly melting under the sun or into the Atlantic Ocean.

Admiring the beauty of this corner of Iceland will take up most of your day. You'll reside for the night in accommodation in Southeast Iceland.

If the skies are clear in the evening, you'll have another opportunity to hunt for the northern lights.

Your seventh day will be spent in the southeast, around the farmlands, mountains, and villages surrounding the Vatnajokull National Park. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe and covers at least 10 percent of Iceland's landmass.

If traveling between November and March, you can use this day to partake in a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of an ice cave. These only form during the middle of winter, so opportunities to witness their incredible beauty are rare.

If you've seen an Icelandic cave in the past, you're still encouraged to join this optional tour because no two ice caves are the same. The ice caves melt and form with the changing seasons, allowing explorers a unique experience.

Inside an ice cave, you can witness different ice formations. The ice walls may feature different streaks of colors, from white and crystal-like to blue and black. You can ask your guide to tell you more about the formation and composition of these ice caves.

If you are not traveling during this time, you'll still find plenty to do in the area. There are beautiful features in Hofn, from its charming streets to its beautiful harbor. Nearby are the mountains Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn, which are excellent backdrops for photos.

With time permitting, you can push further into the Eastfjords to explore some of its peaceful coastal villages. These picturesque hamlets, nestled between steep mountains and the shimmering sea, offer a glimpse into the tranquil life of Iceland's remote areas. From the artistic haven of Seydisfjordur to the historic charm of Djupivogur, each village boasts its unique character and attractions, providing ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Jokulsarlon and Skaftafell also warrant second visits, as their beauty is unique under different lighting and weather conditions.

You'll spend this night in the same accommodation as last. If the sky is clear of clouds, you might want to look up for a chance to see the dancing northern lights. This area is an excellent location to see the aurora borealis because of minimal light pollution.

On day eight, you'll drive back to the South Coast to the settlements of Hvolsvollur and Selfoss. Throughout the day, you can use your itinerary to find any unique places you missed or revisit some of your favorites to see them in another light.

You could head out to the historical town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur and visit the waterfall Systrafoss, which, in cold weather, will be entirely frozen but incredibly beautiful. Legend has it that the waterfall got its name from two nuns who lived at the nearby monastery, adding a touch of mystery to its natural splendor.

A short drive away is the magnificent canyon Fjadrargljufur, an excellent photography location as it provides dramatic scenery of jagged cliffs and a shallow river. This canyon became more popular with travelers when popstar singer Justin Bieber featured it in one of his music videos in 2015.

You could also visit the volcano Hekla or dip in Iceland's oldest swimming pool, Seljavallalaug, hidden in a mountain crevasse. A quick dip here can help you relax and rest after many days of driving along the Ring Road.

Entrance to Seljavallalaug is free, but you can donate to help maintain this old swimming pool.

Meanwhile, if you want another shot at visiting the top attractions of the South Coast, you're free to do so. You can see Vik village, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and Skogafoss waterfall from different angles. Just make sure to take as many photos as you can to remember your unforgettable experience. 

Stroll around Selfoss town to meet locals and learn more about the culture. A popular destination in Selfoss is the Old Dairy food hall, with eight restaurants. These food places feature different cuisines and dishes, including lamb, hot dogs, beer, and skyr.

Take your time and explore Iceland to the fullest before heading to your accommodations in Southwest Iceland.

You'll drive from Hvolsvollur or Selfoss back to Reykjavik on your penultimate day. Once again, you can refer to your itinerary to find any unique places you missed earlier in your journey.

Once back in the capital, you can use the time to explore its galleries, museums, historic sites, bars, and restaurants. Although a reasonably small city, Reykjavik has a thriving culture, and you will undoubtedly find many things to do.

For example, you can see two of the city's most majestic works of architecture, which took inspiration from Iceland's rich geology. Hallgrimskirkja church is the tallest church in Iceland at 245 feet (75 meters). Meanwhile, the Harpa Concert Hall is an award-winning event center in the downtown area featuring hundreds of glass panels.

If you're up for another adventure outside the city, you can join the optional caving experience in the Thrihnukagigur volcano, 21 miles (35 kilometers) from Reykjavik.

The Inside the Volcano experience in Iceland is a unique adventure that allows you to explore the breathtaking beauty of a dormant volcano from the inside. Located in the stunning Thrihnukagigur volcano, this once-in-a-lifetime experience offers an extraordinary opportunity to descend into the depths of the earth and witness a natural wonder up close.

Equipped with a helmet, harness, and other necessary gear, you'll hop on an open cable lift ride into the volcano's vast chamber. This thrilling descent offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

As you explore the volcano's depths, your guide will provide insights into the geological history and formation of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. They'll share fascinating details about its eruption patterns and the volcanic formations' composition.

You will spend the night in one of the beautiful accommodations in Reykjavik. This will be your last night in the city, so make it worthwhile.

On your final day, you must head to the Keflavik International Airport in good time to return your vehicle and catch your departing flight. Reykjavik is approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) from the airport.

If you want last-minute shopping, you can make a quick stop at Laugavegur street in Reykjavik. As the main shopping district in the city, Laugavegur is lined with excellent restaurants, record stores, boutiques, and other shops. You'll find a range of souvenirs here to suit all budgets.

If your flight is much later, there are plenty of activities to do in Reykjavik. You can, for example, book admission to the Whales of Iceland museum or FlyOver Iceland ride, two fascinating interactive experiences. The travel agent can help book these tours for you, or you can add them during the booking process.

The Whales of Iceland is a unique museum that offers visitors an immersive experience of the world of whales, showcasing the incredible diversity and majesty of these marine mammals.

The museum highlights life-size whale models, which are incredibly realistic and provide a breathtaking sense of scale. There are 23 different species of whales represented, including the massive blue whale, the humpback whale, the orca, and many others that frequent the surrounding waters of Iceland.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon spa today, you will finish your stay unwinding before heading to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters while looking back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice.

We wish you a pleasant journey home. See you on your next trip to Iceland.