Exciting Two-Week Northern Lights Winter Vacation in Iceland

Today, you can immerse yourself in the Blue Lagoon's soothing waters or enjoy Reykjavik's top sights.

If you don't want to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you can spend your day how you like. 

Reykjavik has so much to see and do.

Climb the tower of the Hallgrimskirkja church for a sweeping view of the city from above. 

Head to the Harpa Concert Hall to admire the modern architecture and coastal views. 

Explore the Old Harbor and the Laugavegur shopping street. 

Visit the National Gallery of Iceland to see art by local artists. 

Go to the Icelandic Phallological Museum for something a bit different. There's so much to do!

Alternatively, if you've chosen to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you can spend the day relaxing. 

Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the geothermal spa is renowned for its vivid blue waters. It contains algae and beneficial bacteria found nowhere else on Earth. It's also rich in therapeutic minerals such as silica and has an international reputation for its medicinal qualities, healing issues of the mind, body, and soul.

With the basic entrance (Comfort level), you'll enjoy access to the pools, saunas, steam rooms, and silica masks on-site, allowing you to rejuvenate from your travels yesterday and fortify yourself for the journey ahead.

Those seeking a little more luxury could organize a Premium-level entrance, which grants you a bathrobe, slippers, an extra therapy mask, and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine if you dine at the lagoon's excellent Lava Restaurant.

After your luxurious time unwinding in the Blue Lagoon spa, you'll return to Reykjavik. 

Feel free to check out one of the lively bars and restaurants or wander around the striking landmarks. However, you'll want to ensure you don't stay out too late, as your eight-day adventure around Iceland's Ring Road starts tomorrow.

You'll return to your Reykjavik accommodation for another night.

On day three of your two-week winter vacation in Iceland, you'll begin your eight-day guided tour of the Ring Road by visiting the sights of the Golden Circle tourist route.

An expert local guide will pick you up in the morning. You'll meet the other members of your group and start your journey out of the capital into the spectacular nature of Southwest Iceland.

Your first stop on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of three national parks in Iceland — you'll visit all three during your two-week trip. 

Thingvellir is home to lakes, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, mossy lava fields, forests, and canyons. It's probably best known, though, for its location between two tectonic plates that are drifting apart. It's one of the best places in the world to witness this tectonic activity, which usually occurs below the earth's surface or under the sea. 

Your guide will tell you about the area's geology and history. The site was the setting for the country's first National Assembly, the Althingi, over 1,000 years ago. You'll have plenty of time to explore the incredible sights and attractions before moving on to the next attraction, the Geysir geothermal area.

Situated within the Haukadalur Valley, the Geysir geothermal area is home to erupting geysers, including Geysir itself (which gave its name to all others). Geysir doesn't erupt these days, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, giving you an excellent opportunity to take a few photos.

You'll now continue your journey to the Gullfoss waterfall, which the Golden Circle route is named for ("Gullfoss" means "Golden Falls"). Gushing down two tiers into an ancient canyon, Gullfoss is a stunning sight that you can view from various viewing platforms. 

After a fantastic introduction to Iceland's nature, you will retire for the night in the area. As you'll be in a countryside hotel, there will be little light pollution, maximizing your chances of seeing the northern lights.

Discover the wonders of the South Coast on day four of your two-week winter vacation package.

After breakfast at your country accommodation, you'll rejoin the group and board the minibus to continue your journey along the Ring Road. Today, you'll follow the South Coast, stopping at waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and picturesque fishing villages.

Your first stop of the day will be the gentle Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It's almost 200 feet (about 60 meters) tall but very narrow and pretty. It falls in front of a vast cavern that creates a spectacular view — in the summer, you can climb up to the cavern to see the waterfall from behind, but it's too icy in the winter.

As you travel further along the road, you'll catch glimpses of the magnificent glaciers of Myrdalsjokull, the third-largest in the country, and Eyjafjallajokull, which notoriously erupted in 2010 to cause massive disruption to European air travel. You'll detour to one of the tongues of Myrdalsjokull for a thrilling glacier hiking tour.

The Solheimajokull outlet glacier is a stunning place for a glacier hike. An experienced guide will give you all the equipment to scale it safely. Witnessing the crevasses and formations of an ice cap up close is a fantastic experience, and the views from its heights are simply breathtaking.

After your hike, you'll continue to another waterfall, Skogafoss. Just as tall as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall but far broader and more powerful, Skogafoss thunders to the ground in a dramatic display of force. 

You'll continue along the Ring Road to the Reynisfjara black-sand beach, probably Iceland's most notorious beach. It has a haunting appearance, with otherworldly volcanic sands contrasting with the bright white ice and snow around you. 

Visitors can see enormous waves crashing in from the Atlantic — stand well back from the coastal edge, as the waves can be highly dangerous. You'll also enjoy a view of the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the vast rock arch of Dyrholaey. 

Your accommodation for the evening will be in South Iceland, close to the quaint fishing village of Vik, which sits adjacent to Reynisfjara.

On day five of your epic trip around Iceland, explore the highlights of Vatnajokull National Park, including the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and a sapphire ice cave.

You'll start by traveling further along the South Coast to enter the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, located within Vatnajokull National Park. The nature reserve was once a national park in its own right because of its diverse beauty. It's framed by gleaming glacier tongues and has lagoons, forests, lava fields, and rivers.

Many hiking trails run through the area. The most popular trail leads to the Svartifoss waterfall, where water tumbles through black columns of hexagonal basalt.

The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon also sits within the nature reserve. Locals often call it "the crown jewel of Iceland," and you'll quickly see why. It's one of the country's most beautiful sights. 

The lagoon waters are filled with icebergs that tower above the water, with beautiful shades of shimmering blue and white. Marvel at the icebergs as they rotate and break apart on their way to the ocean. When they finally reach the sea, they wash up on the nearby shoreline, nicknamed the Diamond Beach, for the mesmerizing way the ice contrasts with the black sands.

When you've finished enjoying your stunning surroundings, it'll be time for even more excitement — it's time to embark on an adventure into a crystal-blue ice cave. You'll meet an expert glacier guide at the Jokulsarlon car park and drive to a remote corner of the Vatnajokull glacier (one of the largest in Europe). After dressing in the appropriate gear, you'll head out onto the ice.

As you enter the ice cave, you'll be amazed by the magnificent view. The vivid colors, the light refracting through the ice, and the otherworldly textures make the glacier caves the most inviting winter attraction Iceland offers. Keep your camera in hand, but be sure to appreciate the moment, as no photograph can genuinely reflect this spectacular experience.

After this unforgettable exploration, you'll retire for the night in a comfortable country hotel in Southeast Iceland.

Today, you'll continue your Ring Road tour by traveling into the remote East Fjords region.

Due to its distance from Reykjavik, very few travelers to Iceland visit the Eastern Region. While this is unfortunate for them, as they miss such beauty, it's excellent news for you — you'll be able to marvel over the sights without any disturbance from crowds.

The first significant attractions you'll visit are the dramatic mountains of Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn, composed of dark gabbro rock and boasting jagged peaks. You'll have time for a photo stop before you continue your journey through the winding East Fjords.

Deep, winding bays define this region. You'll see towering mountains, tiny fishing villages, and abundant wildlife as you enjoy sweeping views of the Vatnajokull glacier. 

The cliffs have an abundance of birds, even in the winter. The waters are home to seals, and the east is the only part of the country where you can find roaming herds of wild reindeer.

You'll make plenty of stops throughout the day, visiting sites steeped in folklore and pausing at viewpoints to enjoy your surroundings. As you pass through the villages, you'll better understand Iceland's old way of life because the culture persists in these remote settlements.

Travelers on this package can also participate in a couple of optional excursions today. Go horseback riding through the picturesque countryside of East Iceland — this is a fantastic tour for animal lovers. Icelandic horses are known for being friendly and have a unique gait called a tolt.

Alternatively, you can book a trip to the Vok Baths, floating geothermal infinity pools. The baths are an interesting counterpoint to the Blue Lagoon and a fantastic way to relax after a busy few days.

As the day draws to a close, your group will head to Egilsstadir, East Iceland’s largest town. You'll check in to your accommodation in this region. 

Don't forget to watch out for the northern lights before you sleep!

One week down! To mark the halfway point of your 14-day trip to Iceland, you'll travel into North Iceland to visit the geothermal wonders of Lake Myvatn.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you'll board the bus and continue your journey around the Ring Road, heading north. Your first major stop will be the barren Namaskard Pass, a geothermal area near Lake Myavtn.

Here, on a mountain plateau, you'll see a row of fuming steam vents pouring columns of steam into the sky. The air is sulfuric, and there are no signs of life around — your guide will tell you why as you discover the intensive power of Iceland's volcanic forces.

You'll continue to the Dimmuborgir lava fortress, a dramatic basalt landmark filled with towering rock formations and hidden caves. The gorgeous area is steeped in folklore. 

It's said to be the home of Iceland's Christmas Trolls and their child-eating mother. You can learn more about Icelandic Christmas traditions as you explore the basalt structures.

Dimmuborgir is an especially great place to visit for Game of Thrones fans, as it was the principal shooting location for Mance Raider's Wildling camp in the hit series.

Your driver will now take your group to Lake Myvatn. Contrasting with the barren nature of Namaskard and Dimmuborgir, the lake is more serene and blooming with life. An abundance of birdlife lives here, and you can see unique flora if you visit outside of midwinter.

Geological marvels stand around every corner of the lake, adding even more beauty to the region. Basalt pillars stand tall from the icy waters, and rows of bizarre pseudocraters hug the lake's shores.

When your group has finished exploring the lake, you'll journey up to the "Capital of the North," the town of Akureyri. This cultural hotspot has everything a traveler could ask for: boutiques, restaurants, bars, beautiful architecture, and breathtaking views of the Eyjafjordur fjord. 

You'll spend the night in a hotel in North Iceland.

Enjoy a fantastic whale-watching excursion and discover more of North Iceland's best bits on day eight of your two-week trip.

If you get up early today, you may be able to explore more of Akureyri. You might have time to visit the botanical gardens or the Akureyrarkirkja church. Grab breakfast at your accommodation or find a local cafe to see more of the capital of the north.

After departing Akureyri, you'll travel along the Eyjafjordur fjord's coastline to see some of the tiny villages in this area. You'll stop at the village of Hauganes, home to some of the country's best whale-watching opportunities.

You'll now enjoy a fantastic whale-watching boat tour. Head out into the Icelandic waters and see if you can spot gentle giants swimming or basking here. 

Some whale species migrate away from Iceland in the depths of winter, but you have a good chance of seeing dolphins, porpoises, and even orcas. You might also spot a minke or humpback whale if you're lucky.

Following this memorable experience, you'll return to the minibus to continue your Ring Road adventure. You'll travel out of North Iceland, journeying west until you reach the historic settlement of Borgarnes. Your driver will stop at picturesque points along the way, and as the sun goes down, you'll have a good chance of spotting the northern lights in the skies above.

Borgarnes is on a peninsula at the shore of the Borgarfjordur fjord, with stunning coastal views. You should have some time in the evening to explore the settlement and learn more about its history.

You'll now spend two nights in a hotel in West Iceland. Take this opportunity to unpack and get settled. You can also wait outside for the northern lights if the skies are clear and the aurora forecast looks promising.

Spend your penultimate day of your eight-day guided tour of Iceland visiting the diverse Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an area so packed with attractions that locals often call it "Iceland in miniature."

Leaving Borgarnes in the morning, your group will drive westward to the Gerduberg cliffs. You'll see striking hexagonal columns that seem to have been chiseled by hand but are entirely natural. Your guide will explain how volcanic activity causes geometric shapes to form.

Next, you'll drive along the peninsula's southern shore until you reach the Ytri-Tunga beach, a golden-sand beach that's one of the country's most reliable places for seal-watching. Just offshore, you might spot a few relaxing on the rocks or frolicking in the surrounding waters.

Continuing along the road, you'll pass through the windswept abandoned village of Budir before coming to the dramatic mountainside cleft of Raudfeldsgja. After these sites, you'll enter Snaefellsjokull National Park, which covers the peninsula's western tip.

This park has a wealth of attractions, but they all sit in the shadow of its most prominent feature and namesake, the Snaefellsjokull subglacial volcano. Renowned for its twin peaks and its role in literature, such as Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth, this is one of the country's most defining and spectacular phenomena.

The road encircling Snaefellsnes winds right around this glacier, allowing you to witness it from many angles. You'll also visit the coastal villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar and the Londrangar cliffs.

You'll start your journey back eastward along the peninsula's northern side. You'll enjoy incredible views of the islands of the Breidafjordur Bay and, if the weather is clear, the spectacular Westfjords. You'll pass through more beautiful fishing villages before reaching the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.

Shaped like a pyramid and standing alone on the coast by a quaint waterfall, this feature is often called the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Due to its dramatic beauty, it appeared in the seventh season of Game of Thrones as a pivotal location North of the Wall.

Your final stop on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the Berserkjahraun lava field, a haunting stretch with a dramatic and dark history. From here, you'll return to the hotel in Borgarnes for another good night's sleep.

On day ten of your Icelandic winter holiday, you'll explore West Iceland and its beautiful waterfalls, geothermal sights, and hot springs.

Start your day by getting to know Borgarnes. You can have breakfast at your accommodation, then walk around the town to enjoy the beautiful views. 

Borgarnes is also home to one of the country's best-loved ice cream parlors and the fascinating Settlement Center. You can learn more about Iceland's settlement and early history.

You can then join the rest of the group to drive to two popular West Iceland waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. They're only a short walk apart but radically different in appearance.

Hraunfossar is spaced across a shelf of lava, with the water running in gentle rivulets through it, making a serene site. Barnafoss, on the other hand, is a rapid fall rushing through a narrow gorge, forming a dramatic contrast with Hraunfossar. Barnafoss also has a tragic legend behind it, which your guide can tell you about.

Next, you will head to the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe, Deildartunghver. Here, you can marvel further over the intense volcanic activity Iceland boasts by watching the water and steam bloom from the depths of the earth.

During your explorations, you can also visit the Vidgelmir lava cave, one of the world's biggest. Journey deep underground and discover the sheer power of Iceland's volcanic activities.

Your final site today will be the village of Reykholt. Tiny and quaint, few would assume its vital role in Iceland's history. 

It was home to one of the country's most culturally significant people, Snorri Sturluson. Snorri's works on the Old Norse Religion and lineages of European monarchs fill massive gaps in world history that would otherwise be lost to time.

After a day packed with adventure, you'll finally return to Reykjavik. This marks the end of your eight-day Ring road tour, but the fun doesn't stop here! You still have three full days of sightseeing left.

Welcome back to Reykjavik! After a busy eight-day tour of the Ring Road, you now have a few days of free time in Iceland's capital, with optional excursions to make your time even more special.

After the once-in-a-lifetime journey you've just had, you might be ready for a relaxing day in the city. You can go to a local swimming pool for a dip — the Vesturbaejarlaug is a favorite among Reykjavik's residents. You could also visit any of the city's numerous museums or galleries. 

Alternatively, if you have the energy and want to pack in the excitement, there are a few optional tours for you to choose from today. 

You might want to take a helicopter ride over the geothermal areas surrounding Reykjavik. Make your way to Reykjavik Domestic Airport and enjoy a thrilling takeoff, flying over the city skyline and witnessing the capital's landmarks shrinking below you. 

You'll then fly over the surrounding landscapes for a fantastic new perspective over Iceland. Conditions permitting, you'll also land on a mountaintop to disembark. Let yourself be blown away by the country's beauty from a new angle.

If you're not keen on flying, you could take a Super Jeep tour into the Highlands instead. You'll go off-roading into the beautiful Landmannalaugar hiking area, which is only accessible with 4X4 vehicles during the winter season.

Landmannalaugar is full of brightly colored rhyolite mountains, dramatic craters, and bubbling hot springs. You'll have the chance to bathe in one of these natural springs as part of your trip, without the crowds that usually fill them in summer. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Iceland's nature and enjoy an exciting ride.

Whatever you choose to do, you'll have an enjoyable day. Spend your evening making the most of Reykjavik's nightlife options. You'll find plenty of pubs and bars for a drink with your friends or family — chat with the locals and make the most of your time in Iceland's largest city.

You'll spend the night in your accommodation in downtown Reykjavik.

On day 12 of your two-week Icelandic vacation, you can choose between sightseeing in Reykjavik or embarking on exciting nature tours with optional excursions. 

If you want to relax in Reykjavik, you should still have plenty to keep you entertained. You could book a space on a walking tour to explore more of the city with an expert local guide. Alternatively, you can walk around the city's picturesque parks and enjoy the wintery landscapes. 

For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Perlan Observation Deck, just outside the city center. Take a few photos, then head into the museum's exhibitions to learn more about the natural wonders of Iceland.

Those who choose to book an excursion have a few good options. One choice is a trip back into Thingvellir National Park to snorkel in the Silfra fissure. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The fissure sits between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and is filled with crystal-clear glacial meltwater. Swim between the plates and enjoy amazing views beneath the water — visibility extends almost 330 feet (about 100 meters).

It might not sound appealing to jump into glacial water in winter, but the tour provider will give you an insulating undersuit and dry suit to keep the cold away.

A second optional tour is a snowmobiling excursion on the Langjokull glacier, the second-largest ice cap in Iceland. You'll set out on a thrilling adventure across the ice. Get your adrenaline pumping and see a glacier up close as you enjoy the incredible views.

The final option is ideal for anyone who enjoyed their ice-caving tour. You can descend into a hand-carved ice tunnel within the Langjokull glacier. You'll ride a Super Jeep over the glacier to reach the tunnel's entrance and can then explore the corridors and chambers on foot. 

After getting to know Reykjavik better or taking a fantastic excursion, you'll spend the night in your accommodation in the capital.

On the penultimate day of your two-week winter vacation in Iceland, you can enjoy some final sightseeing in Reykjavik or take a last excursion out of the city.

Those staying in Reykjavik can visit a couple of museums to solidify their knowledge of Icelandic culture. Animal lovers can see the Whales of Iceland exhibit, while keen musicians should check out the Punk Museum. The Saga Museum is perfect for anyone interested in folklore, while the Settlement Exhibition will teach you more about Iceland's first inhabitants.

If you'd prefer to immerse yourself in art, head to the Einar Jonsson Museum and Sculpture Garden or the Reykjavik Art Museum. It's also worth heading to the coast to see the famous Sun Voyager sculpture.

Anyone who'd prefer to participate in a final excursion can do this instead. Travelers visiting in September or October can take a group trip to the interior of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Enjoy a hike to the entry point, then descend 400 feet (about 120 meters) to the bottom of the volcano's crater.

You'll get a unique view and can better appreciate the impressive size and power of Icelandic volcanoes. 

Thrillseekers also have the option to book an ATV tour. Spend two hours zooming through the Icelandic countryside on an off-roading vehicle, splashing through rivers and ascending hills. It's a great way to enjoy a final rush before the end of your trip.

Anyone traveling as a family might prefer a gentler end to their trip.

If so, book tickets to the FlyOver Iceland 4D Cinema experience. You'll sit on a suspended seat with your feet hanging below you, enjoying a simulated flight through some of Iceland's most iconic landscapes. The spherical screen and special effects create an unforgettable experience — you can visit the country's highlights without leaving Reykjavik.

After a busy day, you can spend your evening however you wish. You might want to make the most of your final chance to see the northern lights by heading out of the city, or you may prefer to enjoy dinner and drinks with your friends and family. 

You'll spend your last night in your accommodation in Reykjavik.

Today is the final day of your holiday, meaning it's time to say goodbye.

Depending on your flight's departure time, you might squeeze in some final explorations of Reykjavik. Perhaps there's one last landmark you've been itching to see or a quaint café you've yet to savor. The charming streets of Reykjavik hold surprises around every corner, so take this opportunity to soak in the city's unique atmosphere.

Alternatively, if the ethereal Blue Lagoon has eluded your itinerary until now, today is your chance. Immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of its geothermal waters, letting the mineral-rich azure pools melt away your cares. This serene experience will not only leave you refreshed but also provide a fitting farewell to Iceland, allowing you to reflect on the remarkable journey you've undertaken.

Your shuttle bus or private car will take you to the airport in good time for your flight. The Icelandic landscapes may soon be a memory, but the memories you've created will endure. 

We extend our warm wishes for a safe journey home, carrying with you the magic of Iceland in your heart. And who knows, perhaps one day you'll return to rediscover this captivating land all over again.