5-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with the Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Free cancellation
24/7 customer support
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Starts from
Keflavík Airport
Ends in
Keflavík Airport (KEF), Reykjanesbær, Iceland
Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Difficulty
Easy
Available
Sept. - Apr.
Accommodation
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included

Description

Discover the very best of Iceland's snowy landscapes with this five-day winter self-drive tour. Relax in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, see the Golden Circle attractions, and drive the South Coast to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where you can visit an authentic ice cave. This tour is perfect for those who desire the freedom to explore Iceland's winter scene at their own pace.

For your convenience, your winter drive in Iceland begins as you arrive in Reykjavik or at the Keflavik International Airport. Your car fit for the winter terrain and with free Wi-Fi is ready for pick-up at either location.

On this tour package, no impatient tour guides rush you from place to place, nor must you follow precise schedules. You're behind the wheel, so you can decide what sights you visit and how long you stay.

Your only set destinations are your accommodations each night, which have been arranged for you before the journey begins to ensure you get plenty of rest at the best locations. In case of emergencies or simple queries, a dedicated travel agent is ready to assist you at any time of the day.

Upon booking, you'll receive a personal itinerary pointing you toward Iceland's best attractions and some best-kept secrets you can experience away from the crowds. All the planning has been done for you, yet you have the freedom and flexibility to adapt things to suit you.

You could spend extra time capturing the perfect photo of the Gullfoss waterfall in the Golden Circle. You can also watch the mighty ocean waves crash upon the shore at Reynisfjara black sand beach on the South Coast.

The highlight of your winter drive is your time at the Vatnajokull National Park on day four. You can explore the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the Skaftafell nature reserve, and a breathtaking ice cave on the largest glacier in Europe. 

If you want to enhance your holiday with extra activities, you can add guided tours during the booking process. These include riding around the wondrous rugged terrains on a majestic Icelandic horse, an ice-caving experience, and a thermal bath in the azure waters of the Blue Lagoon spa amid a volcanic landscape.

For thrill-seekers, other optional activities are a snowmobiling tour on top of one of Iceland's mighty glaciers and snorkeling in the crystal-clear glacial water between two continents in the Silfra fissure.

Each night, you can take the chance to spot the spectacular northern lights dancing across Iceland's wintry landscapes. Avoid areas with heavy light pollution and steer clear of cloudy locations to give yourself the best chance of spotting the beautiful aurora borealis.

After a thrilling self-drive adventure, you'll end this winter tour in Iceland by returning your car rental to Reykjavik or the airport.

Please note that in case of sudden alterations in your travel plans, you can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund.

See the best attractions of Iceland in a different light on this five-day self-drive tour in winter. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

4 nights of accommodation (different levels available; breakfast included for Comfort and Quality levels; more detailed info below)
New vehicle unit for 5 days (VW Polo or similar. Upgrades available)
CDW insurance for super budget level vehicle; other levels include gravel protection insurance
Free Wi-Fi in your vehicle
Detailed itinerary for five days
Personal travel agent
Taxes

Destinations

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world.Reykjavík / 2 nights
An abandoned house on the Reykjanes Peninsula presents a striking contrast against a lush green landscape.Southwest Iceland / 1 night
The Vatnajokull glacier in Southeast Iceland.Southeast Iceland / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Þingvellir National Park is Iceland's only UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the major stops along the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route.Thingvellir
Geysir is a dormant hot spring in the geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley, found in South Iceland.Geysir
Long-exposure photo of Gullfoss waterfall on a cloudy dayGullfoss
Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland, is birthplace of the country’s parliament.Kerið
Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast of Iceland bathed in the otherworldly light of the midnight sun.Seljalandsfoss
The mighty Skógafoss waterfallSkógafoss
Reynisfjara beach and Reynisdrangar cliffs in winterReynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland's most popular and unique attractionsJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The icy diamonds of Diamond BeachDiamond Beach
Skaftafell Nature Preserve can be found in Öræfasveit, the western region of Austur-Skaftafellssýsla in Iceland.Skaftafell
Svartifoss in Skaftafell Nature Reserve in summer.Svartifoss
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon in south Iceland.Fjaðrárgljúfur
Kleifarvatn is the third largest lake in Iceland.Kleifarvatn
KrýsuvíkKrýsuvík
Gunnuhver is one of the geothermal areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula.Gunnuhver

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Snorkelling
ATV
Snowmobile
Horse Riding
Sightseeing
Boat Trip
Northern lights hunting
Hot Spring Bathing
Ice Caving
Self drive

Travel details

Travel dates

Travelers

1 traveler
1 traveler

Car

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Large car

Large car

Category
Large
Transmission
People
Large bags
SUV

SUV

Category
JEEPSUV
Transmission
People
Large bags

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Reykjavík

Day 1

Day 1 – Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Arrival day
  • More

Your winter adventure starts on day one as you arrive in Iceland. After landing at the Keflavik International Airport, pick up your car and drive towards Reykjavik, 31 miles (50 kilometers away). 

On your way to the Icelandic capital, you'll pass through the black lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. If your flight arrives early, you can explore the peninsula first and discover its diverse volcanic and geothermal landscapes.

The Reykjanes Peninsula runs along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart. Just south of the airport is the symbolic Bridge Between Continents, which lies in the rift valley between the continents. 

The most exciting activity you could do today is to visit the Blue Lagoon. This world-renowned geothermal 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. 

If you add the Blue Lagoon, it will be arranged according to your flights. If there's no time to visit the lagoon today, it can be added another day or before your flight home. Your travel consultant can arrange this for you, whether you want the standard comfort package or the premium entrance option.

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, you can settle in your accommodation and explore the city's charming streets. Near your hotel are restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and cultural attractions. Feel the vibrant pulse of Iceland's capital as you meander through its historic streets, where modernity meets tradition in a delightful blend that promises discoveries at every corner.

If the sky is clear in the evening, you can drive a little out of the city, away from the light pollution, and hunt for the elusive northern lights. Although there's no assurance that you'll see them because these lights are natural, Iceland is one of the best places for northern lights hunting.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 2 – Southwest Iceland

Day 2

Day 2 – Southwest Iceland

  • Southwest Iceland
  • More
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Geysir geothermal area
  • Gullfoss waterfall
  • Kerid Crater
  • More

On day two, you'll visit Iceland's most famous sightseeing route, the Golden Circle. Get a good start to the day and wake up early, or enjoy a few more minutes of snoozing and sleep in. You're behind the wheel, so you get to create the day's schedule.

Today's first main stop is the Thingvellir National Park, a historically and geologically significant site for Icelanders. Thingvellir is home to the rift valley that separates the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. 

As the plates move, they rip open ravines throughout the landscape. One of those fissures, Silfra, is filled with crystal clear meltwater from Langjokull glacier, and today, you can opt for a snorkeling tour in this fissure where you swim between the two continents. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

After leaving Thingvellir, you'll pass Fontana Spa, a geothermal set of pools immersed in a lake. If you elect to do so, you can dip in here to revitalize ahead of your travels.

You'll continue your journey, making another stop at the Geysir geothermal area. This field is filled with bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles, but the Geysir area also contains hot springs and erupting geysers.

Strokkur is the most active geyser, erupting every 5-10 minutes and reaching around 66 feet (20 meters) high. You can walk around the area and take photos of Strokkur and the bubbling mud pools. 

The last stop on the Golden Circle route is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. Fed by the glacier Langjokull, the river Hvita rushes south before plunging into a narrow canyon, creating this stunning cascade.

At Gullfoss, you can opt for a tour where you race across the white expanse of Langjokull glacier on a snowmobile. Alternatively, you can book a monster truck across this frozen landscape. 

At the end of the day, you'll drive to your accommodation in Southwest Iceland.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 3 – Southeast Iceland

Day 3

Day 3 – Southeast Iceland

  • Southeast Iceland
  • More
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skogafoss waterfall
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • More

On day three, your journey in the land of fire and ice continues eastwards. You'll travel under two mighty glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, and visit some of the country's most beautiful natural attractions.

The first stop on your South Coast drive is the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The days are dark in Iceland during the wintertime, but Seljalandsfoss is lit up with light beams, creating an aura of magic around it.

From there, you'll visit the majestic Skogafoss waterfall. This one is much wider and has a greater flow than Seljalandsfoss. The land underneath the cascade is very flat, so you can walk right up to the wall of water to feel the spray on your face.

Between the two waterfalls are the Myrdasjokull and Solheimajokull glaciers. You can opt for two tours on Solheimajokull, a snowmobile tour or a glacier hike. You can also explore an ice cave near the Myrdarsjokull ice cap.

Next to explore is Vik, an excellent place to stop and refuel as it overlooks Reynisfjara, a beautiful black sand beach edged by hexagonal basalt columns. Out in the ocean rise the massive rocks stacks Reynisdrangar, carved by centuries of Atlantic waters crashing against them.

You could embark on a thrilling black-sand buggy tour along this stretch of shoreline if you did not elect to go glacier hiking or snowmobiling.

From the village, continue driving into the Vatnajokull National Park, past Skaftafell nature reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. If you wish to stop there to explore, you can, but you'll also have most of tomorrow to spend in the area.

Make your way to your accommodations in Southeast Iceland. If the sky is clear of clouds and the conditions are right, look up to glimpse the dancing northern lights.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 4 – Reykjavík

Day 4

Day 4 – Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík
  • More
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Svartifoss
  • Fjadrargljufur
  • More

The highlight of your drive happens on day four as you explore the diverse features of the mighty Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe.

You can start the day by heading to the beautiful Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Many travelers and locals consider it the crown jewel of Iceland because of its incomparable beauty.

Meltwater from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, fills the deep waters of the glacier lagoon. Floating in the water are massive blue and white icebergs that have broken off the ice walls. Look for seals often seen lounging on top of the bergs. You can opt for a boat tour to get a closer look at the magnificent scenery.

Adjacent to Jokulsarlon is a black sand beach where ice chunks from the lagoon have washed up onshore. As the ice glistens in the sun, they are reminiscent of gemstones on black satin. The scene has thus earned it the name 'Diamond beach.'

From the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, you can opt for an exciting ice cave tour. Witnessing the dazzling structure of a cave in the Vatnajokull glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The ice caves in this area are only accessible during the wintertime as they flood during the spring. 

From the lagoon, drive to Skaftafell, a nature reserve nestled under the roots of the glacier. Many hiking trails and tracks are scattered around the area that leads over glacial rivers and to the iconic Svartifoss waterfall.

At Skaftafell, you can opt for a glacier hike to see firsthand the continually changing environment of glaciers. You'll see incredible ice formations as a glacier guide leads you past deep cracks and blue crevasses on an adventure you'll never forget.

Then, it's time to head back to your accommodation in Reykjavik. As you're behind the wheel on this self-drive tour, you can stop at any South Coast or Golden Circle locations you want to explore further. You can even spend some time in the evening outside the city to hunt for the northern lights.

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Experiences

Accommodation

Day 5 – Reykjavík

Day 5

Day 5 – Reykjavík

  • Reykjavík - Departure day
  • More
  • Kleifarvatn
  • Krýsuvík
  • Gunnuhver
  • More

On your last day in Iceland, you can explore Reykjavik further if your flight leaves late. Give yourself ample time to drive to the airport and return the car. We wish you a pleasant journey if you have an early flight back home.

You can start the day like a local and visit one of the city's many geothermal swimming pools. Even in the winter, when snow and frost cover the ground, Icelanders flock to the pools for a few laps. You can soak in the warm waters of the hot tubs, feeling the crisp winter air around you. 

If you want a souvenir, a trip down Laugavegur shopping street is necessary. Here, you could get a traditional 'lopapeysa' or woolly sweater, chocolate-covered licorice treats, or jewelry made with volcanic rocks. You could also visit a bookstore or a record shop to learn more about the local culture through Icelandic music and literature.

You can also stroll downtown and toward the Reykjavik harbor to see some of the city's prized architecture and cultural landmarks. For example, visit the Sun Voyager, a renowned sculpture made of steel that pays homage to the Viking history of the country.

If you have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you'll finish your stay unwinding before heading to the airport. Geothermal bathing is the perfect way to relax as you soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters while reminiscing about the incredible adventure you've just taken in the land of fire and ice. 

When it's time to leave, you'll head back out to the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the Keflavik International Airport. Enjoy your flight, and see you soon on your next trip to Iceland.

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Experiences

What to bring

Warm and waterproof clothing
Good waterproof shoes
Swimsuit and towel
Camera
Driver's license

Good to know

Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavik city or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license and a one-year-long on-road experience are required. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to better fit your arrival date and time.

Some optional activities might require you to have a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner. Please note that you might need to present medical documents for snorkeling or diving, and participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows.

It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is canceled. If your chosen activity is canceled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you. Please note that the ice caves are only accessible from October to March yearly.

This self-drive is set to take place in wintertime. Conditions in Iceland can vary significantly during that season. Snow and ice are commonplace, and Iceland has limited daylight hours. Please consider your ability to drive in winter conditions before booking this tour. If you feel insecure about driving in these conditions, we recommend a package tour instead.

Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations nationwide.

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