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

On the second day of your 10-day winter itinerary, set off to explore West Iceland on your way to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

There are many places to see, starting with Hvalfjordur, the “Whale Fjord,” which sits just north of Reykjavik. This stunning place has dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and spectacular seascapes. 

Nearby, Hvammsvik Hot Springs offers a relaxing experience, where you can unwind in natural geothermal pools. If you're short on time today, don’t worry, you can always visit tomorrow.

After driving around the bay, make a stop at Borgarnes, home to the Settlement Center. Here, learn about Iceland's earliest settlers through interactive exhibits. 

Don’t forget to swing by the Fossatun Waterfall and marvel at its water cascading down rocky cliffs. This enchanting spot is part of the Troll Trail, a scenic route offering well-marked hiking paths and stunning views.

Next, head toward Deildartunguhver, Europe's highest-flowing hot spring. This geothermal marvel is a sight to behold, as hot steam rises from the earth’s surface. 

Just a little further east is the historic village of Reykholt, once home to Iceland’s famous medieval writer Snorri Sturluson. Check out the Snorrastofa Museum to learn more about his fascinating life and works.

A little further but still worth a visit are two more waterfalls, Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. These two are widely 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.

While in the area, head to Vidgelmir Lava Cave, one of Iceland’s largest lava tube caves. Accessible only by guided tour, this experience offers fascinating insights into the cave’s geology and history. You can book a tour for today or tomorrow for an enriching visit.

Alternatively, explore the Langjokull Glacier's ice tunnels, where you can walk through halls and corridors made of ice. Learn fascinating details about how the tunnels were formed and the glacier’s unique features. From here, it’s approximately a 2-hour drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

As you continue your journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, feel free to take detours to see more of the region. Once you arrive at your accommodation, choose between a relaxing evening inside or an exciting hunt for the aurora borealis.

With the stunning landscapes of Snaefellsnes awaiting, tomorrow is sure to be just as exciting!

The third day of your great winter road trip in Iceland will be dedicated to exploring the best of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

The peninsula is a 56-mile (90-kilometer) stretch of land, often called “Iceland in Miniature” due to its diverse scenery. The landscape's dominant feature is, without a doubt, Snaefellsjokull, a towering volcano capped with a gleaming ice cap. 

While in the area, consider joining a whale-watching tour from Olafsvik. Available between February and April or in September, it offers a fantastic opportunity to spot majestic whales in the calm waters surrounding the peninsula.

To enrich your adventure at Snaefellsjokull National Park, you can embark on a thrilling glacier hike on Snaefellsjokull itself. As you walk on the glacier, you'll navigate crevasses and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

As you drive and explore, don’t miss the nearby Djupalonssandur Black Sand Beach. The striking contrast of the dark sands against the towering, ice-topped peak creates a truly mesmerizing, rugged landscape.

Just a short drive from the Snaefellsjokull area is Vatnshellir Cave. Consider a guided tour through a fascinating 8,000-year-old lava tube and explore the stunning rock formations. If you prefer, you can do both the glacier hike and cave tour for a full day of adventure.

Nearby, drop by the Londrangar Viewpoint. Take the time to marvel at the stunning basalt cliffs rising dramatically from the sea.

Snaefellsjokull is not the only famous peak on the peninsula. Heading north, you'll also encounter Kirkjufell, one of Iceland's most photographed mountains. 

You may recognize Kirkjufell from its appearance as “Arrowhead Mountain” in the HBO hit series “Game of Thrones.” The mountains surrounding the fjords of Hraunsfjordur and Kolgrafafjordur are equally dramatic, adding to the area's breathtaking beauty.

On the way to Kirkjufell, stop at Arnarstapi and Hellnar, coastal villages that once thrived on fishing. While fishing is still active, it’s no longer as significant to the local economy. Stroll around the neighborhood to see the old houses and charming cafes, or visit the harbor to see the rugged cliffs and surrounding mountains.

As the day winds down, end your third day in the Budhahraun Lava Fields. Here, consider exploring diverse sites, such as Budir Hamlet and the seal colony on the shores of Ytri Tunga. Note that there may be fewer seals in winter compared to summer in Iceland.

In the evening, return to your accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. If the conditions are right, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing across the sky.

On day four of your self-drive tour, you'll visit the three iconic sites of the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most popular driving route. The Golden Circle stretches over 190 miles (300 kilometers) and is one of the best places to explore in Iceland in a day.

The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, home to the world's oldest continuously operating parliament. 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.

In addition to rift valleys, Thingvellir National Park is home to fissure lakes, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. One of its highlights is Silfra, a stunning crystal-clear fissure where you can snorkel and experience the extraordinary sensation of swimming between two tectonic plates.

The visibility in the Silfra Fissure exceeds 328 feet (100 meters). It’s considered one of the world's best places for snorkeling and diving. To join, you need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

The second stop on the Golden Circle is the Geysir Geothermal Area, nestled in the heart of Haukadalur Valley. This dramatic landscape is filled with bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs, and hissing fumaroles, but it's the geysers that truly steal the show. 

The star of the area is Strokkur Geyser. This impressive geyser erupts with a spectacular burst of water every 5 to 10 minutes, offering a thrilling display of nature's raw power.

Continuing further east of the geothermal area, you’ll reach the final stop of your Golden Circle tour: the Gullfoss Waterfall. Fed by the most popular rafting river in Iceland, the Hvita, this mighty waterfall plunges two steps into a dramatic canyon. Several viewing platforms allow you to get an up-close look and truly marvel at this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

If you're seeking more excitement, hop on a snowmobile from Gulfoss and explore the pristine, icy expanse of the Langjokull Glacier. You’ll navigate through stunning, otherworldly snow landscapes and frozen terrain with an expert guide.

For a more relaxing experience, unwind at the Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, where you can soak in natural hot springs after a day of adventure. While here, indulge in a unique geothermal rye bread experience. The bread is slowly baked in the earth’s heat, offering a delicious taste of Icelandic tradition that perfectly complements the tranquil setting.

Alternatively, visit the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, a charming, less-crowded geothermal hot spring. With your Secret Lagoon admission, you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by scenic landscapes.

If time allows, you can drop by the stunning Kerid Crater on your way to your accommodation in Southwest Iceland. Admire the vivid blue lake nestled in the bottom of this volcanic caldera, surrounded by striking red and black slopes.

As night falls, relax in your comfortable accommodation and keep an eye on the aurora forecast. If conditions are right and the skies are clear, step outside for a chance to witness the northern lights decorate the sky.

On day five of your winter tour in Iceland, you'll explore the best South Coast attractions up to Vik. This route is popular for its waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and incredible stretches of coast. 

When it comes to waterfalls, the three most stunning and easily accessible ones are located early on your journey, offering a rewarding start to your adventure.

The first is Seljalandsfoss, a narrow, high waterfall cascading over a concave cliff. With the surrounding landscape often blanketed in snow and icicles hanging from the cliff, Seljalandsfoss becomes a breathtaking sight in winter.

Behind the waterfall, a circular path lets visitors view the water falling from within a cavern. This path is typically closed in winter but is open until autumn. So, if you’re visiting from September to early November, you can still enjoy this unique view.

A short walk from here is the Gljufrabui Waterfall, which is often overlooked because it's hidden within a cleft in a mountainside. In winter, the waterfall is framed by ice-covered rocks and frozen mist, giving it a magical, icy charm.

The third incredible waterfall is Skogafoss, most known for its dramatic size and astonishing power. Like Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss drops from a high cliff of 200 feet (60 meters). However, it stands in striking contrast with its immense width and thunderous roar, sending up mists that often create a shimmering rainbow on sunny days. 

In winter, the waterfall of Skogafoss often creates an icy veil at its base. Its grandeur and surrounding landscape have made it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.

As you drive between the waterfalls, you'll pass by Eyjafjallajokull Glacier, the volcano beneath the glacier erupted in 2010, causing chaos in air travel. If the weather is clear, you may see the Westman Islands across the sea to your right.

For those seeking more adventure, the area towards Vik offers the chance to explore South Iceland’s glaciers, whether by hiking the ice formations of Solheimajokull or snowmobiling across the vast expanse of Myrdalsjokull. A guided tour ensures safety and a deeper understanding of the glaciers' awe-inspiring landscapes.

Continuing your adventure, make a stop at Solheimasandur, where the haunting remains of a plane wreck lie against a vast, windswept landscape. Then, head to Dyrholaey, a dramatic cliff offering sweeping panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the endless sea.

Before reaching the charming village of Vik, experience the mesmerizing charm of Reynisfjara Beach. Its striking black sand, coupled with the towering Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks rising from the ocean, creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape.

After your adventures, you’ll unwind for the night in a welcoming accommodation in the heart of South Iceland. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing across the sky.

For the sixth day of your Iceland winter itinerary, you'll drive the rest of the South Coast, traversing diverse landscapes. Admire the dramatic coastline, vast farmlands, and otherworldly black-sand desert.

From Vik, take the opportunity to explore the captivating Katla Ice Cave. Wander through the shimmering blue and black ice formations, marveling at the stunning textures and otherworldly beauty of the frozen interior. 

A guided tour of Katla is essential. An expert guide will ensure your safety in this remote and ever-changing environment and provide fascinating insights into cave formation. 

Leaving South Iceland behind, your journey continues eastward, revealing even more stunning landscapes. 

As the massive tongues of the Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland’s largest ice cap, begin to emerge, you'll know you're approaching the stunning Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This region is forested, sheltered by ice and jagged peaks, and full of scenic hiking routes.

Skaftafell is one of the best places for glacier hiking in Iceland because of its endless snow fields and rugged landscapes. If you prefer, you can embark on a guided glacier hike here. Traverse the icy terrain and experience the surreal beauty of the glacier up close, with a guide ensuring your safety and enhancing your experience with expert knowledge.

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, creating a breathtaking scene.

When time permits, don’t miss the crystal blue ice cave tour in the Vatnajokull Glacier. This unforgettable experience allows you to explore the bright blue ice caves, where the intricate ice formations create a surreal atmosphere. You can book your tour for today or the following day.

Nearby Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach is just as fascinating. The black volcanic sands of this Icelandic beach create a striking contrast with the gleaming chunks of ice that wash up on its shores. These icebergs slowly melt under the sun or drift into the Atlantic Ocean, adding to the beach's surreal beauty.

Tonight, you'll reside in an accommodation in Southeast Iceland. If the skies are clear, you'll have another opportunity to hunt for the northern lights.

Day seven of your winter self-drive tour in Iceland reveals more of the fantastic wonders of Vatnajokull National Park. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe and covers at least 10 percent of Iceland's landmass.

This winter season, two beautiful ice caves are accessible in Vatnajokull National Park. The caves only form during the middle of winter, so opportunities to witness their incredible beauty are rare.

If you didn’t get the chance yesterday, today is your opportunity to join a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of an ice cave. Add this amazing adventure to your trip and visit the best ice cave accessible on the day, carefully selected based on weather conditions and visibility.

Inside an ice cave, you'll be surrounded by a mesmerizing world of unique ice formations. The walls shimmer with stunning colors, ranging from pure white and crystal-clear to deep blues and striking blacks. As you explore, you can ask your guide to reveal the fascinating secrets behind these natural wonders.

If glacier hiking is what you missed yesterday, you can still participate in either of the two incredible glacier hiking experiences, with one including ice climbing. Both offer breathtaking panoramic views as you trek across the majestic Vatnajokull Glacier.

With the ice climbing option, your guide will assist you in scaling a dramatic ice wall. These glacier tours are fully equipped with essential safety gear, including helmets, crampons, and more, to ensure your safety as you explore the icy landscape.

For a different perspective, take to the skies with one of two flight tours from Skaftafell Nature Reserve. You can choose an exciting 15-minute airplane flight over the Vatnajokull Glacier or indulge in a longer, more immersive helicopter ride to experience the breathtaking views of Vatnajokull National Park.

Meanwhile, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell Nature Reserve are destinations worth revisiting. Their beauty transforms under different lighting and weather conditions, offering a completely new experience with each visit.

While in Skaftafell, you can take a hike to the stunning Svartifoss Waterfall, famous for its striking black basalt columns that create a dramatic backdrop.

As you continue your road trip, stop at the fishing town of Hofn. You can stroll along the picturesque harbor or sample fresh lobster at one of the town's restaurants. The nearby mountains, Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn, provide the perfect dramatic backdrop for stunning photos. 

If you have time, venture deeper into the Eastfjords to discover its serene coastal villages. Explore the creative haven of Seydisfjordur or the historic allure of Djupivogur. Take a moment to wander through their narrow streets, soak in the stunning landscapes, and embrace the peaceful atmosphere of Iceland's more remote regions.

After a day of exploration, you’ll return to the same accommodation for the night. If the sky is clear, take a moment to look up. This area, with its minimal light pollution, offers a prime opportunity to witness the enchanting northern lights dancing across the sky.

On day eight, you'll drive back to the southwestern region. Today offers an opportunity to visit all the places you may have missed while traveling east or see some of your favorites in another light.

If you didn’t have the chance yesterday, today is your final opportunity to join an ice cave tour. Alternatively, you can choose to go glacier hiking in Skaftafell for an unforgettable adventure.

Continuing your journey along the coast, make a stop in the historic town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. While there, don’t miss the stunning Systrafoss Waterfall. During colder months, the waterfall often freezes over, creating a breathtaking sight.

A short drive away is the magnificent Fjadrargljufur Canyon, an excellent photography location due to its dramatic cliffs. This canyon became more popular with travelers when pop star singer Justin Bieber featured it in one of his music videos in 2015.

Along the way, you can drop by Iceland's oldest swimming pool, Seljavallalaug. 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. Make sure to take as many photos as you can to remember your incredible trip to Iceland.

Before reaching the town of Selfoss, it’s worth making a stop in Hella. In this charming town, you can grab a bite at a local cafe and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If time allows, consider a horse riding tour in Hella. Experience Iceland’s famous Icelandic horses and ride through the stunning countryside.

In Selfoss, stroll around to meet locals and learn more about the culture. A must-visit spot is the Old Dairy Food Hall, home to eight diverse restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Here, you can savor delicious dishes like tender lamb, iconic hot dogs, local beer, and creamy skyr. 

In the evening, keep an eye on the sky for a chance to witness the northern lights. Then, head to your accommodation in Southwest Iceland for a restful night.