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.