12-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes, South Coast, & Reykjavik

Welcome to the first day of your 12-day self-drive tour in Iceland.

You'll arrive at Keflavik International Airport, where you'll pick up your rental car and drive toward the capital city, Reykjavik.

During this journey, you'll travel through the volcanic and haunting landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region best characterized by its dark, cragged coastlines and expansive lava fields.

Attractions on the Reykjanes Peninsula include the steaming mud pools of Gunnuhver geothermal area, Kleifarvatn lake, and the 'Bridge Between the Continents,' where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart.

As an added extra on your first day in the country, you could visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of the country's most famed attractions. This bathing complex is instantly recognizable for its pillars of white steam, azure waters, and black, rocky surroundings. The spa's water is mineral-rich, particularly in silica, known for its health benefits and soothing properties to the skin.

You can choose from the comfort and premium packages to enter the Blue Lagoon. These packages include access to the Blue Lagoon's geothermal pools and facilities, complimentary mud masks, and the use of towels. 

Another option spa is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. The Sky Lagoon is a luxurious geothermal spa located just outside Reykjavik, Iceland. It offers a unique oceanfront experience, where visitors can relax in a stunning infinity pool with panoramic views of the North Atlantic.

Standard tickets allow access to the Skjol bathing ritual, a traditional Icelandic healing process, while premium tickets also provide private changing rooms.

After your time at one of these lagoons, you'll arrive in the northernmost capital of the world, Reykjavik. Filled with anticipation and excitement, why not check out the exciting downtown nightlife once you've checked into your accommodation? The downtown area is filled with cozy cafes and restaurants serving a delicious menu, from traditional Icelandic cuisine to international choices.

If you're looking for a more docile evening, there is no better city in the world for a twilight stroll than Reykjavik. So get some rest to prepare for tomorrow's packed adventure. You'll be heading to the breathtaking Snaefellsnes Peninsula for a day of sightseeing.

Known as "Iceland in Miniature" for its diverse and unforgettable natural attractions, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the most popular sightseeing areas for international visitors.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a beautiful and picturesque region on Iceland's West Coast, 85 miles (136 kilometers) from Reykjavik. Towering peaks, waterfalls, villages, and lava fields are just some of the natural wonders to see here.

One of the most notable attractions on the peninsula is the steeple-shaped mountain, Kirkjufell. Most famously, the mountain appeared in HBO's fantasy show Game of Thrones as "the mountain like an arrowhead." For this reason and its sheer aesthetic, Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.

Another of the peninsula's most epic attractions is the black sand beach, Djupalonssandur, which sits just at the base of the Snaefellsjokull volcano. Djupalonssandur was, historically, a dense fishing village with a busy port.

Today, the bay is uninhabited, though it's regularly visited by those wishing to test their strength against the famed 'four lifting stones,' used to measure the toughness of fishermen since ancient times.

There's a wealth of sightseeing options today on this mystical peninsula, but if you're looking for an adventure, you can add a caving trip into the 8000-year-old Vatnshellir lava tube to this day.

Requiring its visitors to descend 115 feet (35 meters) down a spiraling metallic staircase, this incredible feat of nature stretches out for 656 feet (200 meters) in a parade of fascinating rock formations, shadowy corners, and otherworldly shades of color.

Throughout your travels in this region, you'll forever be in the shadow of the domineering ice cap, Snaefellsjokull, which sits just at the tip of the peninsula.

You'll spend the evening at accommodations on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Check the skies tonight for signs of the elusive aurora borealis.

Day three of your self-drive tour in Iceland brings you to the lesser-known but spectacular sites of West Iceland.

Today, you'll visit the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, two of West Iceland's most beloved features. Hraunfossar, in truth, is a series of rivulets widely known for the striking black color of its rock face. At the same time, Barnafoss boasts a more fearsome cascade, complimented further by the spectacular blue shade of its water.

If you wish to spice up your time in the west, you can add one of the following three exciting activities to this day during the booking process.

For one, you could visit the lava tube, Vidgelmir, located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Formed in around 900 AD, Vidgelmir is 5200 feet (1585 meters) long, making it the country's largest underground chamber.

Strangely enough, Vidgelmir is known to have had people using it for shelter during the Viking age. Evidence of such habitation is currently displayed at the National Museum of Iceland.

Another added option today is paying a visit to Krauma Nature Baths. Here, water from Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, is blended with glacial water, creating the perfect temperate balance for bathing.

The facility boasts such amenities as five varied geothermal pools, two saunas, and a relaxation room, perfect for calming the mind in front of the fireplace.

Your final option is to visit the artificial ice cave tunnel at the Langjokull glacier, the country's second-largest ice cap. As one of the country's newest attractions, the Langjokull ice tunnel presents a unique educational experience in learning more about these powerful features.

You'll finish the day at your new accommodation, close to the Golden Circle route. If the skies are clear of clouds, you can use the opportunity to hunt for the northern lights.

Comprised of three of Iceland's most-visited attractions, the Golden Circle is the country's most popular sightseeing route, giving guests a true insight into this incredible land's history, culture, and nature.

You'll first visit the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the world's oldest parliament, the Althingi, formed in 930 AD. 

Aside from its history, Thingvellir is one of the only sites on the planet where visitors can see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates standing exposed from the Earth. This crack, known as the Almannagja gorge, has a short trail with information boards and the rumbling waterfall Oxararfoss.

Thingvellir's final treasure is the Silfra fissure, a glacial spring and snorkeling site famed for its incredible water visibility, often exceeding 328 feet (100 meters). Equipped with a drysuit, thermal onesie, and a pair of fins, you can discover the dramatic underwater scenery that makes Silfra so wildly popular if you opt for a snorkeling tour during the booking process.

If you opt for the snorkeling tour, you need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

If you want a more relaxed way to experience Icelandic waters, visit the Secret Lagoon, the oldest outdoor pool heated by its nearby geothermal springs. 

Next on the Golden Circle, you'll visit the geothermal area of Geysir, where you'll find the widely photographed Strokkur geyser. Each year, the feature draws hundreds of thousands of people to witness its water be propelled over 49 to 66 feet (15 to 20 meters).

This occurs every five to ten minutes, meaning you'll surely catch a photograph of this incredible, natural occurrence.

Your final stop of the Golden Circle route is at the 'Golden Falls,' Gullfoss, a 105-foot (32-meter) high waterfall considered one of the most beloved examples of Icelandic nature. It's possible to add on a snowmobiling tour from the Gullfoss car park, taking place on Langjokull glacier. Snowmobiling is one of the best sports for winter, bestowing exhilarating thrills and chills on all who participate.

Once again, you'll spend the evening at nearby accommodations on the Golden Circle.

The South Coast is well-regarded as one of Iceland's most popular sightseeing routes, drawing thousands of visitors annually with its unique natural attractions. On the fifth day of your self-drive winter tour, you'll explore the region's most beautiful tourist spots.

Among the first you'll visit today is Seljalandsfoss, a 197-foot (60-meter) high waterfall that falls in a narrow stream over a concave cliff.

A little further on, you'll stop at Seljalandsfoss' cousin, Skogafoss. Reaching the same height, guests here can observe the waterfall from its base, creating a large plume of ever-present mist. You can also view the waterfall from its lip at the top of an ancient sea cliff, allowing vast panoramas of the South Coast's scenery.

Next on the itinerary is a visit to the volcanic shoreline of Reynisfjara, the most famous of Iceland's black sand beaches. Located adjacent to the small yet well-visited fishing village of Vik i Myrdal, this stretch of beach boasts hexagonal lava pillars and the enormous basalt rock stacks Reynisdrangar.

Of course, several added extras are available for your first day on the South Coast, the first of which is ice caving. Stepping inside the Katla ice cave, you'll be amazed by the glittering frozen walls, deep sinkholes, and striking shades of blue streaked with black volcanic ash.

Ice caves reach their true pinnacle of beauty during the winter, with the surrounding snow-blanketed landscapes adding to this serene yet frostbitten vista.

Those who can't get enough of these chilled panoramas could also opt for a dramatic glacier hike on the Solheimajokull ice cap. Solheimajokull is an outlet glacier of the much larger Myrdalsjokull ice cap.

On the evening of day five, you'll stay in South Iceland, a perfect place to search for the stunning northern lights.

On day six of this winter self-drive tour, you'll continue east, driving past glacier tongues of the mighty Vatnajokull ice cap, through Skaftafell nature reserve, to your destination for today, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe and covers at least 10 percent of Iceland's landmass. If you look at any map of the country, you can see Vatnajokull covering a large portion of the southeastern side.

If you opt to during the booking process, you'll stop in Skaftafell for a glacier hike from morning until noon. Under the guidance of an expert glacier guide, you'll ascend one of the reserve's glaciers, taking in the glorious frozen landscapes and intricate ice sculptures with an incredible backdrop of the neighboring region. 

The highlight of this day is your time in Jokulsarlon, often called the "Crown Jewel of Iceland" due to its unique features and appearance that you can't see elsewhere.

The lagoon's glittering deep lake is adorned with enormous icebergs, surrounded by stunning glaciers and mountains. These chunks of ice break away from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of the much larger ice cap, Vatnajokull, falling into the lagoon before gently making their way out toward the Atlantic Ocean.

As an added extra, guests visiting in September and October can take one of two boat tours in the afternoon, either on an amphibious vessel or a zodiac boat. Zodiac boat tours are designed for smaller groups, allowing guests to maneuver easily between the icebergs, while amphibian boat tours provide standing room for excellent views and photographs.

Guests will encounter the black-sand shoreline of Diamond beach, only a short walk away from Jokulsarlon lagoon. Here, icebergs from the lagoon wash upon the sand, creating the picture-perfect vista for photographers and nature lovers alike.

You'll spend the next two nights under the Vatnajokull glacier.

Halfway through your 12-day winter drive in Iceland, you'll have more opportunities to explore the spectacular Jokulsarlon, taking in this beautiful glacier lagoon under different weather conditions.

This is the perfect excuse to add spice to your ever-growing photography collection. Naturally, you can revisit Diamond beach and may even want to spend additional time at Skaftafell nature reserve.

Another sightseeing option today could be the instantly recognizable mountain, Vestrahorn, a favorite amongst photographers with its sharp and pointed peaks and pleasant shoreline. Also in this area is the equally stunning summit of Eystrahorn.

For those looking to continue their exploration of the area, why not check out the Hoffell geothermal pools, only a short distance from the town of Hofn? These five soothing baths boast stunning views and are the perfect remedy after a long day exploring the southeast.

If not, you can spend hours exploring Hofn village, seeing its beautiful port area, charming houses, and excellent restaurants. This quaint coastal town is the lobster capital of Iceland, so don't miss your chance to sample some lobster or langoustine dishes while in the area.

As for today's added extra, you could visit a stunning blue ice cave beneath the mighty Vatnajokull glacier. Iceland's nature photographers have made the ice caves in this area famous. The caves emit a striking azure shade that defies the imagination of even the greatest fantasy writers.

You're immediately enveloped by an otherworldly atmosphere as you enter the ice cave. The air is crisp and cool, and the soft glow of sunlight filters through the translucent ice. The walls, floor, and ceiling are composed of ancient ice compacted over centuries, creating a frozen landscape of unparalleled beauty.

You'll spend the night in your Southeast Iceland accommodation.

On day eight, it's time to head back west, driving the South Coast toward your accommodation in South Iceland. Along the way are many stops you may wish to visit or re-visit, such as Skaftafell or the Kirkjubaejarklaustur village.

Once a national park in its own right, Skaftafell is a nature reserve within the Vatnajokull National Park. Considered one of the lusher areas in the summer, Skaftafell is no less spectacular in the winter, boasting fantastic panoramic views of Iceland's frosty southeastern landscapes.

Skaftafell stands out as a destination that offers a combination of awe-inspiring beauty, outdoor activities, and opportunities to explore Iceland's rugged wilderness.

As you enter Skaftafell nature reserve, you're immediately greeted by a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Rugged mountain peaks like Hvannadalshnjukur, Iceland's highest summit at 6,952 feet (2,110 meters), tower above the horizon. These mountains, carved by ancient glaciers, provide a breathtaking backdrop to the reserve.

One of the standout features of Skaftafell is its awe-inspiring glaciers. The reserve is home to several tongues of the vast Vatnajokull glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe. These massive rivers of ice, with their blue-tinted crevasses and ever-changing shapes, create a surreal and mesmerizing sight. 

Meanwhile, the small village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur is another place of interest. While the town is small, it's an excellent base for discovering the surrounding natural wonders and learning about Icelandic culture.

At the end of the day, you'll return to the village of Vik. This charming settlement is famous for its black coastline and knitwear made of Icelandic wool. It's the perfect souvenir to take back home.

Once again, you can dedicate an hour or two of your evening hunting for the northern lights before retiring to your South Iceland accommodation.