Epic 2-Week Northern Lights Circle of Iceland Road Trip

Explore waterfalls and enjoy a night in West Iceland.

After breakfast in Reykjavik, you'll start your tour of the Ring Road by driving northward toward Borgarnes. You'll detour on the way to see several memorable attractions, the first of which are the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

Hraunfossar (translating to "Lava Falls") is a series of waterfalls seeping through rivulets originating from the Hallmundarhraun lava field. The lava field initially formed after an eruption of one of the volcanoes beneath the Langjokull glacier. Nearby, you'll visit another waterfall, Barnafoss, known for its striking blue color.

You'll have the opportunity to take part in a fantastic excursion of your choice. If you want to relax, visit the Krauma geothermal baths to soak and unwind in true Icelandic style. The water is a blend of glacial water from a nearby ice cap and geothermal water from the Deildartunguhver hot spring. This combination makes it the ideal temperature for bathing.

Alternatively, you can head into a glittering ice tunnel inside the Langjokull glacier. This manufactured ice tunnel provides a close-up look at the power and beauty of Iceland's glaciers. You'll travel in a specially modified glacier vehicle to the cave's entrance before exploring the tunnels beneath the ice's surface.

If you want to go underground differently, book a tour of the Vidgelmir lava cave. This excursion lets you visit the underground world of the longest lava tunnel in Iceland. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about volcanoes in Iceland and witness the aftermath of an eruption over 5,000 years ago.

After your tour, you'll drive west to check into your accommodation for the next two nights. You can spend the evening walking around Borgarnes town or move away from any light pollution to see if you can spot the northern lights.

Discover the natural wonders of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the third day of your winter self-drive tour.

Locals often call this magical peninsula "Iceland in Miniature," thanks to its diverse sites. The area contains numerous sights and attractions, including glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and black-sand beaches.

Start your day by driving the peninsula's northern coastline. Stop off at the coastal town of Stykkisholmur for a fantastic view of the Breidafjordur Bay.

One of the most famous sights in the area is the magnificent Kirkjufell mountain, the most photographed mountain in Iceland. You might recognize it from seasons six and seven of the hit TV show Game of Thrones, where it appeared as the "arrowhead mountain."

Stop off at the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall for one of the best views of the mountain. In the depths of winter, the waterfall freezes over to make the landscape even more spectacular.

Continue west along the coast until you reach Snaefellsjokull National Park, home to a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano that gives this region its name. The glacier was made famous by the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth and has become one of the country's most alluring points of interest.

When you've finished exploring the national park, visit the nearby Ytri-Tunga beach. Its golden sands are unusual for an Icelandic beach, but this beach is one of the most reliable places to see seals in Iceland.

If you'd prefer to experience a black beach, head to the Djupalonssandur beach instead. It's a black-sand beach covered in smooth black pebbles and surrounded by dramatic lava formations and cliffs.

While here, you can add a voyage into the Vatnshellir lava cave as an extra tour activity. Descending a spiraling staircase, you'll gain a firsthand impression of this dazzling lava tube, taking time to appreciate its rustic colors and goblin-like rock structures.

Continue along the southern coastline as you return to your West Iceland accommodation. Stop off at viewpoints along the way to see if you can see the northern lights.

On the fourth day of your self-drive winter tour, you'll journey around the Ring Road into North Iceland to reach Akureyri.

The total distance you'll drive today is almost 200 miles (about 320 kilometers). The road conditions in North Iceland can be worse than in South and West Iceland, as the weather is colder, and snow and ice are more likely. The Ring Road is usually well-gritted, but take your time and go carefully because your safety is paramount.

On your way to Akureyri, the "capital of North Iceland," you can stop at any sights that capture your interest. The Hvitserkur rock formation is a popular stopping point, but you'll need to detour from the Ring Road. Ensure the road conditions are safe and you have good visibility before you come off the main road.

Often referred to as "white shirt" in Icelandic (due to the excess of bird excrement), the 50-foot (15-meter) Hvitserkur rock looks a bit like a troll. Many locals also call it "the troll of the northwest."

You'll also pass through several villages and settlements. Pause in Varmahlid to see some traditional turf houses and learn more about the early Icelandic settlers.

You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring on arrival in Akureyri. The city has plenty to keep visitors busy, including a striking church and a lovely swimming pool.

Don't worry if you're tired from the drive. You'll have the whole day in Akureyri tomorrow, meaning you can visit the city's best attractions then.

If you've got the energy, drive out of the city to see if you can spot the northern lights. The likelihood of witnessing the aurora borealis is higher in North Iceland, so if weather conditions are clear, you have a good chance of seeing them.

Get ready for bed and enjoy a good night's rest in your North Iceland accommodation before another busy day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Round off your first week in Iceland by exploring more of North Iceland and the Lake Myvatn geothermal area.

After a comfortable night's sleep in your accommodation, you'll wake up and prepare for another day's adventure. You'll return to the same room tonight, so you don't need to pack your things.

Today, you can explore other sights around Lake Myvatn. Start by visiting the pseudocraters at Skutustadagigar to see a collection of intriguing elevations formed through the interaction of volcanism and water. These unique natural features only occur in Iceland and on Mars, so this is a unique opportunity to see them up close.

Also nearby is the Grjotagja lava cave. The cave contains a natural hot spring and is a fantastic place to learn more about volcanic and geothermal energy in Iceland. The spring water temperature is too unpredictable to bathe in, but it's a fascinating place.

If you want to add a little excitement to your day, add a dog-sledding tour as an optional extra. Take an exhilarating ride through the Icelandic countryside and meet adorable huskies on this thrilling excursion.

You'll learn the basics of dog sledding before zooming over the snowy landscapes. The dogs will take you into the heart of the countryside around Lake Myvatn, away from other travelers, meaning you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the winter wonderland before you.

You can return to your North Iceland accommodation whenever you're ready. If the weather is clear, stay up late to look at the stars and wait for the northern lights to appear. Seeing the aurora borealis above the lake's waters is an unforgettable experience, and you'll be able to take incredible photos of the natural lights dancing in the sky above.

Get a good night's sleep before another day of fun tomorrow.

Celebrate the start of your second week in Iceland with a trip to the majestic region of East Iceland.

Many people visiting Iceland neglect to visit the eastern region, not because it's not worth seeing, but because it's a long way from the capital. East Iceland and the East Fjords are known for their untouched wilderness, wild reindeer, and quiet isolation.

You'll drive along the Ring Road until you reach the town of Egilsstadir, the region's largest settlement. The drive is about 120 miles (roughly 190 kilometers). We recommend taking your time to ensure you stay safe on the wintery roads. The route follows the Ring Road the whole way, so it's usually well-maintained, but you must always be careful.

Drive through Egilsstadir and continue to the village of Seydisfjordur on the east coast. You can stroll through the settlement to admire the historical wooden buildings and view the Seydisfjordur fjord. It's a breathtaking place surrounded by snowy mountains. Ensure your camera has enough battery to capture it all.

Retrace your steps and return to Egilsstadir, which can be your base for the rest of the day. There are several good places to get a bite to eat or a snack, but you might prefer to pack a picnic and head into the Hallormsstaaaskogur forest, the largest in Iceland.

Iceland is a largely treeless country, so spending time in the Hallormsstaaaskogur forest is a great way to mix up the landscapes you encounter. It'll come as no surprise that the area is a favorite camping spot for Icelanders in summer.

The woodland will likely be snowy and incredibly picturesque. Strap on your ice spikes and head into the woods for an outdoor lunch. The charming Atlavik Cove is a popular lunch spot.

When ready, check into your East Iceland accommodation and enjoy a cozy night.

Discover more of East Iceland's natural beauty and travel to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on day nine of your two-week winter trip.

Check out of your accommodation, then spend the rest of the morning exploring more of East Iceland. Remember to watch out for wild reindeer herds — this is the only area of the country where they live.

We recommend starting your day with a trip to Lagarfljot lake. This spectacular body of water is a beautiful place for walking, and you can get some gorgeous photos here. It's also said to be home to the mythical creature known as the "Lagarfljot wyrm," thought to be a distant cousin of Scotland's Loch Ness Monster.

Stroll along the water's edge and see if you can spot the wyrm yourself!

You can now start the journey south toward the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, also known as the "crown jewel of Iceland." You'll pass through a few pretty villages as you drive. It's worth stopping at Faskrudsfjordur to learn about its French history and Reydarfjordur to visit its Second World War museum.

As the night draws in, you can stop near one of the mountains you'll cross to see the breathtaking fjord views. On a clear evening, you might also see the northern lights shining in the sky above you.

You'll end the day by crossing into South Iceland, one of the country's most popular sightseeing regions. We recommend stopping for dinner in Hofn to try a local specialty, North Atlantic langoustine.

You can drive directly to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon from here for a nighttime look at this unique attraction. You might even be lucky to see the aurora borealis above the glacial lake. Alternatively, go straight to your Southeast Iceland accommodation to get a good night's sleep before you spend the day at the lagoon tomorrow.

Iceland's South Coast is one of the country's most popular sightseeing stretches, and today, you'll explore its highlights.

After breakfast in Vik or at your accommodation, drive to the iconic Reynisfjara black-sand beach. This stunning stretch of coast is arguably the most famous beach in Iceland. It has appeared in various films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones and Star Wars: Rogue One.

The basalt cliffs above the beach provide a visual reminder of Iceland's volcanic nature. Visiting the beach in winter offers a fantastic contrast of the jet-black sands against the white snow. It's something you'll remember for years to come.

Return to the car and drive west to two of Iceland's best-loved waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Both are about 200 feet (roughly  60 meters) high, but that's where the similarities end.

Skogafoss is 82 feet (about 25 meters) wide and demonstrates the immense power of Iceland's rivers. Seljalandsfoss is much narrower but has a cavern behind it where it's possible to stand behind the cascade. Visiting the cave in the winter is too slippery, but you can still enjoy the contrast between the two spectacular falls.

There are two optional tours that you can add to your trip today. The first is a glacier hike on the Solheimajokull glacier, which is ideal if you choose not to do this at the Skaftafell nature reserve or want to experience a different ice cap.

Alternatively, you can participate in an exhilarating snowmobiling tour on the Myrdalsjokull glacier to experience an ice cap in an exciting new way. You'll ride over the snow and ice at high speeds as you enjoy the jaw-dropping views around you.

After your excursion, you'll continue driving west to reach your accommodation in Southwest Iceland. It's a perfect starting point for tomorrow's trip around the Golden Circle sightseeing route.

Today, you'll explore Iceland's most famous tourist route, the Golden Circle, which comprises three well-known attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur valley, and the Gullfoss waterfall.

Most people visit the Golden Circle from Reykjavik, starting at Thingvellir National Park and continuing to Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall. You'll do the route in reverse, meaning you'll likely see fewer people and can make the most of your time at the attractions.

On your way to the Gullfoss waterfall, you can visit the Secret Lagoon hot spring as an optional add-on. This geothermal spa is a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by countryside scenery, it's a special place to soak and relax before you start your self-guided sightseeing tour.

The Gullfoss waterfall is one of Iceland's best-loved waterfalls, and it gives its name to the Golden Circle route — "Gullfoss" means "Golden Falls." It's a two-tiered waterfall with a total height of 105 feet (about 32 meters).

If you haven't had enough excitement, you can add a snowmobiling excursion to your day before you continue on the sightseeing route. An expert guide will take you onto the Langjokull glacier for an adrenaline-packed tour of a breathtaking ice cap.

The second "official" stop on the Golden Circle is the Haukadalur Valley, better known to most as the Geysir geothermal area. Geysir is no longer active, but it's still well known for giving its name to geysers worldwide. The nearby Strokkur geyser, however, erupts every few minutes, sending jets of boiling water high into the air.

Your final stop today is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is where the first Icelandic parliament was formed in 930 A.D., making it one of the country's most important historical sites. It's also a place of geological importance because it's between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are slowly drifting apart.

You can look more closely at the tectonic activity by purchasing a snorkeling tour in the Silfra fissure. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim. The gorge is in the middle of the two plates and is filled with crystal-clear glacial meltwater.

You can book a number of activities today, including snowmobiling, caving, horseback riding, and a visit to the Sky Lagoon.

After sightseeing, you'll drive to Reykjavik to check into your accommodation in the Icelandic capital.