2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Description
Summary
Description
Come and see the most popular and unique locations in Iceland's South Coast and experience the world's rarest natural phenomenon: a blue ice cave under Vatnajökull - Europe's largest glacier.
In this 2-day tour you'll visit all the attractions that make Iceland one of the best travel destinations worldwide: powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, Jokulsarlón glacier lagoon, and the mighty northern lights.
You can bring a 24-inch (61-centimeter) piece of luggage with you on this trip. The rest can be stored in Reykjavik for a small cost.
The adventure begins when you are picked up at your accommodation in Reykjavík. During your trip to the famous South Coast, you will see powerful waterfalls, beaches with black sand, and locations such as Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajökull National Park and the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
You'll stay in a nice hotel in Southern Iceland, located in a prime location to observe the Northern Lights.
Furthermore, you'll get to experience activities that are almost unique to Iceland, including glacier hiking and ice caving near Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The highlight of this tour will definitely be the blue ice cave, which you'll get to enter and explore.
The magical thing about this rare natural phenomenon is that each one is unique and incredibly dynamic, they are never the same and constantly changing its fascinating shapes and shades.
Don’t miss your chance to explore the most famous attractions and outdoor activities in the South of Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - South Coast, Black Sand Beach & Northern Lights
After being picked up in your accommodation Reykjavik in the morning, you'll begin this unforgettable adventure exploring the famous destinations of the South Coast of Iceland.
Your first stops will be the glorious Southern waterfalls, located in the vicinity of the volcanic ice cap Eyjafjallajökull. Seljalandsfoss is one of the best-known waterfalls in the area. It is 65 meters tall and has a path that allows you to walk behind it - make sure bring a raincoat!
A few kilometres from it, you'll also visit Skógafoss, another waterfall offering majestic and spectacular views and a golden treasure of nature. Make sure you make it all the way to the top of the hill and see the majestic waterfall from above.
It is not only waterfalls that the South coast has to offer, but your eyes will also behold other natural wonders. The next stop will be Reynisfjara also known as "The Black Sand Beach" by the coastal village Vík.
This beach is located under Reynisfjall mountain. There, you'll also see the famous black basalt columns that have been naturally shaped. Then, standing on the volcanic sand beach, your eyes will meet the mythical troll-shaped sea stacks Reynisdrangar. Make sure to ask your guide all the stories behind it.
After that, you'll be taken further east to your accommodation. Once there, you'll go with your guide on a hunt for the Northern Lights. This stunning beautiful natural phenomenon is a blessing to Icelandic winter skies. The lights cannot be guaranteed, but if the forecast is favourable, it will be an experience you will never forget.
Day 2 - The Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Hike & Jokulsarlon the Glacial Lagoon
On your second day, after having breakfast at your accommodation, you'll leave in the realm of Vatnajökull to explore the great glacier further with a visit to a natural blue ice cave.
You'll visit Jökulsárlón, the one and only glacier lagoon where you'll be amazed by the hundreds of icebergs floating in the pure melted glacial water. The lagoon is also home to many seals that you might spot from a distance.
During high tide, the bergs are taken to nearby shore across the street. This beach has earned the nickname “The Diamond Beach” as it holds icy gems of all sizes and shapes you can imagine
Next stop will be in the heart of the Vatnajökull National Park. You'll be taken to Skaftafell Nature Reserve where you’ll meet a certified glacier guide at the Visitor Centre and be given all the necessary equipment for your next adventure. Make sure to bring in warm clothing as the first layer and waterproof as the second one as you’ll be standing on a glacier in the wintertime.
From there, you'll be taken on a short drive up to the ice cap where you'll hike up until you reach the glorious Ice Cave. Ice caves are one of nature's rarest phenomena, and new ones are found by Vatnajökull glacier each winter.
After having explored one outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, you'll reach the majestic cave. Once you step inside, you’ll feel like you are entering a winter wonderland. The blue ice resonates beauty that words cannot describe and will take your breath away. Your certified and experienced glacier guide will share with you his knowledge about glaciers and ice caves.
The day will be wrapped up as you'll drive via Route 1 to the capital, Reykjavík city. If the forecast is favourable, you might get the change to take a glimpse at the Northern Lights again for one last goodbye and happy ending of this once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure.
What to bring
Good to know
• Order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions.
• The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed by the operator. The hotels are in prime locations to maximize chances of seeing them.
• We have to adjust timings to the short daylight and we always try to avoid big crowds.
• Pick up is from designated locations in Reykjavík. Pick up from Keflavík airport or outside of the greater capital area is not available.
• You will see the designated pick up locations in Reykjavík on a drop-down menu at the time of booking.
• You can bring some favourite snacks and beverages if you like.
• We recommend you bring hiking boots with slip-resistant soles if you are visiting in the winter. Hiking boots are available at the time of booking.
• Ice caves are a natural phenomena, only accessible during wintertime when temperatures drop. Each year new unique caves are formed in different areas of the glacier. We visit a naturally formed ice cave during this tour. The photos are from this winter season, but the cave and other formations we visit might have changed due to the nature of formations.
The minimum age for ice caving and a glacier hike is 8 years old. If children are under this age an adult needs to stay with them while others do these activities.
- You can bring one piece of hand luggage on this tour. Extra luggage can be left in Reykjavik for a small cost.
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