2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík

Starting time

at 08:00

Duration

2 days

Ending place

Reykjavík

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Available

Oct. - Apr.

Minimum age

8 years old

3,123 reviews

Description

Explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes on this top-rated 2-day tour of the South Coast, featuring a visit to a rare ice cave beneath Vatnajokull Glacier. Experience stunning attractions like Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon while maximizing your chances of seeing the northern lights.

Travel in comfort with an expert guide, taking in lava fields, towering cliffs, and glacial rivers shaping the landscape. With free Wi-Fi onboard and Icelandic music in the background, the journey becomes part of the adventure.

During your trip to the South Coast, you’ll see powerful waterfalls and black sand beaches. You’ll also head to stunning locations such as Skaftafell Nature Reserve in Vatnajokull National Park.

Here, towering icebergs break off from Vatnajokull Glacier and drift through the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon before washing up on Diamond Beach. Scattered across the black sand, the icebergs glisten like sparkling gemstones, creating a truly unforgettable sight.

What makes this tour truly special is the rare chance to step inside the breathtaking Skaftafell Ice Cave in the Vatnajokull Glacier. This icy wonder is constantly changing and only accessible in winter, so book your trip accordingly if you want to enjoy this unique experience.

You'll also have the chance to explore the surrounding glacial landscape with a certified guide. Glacier hiking and ice caving are activities found in very few places in the world, and this tour lets you experience both in one incredible adventure.

Everything you need for the ice cave and glacier exploration is provided, from crampons to safety equipment. Just bring your warm clothes, sturdy hiking boots, a camera, and your sense of adventure.

As if the adventure wasn’t impressive enough, this tour also provides the rare chance to search for the elusive northern lights. With the right conditions, you might witness this breathtaking phenomenon lighting up the night sky, adding another magical moment to your Iceland journey.

With this carefully organized tour, you also won’t have to worry about planning your accommodations or navigating the roads. You’ll stay in a cozy countryside hotel, ideally located for northern lights viewing.

Secure your spot on this 2-day South Coast adventure that will leave you captivated by Iceland’s beauty. Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

2-day guided tour of the South Coast

English speaking guide

Certified Glacier Guide

Glacier hiking tour

Ice cave tour

Small group (max 21 people)

Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board

Glacier equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, and ice axe

1 night in a comfortable hotel with private bathroom

Breakfast included

Pick-up from Reykjavik

Drop-off in Reykjavik

Space for one carry-on bag (max 24 inches / 61 cm)

Activities

Glacier Hiking

Hiking

Sightseeing

Ice Caving

Map

Attractions

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Vatnajokull Glacier

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Solheimajokull Glacier

Skaftafell

Falljökull

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Diamond Beach

Vik

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - South Coast, Black Sand Beach & Northern Lights

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavik before heading to Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast. This region is known for its powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a stunning 60-meter (197-foot) waterfall that cascades gracefully over a concave cliff. If conditions allow, you can walk behind the flowing water for a unique experience.

A few kilometers from Seljalandsfoss, you'll also visit Skogafoss Waterfall, which provides 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.

The South Coast offers more than just breathtaking waterfalls – it’s also home to other incredible natural wonders. Your next stop will be Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, located near the coastal village of Vik.

This beach lies beneath the towering Reynisfjall mountain, where you'll also find the famous black basalt columns, naturally shaped over time. As you stand on the volcanic sands, you'll gaze upon the mythical troll-shaped sea stacks, Reynisdrangar. Be sure to ask your guide about the fascinating stories behind them.

After arriving at your accommodation, winter travelers can join their guide for a northern lights hunt. This stunning phenomenon happens only in the darker months and depends on the weather and solar activity. While it's not guaranteed, with the right conditions, you might catch a breathtaking display in the night sky.

Day 2

Day 2 - The Skaftafell Ice Cave, Glacier Hike, & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

On the second day, you will start with breakfast at your accommodation before heading into the Vatnajokull National Park to explore Europe’s largest glacier and discover a mesmerizing ice cave hidden within it.

You'll visit Jokulsarlon, Iceland’s iconic glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs drift across the crystal-clear waters. The lagoon is also home to seals, which you might spot swimming or resting on the icebergs.

Next, make your way to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a stunning oasis nestled within Vatnajokull National Park. At the Visitor Centre, you'll meet a certified glacier guide and receive all the necessary equipment for your next adventure.

Dress in warm layers and a waterproof jacket. In the middle of winter, standing on a glacier is a thrilling experience, but staying warm and prepared ensures you can fully enjoy it.

From there, take a short drive to the ice cap before hiking to the breathtaking Skaftafell Ice Cave. These natural wonders are among the rarest on Earth, and new caves form beneath the Vatnajokull glacier each winter.

Once inside, you will be surrounded by shimmering walls shaped by centuries of glacial movement. Your guide will share fascinating details about the glacier’s formation and ever-changing nature as you take in this once-in-a-lifetime sight.

After exploring the ice cave, you will begin the drive back to Reykjavik along Route 1. If the forecast is favorable, you might get one last chance to see the northern lights, a perfect farewell to your winter adventure.

What to bring

Hiking boots (available when booking)

Warm clothes (first layer)

Waterproof clothing (second layer)

Good to know

Your itinerary is designed to maximize every moment, but the order and availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions. Your guides will always adjust the schedule to ensure the best possible experience.

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but your hotels are in prime locations to increase your chances. In winter, with limited daylight, tour times may be adjusted for the best experience and to avoid crowds.

Pick-up is available from designated locations in Reykjavik, which you can select from a drop-down menu when booking. Pick-up from Keflavik Airport or areas outside the greater capital region is unavailable.

To stay comfortable, we recommend hiking boots with slip-resistant soles, especially in winter. If you don’t have a pair, you can rent them when booking.

Ice caves are only accessible during winter when freezing temperatures allow them to form naturally. Since these caves change every season, no two visits are the same. The photos shown are from this season, but the cave and formations you explore may look different due to natural changes.

The minimum age for ice caving and glacier hiking is 8 years old. If a child is under this age, an adult must stay with them while others take part in these activities.

You can bring one piece of hand luggage on the tour. Extra luggage can be stored in Reykjavik for a small fee. Feel free to bring along your favorite snacks and beverages for the journey.