Small-Group 3-Day South Iceland Highlights Tour with Northern Lights Hunting in Super Jeep

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A super jeep drives through the snow in the Thorsmork valley during winter in Iceland.

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Travel details

Dates

Time

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Travelers

From: Reykjavík

Pick-up

Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Duration

3 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Minimum age

12 years old

3,123 reviews

Description

Explore some of the highlights of Iceland in winter, focusing on finding the northern lights by booking this incredible all-inclusive three-day excursion. Those who want to see the famous sights of South Iceland, embark on a range of adventures, and marvel over the aurora borealis should book this small-group tour now.

On this magical tour, you'll visit the Golden Circle sightseeing route, the Thorsmork valley, and the Reynisfjara black-sand beach. You'll spend your nights looking out for the northern lights before sleeping in comfortable accommodation at Midgard Base Camp.

Your tour starts with pick-up at your accommodation in Reykjavik. You'll meet the expert guide leading the trip and the other guests. It's a small-group tour, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask your guide questions and learn more about Iceland's history, geography, and culture.

The first stop on this three-day tour is the Golden Circle sightseeing route, consisting of three of the most famous sights in Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Enjoy a busy day visiting these three must-see destinations.

At night, you can relax in the hot tub and sauna at Midgard Base Camp while waiting to see if the northern lights will appear. The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, so there's no guarantee you'll see the display. However, the area has low levels of light pollution, and you should have a good chance of seeing them.

All transport, meals, and accommodation are included on this tour, so you don't need to worry about bringing a packed lunch or finding restaurants for dinners.

On day two, you'll explore the beautiful Thorsmork valley. The terrain is rough, so you'll ride a 4x4 super jeep to get there. Super jeeps are vehicles that have been specially modified to drive through Iceland's challenging landscapes. They may have higher ground clearance and larger tires than other vehicles.

The Thorsmork valley is named after the god of thunder, Thor. Volcanic eruptions created it, and you'll spend the day exploring its volcanoes, glaciers, and lush green vegetation. Depending on the group, you may have time to go hiking here.

Back at base camp, you can visit a local swimming pool or the interactive Lava Center, which is close by. Tonight, you'll have another chance to see the northern lights.

On the final day of this small-group tour, you'll explore some of Iceland's South Coast sights. These include the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara black-sand beach, the village of Vik, and the Dyrholaey arch.

In the afternoon, you'll also go on an unforgettable glacier hike on the Solheimajokull glacier. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an essential activity for adventurous travelers visiting in winter.

When the tour ends, you'll be dropped off back at your accommodation in Reykjavik, ready to head home or continue your adventures in Iceland.

Don't miss this immersive three-day experience exploring South Iceland and hunting for the aurora borealis each night. Check availability now by choosing a date.

Included

Transfer from Reykjavik

All meals (except breakfast on day one and dinner on day three)

Two nights of accommodation in bunk beds (in a six-bed dorm) at Midgard Base Camp (upgrades possible, subject to availability)

Professionally guided tours all days

Glacier hike

Super jeep tour

Northern lights evening tour (given a good forecast, the guide will inform the group)

Activities

Glacier Hiking

Hiking

Super Jeep

Sightseeing

Northern lights hunting

Map

Attractions

The Golden Circle

Thorsmork

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Geysir

Gullfoss Waterfall

Eyjafjallajokull

Dyrholaey

Thingvellir National Park

Solheimajokull Glacier

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Vik

Northern Lights

LAVA Centre

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Golden Circle Sightseeing Route and Northern Lights

Discover the sights of the Golden Circle sightseeing route, including the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Thingvellir National Park.

Your tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavik. Before boarding the minibus, you'll meet the experienced guide and the other tour participants. This adventure is a small-group tour, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions during the three days.

The first stop on the tour is the Gullfoss waterfall. With a height of 105 feet (about 32 meters), it cascades dramatically into a rugged canyon of the Hvita River. Its name translates to "Golden Falls" due to the golden hues that often shimmer on the water on sunny days. This is where the Golden Circle route gets its name.

Next, you'll visit the Geysir geothermal area, one of the world's most active geothermal regions and home to Geysir, the geyser that gave all others its name. Geysir is no longer active, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes.

You'll see Strokkur shoot scalding water up to 131 feet (about 40 meters) into the air — an impressive sight. The area also has bubbling hot springs, colorful mineral deposits, and steaming vents, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.

You'll have quite an appetite by now, so your guide will take you for lunch at Fridheimar, a local tomato farm.

The last stop on the Golden Circle sightseeing route is Thingvellir National Park. It's a significant site in Iceland, both geographically and culturally. It's where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, and Iceland's first parliament was formed here in 930 A.D.

You'll now travel to Midgard Base Camp to enjoy dinner at the restaurant with your group. Afterward, you can relax and enjoy the sauna and hot tub while waiting for the northern lights to appear.

Your accommodation is at the base camp. You'll sleep in six-bed dorm rooms in bunk beds with the other guests on the tour.

Day 2

Day 2 - Thorsmork Valley Super Jeep Tour

Journey into the Thorsmork valley in the Icelandic Highlands on day two of your northern lights sightseeing tour.

After a delicious breakfast with the rest of your group at Midgard Base Camp, you'll board a super jeep and head deep into the Thorsmork valley. On the way into the valley, you'll stop at the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which famously erupted in 2010, halting European air travel because of its ash cloud.

The eruption started at the outlet glacier, Gigjokull, another stop on your day's adventure. The volcanic activity here caused the ice to melt, resulting in a glacial flood and causing the glacier to retreat. You'll learn more about Iceland's volcanoes and glaciers as you travel into the Thorsmork valley.

Named after the Norse god of thunder (Thor), this enchanting valley is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It sits in the valley of three glaciers and is intersected by roaring glacial rivers.

The landscape combines lush greenery, rugged mountains, and dramatic ice caps, giving you a panoramic view at almost every turn. You'll spend the day exploring the area and have plenty of time to take photos.

You can trek in the Thorsmork valley if the group has enough energy. It's one of the best places in Iceland to hike, thanks to its beautiful walking trails and stunning views.

After a fantastic day of adventure, you'll return to Midgard Base Camp in the super jeep. You'll have some free time to explore nearby — you could visit the local swimming pool for a relaxing swim. Alternatively, you can visit the Lava Center to see an interactive exhibition about volcanoes.

In the evening, you'll have dinner with your group at the Midgard Restaurant before hopefully catching a glimpse of the northern lights. You'll spend tonight in your accommodation at Midgard Base Camp.

Day 3

Day 3 - South Coast and Glacier Hike

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime glacier hike on the third and final day of your exciting adventure in South Iceland.

After a buffet breakfast with the rest of your group at Midgard Base Camp, you'll collect your belongings and head out on a tour of Iceland's South Coast. The group and guide will decide which attractions to see today based on preferences and weather conditions.

One possible stop is Skogafoss waterfall. Plunging over a dramatic cliff edge, the waterfall boasts a height of almost 200 feet (about 60 meters) and a width of approximately 82 feet (roughly 25 meters), creating a magnificent curtain of cascading water. Its misty spray often forms rainbows on sunny days, adding to its ethereal charm.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is steeped in Icelandic folklore, with legends of hidden treasures behind the cascades. There's a cavern behind the waterfall where visitors can get a unique view of this picturesque sight (as long as conditions are safe).

Another beautiful sight on the South Coast of Iceland is the Reynisfjara black-sand beach. It's near Vik, one of Iceland's southernmost settlements, and is famous for its striking basalt columns, towering sea stacks, and powerful waves.

Other possible stops on the South Coast tour include the village of Vik and the Dyrholaey cliffs.

After a busy morning sightseeing, you'll spend the afternoon enjoying an exciting glacier hike. A professional glacier guide will give you a safety briefing and loan you equipment, including a helmet and crampons. You'll then take to the ice and start exploring the Solheimajokull glacier.

You'll trek over the glacier's beautiful ice formations and deep crevasses, enjoying gorgeous views. The knowledgeable guide will share insights into glaciology and the region's history, making the journey educational and awe-inspiring. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the distant ocean are unforgettable.

After the hike, your driver will take you back to Reykjavik to mark the end of the tour. You can now head home or continue your adventures in the land of fire and ice.