3-Day Northern Lights Trip with the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on this unforgettable three-day tour and explore some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders while chasing the northern lights. This trip is ideal for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Iceland by combining the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Glacier Lagoon into one seamless adventure.
Over the course of three days, you’ll explore the island's most famous landmarks, from powerful waterfalls to massive glaciers, with two nights spent in the scenic countryside near the town of Vik, where you’ll be far from the city lights, increasing your chances of witnessing the magical northern lights.
Your journey begins in Reykjavik, where you will be conveniently picked up from your accommodation or nearby bus stop.
On the first day, the route you will take is the iconic Golden Circle, starting with Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet in Iceland.
Next, you’ll visit the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every five to ten minutes, and the nearby stunning Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvita river plunges into a dramatic canyon.
On the first day, you will also visit the impressive and unique Fridheimar tomato greenhouse. A farm and restaurant known for using geothermal energy to grow tomatoes and cucumbers in Iceland before ending the day near Vik in your comfortable countryside hotel.
On the second day, you’ll travel east toward the world-famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where you will marvel at icebergs floating peacefully in the glacial waters. On route, you will see the beautiful Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a region known for its stunning glacier tongues, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
You will also explore the beautiful Diamond beach, where shimmering ice rests on the black sand, creating a surreal scene. After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to your countryside hotel near Vik, offering another opportunity to spot the northern lights if the conditions are right.
On the third day, you’ll journey back to Reykjavik along the South Coast, stopping at the most famous locations on the south, such as Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its striking basalt columns and sea stacks, the impressive Skogafoss waterfall, where rainbows often form in the mist, and Seljalandsfoss, which allows you to walk behind the waterfall for a unique view.
Before arriving in Reykjavik, you will have the option of bathing in the stunning Blue Lagoon, a warm geothermal pool that is a perfect way to end your adventure, soaking in the rejuvenating water.
Throughout the tour, your accommodation and transportation are taken care of, so you can fully focus on enjoying the scenery and beautiful nature without worrying about driving during winter or finding a hotel.
So don't miss out! Join this sightseeing-packed three-day winter adventure to experience Iceland’s top attractions and hunt for the mesmerizing northern lights. Check availability now by choosing a date!
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The Golden Circle and Fridheimar tomato greenhouse
Your adventure kicks off with a convenient morning pick-up from your accommodation or a nearby bus stop in Reykjavik city. On this exciting first day, you will explore the iconic Golden Circle, where you’ll visit some of Iceland’s most famous and breathtaking attractions and the impressive Fridheimar tomato greenhouse farm.
The first stop on your journey is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historical and geological significance. This is the only place in the world where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, a rare and fascinating experience where you can see the effects of the two continents drifting apart.
Next, you’ll make your way to the Geysir hot spring area. This spot is home to the original Geysir, the geothermal wonder that gave name to geysers worldwide.
Although Geysir itself is mostly inactive, its neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every five to ten minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. This impressive natural phenomenon is a perfect photo opportunity, capturing the dramatic power of Iceland’s geothermal activity.
As the day continues, you’ll visit Fridheimar, a greenhouse that showcases how Icelanders harness natural geothermal energy to grow tomatoes and cucumbers year-round.
At Fridheimar, you’ll also meet the famous Icelandic horses at the farm’s stables. The Icelandic horse is known for its friendly demeanor and unique riding pace; these horses are also an integral part of Icelandic culture and are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
The final stop of the day is Gullfoss, the magnificent golden waterfall. Its thunderous cascades plunge into a deep canyon, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight and one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
After a full day of exploration, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in Vik. If the weather permits, you'll have the chance to search for the northern lights, concluding your day with the magic of the dancing lights in the sky.
Day 2 - East to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
On this second day, your adventure continues as you head east along the picturesque southern shore of Iceland to visit two of the country's most remarkable natural wonders: the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which began forming around 60 years ago, is a result of icebergs calving and breaking off from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier tongue. These massive icebergs float in the lagoon, displaying two striking shades, milky white and vibrant blue.
The way light interacts with the ice creates an almost magical atmosphere, with the shimmering ice crystals reflecting in the still waters. The lagoon itself is filled with life, as fish from the sea drift in with the tides. During the winter months, seals gather in large numbers at the mouth of the lagoon to hunt for fish, creating a wonderful wildlife spectacle.
A short distance from the lagoon is the striking Diamond Beach, known for its beautiful black sand covered with sparkling icebergs that have washed ashore. These icebergs, having traveled from the glacier lagoon, rest on the dark volcanic sand, creating a stunning contrast.
The unique, ever-changing scene of ice fragments glistening in the sunlight offers a magical experience, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers alike. The beach’s beauty lies in its dynamic landscape, where each visit presents a slightly different, yet always spectacular, view.
On your way back to the hotel, you'll stop at Skaftafell, part of Vatnajokull National Park. This area is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, featuring diverse landscapes that include glaciers, waterfalls, and lush greenery. One of the park’s most famous highlights is Svartifoss, a striking waterfall framed by dark basalt columns.
After exploring Skaftafell, you will end the day back in your accommodation near the town of Vik, on the southern coast of Iceland.
Day 3 - South Coast, Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik
You'll embark on a breathtaking scenic ride along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country’s most stunning regions. This coastal road offers incredible views of glacier tongues, towering waterfalls, rugged hills, volcanic landscapes, and vast black sand beaches. As you travel, you'll pass by some of Iceland's most famous volcanoes, which have shaped the country's dramatic landscape over centuries.
One of the first stops on your journey will be the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, known for its striking geological rock formations and powerful crashing waves. The unique basalt columns and sea stacks make this beach a favorite among visitors and photographers. However, caution is essential, as the waves here can be unexpectedly dangerous, so it’s important to stay a safe distance from the shore while admiring its raw beauty.
Next, you'll continue on to the majestic Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's largest and most picturesque waterfalls. The waterfall’s powerful flow creates a mist that often results in vivid rainbows on sunny days. From here, you'll head to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which stands 197 feet (60 meters) tall. What makes this waterfall especially unique is the opportunity to walk behind the curtain of water, giving you a rare perspective—just remember to dress warmly, as the mist can leave you soaked.
Following the waterfalls, you’ll visit the fascinating Lava Centre. This high-tech, interactive exhibition explores Iceland’s volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the island’s geological formation over millions of years.
The final stop of the day is the spectacular Blue Lagoon, a geothermal wonder listed by National Geographic as one of the 25 wonders of the world. Here, you can unwind and soak in the mineral-rich waters, known for their healing properties and fine silica mud (this is an optional extra).
After this relaxing experience, you'll return to Reykjavik, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation or a nearby bus stop in the city.
What to bring
Good to know
The tour's itinerary might need to be altered due to road and weather conditions.
You can add experiences, such as the Blue Lagoon admission ticket, during the booking process.
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