4-Day Northern Lights Long Weekend in Reykjavik

The first is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island, Thingvellir National Park. Not only is it the birthplace of modern democracy, but it boasts a landscape of beautiful waterways, forests, and lava fields.

While here, you can opt into a snorkeling tour, in which you are equipped with a drysuit and guided through a crystal clear stream in the ravine of Silfra.

The second attraction of the Golden Circle is Strokkur, a geyser that ejects steaming water to great heights. It is located in the Geyser Geothermal Area, home to many vibrantly colored hot springs and fumaroles.

Finally, you'll reach a powerful, two-tiered waterfall thundering in an ancient valley, Gullfoss. If you elect to do so when booking, you can choose to add a snowmobiling trip after your time here. You'll set off to the nearby glacier of Langjokull and fly across its gleaming, beautiful surface.

The third choice of the tour is a ride on an Icelandic horse, where you'll explore the serene countryside of south Iceland in the manner of the first settlers.

In the evening, if you didn't get a chance to see the northern lights the night before, you will have another chance tonight.

For example, it boasts two incredible waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Both face out to the ocean and stand at an impressive 197 feet (60 meters) tall, though they are different in every other way.

Seljalandsfoss is narrow, with a massive cavern behind it, carved by the ocean centuries ago. Skogafoss is much more powerful and has fascinating folklores of hidden treasure.

Behind this waterfall are the glaciers of Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, both of which conceal notorious volcanoes. If you elect to, when booking, you can choose to join a glacier hiking tour and scale the magnificent outlet of Solheimajokull for some spectacular views.

Further along the South Coast, you’ll come to Reynisfjara, a beautiful black sand beach with dramatic, powerful waves, towering sea stacks, and great views over the enormous rock arch of Dyrholaey.

Here, you’ll turn back and return along the South Coast route to the capital. If the sky starts to turn dark, keep a keen eye out for the auroras. Of course, you are welcome to add on another northern lights tour if you are eager for another hunt.

If you have a late departure, however, you can fit in one more adventure.

If traveling before the end of October, you can take an excursion only offered in Iceland: descending into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano. Large enough to easily fit the Statue of Liberty and dyed vivid colors, it is an incredible place to marvel over the volcanic forces of the earth.

Those who would rather see Iceland’s landscapes from another angle can instead opt into one of two flightseeing tours, either in a helicopter or small plane. Such excursions, which leave from the domestic airport, provide spectacular views over the magnificent, mountainous landscapes surrounding the capital and a unique way of admiring the city itself.

Of course, you are also welcome to spend the last day of your long weekend in Reykjavik, walking its charming streets, shopping for souvenirs in its boutiques, admiring its public artworks, and exploring its museums and galleries.

For those who have a later flight and choose to visit the Blue Lagoon today, you will finish off your stay unwinding before you head to the airport. This is the perfect place to relax as you bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you look back on the incredible adventure you have just taken in the land of fire and ice. If your flight is later, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik.

If you have an early flight back home, we hope you enjoyed your stay and have a safe flight home!