Stunning 6-Day Northern Lights Adventure in Iceland with Ice Caving
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Day 1 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
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Welcome to the enchanting land of Iceland, where your adventure begins the moment you step out of the airport and embrace the crisp Icelandic winter weather.
The journey from Keflavik International Airport to the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik promises awe-inspiring views of Iceland's rugged and volcanic landscape, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
You could stop at the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on your way to Iceland's capital city. Nestled amidst a mystical moss-covered lava field, this geothermal spa is renowned for its healing mineral-rich waters, striking azure hues, and luxurious treatments.
If you add the Blue Lagoon to your itinerary, it will be integrated into your travel plans, either upon arrival or on another day, depending on your flight schedule. Your dedicated travel consultant will handle all the arrangements to ensure a seamless experience.
Reykjavik, the vibrant heart of Iceland, awaits your exploration if you have extra free time.
Your accommodation has been thoughtfully selected for its prime location and utmost comfort, ensuring you're well-situated to delve into the city's charms. Take an evening stroll through Reykjavik's narrow and colorful streets, immersing yourself in the local culture, or embark on a culinary journey by indulging in the delectable offerings of bars, coffee shops, and cafes around the city.
If you like, you can take the complimentary northern lights boat tour today. Come aboard a lovely sightseeing ship from the Old Harbour by Harpa Concert Hall, and you'll be able to gaze up at the sky in hopes of seeing those fabulous sparkles of eerie color!
Alternatively, you can take a northern lights minibus tour to head out into the countryside under the cover of darkness and watch for glimmers of color against a backdrop of the Icelandic wilderness.
You'll spend the night in Reykjavik.
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Day 2 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss waterfall
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Today, you'll visit the famous attractions of the Golden Circle sightseeing route. These include Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.
If you choose to go horseback riding, that will be at the start of your day before going to Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance to world culture.
The first parliament was founded in the valley in 930 AD. Viking chieftains would go to this beautiful place to discuss the law each year. They stood on the shores of Lake Thingvallavatn, just as you can.
They, too, admired the silvery waters of Silfra fissure, which is popular today for snorkeling and diving. You can choose to join a snorkeling tour here yourself. Snorkeling participants need to be comfortable in the water and must be able to swim.
The gorge, which marks the division of tectonic plates, gets a bit wider each year due to the furious pressure of the earth. It only moves at a rate of 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) each year, so even though it was slightly narrower 1,000 years ago, the famous Vikings of the past may have walked where you are walking today!
The second stop on the Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area, made famous by the temperamental geysers blasting water high into the air. The furious pressure that drives them boils deep below the surface, making these explosions thrilling to behold. While Geysir is dormant after nearly 10,000 years of activity, Strokkur erupts every 10 minutes, shooting water as high as 131 feet (40 meters).
Also, there are more than 30 other hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and steaming vents here. Stroll the entire area to see how the water streams over the rocks and how the minerals make beautiful colors!
At Gullfoss waterfall, you can view the power of the water from glacial runoff as it shoots down the river, tumbles over the two-tiered falls, and crashes into the canyon below. The river's energy has made it a popular spot for white water rafting further down from the waterfall. You can feel the thunder in your fingers and toes as you walk along the path to the waterfall, where you can admire its power up close.
If snowmobiling is what you'd like to do today, then your snowmobile tour will take place on Langjokull glacier after visiting the Gullfoss waterfall.
You'll return to Reykjavik to relax from your busy day and enjoy another night in town before your next adventure.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 3 – Southeast Iceland
- Southeast Iceland
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- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
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Today begins a two-day exploration of the beautiful yet wild South Coast, the most popular area for sightseeing in Iceland.
First, you'll enjoy a pair of enchanting waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is nestled on a cliff that rises out of the hillside. A path goes directly behind the falls so that you may look at the landscape under a veil of sparkling icicles and running water. Take care not to slip on the icy ground!
Next, visit Skogafoss waterfall, a high and broad waterfall rumored to hide buried treasure in its misty pool. It also features rainbows on sunny days, adding to its outstanding beauty.
Next is the infamous Reynisfjara beach, a place of pearly frost and black sand. It's surrounded by black basalt that forms the cliffs and stands out in the sea in majestic columns while the waves crash on the shore. This location is dramatically beautiful but dangerous in return. Visitors should always keep a distance of about 66-98 feet (20-30 meters) from the unpredictable waves.
After that, you'll visit Skaftafell National Park, a popular hiking and camping area beside the largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajokull. Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur (or Hvannadalshnjukur), is visible from the hiking trails, rising to 6,992 feet (2,110 meters).
Finally, you'll go to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where chunks of ice break off the Breidamerkurjokull glacier in the distance, washed away by meltwater to this lagoon before finally floating out to sea.
The ice is untouched by the UV rays, which turn the surfaces blinding white, leaving a pure blue color on the underside. Seals play on the ice, and gulls wheel overhead, creating a lovely display. Chunks of ice on the nearby Diamond Beach wash up on the black sand and lie sparkling in the sun.
You'll spend the night in a cozy country hotel in Southeast Iceland, an area with a spectacular location to hunt for the northern lights.
Experiences
Day 4 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
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You'll begin this day by hopping into a specially modified super jeep, transporting you to your next adventure: exploring a natural blue ice cave beneath the Vatnajokull glacier. A short hike through the crisp winter air awaits, so wear sturdy hiking boots that provide ankle coverage. Keeping your feet dry and comfortable throughout the cave exploration is essential.
Specialists who search the countryside for safe and stunning formations discover these remarkable ice caves each autumn. Inside the cave, you'll be surrounded by walls of transparent blue ice adorned with delicate frost and intricate ice sculptures.
Each cave is a unique work of art, constantly changing as the weather affects the ice, ensuring that no two caves are alike. Even if you've experienced ice caves before, this encounter promises to be one-of-a-kind.
This winter, two stunning ice caves are available for exploration in the Vatnajokull National Park: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. On the day of your adventure, your guide will assess the conditions and select the best cave to explore, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience.
Take your time to absorb the ethereal beauty within the ice cave, spending approximately 45 minutes immersed in this magical environment. Remember to dress warmly for the chilly conditions. Your guide will give you a helmet, so opt for a winter hat that fits comfortably underneath.
Before returning to Reykjavik for the evening, you'll make a second stop at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Witness how the lagoon transforms in the midday light, revealing an even greater array of colors and stunning ice formations. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the icebergs, adding to the allure of the lagoon.
As you return to Reykjavik, your guide will look for the elusive northern lights. If these ethereal lights grace the night sky, a stop will be made to witness their captivating dance.
Spend your night in Reykjavik, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences and natural wonders encountered throughout the day.
Accommodation
Day 5 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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Day five can be spent sightseeing around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or in Reykjavik.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called 'Iceland in miniature' due to its diverse attractions. Here, you can see the subglacial volcano of Snaefellsjokull and the national park surrounding it. Marvel at the dramatic Mount Kirkjufell, Ytri Tunga and Djupalonssandur beaches, and many other sites.
Those eager to see as much natural beauty as possible on their travels will not regret this choice.
Otherwise, you can immerse yourself in the culture of Reykjavik. Though you can spend all day sightseeing in the capital of Iceland, there are plenty of add-ons you can choose to make your experience more memorable.
Firstly, you can book admission to the Perlan exhibition, an incredible museum with interactive exhibits on glaciers, puffin-watching cliffs, volcanoes, and more. The viewing platform here also offers some of the best panoramas in the city.
Alternatively, you can enjoy the FlyOver Iceland experience. This simulation will suspend you over a giant screen showing Icelandic landscapes, complete with wind and scent effects, to provide the feeling that you are flying over the country's most incredible areas.
A third option is to visit the Sky Lagoon, a breathtaking geothermal spa with an infinity pool and sauna overlooking the ocean. This spa has a seven-step ritual to help you rejuvenate.
Those interested in Reykjavik culture can choose the fourth option, a two-hour walking tour through the capital's historic sites with a local guide. This excursion includes a traditional Icelandic lunch, particularly appealing to foodies.
If you're not finished with adventure, you can alternatively go on a one-hour ATV ride in nature outside Reykjavik. This exciting tour lets you get your adrenaline pumping as you marvel over dramatic lava landscapes.
You can also go whale-watching from the harbor. Even in winter, you can see dolphins, porpoises, and minke whales in the beautiful waters outside the city.
Your final option is a 24-hour Reykjavik City Card, which will provide free entry and discounts to many museums, galleries, and pools across the capital. This card is an excellent option for those who plan to pack many city attractions into their day.
Otherwise, make the most of your time in the capital by spending the day sightseeing in Reykjavik. There's plenty to explore, from the Sun Voyager sculpture of a Viking ship by the harbor to the historic parliament buildings just off the main shopping street.
Hallgrimskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall are also highly recommended sites.
Accommodation
Experiences
Day 6 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
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Take the convenient airport shuttle from your hotel to Keflavik International Airport on your final day in Iceland.
If you have a later flight, consider visiting the renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to unwind before departure. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters, reflecting on the incredible adventure you've had in the land of fire and ice. Let the soothing ambiance and rejuvenating properties of the Blue Lagoon provide a perfect conclusion to your Icelandic journey.
Alternatively, if your flight departs later in the day, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Reykjavik. Discover its charming streets, visit local museums and galleries, or indulge in the city's renowned culinary scene. There's no shortage of activities to keep you engaged and entertained.
Finally, as you bid farewell to Iceland, we wish you a pleasant journey home. Reflect on the unforgettable memories you've created and cherish your experiences. Have a wonderful flight, and remember to come back soon to continue your exploration of this remarkable country.
Experiences
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Good to know
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows. Please know that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better and that breakfast may not be included in a few selected hostels and guesthouses.
Some optional activities might need a valid driver's license, or you might need to send additional information to your travel planner. Those who opt to go snorkeling must be comfortable in the water, must be able to swim, and must present medical documents before snorkeling or diving.
It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is canceled. If your chosen activity is canceled, you will be assisted with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. You should bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations nationwide.
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