Magical 6-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in the South Coast of Iceland with Ice Caving

Day two of your self-drive winter tour takes you to the Golden Circle sightseeing route. 

Drive out of Reykjavik toward Thingvellir National Park, one of only three national parks in Iceland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see where the European and North American continents are slowly pulling apart. 

If you're feeling adventurous, take a dip into the clear waters of the Silfra Fissure. You'll swim between two continents in some of the clearest waters on earth. For this once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experience, participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

Your next destination is the Geysir Geothermal Area. Geysir itself isn’t very active these days, but the nearby Strokkur Geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting water as high as 66 feet (about 20 meters) into the air. Seeing the Strokkur erupt is a fantastic experience you won’t want to miss. 

Continue driving east to your final stop on the Golden Circle, the Gullfoss Waterfall. The word “Gullfoss” means “golden waterfall.” It gives its name to the Golden Circle Route and is one of the most iconic falls in Iceland. Take a walk down to the edge to get an unforgettable view. 

Optional add-ons for the Golden Circle include an exciting snowmobiling or monster truck adventure on the mighty Langjokull Glacier. Get your adrenaline pumping as you take in the spectacular snowy landscapes around you.

Nearby, you can visit Fontana Spa, a popular spot known for its relaxing geothermal waters. If you've added this optional extra, enjoy a peaceful soak while taking in stunning lake views. Don’t miss the geothermal rye bread baking experience. Taste freshly baked bread, cooked by the geothermal heat in the ground.

You could also book a horseback riding tour. Icelandic horses are known for their friendly temperaments and unique gait called the tolt. Discover the majestic beauty of these gentle creatures as you ride through the Icelandic countryside.

On your way to your accommodation in Southwest Iceland, consider a short detour to the colorful Kerid Crater. The striking contrast between its red volcanic slopes and the vivid blue waters, frozen in winter, creates a breathtaking sight.

Tonight, you'll stay in Southwest Iceland, where you can unwind after a day of exploring. Enjoy a delicious dinner, and if the conditions are right, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

The third day of your Iceland itinerary brings you to waterfalls, glaciers, and an iconic black-sand beach.

You'll start your morning in Selfoss. From here, you'll drive toward the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, which famously erupted in 2010 and brought European air traffic to a standstill with its enormous ash clouds. 

The first stops of the day are the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. 

Seljalandsfoss is about the same height as the nearby Skogafoss but isn't as wide. One of the best things about Seljalandsfoss is that you can fully encircle it. A cave behind the waterfall lets you stand behind the water as it crashes into the pool below. Although the path is closed in winter, you can still enjoy its fairytale-like setting.

Skogafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a width of 82 feet (about 25 meters) and a drop of almost 200 feet (approximately 60 meters). It’s the perfect spot for a photo opportunity as the powerful water crashes into the river below, sending mist into the air.

After marveling at the waterfall’s beauty, consider visiting the Skogar Folk Museum to see recreations of the traditional turf houses that early settlers would have lived in. 

Continue your journey to Solheimajokull Glacier, where you can go glacier hiking as an optional add-on. This unique experience combines excitement and adventure with jaw-dropping views over South Iceland.

Consider a detour to Dyrholaey, a dramatic rock arch rising from the ocean. It’s a towering headland shaped by volcanic forces that offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and crashing waves below. It’s a popular photo stop in Iceland. 

Continue your road trip on Iceland’s South Coast until you reach the jet-black sands of Reynisfjara Beach. This black-sand beach has appeared in TV shows and movies like Game of Thrones and Star Wars. The striking black basalt columns and towering offshore sea stacks provide a majestic backdrop to the Atlantic Ocean.

If the activities above are still not enough, other optional tours you can join include a snowmobiling trip on the Myrdalsjokull Glacier or a visit to an Icelandic horse farm. 

Alternatively, you can visit the Caves of Hella or the Lava Center Exhibition and Cinema in Hvolsvollur to learn more about Iceland's volcanic past.

After a day chasing waterfalls and impressive beaches, you'll recharge in your accommodation in South Iceland. There's hardly any light pollution in the area, so you'll have an excellent chance to see the northern lights if the skies are clear.

The fourth day of your Iceland road trip takes you to the iconic Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the crown jewel of Iceland. 

You'll start the day in Vik. You can take the black-beach buggy tour offered yesterday to begin your day with some excitement. After this, you'll set off toward the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. On the way, you'll pass the picturesque Foss a Sidu waterfall, the Dverghamrar basalt columns, and the vast glacier sands of Skedarasandur. 

The Skaftafell Nature Reserve is within the Vatnajokull National Park and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. You can take a short hike to the Svartifoss Waterfall or participate in a guided glacier hike with an expert guide. This is ideal if you did a different tour on day three of your trip.

You'll continue driving east from here until you reach the magnificent Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of the main highlights of your winter road trip in Iceland. Witness shiny blue icebergs floating out to sea from the lagoon and explore Diamond Beach, where icebergs create an otherworldly display on the shore.

Take your time here to soak in the breathtaking views and watch the seals that frequent the lagoon. These playful and curious creatures can often be seen bobbing among the icebergs, diving beneath the icy waters, or basking on floating chunks of ice. 

If you've booked a Jokulsarlon boat tour in advance, you can head out onto the water to get a closer look at the icebergs floating in the lagoon. 

As if watching icebergs drift across Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon wasn’t magical enough, you can add another unforgettable experience to day four of your Iceland winter road trip. Visiting an ice cave is a must-do on any Iceland winter itinerary. 

Ice caves appear in Iceland’s glacial landscapes between November and March, offering a rare glimpse into a frozen world of shimmering blue ice.

The Crystal Ice Cave in Vatnajokull Glacier is renowned for its brilliant blue walls and ever-changing formations. This breathtaking experience is in high demand, but you can secure your spot in advance when booking this winter package in Iceland.

After your amazing tours, check out the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. It's a small settlement with a remote location, making it another excellent night for northern lights hunting. 

You'll retire to your accommodation in Southeast Iceland this evening.