8-Day Northern Lights Ring Road Tour with Glacier Hiking & Whale Watching from Reykjavik

On the second day of your eight-day winter holiday around the country, you'll enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your guide picks you up and escorts you on your first adventure. You'll start by heading around the Golden Circle sightseeing route before starting a journey along the South Coast to your next accommodation.

The Golden Circle comprises three unique attractions, the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.

The Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological marvel between two tectonic plates. It has a millennium of fascinating history and is the place where Althing, one of the oldest parliamentary in the world, is established. When it comes to its nature, it boasts forests, waterways, volcanoes, and lava fields.

The Geysir Geothermal Area is a stretch of hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers. Among its geysers, Strokkur is the most famous and active. You can watch it blast a column of boiling water high in the sky several times.

After marveling at Geysir, you'll then travel to the Gullfoss waterfall. This breathtaking feature cascades in two enormous steps into a spectacular valley, throwing off blooms of spray that cakes the surrounding rocks in ice in midwinter.

After touring these three sites, you'll head towards the South Coast. You'll have time to enjoy its attractions, such as the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the Reynisfjara black sand beach.

The two waterfalls are almost the same height at around 200 feet (60 meters), but each has its unique charm. Seljalandsfoss is gentle and has a vast cavern. Meanwhile, Skogafoss is immensely powerful, forming a testament to Iceland's nature.

Another place you'll visit on the South Coast is Reynisfjara beach, known for its incredible offshore sea stacks, hexagonal basalt columns, and dramatic waves.

As the sky darkens, you'll begin to search for the northern lights if the sky is clear. After a hopefully fantastic viewing, you'll head to your comfortable South Coast accommodation for the night.

After finishing your breakfast on day three of your adventure around Iceland, you will complete the South Coast sightseeing route by visiting the fantastic sites of Vatnajokull National Park.

The park covers around 14% of the country's territory and is the location of the majestic Vatnajokull ice cap. It's also the home of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, two of the most inspiring spots in the country.

Skaftafell is surrounded by amazing attractions, including ice caps, rivers, black sands, and lava fields. The trekking and photography opportunities offered here are unlike anything in the country, as there are countless hidden gems in the area.

While exploring this magical place, you will embark on a three-hour glacier hiking adventure. Your guide will supply the equipment and keep you safe as you marvel over walls of snow, gurgling crevasses, formations in the ice, and unbeatable views from the slopes. Your pace will be gentle, allowing you to enjoy the experience without losing your breath.

After your experience in Skaftafell, you'll continue along the ring road to Jokulsarlon. This lake is one of Iceland's most iconic attractions due to its thousands of gigantic icebergs. They clutter the waters as they slowly break apart on their journey toward the ocean. You'll have plenty of time to admire them before taking the short walk to Diamond Beach.

Diamond Beach got its name from the icebergs of Jokulsarlon that washed up on its black sands. As a result, they look like jewels, glistening on the sand, resulting in a mesmerizing spot in this part of the country. Ensure your camera is handy to capture the uniqueness and beauty of Diamond Beach.

While at Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach, keep a keen eye for seals resting on the ice. If the conditions are right, you'll also stay here to marvel over the northern lights.

After a tiring but fulfilling day, you'll head to your accommodation near the town of Hofn.

Today's journey heads to the picturesque East Fjords, a region known for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Along the way, pass the diverse landscapes of Lon, the Tvottarskridur landslides, and the Alftafjardar fjord. This route showcases the raw and untamed beauty of Iceland's eastern countryside, with every turn revealing breathtaking views.

The first stop is the charming fishing town of Djupivogur, renowned for its eco-conscious initiatives and warm hospitality. Despite its modest size, Djupivogur offers plenty of cultural attractions. Stroll through its quiet streets to discover unique museums, local parks, and captivating sculptures. A highlight of the town is Eggin i Gledivik (The Eggs of Merry Bay), an outdoor art installation featuring 34 large sculptures, each representing a bird species native to the region.

Continuing the journey, the Wilderness Center awaits—a destination offering both adventure and cultural immersion. Located in Northern Europe's largest wilderness, it provides a chance to connect with Iceland's untamed nature. Engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horse riding, or learn about the area's rich heritage through exhibits on highland living and Icelandic history. Admission to the museum is complimentary for guests. After a day of exploration, unwind in the cozy, historically inspired accommodations, savor locally sourced cuisine, and relax in the warm pool at the bathing house, perfect for soothing tired muscles.

The day concludes with a scenic drive to Egilsstadir, where you'll settle in for the night at a comfortable country hotel. Surrounded by tranquil landscapes, this restful stay ensures you're ready for the next leg of the adventure. From coastal charm to wilderness exploration, this day offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience.

Keep an eye on the skies, as you have an excellent chance to see the aurora borealis in the usually clearer skies of the east.

On day five of your eight-day trip around Iceland, you will head to the sites of North Iceland. The attractions you will see are on the Diamond Circle sightseeing route, the most popular trail in the region.

Your first stop is at the Dettifoss waterfall, which is 150 feet (45 meters) tall. This wonder is said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with a flow of around 6,186 cubic feet (175 cubic meters) per second. It cascades into the Jokulsargljufur canyon, which holds other powerful waterfalls aside from Dettifoss.

Next, you will travel to the Lake Myvatn area, a place renowned for its lake and the many beautiful islands surrounding it. Myvatn is located in an active geothermal area, which resulted in its hot springs and bizarre landscapes, including the Skutustadagigar pseudocraters, the Dimmuborgir lava field, and its dramatic lava fortress.

Myvatn has a lot of amazing places to explore, but its most famous site is the Myvatn Nature Baths. The Baths are home to geothermal pools and steam baths that can help revitalize your energy. As part of your tour’s booking process, you’ll be asked if you want to get admission to the Baths or not.

Godafoss, a 39-foot (12-meter) waterfall, is next on your schedule. Godafoss is part of the Skjalfandafljot river, one of the largest rivers in Iceland. Aside from its beauty, the waterfall has an interesting name, which means “waterfall of the gods,” and a fascinating history linked to it.

According to local stories, Godafoss played a huge role when the country transitioned from worshiping its old Gods to Christianity. It is said that a local leader threw all his idols on the waterfall, symbolizing the transition.

As the sky turns dark, you’ll have another chance to hunt for the northern lights before continuing your journey towards your hotel in Akureyri.

On the sixth day of your trip around Iceland, you will start at Akureyri, the largest town in the north. You take a quick tour of its beautiful sites, including its harbor, church, and concert hall. Next, you drive up the shore of Eyjafjordur fjord, with its gleaming waters and flat-topped mountains.

We will start with an incredible whale-watching tour. Eyjafjörður fjord is a whale watcher's dream, with a likelihood of seeing whales around 95%. Humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins are common, but you may also see other species, such as belugas and orcas. In the summer, you might also spot blue whales and fin whales!

After a fantastic whale adventure, you’ll return to the road to explore some of the more remote attractions of North Iceland, away from the tourist crowds.

First, you’ll head to Siglufjordur, a magnificent village with a rich culture, history, and splendid harbor. The village had a prosperous seafaring industry and was one of the biggest herring ports in the country. A museum in the village called the Herring Era Museum showcases this role.

After you explore Siglufjordur, you will then tour the Trollaskagi Peninsula. This part of the country is renowned for its stunning coastline, dramatic mountains, and abundance of Icelandic horses. If possible, your guide will stop and allow you to greet them, as they are renowned for their friendly personalities.

You’ll end your day on the cusp of west Iceland in the beautiful, rural area of Laugarbakki. The Laugarbakki village is a wonderful place to rest because of its geothermal nature. In fact, this feature helps heat the village’s houses.

While at the village, look out for the northern lights before retiring to your hotel.

On the penultimate day of your northern lights trip around Iceland, you will have the opportunity to explore the magical sites of West Iceland. After breakfast, you’ll head to the spectacular crater of Grabrok and hike up its rocky slopes for some incredible panoramas. The crater has been around for more than 3,000 years ago and is the largest crater among three located in the same volcanic fissure.

After your hike and sightseeing activities in Grabrok, you’ll then head to Deildartunguhver geothermal area. Deildartunguhver is the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe. Its boiling waters make for a unique natural attraction, and these waters heat homes as far away as Reykjavik.

From Deildartunguhver, you will visit two waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, which are just a minute’s walk from each other.

Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls known for its peacefulness and gentleness, aconsiderablee contrast to its neighbor’s stark power and dark history. Barnafoss is a rapid waterfall associated with a dark folklore story about lives lost and witchcraft. According to local folklore, siblings who forgot to heed their parents’ words fell to their deaths here.

During your visit to these two impressive waterfalls, don’t forget to take amazing pictures of them.

After photographing these features, you’ll continue to the quaint village of Reykholt. This small village is packed with rich culture and history and is home to one of Iceland’s most famous polymaths, Snorri Sturluson. Sturluson is a historian, a writer, a law speaker, and also a chieftain.

Sturluson’s name may not be as well-known outside of the Nordic world, but he’s a crucial figure in shaping European history as we know it today. You may have heard some of his famous writings, such as the Hemskringla and the Prose Edda.

After a history lesson and some sightseeing, you’ll return to the capital city of Reykjavik. You’ll take the long route around the beautiful fjord of Hvalfjordur.

A minibus tour takes you deep into the wilderness for optimal aurora viewing, with expert guides monitoring the aurora forecast to find the best spots for marveling at this stunning natural light display. Before being dropped off at your hotel, enjoy a final chance to hunt for the northern lights.

Day eight in Iceland offers time to relax and reflect before your journey home or the start of a new adventure.

After enjoying breakfast at your Reykjavik hotel, your incredible tour around Iceland officially comes to an end. If you're departing today, head to Keflavik International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

For those extending their holiday, the vibrant capital and its surroundings offer endless opportunities to explore. Discover Reykjavik's iconic landmarks, delve into nearby natural attractions, or venture into the Reykjanes peninsula to uncover its dramatic landscapes and hidden gems before your departure.