7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour Through the Golden Circle and South Iceland

After a restful night in Reykjavik, your scenic road trip through Iceland's natural wonders begins. 

For a relaxing start, you can take a peaceful horseback ride through Reykjavik's countryside or unwind at Krauma Spa, built on Europe’s highest-flowing hot spring, Deildartunguhver. 

Alternatively, stop at Hvammsvik Hot Springs, another popular geothermal spa in West Iceland. Once refreshed, set off on your scenic drive to the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Your adventure truly begins when you catch your first glimpse of the iconic Snaefellsjokull Volcano. This beautiful stratovolcano and glacier is famously known as the gateway to the subterranean world in Jules Verne's “Journey to the Centre of the Earth.”

If you’re seeking an underground adventure, add a guided Vatnshellir Cave tour. The cave is located near the base of Snaefellsjokull, and this fascinating tour will take you 115 feet (35 meters) below the surface. Explore ancient lava formations and experience the eerie beauty of the cave's dark chambers.

As you continue your journey, Snaefellsnes National Park awaits with its spectacular array of natural beauty. You’ll discover towering ocean cliffs, intricate rock formations, narrow canyons, and delicate waterfalls. 

Visit the striking Londrangar Basalt Cliffs, where dramatic pinnacles rise from the shore. Then, take your time to explore the charming fishing villages or wander along the striking Djupalonssandur Beach.

No visit to Snaefellsnes is complete without seeing the stunning Kirkjufell Mountain. This picturesque, cone-shaped peak, surrounded by scenic landscapes, is a favorite among photographers and hikers. On clear days, you can even enjoy views of Faxafloi Bay stretching all the way to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

After a day of driving and exploring, you’ll settle in for the night in a country hotel in Western Iceland, an ideal location for northern lights viewing. Keep your eyes on the sky - tonight may just bring the dazzling aurora borealis.

On day 3, prepare to witness erupting geysers, thundering waterfalls, and unique geological formations, all part of the spectacular Golden Circle.

After a restful night at your hotel in Western Iceland, begin your scenic drive south from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula toward the Golden Circle. On your way, consider an optional detour to explore Vidgelmir Cave at an additional cost. The cave is one of Iceland’s largest lava tubes near Borgarfjordur. Descend to witness colorful mineral walls, striking rock formations, and shimmering icicles.

Continue to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits at the boundary of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The geological activity here has shaped the landscape over time, leaving behind deep fissures and cracks where the plates have shifted.

Be sure to visit Silfra fissure, a crystal-clear fissure filled with meltwater from Iceland's second-largest glacier. Take your experience to the next level with a snorkeling tour in Silfra, where the visibility in the frigid waters can reach up to 328 feet (100 meters). Don’t worry about the cold; the dry suits provided will keep you warm throughout the adventure!

From Thingvellir, head to the stunning Kerid Crater, a volcanic caldera with a striking blue lake at its base. The bright red and green slopes create a surreal landscape, making it an ideal spot for photos and a quick scenic stop.

Next, head to the geothermal wonderland of Geysir. Watch in awe as the active geyser Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending columns of water soaring up to 98 feet (30 meters) into the air. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture this natural spectacle.

Just a short drive away is the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall. This double-tiered cascade is one of Iceland’s most famous, with glacial waters tumbling 105 feet (32 meters) into an ancient canyon. The thunderous roar of the falls will stay with you long after you’ve left.

For a heart-pounding adventure, join an ice-caving and snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier. Super jeeps will take you to stunning heights, where panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes await. 

Alternatively, soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Fontana Spa and let the geothermal steam rooms and hot pools melt away any tension. While there, don’t miss the unique geothermal rye bread experience. Watch as traditional Icelandic rye bread bakes underground before enjoying a fresh, warm taste.

As the evening falls, look up at the skies; this area is a fantastic spot for viewing the northern lights. You’ll spend the night near the Golden Circle, ready for more Icelandic wonders tomorrow.

Day 4 of your road trip is all about the South Coast. Towering waterfalls, mighty glaciers, and volcanic beaches await. This region is packed with must-see sights and fun activities, making it a highlight of your self-drive tour in Iceland.

After leaving your accommodation in the Golden Circle region, drive toward Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a stunning cascade that plunges over a concave cliff. In warmer months, you can walk behind the falls, while in winter, bright lights give it a magical glow. Just a short stroll away, don’t miss Gljufrabui Waterfall, a hidden gem tucked inside a moss-covered canyon.

Continuing east, you’ll pass the Eyjafjallajokull Glacier, a towering ice cap that gained worldwide attention during its 2010 eruption. A little further along the route, you’ll arrive at Skogafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic falls.

Skogafoss Waterfall boasts a wide curtain of water dropping 197 feet (60 meters) onto the flat ground below. Climb the staircase for a magnificent view, or stay below, where misty rainbows often appear in the sunlight.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to explore Iceland’s icy wonders. Go snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajokull Glacier and feel the adrenaline as you zoom across its vastness, enjoying spectacular mountain views. You can also choose glacier hiking on Solheimajokull Glacier and navigate deep crevasses, blue ice formations, and volcanic ash-streaked snow.

Make a quick detour to Dyrholaey Peninsula, a beautiful coastal viewpoint offering panoramic winter views of Iceland’s South Coast, with snow-dusted cliffs and endless black sand beaches stretching into the horizon. The famous rock arch and sea stacks create a breathtaking scene, perfect for a quick photo stop.

Continue your journey to the charming coastal village of Vik. Before reaching the town, stop at the legendary Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where dramatic basalt columns line the cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves crash against the shore. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar Sea-stacks rise from the ocean, adding to the area’s haunting beauty.

If you want to explore more, consider taking a 20-minute drive from Vik to Hjorleifshofdi Cape, a hidden gem on the South Coast offering breathtaking views over the black sand plains. A short hike here leads to Hjorleifshofdi Cave, also known as "Yoda Cave" for its distinctive shape.

The cave offers a unique stop year-round, but winter conditions make the trail icy and challenging. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip and dress in layers to stay warm while exploring this spot.

As the day winds down, settle into your accommodation in South Iceland. With little light pollution in the area, this is a great place to watch for the northern lights dancing across the night sky.

On day 5, you’ll leave Vik behind and continue your self-drive tour eastward toward the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajokull National Park, approximately 2.5 hours away. The drive will leave you breathless as you pass by dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and awe-inspiring scenery, adding to the sense of adventure.

As you travel toward the Vatnajokull Glacier, you'll drive through the picturesque village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. You can stroll through the village's serene surroundings and grab a bite to eat. Along the way, don’t miss the majestic Foss a Sidu Waterfall, where the water cascades dramatically into the river below.

Continuing on, you'll reach the stunning Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This place is home to Svartifoss, a striking waterfall framed by dark basalt columns, making it one of Iceland's most photogenic spots. After your hike to Svartifoss, explore the reserve further and see glaciers flowing down narrow valleys, revealing some of Iceland's most breathtaking landscapes. 

Skaftafell is also the starting point for many glacier hikes on Vatnajokull. For an added thrill, book a guided glacier hike to explore hidden canyons, ice sculptures, and the wonders of the icy world.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a different perspective by taking a scenic flight over Vatnajokull National Park from Skaftafell. Soar high above the glaciers and snow-capped peaks for a bird's-eye view of Iceland’s awe-inspiring wilderness.

The grand finale of your day will be Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Watch as colossal icebergs break off the nearby Vatnajokull Glacier, drifting effortlessly in the lagoon's tranquil waters. 

The play of light on the ice, from deep blues to brilliant whites, creates an ever-changing landscape of stunning hues. The otherworldly beauty of these floating giants makes Jokulsarlon a truly unforgettable experience.

If you plan to arrive early, join an exhilarating ice-caving experience in Vatnajokull Glacier, where shimmering blue ice formations create a surreal atmosphere. You can book this activity for today or the next day, depending on what suits you best.

At the end of your day, relax in your serene countryside accommodation in Southeast Iceland. If the conditions are right, keep an eye out for the northern lights, adding an extra dash of magic to your evening.

Today is an opportunity to continue exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes and wonders of Vatnajokull National Park before driving back to Reykjavik.

The winter season features two new accessible ice caves within the park. These caves are only accessible for a short time when the ice is stable and safe for exploration. Depending on the weather and visibility, you’ll be guided to the best ice cave accessible that day. 

If you visit between October and March, take the opportunity to visit a crystal blue ice cave. If you didn’t join a tour yesterday, you can still reserve your ice-caving adventure for today and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing shades of blue.

Afterward, head back to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where the midday sun illuminates the surroundings in a different light. The breathtaking colors of the icebergs, with their crystalline blue and pearly white hues, become even more bright in the daylight. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on the icebergs or along the shore, adding to the charm of the lagoon.

Near the lagoon lies a striking black sand beach where smaller icebergs have washed ashore. As they glisten in the sunlight, the icebergs resemble diamonds scattered across a satin blanket. This stunning sight has earned the beach its nickname, “The Diamond Beach.” Take a moment to admire this stunning coastal gem.

In the early afternoon, begin your journey back to Reykjavik. You can choose to drop by your favorite spots along the South Coast or discover new places that might have caught your eye during your adventure.

Once in the city, settle into your accommodation for the night. If you arrive early and are still up for some fun, take the opportunity to book a guided walking tour of Reykjavik, where you can explore the city's charm and enjoy a local beer.

To level up your last night, consider booking a guided northern lights tour and hunt for the mesmerizing aurora borealis. You’ll be guided to the best viewing spots, increasing your chances of witnessing this natural light show. The dance of green, purple, and pink hues against the night sky is surely a magical addition to your Iceland adventure.