Relaxing 11-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s South Coast & Snaefellsnes

Welcome to Iceland! You'll start your trip by exploring Reykjavik or relaxing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon spa.

When your flight lands at Keflavik International Airport, collect your rental car and start your journey into Reykjavik. You'll drive through the volcanic areas and lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula as you go. Feel free to stop at any sight along the way. The Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in 2021 and 2022 and is an excellent introduction to Iceland's fiery nature.

Depending on your flight time, you could stop at the Blue Lagoon today to start your trip with a relaxing soak. The milky-blue geothermal waters are said to have healing powers, and you'll get a silica-rich face mask with your entry ticket to make your visit even more relaxing.

Your travel agent will help you book a ticket for a suitable time and date. If your flight lands in the evening, you can visit another day instead.

Another option today is the Sky Lagoon. Located just outside Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon features an infinity pool where you can relax in warm waters while soaking up the amazing ocean views. The spa has a signature seven-step wellness ritual, which includes a cold plunge, sauna, and steam bath.

When you arrive at your hotel, settle in or start sightseeing. The downtown area has plenty to offer, so wander the streets and get to know the area.

Head to the Old Harbor to enjoy the coastal views and the striking Harpa Conference Hall. You can also visit the Hallgrimskirkja church or the Sun Voyager sculpture. Don't worry if you don't have time to do much. You'll have another day in Reykjavik before you return home.

If the skies are clear and the aurora forecast is favorable, you might want to drive out of the city center to look for the northern lights. Due to light pollution, they don't usually appear in central Reykjavik, but you don't have to go far to spot them.

Return to your accommodation when ready and get a good night's sleep.

Explore the highlights of West Iceland on day two of this 11-day self-drive winter tour.

You'll start by driving out of Reykjavik and toward Borgarnes town. On your way, turn off from the Ring Road and go to the day's first attractions, the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

Hraunfossar, "Lava Falls" in Icelandic, is a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a lava field formed during a nearby volcano eruption. Stop here to take pictures before you continue to Barnafoss — it's said to get its name from two children who fell into the water.

From here, you can take part in your first excursion. Choose from a relaxing soak at the Krauma geothermal baths, an ice tunnel tour, or an underground visit to a lava cave.

The Krauma geothermal baths get water from the Deildartunguhver hot spring and a nearby glacier. This combination means the water is the ideal bathing temperature. Relax and unwind in the warm waters and enjoy the contrast with the cold winter air outside.

If you want something more exciting, choose a tour of the ice tunnel inside the Langjokull glacier. It's a manufactured tunnel rather than a natural ice cave, but it's a fantastic way to experience the power and magnitude of Iceland's second-largest glacier.

Your final option today is a tour of the Vidgelmir lava cave that lets you head deep into the underground world of a volcano. When it erupted, the flowing lava left behind this enormous cavern. It's a brilliant place to learn about Iceland's volcanic activity and understand the power of these sleeping giants.

After your excursion, get back in the car and go to Borgarnes. Take some time to explore this fjord-side town before continuing to your accommodation on or near the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the aurora borealis.

Today, you'll explore "Iceland in Miniature" with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

This area of West Iceland gets its nickname because of its massive variety and diversity of attractions. A visit to Snaefellsnes is like a trip around the whole country on a smaller scale.

Since you're taking part in a self-drive tour, you can visit whatever sights interest you. One of the main attractions is the gorgeous Snaefellsjokull National Park, home to the Snaefellsjokull stratovolcano. This glacier-capped volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day, serves as the entrance to the underworld in Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Other popular attractions in the area include the Djupalonssandur black-sand beach. Visitors walk past incredible volcanic rock formations and striking cliffs to reach it. When you arrive at the beach, you can see the jet-black sands that Iceland is known for and smooth black pebbles scattered around the bay.

Another scenic spot is the golden-sand beach of Ytri-Tunga. Golden sands are relatively rare in Iceland, so it's worth visiting as a point of comparison with the regular black-sand beaches. This beach often has seals resting on its shores, so ensure you bring your camera!

While at the peninsula's western edge, you can visit the picturesque coastal villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The coastline connecting these settlements is beautiful, and there's a hiking route here if you want to stretch your legs.

One of the most famous sights in the region is the Kirkjufell mountain, often referred to as the "most photographed mountain in Iceland." The angular peak of this striking elevation is best seen from the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, named in honor of its mountain neighbor.

You can also enjoy an optional excursion to the Vatnshellir lava cave today. Descend a spiral staircase and explore the underground world of this 8,000-year-old volcanic cave.

As you drive through the peninsula to return to your accommodation, keep your eyes open for the northern lights in the sky above you when the sun goes down.

Spend the fourth day of your self-guided tour driving the iconic Golden Circle, Iceland's most popular sightseeing route. It consists of Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur valley (home to the Geysir geothermal area), and the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall.

After breakfast, say goodbye to your accommodation on Snaefellsnes and drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically significant in the heart of every Icelander, it served as the assembly point of the first Icelandic parliament, the Althingi, in 930 A.D.

Thingvellir is just as geologically impressive as it is culturally. The park sits atop the mid-Atlantic rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. These plates are slowly pulling apart, giving visitors a unique chance to see this phenomenon above the ground.

An optional extra for today is an unforgettable snorkeling tour of the Silfra fissure. This crack in the earth's crust has filled with glacial meltwater, which has filtered through the surrounding lava rocks to produce water with 330-foot (roughly 100-meter) visibility. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

From here, you'll continue your drive around the Golden Circle by stopping at the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur valley. Geysir is the hot spring that gives its name to all others worldwide. It's not very active today, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes.

The next stop is the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous. You can observe its two-tiered cascade from many different angles. In the depths of winter, part of the waterfall freezes into gnarled ice crystals, creating a truly spectacular display.

Another optional tour today is an exhilarating snowmobiling experience over the Langjokull glacier. Drive over the ice cap at high speeds and enjoy the fantastic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.

Alternatively, soak in the Secret Lagoon geothermal spa if you've had enough adventure for one day. From here, you can drive to your accommodation in the Golden Circle area. Stop off at any viewpoints along the way to watch out for the northern lights.

Drive along Iceland's beautiful South Coast and stop at waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and spectacular mountain glaciers.

Today's adventure starts after breakfast. You'll check out of your accommodation and start the drive along the stunning South Coast, following the Ring Road and making stops at the natural attractions.

Your first stops of the day are the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Both are 200 feet (about 60 meters) tall, but that's where the similarity ends. Seljalandsfoss is narrow and icy in the winter, while Skogafoss is broad and powerful. Compare the two and take photos before continuing your drive.

The destination for tonight is Vik, one of the southernmost villages in mainland Iceland. It's a picturesque fishing village with stunning ocean views. While you're here, you can visit the famous Reynisfjara black-sand beach, which has appeared in films and TV shows like Game of Thrones and Star Wars: Rogue One.

Before you reach Vik, however, you'll have the opportunity to participate in one of two unforgettable tours.

Go for a glacier hike on the mighty Sollheimajokull glacier. Your expert local guide will provide the necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable walk. Then, you'll trek up the ice cap to soak in the jaw-dropping scenery.

Alternatively, head into the glacier ice with a once-in-a-lifetime tour of an ice cave. The ice caves are only accessible at certain times of the year. They form when the glacial ice melts and refreezes, creating unusual caverns with bright blue interiors.

Visiting an ice cave is an incredible experience and something you'll never forget. The guide will help you take photos of your icy surroundings as you soak in the views of the frozen cave walls. You'll have another opportunity to visit an ice cave in a couple of days, so if you're struggling to decide, the glacier hike might be the better choice.

Whichever excursion you choose, you're sure to have a fantastic time. You'll now continue your drive toward Vik, where you can have dinner or stay up late hunting for the northern lights. 

Make your way to your South Iceland accommodation when ready for bed.

You'll spend the sixth day of your 11-day self-drive winter tour at the "crown jewel of Iceland," the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

After leaving the charming town of Vik, you can continue your drive along the South Coast to head straight to the lagoon or stop at the Skaftafell nature reserve for a glacier hike. You can participate in this tour in the morning or afternoon. Chat with your travel planner and organize it at a time that suits you.

The nature reserve is part of Vatnajokull National Park but was formerly a national park in its own right. Spend an exhilarating few hours trekking on the magnificent Svinafellsjokull glacier outlet and enjoying the spectacular views.

From here, you'll travel to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of the most beautiful sights in the whole country. You can watch enormous white and blue icebergs drifting to sea or floating in the glacial lake. 

If traveling in September or October, you can add an optional ride in an amphibious boat to get closer to these natural wonders. You might even see seals swimming in the water or resting on the icebergs.

While enjoying the lagoon view, visit Diamond Beach on the water's edge. This black-sand beach is home to several icebergs that have washed ashore. Their bright white color makes them look like diamonds against the jet-black volcanic sands. It's a striking contrast (unless covered in snow!).

Most travelers want to spend a long time at the lagoon because it's so beautiful. If the skies are clear and the aurora forecast looks promising, it's worth staying here late to see if the northern lights appear. Watching the aurora borealis dance in the sky above the glacial lake is an experience you'll never forget.

Whenever you're ready to leave, go to your Southeast Iceland accommodation and enjoy a comfortable night's sleep.

Today, you can visit a bright blue ice cave within Iceland's largest ice cap, the Vatnajokull glacier. 

After breakfast at your accommodation, you don't need to check out because you'll return here for a second night. Pack a day bag with everything you need and hit the road.

The Vatnajokull glacier is one of the most sizable ice caps in Europe. Visiting a blue ice cave within the glacier ice is an unforgettable experience you won't want to miss. This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip.

This winter season, two beautiful ice caves have been discovered in the Vatnajokull National Park: the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. Choose to add this amazing adventure to your trip and visit the best ice cave accessible on the day, taking into account the weather conditions and visibility to ensure the ultimate ice-caving experience.

You'll start with a ride onto the glacier ice in a specially modified vehicle. It's been designed to make travel over the ice easy and safe, but it's also an exciting start to your day. Once you arrive at the ice cave, your guide will provide the gear you need to stay safe and navigate the wintery conditions.

As you enter the cave, the ethereal colors will blow you away. The interior walls of the caves are vibrant and bright, with blues and whites in every direction you look. You'll have plenty of time inside the cave to marvel at its majesty, and the guide can take photos of you during the tour.

You can decide how to spend the rest of the day. Perhaps you'd like to visit the Stokksnes peninsula to see the Vestrahorn mountain. This elevation's clustered, jagged peaks have inspired countless photographers, so don't forget your camera. You could also spend the day in the charming town of Hofn, renowned for its langoustine lobster.

After an exciting day, return to your Southeast Iceland accommodation or stay up late watching the northern lights dancing in the sky.

Spend day eight of your 11-day tour exploring more of the Skaftafell nature reserve within Vatnajokull National Park.

Iceland has three national parks: Thingvellir, Snaefellsjokull, and Vatnajokull. Skaftafell nature reserve used to be another, but it was added to the larger Vatnajokull National Park in 2008. Vatnajokull National Park now comprises about 14 percent of Iceland's total land mass.

Skaftafell is rich in diverse attractions, and you can spend the whole day exploring the area. Walk through forests, admire glacial tongues, and snap photos of spectacular waterfalls. The area is known as a hiker's paradise, and you can explore some of the shorter paths in the area.

One trail leads to the Svartifoss waterfall, an impressive cascade surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns. These columns are so precise in shape that they look hand carved, but rapidly cooling lava created the structures.

If you haven't taken part in a glacier hike yet, you can organize a guided tour of the Svinafellsjokull glacier today. Strap on a set of crampons, grab an ice axe, and head out onto the ice cap with a local guide. You'll enjoy gorgeous views from the glacier's top, so ensure your camera has enough battery.

After exploring the nature reserve, you can return to Vik on the South Coast. Walk through the village's picturesque streets and enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal in one of the restaurants.

If the weather is good, you can stay out late watching for the northern lights in the sky above. Even if they don't appear, you can look at the stars and reflect on your Icelandic adventure so far.

You'll have a long drive back to Reykjavik tomorrow, so get a good night's sleep in your comfortable South Iceland accommodation to wake up refreshed.

Explore the highlights of Reykjavik on your final full day in Iceland.

Start your morning with breakfast in a local cafe or at your accommodation. You can then spend a couple of hours walking around the city to explore the major sights — the Hallgrimsmkirkja church, the Laugavegur shopping street, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the Old Harbor. You could also head to the Perlan observation deck for a sweeping city view.

If you prefer, you can book an exciting excursion for your last day in the city. Go to Reykjavik Domestic Airport and take a helicopter ride over the city's rooftops for an amazing bird's-eye view. You'll see Reykjavik from above and get a fantastic view of the nearby countryside, coastline, and mountains.

Animal lovers can instead go for a horseback-riding tour to meet some Icelandic horses. These friendly animals are known for their calm temperament and unusual gait called the "tolt." You'll ride into the countryside with your new furry friends, taking photos and learning about the horses.

If you're visiting before the end of October, you can also explore the inside of a volcano on a fascinating tour that takes you 20 miles (about 35 kilometers) out of the city and into the crater of a dormant volcano. You'll need a moderate fitness level, as the tour involves a short hike before you descend into the crater, but it's worth the effort.

After a busy day of sightseeing, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city center. Reykjavik is home to some world-class restaurants. You can eat traditional Icelandic food or local delicacies. Fish and seafood are popular nationwide, but lamb is another local favorite.

If you feel brave, try one of Iceland's more "infamous" dishes, such as fermented shark or skate. Follow it up with a delicious bowl of skyr (a dairy product similar to Greek yogurt), then head out for another taste of Reykjavik's nightlife.

Spend your final night in Reykjavik at your hotel or guesthouse in the city center.