3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon
Description
Summary
Description
If there's a must-do tour in Iceland, this is the one. Join this best-value guided journey through the Golden Circle and South Coast and enhance your odds of seeing the beautiful northern lights. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience the best attractions that Iceland has to offer in 3 days.
You'll discover waterfalls, ice caves, glaciers, and all the other natural wonders that you came to Iceland for. With these 2 nights in the countryside, you also increase your chances of seeing the northern lights.
On this tour, you will have the opportunity to see famous sites such as the Geysir geothermal area, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which are world-famous for a reason.
You will also see all of the fantastic attractions of the South Coast of Iceland, such as the waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss and the black sand beach, Reynisfjara.
The experience of exploring an ice cave within Europe's largest glacier is what makes this tour even more special. Ice caves are only available to visit throughout winter, so there is a small window of chance to witness these beautiful locations.
The ice caves are always covered in otherworldly shades of blues and whites, making it a magical experience. They also change each year due to the continuous movement of the mighty glacier, Vatnajokull, meaning your visit will always be unique. This season, you will get to visit one of two incredible ice caves discovered in the Vatnajokull National Park: the impressive Eastern Ice Cave or the enchanting Western Ice Cave.
By reserving this tour, your three days in Iceland will be fully organized. You won't need to worry about navigating the winter road conditions or arranging your accommodation; everything will be handled.
During your trip, you will stay at the best accommodation available, providing a comfortable and relaxing end to each day. All equipment will be provided for the glacier hike and ice cave exploration. You only need to remember your hiking boots, warm clothes, a camera, and your sense of adventure.
Please note you can only bring one item of carry-on luggage per guest on this trip, but you can store more pieces in Reykjavik for a small cost.
Secure your spot on this action-packed 3-day adventure to the South Coast, Golden Circle, and the most impressive ice cave in Iceland's winter wonderland! Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Attractions
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The Golden Circle
You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Reykjavik to begin your epic journey to explore some of Iceland’s most breathtaking sights. The Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous tourist route, is the perfect starting point for this adventure. It features three world-renowned destinations, each offering unforgettable experiences.
The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland. Nestled between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, it offers a unique chance to stand at the meeting point of two continents. The park is a geological wonder, with dramatic rift valleys, crystal-clear springs, and lush landscapes. It’s also steeped in history, as the site of the Alþingi, the world’s longest-running parliament, established here in 930 AD and still active in Reykjavík today.
Next, you’ll visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, where bubbling hot springs and steaming vents create a vibrant and otherworldly landscape. While the iconic Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide, is mostly dormant, nearby Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sending columns of water up to 98 feet (30 meters) into the air. The vibrant colors of the mineral-rich earth and the surrounding geothermal features make this stop unforgettable.
The final destination on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, or the "Golden Waterfall." As you approach, the roar of cascading water grows louder, building anticipation for this awe-inspiring natural wonder. Gullfoss tumbles down two tiers into a deep canyon, creating a dramatic and powerful display. Multiple viewing platforms offer different perspectives, and in good weather, you can stand near the edge of the falls to feel the mist on your face.
As the day winds down, keep an eye on the skies. If conditions are right, you may catch the Northern Lights, their vibrant colors dancing across the dark Arctic sky.
Your accommodation for the evening will be a cozy hotel in South Iceland. This welcoming retreat will be perfectly situated for your adventures on the South Coast the following day. Later in the night, we'll keep an eye on the skies as we remain on the lookout for the Northern Lights. If conditions are right, you could witness this magical display of dancing colors, a truly unforgettable way to end your day.
Day 2 - South Coast and Glacier Hiking
On your second day, you’ll journey along Iceland’s South Coast, renowned for its striking natural landmarks and ever-changing landscapes. From cascading waterfalls to glistening glaciers, the scenery will captivate you at every turn.
Your first stops will be at two iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Seljalandsfoss offers the unique opportunity to walk behind its cascading curtain of water, while Skógafoss impresses with its thunderous power and a shimmering rainbow on sunny days. Between these stops, you’ll spot Eyjafjallajökull, the sub-glacial volcano that made headlines worldwide in 2010 by grounding European air traffic and challenging the pronunciation skills of news anchors everywhere.
Next, you’ll embark on an unforgettable glacier hike at either Skaftafell, near Vatnajökull glacier, or the famous Sólheimajökull glacier. After a safety briefing and gearing up with crampons and ice axes, you’ll ascend the icy surface. The experience will immerse you in the glacier’s breathtaking beauty, with shimmering blue ice, intricate crevasses, and expansive views stretching across the horizon. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the glacier's history and geology, making the experience both thrilling and educational.
As the day concludes, you’ll arrive at your hotel in southeast Iceland. After settling in, your guide will let you know if the conditions are right for a Northern Lights display. With luck, you’ll step outside to marvel at the night sky illuminated by ribbons of green, purple, and white—a perfect way to end your day of adventure.
Day 3 - The Ice Caves and Return to Reykjavík
On your third day, you'll arrive at the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. In the soft light, the icebergs sparkle with golden hues, creating a magical view. When a new iceberg tumbles into the water, you can see its deep blue underside, shaped by thousands of years of compressed oxygen bubbles. Known as the crown jewel of Iceland’s nature, the glacier lagoon is a peaceful lake filled with large floating icebergs. These icebergs eventually drift out to the nearby shore, known as Diamond Beach, where they create a sparkling, icy display.
After enjoying the sights of the glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, you’ll head to the Vatnajökull glacier to explore one of its incredible ice caves. Some of the best caves this season include the Eastern Ice Cave, celebrated for its large, open spaces, and the Western Ice Cave, known for its bright blue walls and clear ice formations. Your guide will choose the cave that offers the most amazing experience on the day, taking into account weather, visibility, safety conditions and photo opportunities.
Next, you’ll stop for lunch before visiting the amazing Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This beach is famous for its black sand, tall basalt columns, and the striking Reynisdrangar sea stacks standing in the ocean. You’ll also pass wide black sand plains, created by a huge volcanic eruption.
After spending time at the beach, you’ll head back to Reykjavík. During the drive, your guide will highlight places you might have missed earlier and share more about Iceland’s history and nature.
You’ll arrive in Reykjavík in time for a late dinner. Enjoy your evening by exploring the city’s nightlife, with many restaurants and bars to choose from. It’s a good idea not to plan a flight on the same night, just in case of any delays. Take your time to relax and enjoy the charms of Iceland’s capital.
This unforgettable journey through Iceland’s stunning landscapes—featuring majestic glaciers, serene lagoons, and otherworldly ice caves—will leave you with cherished memories of the land of fire and ice.
What to bring
Good to know
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance cannot be guaranteed. However, this itinerary is carefully designed to maximize your chances of experiencing them, weather permitting. Your guide will monitor conditions and show you the best opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring display.
The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. In the rare event that the tour is canceled due to severe weather, a full refund will be issued.
Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as some walking and outdoor exploration are required during the tour. You may need to repack into a smaller suitcase or backpack before the journey, as only one piece of hand luggage per guest is allowed on the tour. Extra luggage can be safely stored in Reykjavík for a small fee.
Lunch stops will be made along the way where you can purchase a meal. A variety of dinner options will be available for purchase separately at your hotel each evening.
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