3-Day South Iceland Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with Ice Caving

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3-Day South Iceland Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with Ice Caving

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Free cancellation

24/7 customer support

Perfect travel plan

Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Starts from

Keflavík Airport (KEF), Iceland

Ends in

Keflavík Airport (KEF), Iceland

Duration

3 days & 2 nights

Difficulty

Easy

Available

Sept. - Mar.

Minimum age

8 years old

Accommodation

2 nights included

Car rental

3 days included

3,123 reviews

Description

Explore Iceland on this ultimate 3-day winter self-drive tour along the South Coast! This winter tour in Iceland is your ticket to a magical adventure without the stress of planning. Witness spectacular northern lights and incredible landscapes like ice caves, glacier lagoons, and black sand beaches at your own pace.

This winter package includes a rental car and two nights of accommodation, which you can upgrade to meet your preferences and budget. You'll also receive a comprehensive itinerary with detailed descriptions, exciting optional activities, and routes to all the top attractions along the South Coast.

Your adventure begins at Keflavik International Airport or in Reykjavik, where you can pick up your car rental. For three days, you'll drive a spacious new car with free Wi-Fi and see some of Iceland’s most popular attractions.

Day one of your drive brings you to the top sites of the South Coast. Enjoy plenty of time to explore iconic sights like the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vik Village, and more.

Day two is the highlight of this Iceland winter itinerary, taking you to the spectacular Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Take the opportunity to join an ice cave tour in Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Meet up with the glacier guide, hop in a heavy-duty super jeep, and plow across the snowy plains to reach this stunning winter wonder.

On your third day, you can explore more of the glacier lagoon and the other features of Vatnajokull before returning to Reykjavik. You might stroll along Diamond Beach, hike to Svartifoss Waterfall, or take an optional guided glacier hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Each night on this 3-day winter self-drive tour in Iceland, you have the best opportunity to hunt for the northern lights. The area around the national park is optimal due to its isolation and wide-open spaces. If the skies are clear and geomagnetic activity is high, you may witness a breathtaking display of dancing lights.

This Iceland winter itinerary has been carefully crafted by a team of local travel experts. Designed with winter conditions and daylight hours in mind, you can trust it to provide you with the best Icelandic holiday possible.

With a dedicated travel agent available 24/7, making changes before or during your self-drive tour is effortless. Plus, enjoy peace of mind knowing you can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund.

From ice caves to glaciers and hidden gems, this 3-day self-drive tour is your chance to experience the “Land of Fire and Ice” in all its winter glory. Check availability now by choosing a date.

Included

2 nights of accommodation

New rental car for 3 days

CDW car rental insurance

Gravel protection car insurance

Unlimited mileage

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Detailed itinerary & travel plan

Personal travel agent

24/7 helpline

VAT & all taxes

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Destinations

Southeast Iceland / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Skogafoss

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Dyrhólaey

Reynisdrangar

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Diamond Beach

Skaftafell

Svartifoss

Activities

Glacier Hiking

Super Jeep

Ice Climbing

Sightseeing

Northern lights hunting

Helicopter

Ice Caving

Self drive

Airplane

Travel details

Car

Small car

Category

small car

Transmission

People

Large bags

Medium car

Category

Medium

Transmission

People

Large bags

Premium car

Category

premium car

Transmission

People

Large bags

large car

Category

Large

Transmission

People

Large bags

SUV

Category

JEEPSUV

Transmission

People

Large bags

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Southeast Iceland

Southeast Iceland - Arrival day
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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skogafoss Waterfall
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Dyrholaey
Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
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Welcome to Iceland!

Your winter drive in Iceland begins in Reykjavik or at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), where your trusty ride awaits. Pick up your rental car, the key to exploring the stunning South Coast, and hit the road.

You'll drive down the South Coast to see its most beautiful attractions. This region is one of the most visited areas in Iceland because of its wealth of natural features and proximity to Reykjavik.

Begin your exploration at the iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. With water plunging 200 feet (60 meters) into a crystal-clear pool, you'll be captivated by its power and beauty. If you're visiting between September and early November, you may have a chance to walk behind the waterfall and fully experience its beauty up close.

While in the area, visit the nearby Gljufrabui Waterfall. Tucked in a narrow gorge, this hidden gem offers a more peaceful experience, with water cascading into a misty pool, particularly enchanting during winter.

Continue to Skogafoss Waterfall, another highlight of the day. Like Seljalandsfoss, it plunges 200 feet (60 meters) into a misty base. Rainbows often form in the mist on sunny days, adding a magical touch to the scene.

Just a short drive away, Kvernufoss is a quiet, beautiful waterfall nestled in a moss-covered valley. Its serene setting, particularly in winter, makes it the perfect peaceful stop.

As you drive along the coast, keep an eye out for Solheimasandur, where the eerie remains of plane wreckage rest on the black sand. This haunting site offers a striking contrast against the rugged landscape, making it a must-see stop along the way.

Before reaching the village of Vik, make a stop at the dramatic Dyrholaey Cliffs. Enjoy breathtaking winter views of the coastline, with crashing waves below and stunning landscapes all around.

Nearby, don't miss the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The striking volcanic sands and towering basalt columns create an otherworldly scene. While it's a beautiful spot to explore, be cautious of the powerful Atlantic waves, which can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Once you arrive in Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village, take some time to explore its charm. With its picturesque church perched above the village, Vik offers stunning views of the black sand beach and the surrounding mountains. Stroll through the village, visit local shops, or relax with a warm drink.

The day’s drive will take around 6 to 10 hours, depending on how many detours you make. You’re in charge of your time, so feel free to take as many stops as you like to soak in all the beauty of Iceland’s South Coast.

As night falls, keep your eyes on the sky! You're in a prime spot for the northern lights, and if you're lucky, you'll catch the aurora putting on a show.

This is just the start of your epic Iceland winter self-drive tour, and you’re already seeing some of the country’s most famous and jaw-dropping spots. Rest in a comfortable accommodation in Southeast Iceland and prepare for even more unforgettable experiences!

Experiences on day 1

Day 2

Day 2 – Southeast Iceland

Southeast Iceland
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Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach
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On day two of this 3-day winter drive, the adventure becomes more exciting with several incredible activities that let you experience the best of Iceland. Ice caving, glacier hiking, and ice climbing are adventurous options, while a scenic flight over Skaftafell combines exhilaration and relaxation.

Start your day at the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Marvel at the massive icebergs drifting through the crystal-clear waters, their blue and white hues creating a surreal landscape. As the icebergs gently float by, pause and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

A must-do activity in the area is a thrilling ice-caving adventure in Vatnajokull National Park. From the lagoon, you’ll hop into a super jeep and journey through the rugged, snowy plains to reach the ice cave.

Inside the ice cave, the air feels cool and fresh. The ice walls shimmer and sparkle as sunlight filters through. There can be streaks of transparent, blue, and black color on the ice, depending on the cave you explore.

If ice caves aren’t your thing, consider booking one of the two glacier hiking experiences available, one of which includes ice climbing. Both promise breathtaking views as you climb one of the beautiful tongues of Vatnajokull Glacier, an ice cap that covers over 10% of the country.

Your expert guide will tell you about the unique features of Vatnajokull as you hike, and you'll have plenty of time for photographs. If you pick the ice climbing option, they'll also help you ascend a sheer ice wall!

These guided glacier tours include safety equipment such as a helmet, crampons, and other gear to ensure your safety while exploring.

Alternatively, you can join one of two flight tours from the Skaftafell Nature Reserve to witness some of the world's most beautiful aerial views. One is an affordable but thrilling 15-minute airplane flight over Vatnajokull Glacier, and the other is a more extended helicopter ride over the greater Vatnajokull National Park.

After exploring the wonders of Vatnajokul, spend some time at Diamond Beach, just across the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Marvel at the chunks of ice glittering like diamonds against the black sand.

Nearby, visit Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon for a more serene and relaxing experience. It’s less crowded here but equally beautiful. If there’s still time, take a scenic hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, with trails leading to stunning waterfalls and black sand landscapes.

You could also explore Hofn, a small town just a short drive away. Here, you’ll find several restaurants serving fresh seafood, including langoustine, a local specialty.

As evening sets in, don’t forget to keep an eye on the skies. This is prime northern lights territory, so if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the stunning aurora borealis dancing above you.

It’s another magical night in Southeast Iceland. Soak it all in before heading on your next adventure!

Experiences on day 2

Day 3

Day 3 – Southeast Iceland

Southeast Iceland - Departure day
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Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Svartifoss Waterfall
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On the third day of your Iceland winter self-drive tour, you can explore more attractions in the Vatnajokull National Park. One of the standout spots is Skaftafell Nature Reserve. As you walk through Skaftafell, you'll encounter frozen waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs.

If you missed hiking yesterday, this is your chance to explore its stunning trails, including the one leading to Svartifoss Waterfall. Famous for its striking black basalt columns, Svartifoss is even more mesmerizing, surrounded by snow.

After taking in the breathtaking scenery of Vatnajokull National Park, it’s time to begin your drive back to Reykjavik. The journey from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon will take around 5 hours without stops.

As you drive back along the South Coast, uncover more stunning gems you didn’t have time to see. If you're feeling spontaneous, consider visiting Hveragerdi Geothermal Park to explore hot springs and steaming vents and learn about Iceland's natural heat and power.

Alternatively, visit one of the charming fishing villages along the coast, such as Eyrarbakki or Stokkseyri. These villages are a perfect spot to stop for some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

On your return to Reykjavik, you can drop off your car at your hotel or the airport the following day.

If you have some time left, spend your remaining hours strolling through the charming streets of Reykjavik. One perfect spot to explore is Laugavegur Street, where you'll find a variety of local boutiques. It's the ideal place to pick up unique souvenirs to remember your trip.

Don’t miss checking out Reykjavik’s iconic landmarks like the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the Sun Voyager Sculpture, or the Harpa Concert Hall.

Take with you the memories of Iceland’s stunning landscapes, unique natural sights, and welcoming atmosphere. As you leave, remember your incredible adventure, knowing that the beauty of Iceland will be here, waiting for your return.

What to bring

Warm clothing and outerwear suited to rainy or chilly weather

Winter hiking shoes

Good to know

Self-drive tours kick off from either Reykjavik or Keflavik International Airport. To drive in Iceland, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience. Please note that gravel protection is not included if you choose a Toyota Aygo or similar vehicle.

The northern lights are a magical natural phenomenon. While they can't be guaranteed, this itinerary is carefully planned to maximize your chances of witnessing their awe-inspiring display if the weather permits.

If an activity is canceled due to extreme weather, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible. Any potential price difference will also be refunded to you.

This South Iceland self-drive tour is designed for the winter season. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable during winter, with snow and ice and limited daylight hours. If you're uncomfortable driving in winter conditions, we recommend booking a guided tour.

We also recommend bringing shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. You can easily pick up these covers at most supermarkets or gas stations across the country.

Above all, embrace the adventure! This Iceland winter self-drive tour gives you the freedom to explore the country’s magical winter wonderland.