3-Day South Iceland Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with Ice Caving
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Southeast Iceland / 2 nightsMap
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Day 1 – Southeast Iceland
- Southeast Iceland - Arrival day
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- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Dyrholaey
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
- More
The first day of your winter drive in Iceland begins either in Reykjavik or the Keflavik International Airport. You can pick up your vehicle in these locations, serving as your mode of transport for the next three days.
You'll drive down the South Coast of Iceland to see its most beautiful attractions. This Icelandic region is one of the most visited areas in Iceland because of its wealth of natural features and proximity to the Icelandic capital. On this specific trip, you'll visit majestic waterfalls, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the cliffs of Dyrholaey.
The Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls are the most notable features of this region, both cascading 200 feet (60 meters) down. While Skogafoss is known for its rainbows on a sunny day, Seljalandsfoss is famous for its cascade that you can fully encircle. You'll also have the chance to see the lesser-known, yet equally beautiful Gljufrabui and Kvernufoss falls.
Not far from these waterfalls are Vik village and Reynisfjara, the most famous black sand beach in Iceland. While Reynisfjara is a sight to behold with its long stretch of volcanic sands and basalt columns, explore it cautiously because powerful Atlantic waves constantly pound it.
You'll also pass the black sands of Solheimar in the dark shadow of the great Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano and its big brother, Myrdalsjokull glacier. If the weather is clear, you can see these massive glaciers towering in the distance as you drive on the coast.
The drive to the glacier lagoon is about six to 10 hours, depending on how long you decide to stop at each attraction. But this is the appealing aspect of this self-drive tour because you choose how best to spend your time.
Keep your eyes open for aurora borealis during the night, as you'll be in a great location in Southeast Iceland.
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Day 2 – Southeast Iceland
- Southeast Iceland
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- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
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On day two of this three-day winter tour, you can book onto one of several incredible Icelandic experiences. Ice caving, glacier hiking, and ice climbing are adventurous options, while a boat tour on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon or a scenic flight over Skaftafell combine exhilaration and relaxation.
If you choose the ice cave, you'll reach your destination in a modified super jeep, driving through the remote glacier's snowy plains and rugged terrain. Upon reaching the ice cave, you'll be treated to a breathtaking world of ice that natural forces and seasons have shaped.
The cave walls are made of compacted ice that sparkles when sunlight filters through its ceiling.
The air inside the ice cave feels cool and fresh. Inside the cave, you'll see ice formations with intricate patterns and layers. There can be streaks of transparent, blue, and black color on the ice, depending on the cave you explore.
Alternatively, you can book one of two glacier hiking experiences, one of which offers 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 these unique features as you hike, and you'll have plenty of time for photographs. If you pick the ice climbing option, they'll also help you scale 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. However, you need to bring your own hiking boots.
If ice caving or glacier hiking does not appeal, you can book a boat tour on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is often called the crown jewel of Iceland's nature because thousands of icebergs float in its deep waters.
On your amphibious vessel, you'll get magical views of the icebergs and surrounding landscapes, and you may even see seals playing in the water.
Otherwise, you can book one of two flight tours from the Skaftafell Nature Reserve to witness some of the world's most beautiful aerial views. One experience is an affordable but thrilling 15-minute airplane flight over Vatnajokull glacier, and the other is a more extended helicopter flight over the greater Vatnajokull National Park.
After a satisfying adventure, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and other incredible sites of Southeast Iceland. Walk to the Diamond Beach to witness the icebergs on the black sands, photograph the seabirds and seals, or hike the trails of Skatafell Nature Reserve.
Leave some free time in the late evening for northern lights hunting. If there's a clear sky, you may see a good display. You'll spend another night in Southeast Iceland.
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Experiences
Day 3 – Southeast Iceland
- Southeast Iceland - Departure day
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- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Svartifoss
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On the third and last day of your self-drive tour in Iceland, you can explore more attractions in the Vatnajokull National Park. There are more sites to visit in this vast area, so don't miss this rare opportunity to see some of them.
One of the most notable locations here is Skaftafell, a nature reserve that was a national park before being included in the Vatnajokull National Park. Skaftafell has a beautiful landscape where glaciers, icy waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains are familiar sights.
As you venture into Skaftafell, the surroundings transform into a winter wonderland. You'll witness the mesmerizing sight of frozen waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. One such prominent feature is Svartifoss, known for its striking basalt columns that create a captivating backdrop against the snowy landscape.
You also have an optional extra activity in the Skaftafell nature reserve, where you can go on a glacier hike on an outlet glacier of the Vatnajokull ice cap. The walk isn't overly demanding but rewards you with spectacular views and an incredible chance to experience the ice up close in the company of seasoned glacier guides.
Driving back along the South Coast of Iceland, you'll discover plenty of great attractions you didn't previously see. You can take a slight detour and visit the geothermal areas to the north or one of the little fishing villages down by the coast, where small seafood restaurants offer the catch of the day.
At night, when you're back in Reykjavik, you can drop your car off at your hotel or even at the airport in the morning. If you have more time, you can explore the city to see its most iconic landmarks or get a feel of the local culture through its restaurants.
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Good to know
This self-drive is set to take place in wintertime. Conditions in Iceland can vary significantly during that season. Snow and ice are commonplace, and Iceland has limited daylight hours. If you feel insecure about driving in winter conditions, we recommend a package tour instead.
Self-drive tours begin either in Reykjavik city or at Keflavik International Airport. A valid driver's license and a one-year-long on-road experience are required. Gravel protection is not included if you choose a Toyota Aygo or similar. Please be aware that your itinerary may be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows. It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is canceled. If your chosen activity is canceled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.
Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations nationwide.
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