3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Multi-Day Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon

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Ice fragments are scattered across Diamond Beach, with the sun setting in the background.

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Travel details

Dates

Time

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Starting time

at 09:00

Duration

3 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Available

Sept. - Apr.

Minimum age

8 years old

3,123 reviews

Description

Join this best-selling 3-day northern lights tour and experience Iceland’s top winter highlights in one unforgettable trip. Explore the iconic Golden Circle, journey along the dramatic South Coast, and venture into a breathtaking ice cave beneath Europe’s largest glacier. You’ll also enjoy a beginner-friendly glacier hike—no prior experience needed.

This compact yet adventure-filled 3-day tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see Iceland’s best attractions, from thundering waterfalls to bright blue glaciers, and if the sky is clear, the magical northern lights.

With two nights spent in carefully chosen countryside hotels, you also increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. This 3-day tour in Iceland is timed perfectly for optimal aurora viewing conditions, away from light pollution.

On this tour, you'll visit iconic Golden Circle attractions, including the erupting Geysir Geothermal Area, the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, and the historic Thingvellir National Park. Each stop of your Golden Circle tour offers a unique glimpse into Iceland's natural and cultural wonders.

You’ll experience some of the most breathtaking attractions along the South Coast of Iceland. These include the towering Skogafoss Waterfall, the picturesque Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, and the otherworldly Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

One of the South Coast highlights is a visit to the magical Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the sparkling Diamond Beach. You'll also have the chance to hike across the icy surface of Solheimajokull Glacier.

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 the window of opportunity to witness these beautiful locations is small. Each season, new ice caves are discovered, and your guide will always choose the best and safest one available inside Vatnajokull Glacier.

The ice caves are filled with striking shades of blue and white, creating a magical experience. Because Vatnajokull Glacier is always moving, the caves change each year, so no two visits are ever the same.

All equipment will be provided for the glacier hike and ice cave exploration. You only need to bring your hiking boots, warm clothes, a fully charged phone or camera for photos, and your sense of adventure.

By reserving this package, your 3-day tour in Iceland will be fully organized. You won't need to worry about navigating the winter road conditions or arranging your accommodation. From Reykjavik, your small group will travel in a comfortable vehicle with free Wi-Fi, led by an experienced, friendly guide who will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.

During your trip, you will stay at the best accommodation available, providing a comfortable and relaxing end to each day. Please note that each guest can bring only one carry-on luggage on this trip. You can store more pieces in Reykjavik for a small cost.

Don’t miss out on this top-rated 3-day northern lights tour of Iceland, featuring the Golden Circle, South Coast, and a breathtaking ice cave experience. Check availability now by choosing a date and secure your spot today!

Included

Professional English-Speaking Guide

Two Nights in Quality Hotels

Continental Breakfast Included

Golden Circle Sightseeing

South Coast Sightseeing

Glacier Hiking Tour in Skaftafell

Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull

Northern Lights Hunting

Pick-up & Drop-off in Reykjavik

All Transportation

Hand Luggage (Bag Storage available)

In-Vehicle Wifi

Guide to Iceland VIP Club Access

Activities

Glacier Hiking

Sightseeing

Northern lights hunting

Ice Caving

Map

Attractions

The Golden Circle

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Vatnajokull Glacier

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Geysir

Gullfoss Waterfall

Dyrholaey

Thingvellir National Park

Strokkur

Skaftafell

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Kerid Crater

Gljufrabui

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Haukadalur

Breiðamerkurjökull

South Coast

Diamond Beach

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - The Magnificent Golden Circle & Kerid Crater

On the first morning of your 3-day northern lights tour of Iceland, your driver will pick you up from a designated bus stop in Reykjavik or your downtown hotel. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and head into the beautiful countryside to explore the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route.

Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, the only place in the world where you can walk between two continents. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart, and you’ll be walking right through the gap. It's a great spot to take in the views and reflect on the power of nature.

Thingvellir is also where the world’s oldest still-running parliament began in the year 930. With its mix of history, geology, and natural beauty, this park is a true highlight of your trip to Iceland.

Next up is the Geysir Geothermal Area, named after the Great Geysir, which no longer erupts. But there's still plenty of action, But there's still plenty of action—most notably, the Strokkur Geyser erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending hot water high above your head. It’s exciting to watch and perfect for photos.

After that, you’ll journey toward Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. This two-tiered cascade drops a total of 105 feet (32 meters) into a dramatic canyon, with a thunderous roar that echoes across the cliffs. In winter, the scene becomes even more striking, with snow blanketing the landscape.

Your last stop today is the colorful Kerid Crater. A short walk takes you to the top, where you’ll see a beautiful lake in the middle. In winter, the water may be frozen, but if the path is clear, you can walk down and see it up close.

After a day full of wonders, your driver will take you to a comfortable three-star hotel with breakfast included, either in Reykjavik or near the Golden Circle.

As the evening settles in, take a moment to step outside and look up. If conditions are right, you might be treated to one of the most magical experiences: seeing the northern lights in Iceland.

Day 2

Day 2 - The Incredible South Coast & Glacier Hiking

Day two of your winter Iceland trip begins with breakfast at your hotel before your group sets off along the South Coast. This region is known for its dramatic waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and striking natural landmarks.

You’ll visit three breathtaking waterfalls today: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Gljufrabui. Each offers unique views and fantastic photo opportunities.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall features a path that takes you behind the cascading water for an unforgettable view. Be sure to wear waterproof clothing and sturdy boots to fully enjoy the experience.

Nearby, Gljufrabui Waterfall is one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets, tucked away in a narrow canyon and filled with quiet, magical charm. Meanwhile, Skogafoss Waterfall is equally impressive, with a powerful 197-foot (60-meter) drop and mist that often creates vivid rainbows.

Next, you'll visit Reynisfjara, Iceland’s iconic black-sand beach. With its towering basalt columns, crashing waves, and jagged sea stacks rising from the ocean, it’s a dramatic and unforgettable sight.

One of the many highlights of this day is your glacier hiking tour in Iceland. Led by a certified guide, you'll strap on crampons and walk across ancient ice, exploring crevasses and frozen landscapes surrounded by mountain peaks. This unforgettable adventure brings you face to face with the power and beauty of glacier hiking in Iceland’s glacial wilderness.

After a full day of discovery, you’ll settle into your South Coast accommodation. If the skies are clear, you’ll have another chance to witness the northern lights in Iceland dancing overhead. With minimal light pollution in the area, it’s an ideal location to enjoy this magical natural display.

Day 3

Day 3 - The Amazing Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Ice Caving

The last day of this 3-day Iceland tour is packed with some of the most stunning attractions farther along the South Coast of Iceland.

One of the first stops is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, often considered the most beautiful place in Iceland. Here, towering icebergs float gently in bright blue water after breaking off from the nearby Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. Their colors range from pure white to deep, glowing blue, with streaks of black ash from past volcanic eruptions. You might even spot seals relaxing on the ice or swimming through the calm water.

Just a short walk away is Diamond Beach, where clear ice chunks from the lagoon wash up on black sand, sparkling like gems under the open sky. This surreal place looks like a scene from another planet.

Next, you'll take part in what many consider the most popular winter activity in Iceland: entering a natural ice cave inside Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. On this ice cave tour, your expert guide will give you all the gear you need and lead you safely onto the glacier.

The moment you step inside the cave, you'll be blown away. The ice glows with brilliant shades of blue, and smooth, glassy walls surround you. Light filters in through the frozen ceiling, making the cave shimmer like crystal. It’s a peaceful and powerful experience and one that few places on Earth can match. Walking through a natural ice cave in Iceland is more than a tour; it’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Following your time in the ice cave, you’ll journey back west, passing through the vast Eldhraun Lava Field, a moss-covered landscape formed by one of the largest lava flows in history. Its eerie beauty and otherworldly feel are truly unique to Iceland.

After this incredible adventure, you’ll begin the scenic journey back to Reykjavik. If time allows, there may be a stop in Vik on the way back, offering a chance to explore the main village of the South Coast a little more.

Your driver will drop you off at your Reykjavik hotel or a bus stop downtown, wrapping up your 3-day tour of Iceland with memories you’ll treasure forever.

How it works

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Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.

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What to bring

Water Bottle & Snacks

Warm & Waterproof Clothing

Winter Shoes or Boots

Camera or Phone

Good to know

Make sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing some walking and exploring outdoors during the tour. Since space is limited, each guest can bring one piece of hand luggage. If you’re traveling with a larger suitcase, you may need to repack into a smaller bag or backpack before the trip. Don’t worry, extra luggage can be safely stored in Reykjavik for a small fee.

We’ll make stops along the way where you can buy lunch, and a variety of dinner options will be available for purchase at your hotel each evening. All rooms are double bedrooms with private bathrooms. If you're traveling solo, you’ll get your double room, and a single supplement will apply.

Seeing the northern lights is truly magical, but as a natural phenomenon, their appearance can’t be guaranteed. That said, this itinerary is designed to give you the best possible chance of seeing them. Your guide will keep an eye on the forecast and take you to the best spots whenever conditions are right. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on the weather to keep everyone safe and comfortable.