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

Name: 3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Multi-Day Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon
Brand: David The Guide
SKU: 8416
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (914 reviews)

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9.6

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Travel details

Dates

Time

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Travelers

Pick-up location

Search from list or send later

When to book

Most travelers book about 6 weeks ahead. November is the cheapest month, from US$804 per person, and December is the busiest month.

Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Starting time

At 08:00

Duration

3 days & 2 nights

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Available

Oct. - Apr.

Minimum age

8 years old

When to book

Most travelers book about 6 weeks ahead. November is the cheapest month, from US$804 per person, and December is the busiest month.

3,789 reviews

Description

Join this 3-day northern lights tour and see some of Iceland's main winter highlights: the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and an ice cave in Europe's largest glacier. You also go on a beginner-friendly glacier hike, with no experience needed.

The tour suits travelers who are short on time but want to see Iceland's main attractions, from waterfalls to blue glaciers, and, if the sky is clear, the northern lights.

Two nights in countryside hotels, away from light pollution, also give you more chances to see the northern lights.

On day one, you travel along the South Coast to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Gljufrabui Waterfall, and Skogafoss Waterfall, and walk on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Later, a shuttle takes you to the DC-3 plane wreck on the black sand.

On day two, you hike on the icy surface of an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull Glacier and explore an ice cave on a combined four-hour tour, then visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. On the way back west, you stop at Eldhraun Lava Field and, if time permits, at Vik Village.

Exploring an ice cave in Europe's largest glacier makes this tour special. Ice caves can only be visited in winter, and new ones form each season, so your guide chooses the best and safest one available in Vatnajokull Glacier.

The ice caves are filled with shades of blue and white. Because Vatnajokull Glacier is always moving, the caves change every year, so no two visits are the same.

All the equipment for the glacier hike and the ice cave is provided.

On day three, you follow the Golden Circle to Thingvellir National Park, the erupting geysers of the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, and finish at Kerid Crater before you return to Reykjavik.

With this package, your trip is organized for you, so you don't need to worry about winter road conditions or booking accommodation. Your small group travels from Reykjavik in a comfortable vehicle with free Wi-Fi, led by an experienced guide.

Check availability by choosing a date.

Iceland's leading travel agency

Included

Professional English-speaking guide

Two nights in 3-star hotels

Continental breakfast

Golden Circle sightseeing

South Coast sightseeing

Ice cave tour and glacier hike in Vatnajokull Glacier, with gear

Northern lights forecast from your guide and viewing from your hotel (weather permitting)

Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik

All transportation

Wi-Fi in the vehicle

Guide to Iceland VIP Club access

Shuttle to the DC-3 plane wreck

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Activities

Glacier Hiking

Sightseeing

Northern lights hunting

Ice Caving

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Iceland's leading travel agency

Traveler's Choice

Amazing!

Melissa Sinclair

Our 3 day tour was amazing. We saw so much of the beauty of Iceland. The tour guides were very knowledgeable. You were able to accommodate our group that included my 85 year old mother who had Iceland on her bucket list. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Amazing!

ashar

Booked it blindly while being short on time. Overall very satisfied. Shoutout to Sotiris and Agnes for being amazing guides.

Amazing!

RODICA IULIA CIOBOTARU

This 3-day Northern Lights, Ice Cave, Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon tour exceeded expectations from start to finish. Everything was exceptionally well organized, and the experience felt both seamless and adventurous at the same time. We were fortunate to have two incredibly knowledgeable guides (Ian/John and Thomas) who brought Iceland to life with their insights, stories, and genuine enthusiasm. You could tell they truly cared about making the experience memorable. They are also very experienced drivers —highly skilled, which made us feel safe and comfortable even in challenging conditions. The glacier hiking was a true highlight—absolutely unforgettable. Walking across the ice, surrounded by such raw natural beauty, was both thrilling and humbling. Accommodation and food were also very good—comfortable, clean, and thoughtfully selected to complement the journey. It struck a nice balance between adventure and relaxation. Overall, this tour delivered on every level: scenery, organization, expertise, and experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore Iceland in a meaningful and well-guided way.

Amazing!

Winna Xia

We had an amazing time with our tour guide, Agnes. She took us around to so many amazing sites in Iceland along the southern coast and introduced us to their culture, the famous Icelandic horses, and also their candy! So much was packed into 3 days. Even when the tour was over, she was so helpful in helping us plan the remainder of our trip with local recommendations. Could not have asked for a better tour!

Amazing!

Ng Ding Feng

Tour guide was great and told us some history of each location

Amazing!

Emmanuel Pena

I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a south coast and Golden Circle tour. I was solo travelling and really enjoyed it. Our guide, Lorenzo, with David the Guide (company) was amazing. He was super helpful and knowledgeable about the tour area. If you wanted to know more information he was happy to provide it. He also did a great job to tailor the tour to maximize our experience and comfort.

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Map

Attractions

Thingvellir National Park

Geysir

Gullfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Gljufrabui

Skogafoss

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Diamond Beach

Vatnajokull Glacier & National Park

Eldhraun

Vik

The Golden Circle

Strokkur Geyser

Haukadalur

South Coast

Skaftafell

Breidamerkurjokull Glacier Tongue

+13

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Tips from travelers

Wear sturdy ankle-supporting boots
Bring sturdy ankle-supporting hiking boots so the glacier crampons attach securely during the ice hike.
Pack snacks for the road
Pack snacks and quick bites for the drive, as daytime pauses between waterfalls can be brief.
Monitor winter travel conditions
Check the weather and road forecast ahead of your journey, as sudden snowstorms can cause guides to rearrange stops.
Track the evening aurora
Check the northern lights forecast after dinner, as sightings often happen right outside your rural hotel grounds.
Keep essentials in a daypack
Keep your daily essentials in a small bag by your feet, as minibus overhead racks offer limited space.
Prepare camera night mode early
Set your phone or camera to long exposure settings before stepping out into the dark hotel surroundings.

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - The Incredible South Coast

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 set 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.

Later, a shuttle takes you across the black sand of Solheimasandur to the wreck of a DC-3 plane that crash-landed there in 1973. The crew survived, and the stripped fuselage has become one of the most photographed sights on the South Coast.

Farther east, you’ll stop in Skaftafell, a nature reserve in Vatnajokull National Park where glacier tongues spill down from the ice cap between birch woods and mountain ridges.

After a full day of discovery, you’ll settle into your South Coast accommodation. If the skies are clear, you’ll have your first 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 2

Day 2 - The Amazing Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

Day two of your winter Iceland trip begins with breakfast at your hotel and 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.

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.

Your guide then leads you into what many consider the most popular winter activity in Iceland: a natural ice cave inside Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. The hike and the cave run together as a single four-hour tour, and your expert guide will give you all the gear you need.

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.

If time allows, there may be a stop in Vik on the way, offering a chance to explore the main village of the South Coast a little more.

You’ll spend your second night at a hotel on the South Coast, with breakfast included and another chance to step outside and look up for the northern lights.

Day 3

Day 3 - The Magnificent Golden Circle

On the final day of your 3-day northern lights tour of Iceland, you’ll have breakfast at your hotel before heading inland 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. Here, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart, and you’ll have the chance to walk right through the rift. It’s a stunning spot to take in the views and reflect on the incredible 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. However, there’s still plenty of action. Most notably, the Strokkur Geyser erupts every 4 to 16 minutes, sending hot water high into the air. It’s an exciting sight 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 is Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater around 3,000 years old, with steep red slopes falling about 180 feet (55 meters) to a pool that freezes over in winter. A small entrance fee is paid at the gate.

From Kerid, you’ll travel the short distance back to the capital. 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.

Pick-up information

Starting time

This tour has flexible departure times. See the drop-down for all departures. Free pick-up is included with this tour.

Pick-up location

This tour includes hotel pickup. Use the drop-down to view pickup locations. You can also add your pick-up location later.

See all pickup locations

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 and snacks

Warm and waterproof clothing

Winter shoes or boots

Camera or phone

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Good to know

Travelers explore each destination on their own and meet the bus at a set time, rather than following a guide during walks. The glacier excursion involves walking over uneven ice and gravel with crampons, which requires steady balance and moderate physical effort. High winds and sudden snowfall can lead guides to rearrange the sequence of stops to maintain safety.

Much of the journey involves extended drives through winter landscapes, with brief pauses for sightseeing and meals. Aurora viewing typically takes place by stepping outside rural countryside lodgings during clear nights rather than traveling on dedicated search drives. Basic continental breakfast is provided at the hotels, but lunches and dinners are purchased independently during travel stops.

The minimum age is 8.

Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as you walk and explore outdoors during the tour.

Space is limited, so each guest can bring one piece of hand luggage.

If you have a larger suitcase, you may need to repack into a smaller bag or backpack before the trip.

Extra luggage can be stored in Reykjavik for a small fee.

The tour stops where you can buy lunch, and dinner is available at your hotel each evening, at your own expense.

All rooms are double rooms with private bathrooms.

If you travel solo, you get your own double room, and a single supplement applies.

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings can't be guaranteed.

After dinner, your guide tells you about the northern lights forecast, and if the weather and conditions are right, you can watch the lights from your hotel.

You stay in 3-star hotels with breakfast included.

The glacier part of the tour isn't advised for travelers with limited mobility, pregnant travelers, or those with other impairments; you can still join the tour, but you may not be able to take part in the glacier activities if it's deemed unsafe.

Price per person by month

Lowest prices: April, from about US$687. Not available: May to August.

US$687Lowest priceApr

US$960Average priceAcross the season

NovCheapest monthAverage US$901

SepMost expensiveAverage US$1,014

SepUS$1,014

Oct

US$967US$710

Nov

US$901US$804

Dec

US$934US$804

Jan

US$989US$918

FebUS$985

MarUS$977

Apr

US$922US$687

Lowest price per personAverage price per personTypical price range

Weather and cancellations

Called off on about 0.8% of dates.

Sep

0.8%

Oct

Nov

1.1%

Dec

1.1%

Jan

0.6%

Feb

1.5%

Mar

Apr

None called offFewer to more called off

Called off by the operator? You get a full refund or a free rebooking.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Free cancellation & full refund
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Best price always guaranteed
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Who books this tour

Who travels on this tour, where they come from and which days fill up first.

Who books

2.1travelers per booking on average

Couples56%

Groups of 3 or more18%

Solo travelers26%

Couples make up the largest share of bookings, at 56%. Solo travelers follow, at 26%.

Where travelers come from

22%from Hong Kong SAR China

Hong Kong SAR China22%

United States21%

Japan13%

Taiwan10%

United Kingdom7%

China6%

The largest share of travelers, 22%, comes from Hong Kong SAR China, followed by the United States and Japan.

Busiest days of the week

MonbusiestSatquietest

Mon

17%

Tue

13%

Wed

13%

Thu

14%

Fri

15%

Sat

12%

Sun

16%

Busiest daysQuietest days

Monday is the busiest departure day. Saturday is the quietest.

Verified reviews

What travelers love

More than half of reviews mention the ice and glaciers.

Glacier hiking across the ice
Walking inside natural ice caves
Guides who share local folklore
Views of icebergs along the lagoon

Most common complaint: Travelers report arriving at the wrong bus stop or receiving lodging and schedule notices shortly before departure. Ask the driver to check your name on the passenger list before you board.

914 reviews

9.6

All languages

All ratings

Amazing!

Melissa Sinclair

Amazing!

ashar

Booked it blindly while being short on time.

Overall very satisfied.

Shoutout to Sotiris and Agnes for being amazing guides.

Amazing!

RODICA IULIA CIOBOTARU

We were fortunate to have two incredibly knowledgeable guides (Ian/John and Thomas) who brought Iceland to life with their insights, stories, and genuine enthusiasm. You could tell they truly cared about making the experience memorable. They are also very experienced drivers —highly skilled, which made us feel safe and comfortable even in challenging conditions.

The glacier hiking was a true highlight—absolutely unforgettable. Walking across the ice, surrounded by such raw natural beauty, was both thrilling and humbling.

Accommodation and food were also very good—comfortable, clean, and thoughtfully selected to complement the journey. It struck a nice balance between adventure and relaxation.

Overall, this tour delivered on every level: scenery, organization, expertise, and experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore Iceland in a meaningful and well-guided way.

Amazing!

Winna Xia

Amazing!

Ng Ding Feng

Tour guide was great and told us some history of each location

Amazing!

Emmanuel Pena

Amazing!

Clara Luna Marco

Iceland is an amazing country with a lot of contrasts and we managed to see everything with this tour! We did it with the company David The Guide in a small group of 11 people.

Stops and pace of the journey were great and we had enough time to see most of the places (except Gulfoss and Skogafoss where we would have liked to have more time). The hotels were of nice quality, and the guide made some extra stops that were really cool. Although the last day was a really long drive it did not feel too tiring.

The only “negative” thing I would say is that we did not get much specific information about the tour until 2 days in advance (pick up point and time) or the night before (hotel for the first night, we never got the information of the second hotel). In addition, we did not receive any confirmation from the tour company until I reached out to them by email. This is okay if you are the kind of person that goes with the flow but for me it caused a bit of uncertainty. Furthermore, I missed having a little more explanation during the drives about the history of Iceland or the landscapes.

However, it was a wonderful experience and I would definitely recommend it!

Amazing!

Anastasia suhartini widjaja

The tour went well with Agnes as the guide 👍 She is lovely and explained every thing very detail n clear. The hotel also very nice and we got to see very strong northern light on the second night.

Only the first day golden circle tour, in the morning time we got bad snowing and windy so can not enjoy much in pingvellir. The van also feels very tight for 19 persons on the first day. Fortunately later it decreased to be 12 persons.

The tour is worth of money 👍

Amazing!

Joey

Thank you so much to our guide sol :) we had a wonderful time and all the arrangement was perfect

Amazing!

Noel Lee

We joined the 3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Multi-Day tour with David the Guide! Our tour guide, Erlingur was very flexible with the travel itinerary. He would carefully observe the weather and made the appropriate adjustments to ensure all guests could have the best experience while there. Erlingur was a safe and experienced driver. I also highly appreciate the accommodation of the hotel was situated in a low light pollution area, which was optimal for Northern Lights sightseeing! This tour had left wonderful memories for me and my family as first-time travelers in Iceland! If you would like to experience the multiple places within the south island in a short amount of time, I would highly recommend this tour group!

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Travel details

When to book

Description

Summary

When to book

Description

Included

Activities

Map

Attractions

Tips from travelers

Wear sturdy ankle-supporting boots

Pack snacks for the road

Monitor winter travel conditions

Track the evening aurora

Keep essentials in a daypack

Prepare camera night mode early

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - The Incredible South Coast

Day 2 - The Amazing Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

Day 3 - The Magnificent Golden Circle

Pick-up information

How it works

What to bring

Good to know

Price per person by month

Weather and cancellations

Video

We guarantee

Who books this tour

Where travelers come from

Busiest days of the week

Verified reviews

What travelers love

Get the best price now!

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