Stunning 7-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of North Iceland by Lake Myvatn

Welcome to your holiday in the land of fire and ice.

If you’re just arriving in Iceland, your adventure begins at the Keflavik International Airport. Here, a car fit for the winter terrain will be waiting for you. The car is modern, spacious, and equipped with a user-friendly GPS.

Your main destination for today is Reykjavik, the bustling capital of Iceland. En route to the city, you’ll pass by the Reykjanes peninsula, known for its volcanoes, geothermal areas, and vast lava fields.

While in Reykjanes, you can opt to stop at the Blue Lagoon. This extraordinary geothermal spa is famous for its healing waters, vivid azure colors, and luxurious treatments. Nestled amidst a moss-covered lava field, the Blue Lagoon offers an otherworldly experience. 

If you decide to add the Blue Lagoon to your itinerary, it will be arranged based on your flight schedule. If there isn't enough time to visit the lagoon on day one, it can be accommodated on another day of your choosing. Simply contact your dedicated travel agent, who will gladly assist you with the arrangements. 

You can visit the Sky Lagoon if you'd rather head straight to the capital. 

The Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik is a tranquil geothermal spa with incredible ocean views. Located close to the city, it boasts an infinity pool where you can relax in warm waters while admiring the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon offers a unique seven-step wellness ritual, including a cold dip, sauna, and steam room

Upon arrival in Reykjavik, you can check in at your hotel for the night to drop off your things before exploring the city independently.

As the northernmost capital city in the world, Reykjavik offers a unique atmosphere with its colorful buildings, scenic streets, stunning coastal views, and a lively arts scene.

Exploring Reykjavik reveals a host of attractions, from the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, which offers panoramic views of the city, to the Harpa Concert Hall, a marvel of modern design. The city is also home to various museums, including the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum, which showcase the country’s rich history and vibrant art scene. 

Strolling through the city center, you can also enjoy a mix of trendy shops, cozy cafes, and gourmet restaurants. 

After immersing yourself in the city’s highlights, you can retire to your hotel for the night to prepare for your adventures tomorrow.

On day two of your self-drive tour in Iceland, you'll begin the scenic journey to North Iceland. Your main destination is Akureyri, the region's capital town, which is located along Iceland's longest fjord.

Leaving Reykjavik behind, the beautiful countryside of Iceland welcomes you with its stunning landscapes and vistas. You may choose to stop and visit some of these destinations to enhance your trip.

For example, in West Iceland, there are towns, waterfalls, valleys, fjords, and hot springs to see. This includes the Deildartunguhver hot spring and the Hraunfossar waterfall. Deildartunguhver is Europe's highest-flowing hot spring, while Hraunfossar boasts numerous cascades over a vast lava field.

Alternatively, if you skip these attractions and arrive early in Akureyri, you can dedicate the rest of the day to exploring the town. There's a wealth of attractions and things to do, including shopping streets lined with boutiques, bars, and restaurants, plus plenty of museums and galleries.

Akureyri is a fabulous place to spend your first day in North Iceland. Beautiful mountains surround the town, and you can enjoy excellent views over the plunging Eyjafjordur fjord. 

You'll spend the next three days enjoying the landscapes surrounding the city, so spend today relaxing and sightseeing in the city. Head to the Christmas House to get in the festive spirit, or go to the botanical gardens to enjoy nature.

Alternatively, you could hit the nearby ski slopes of Hlidarfjall for some outdoor fun. These pistes are considered the best in the country, so the area is worth a visit if you like winter sports.

As the evening draws in, we recommend you drive out of Akureyri into the countryside to avoid the town's light pollution. This is the best way to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights on your first night.

If you're too tired or the sky is cloudy and overcast, don't worry - you'll have three more nights to try and spot them.

You'll spend the first night in comfortable accommodation in North Iceland.

Spend the third day of your self-drive tour visiting one of the best-loved areas of North Iceland, Lake Myvatn.

After breakfast in Akureyri, you'll drive east along the Ring Road to reach the geothermal area of Myvatn lake. The lake itself is a large expanse of water. It's stunning in winter, often frozen and surrounded by spectacular snowscapes.

The area is also known for its incredible geology. You'll see pillars of basalt towering over the icy lava fields, bizarre yet beautiful pseudocraters lining the lake's banks, and the magnificent lava fortress of Dimmuborgir.

Aside from its scale and formations, Dimmuborgir is a great place to visit in winter due to its cultural significance. It's said that the 13 Yule Lads (the Icelandic interpretation of Santa Claus) live here throughout the year. The site was also used as a shooting location in the hit TV show Game of Thrones.

On the way to Lake Myvatn, you'll pass the Godafoss waterfall, whose name in English means "waterfall of the gods." This spectacular natural attraction is hugely powerful and has a fascinating history. More than 1,000 years ago, Iceland's Lawspeaker threw his idols of the old Norse gods into the waterfall, symbolically converting the nation to Christianity.

Another nearby destination worth a detour is Namaskard Pass, a lifeless mountain plateau seething with fumaroles and hot springs.

Aside from sightseeing, you can add something extra to your day by booking admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths. This geothermal spa is in an incredible location, with the lakes and surrounding landscapes in clear view.

The waters are naturally heated and full of healing minerals. Though great for families and solo travelers, they have particular appeal to couples due to the romantic ambiance that the site boasts.

If you plan to reach the baths late in the day, you may even see the northern lights dancing in the sky above you as you unwind. There are few experiences more typically Icelandic than marveling over the auroras from a beautiful hot pool.

After a full day of exploring, an evening of relaxation, and hopefully a magnificent show, you'll retire in your comfortable North Iceland accommodation.

Enjoy another day in the Lake Myvatn geothermal area and explore the winter wonderland of North Iceland at your own pace.

After a tasty breakfast at your accommodation, you're free to explore the natural attractions of North Iceland at your leisure. There are plenty of fascinating sights to discover around the lake, and you can head further afield if you choose.

You'll return to the same accommodation tonight, so you don't need to pack your belongings before you leave in the morning. Just take a day pack to ensure you have what you need close at hand.

One potential stop today is at the Grjotagja lava cave. The cave contains a natural hot spring and is a fantastic place to learn more about volcanic and geothermal energy in Iceland. The spring water temperature is too unpredictable to bathe in, but it's a fascinating place.

If you haven't visited Husavik yet, today could be an excellent day to do so. It's a picturesque settlement on Iceland's northern coast, with whale-watching opportunities and cozy cafes. 

Alternatively, you could venture further off the Ring Road with a trip to the Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful in Europe. This mighty waterfall is over 131 feet (about 40 meters) tall and over 330 feet (roughly 100 meters) wide. It's a breathtaking sight. 

The waterfall perfectly demonstrates the force of Iceland's nature and the marriage of ice and fire. The water comes from the country's largest glacier, and the cliffs surrounding it are formed of ancient lava.

Driving to Dettifoss in the winter can be challenging, as you'll need to follow an unpaved road to reach it. If the weather is bad, it can be very hazardous, so check road conditions before you set off. Your car will be a four-wheel drive to help you navigate the icy roads, but always be careful and drive slowly.

After a busy day of sightseeing, you can return to your accommodation or stay up late looking for the northern lights.

On day five of your self-drive winter tour of North Iceland, you'll return to Akureyri. You can visit any attractions you've missed along the way, such as the Dimmuborgir lava fortress or the Godafoss waterfall.

After breakfast at your accommodation, explore more of North Iceland as you see fit. You'll need to return to your accommodation in Akureyri tonight, but it's not far - about 50 miles (roughly 80 kilometers). Take your time and explore other sights before you go.

Anyone keen to learn more about Iceland's early settlers can drive to the Laufas turf houses. This site is part of the National Museum of Iceland and gives visitors a clear idea of how early Icelanders would have lived.

Keen skiers could make the most of the winter landscape by heading to the mountains near Akureyri for fun on the slopes. Alternatively, you can drive to Husavik and organize a whale-watching tour. Your travel agent can provide tips for the best things to do in North Iceland, so you'll have a fantastic final day in the region.

If you go straight back to Akureyri, there are some fun things to do in the city to keep you busy. Enjoy a dip at the local swimming pool for an authentic Icelandic experience. Icelanders love swimming, and you'll find a pool in nearly every town, village, or settlement.

Akureyri is also home to the striking Akureyrarkirkja church. If you've previously spent time in Reykjavik, this church is an interesting point of comparison to the capital's Hallgrimskirkja church.

The city is also home to several museums. If you're traveling with children, a trip to the Akureyri Toy Museum could be a good choice. It's housed in the Fridbjarnarhus, one of the town's oldest buildings.

After a final day of sightseeing, you can drive out of the city to spend one more night looking for the northern lights. When ready, return to your guesthouse or hotel in North Iceland and enjoy a good night's sleep before your flight to Reykjavik tomorrow.

Enjoy a final few hours in Akureyri before your drive back to Reykjavik. If you have time in the morning, you can visit any sights or attractions you've missed in Akureyri.

A stop at the Akureyri Art Museum is a must for art enthusiasts. This prominent venue showcases a dynamic array of contemporary artworks from both Icelandic and international artists.

Meanwhile, the Akureyri Regional Museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Akureyri and the surrounding region. It features exhibits on local history, including the town's development, traditional Icelandic life, and significant historical events. It is also home to other exhibitions, including Nonni's House, Davidshus, and Akureyri Toy Museum.

If you prefer to stay close to downtown Akureyri, don't forget to check out the Hof Cultural and Conference Center. This modern architectural gem hosts a range of cultural events, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions. 

When the winter chill begins to nip, find solace and warmth in one of the local cafes like Blaa Kannan cafe, a popular spot known for its delightful hot drinks and delicious pastries.

Book enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to explore Eymundsson, the main bookstore in the town, where a vast selection of Icelandic literature, translated into various languages, awaits.

Alternatively, you can leave the town early to explore other destinations en route to Reykjavik. Northwest Iceland, in particular, is home to breathtaking natural attractions and destinations, including the Hvitserkur rock formation, the Vatnsnes peninsula, and Hvammstangi town.

Once in Reykjavik, you can head straight to your hotel or focus on exploring a few city attractions or nearby locations. 

Don't forget to visit Laugavegur, the Icelandic capital's main shopping street. A wide selection of boutiques, souvenir shops, unique cafes, and diverse restaurants await here.

Before retiring for the night, make sure to gaze into the winter skies. The aurora borealis may show up with excellent sky and weather conditions.