Romantic 7 Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Getaway in Iceland with Ice Caving & Waterfalls

On your second day, you’ll set out to explore a region nicknamed ‘Iceland in Miniature’ because of its unbelievable diversity: the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. As you head north towards it, you are welcome to detour to explore some sites of west Iceland, such as Faxafloi Bay and the Eldborg Crater.

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You will still want plenty of time on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, however, not least to reach its most famous feature, which sits on its tip. The twin-peaked subglacial volcano of Snaefellsjokull is so spectacular that it is now a National Park, and is most renowned for being the primary setting for the Jules Verne novel ‘A Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

The attractions leading up to this magnificent site, on both the north and south shores, are similarly beautiful, if not quite as well known.

For example, Kirkjufell mountain, which is featured in Game of Thrones, is a favourite site amongst photographers; Djupalonssandur is a stunning black sand beach with a fascinating history; and the abandoned village of Hellnar is a place of windswept serenity. At many of these sites, you’ll find plenty of romantic, private spots to unwind.

You’ll spend the night at a hotel on the peninsula. If the sky is clear and dark, and you aren’t all tuckered out from a day of exploration, feel free to hunt for the auroras over some of the area’s magnificent landscapes.

On the third day of your romantic Northern Lights getaway, you’ll set off to explore the three sites of the Golden Circle, the most iconic sightseeing trail in Iceland.

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Those with a taste of adventure, however, can organise a lava caving excursion first, where you will descend into Vidgelmir and witness the stunning subterranean world beneath Iceland’s landscapes.

The Golden Circle is famous for three incredible sites, all of which show a different side of Iceland’s nature. Gullfoss is a magnificent waterfall which tumbles into an ancient valley; in winter, beautiful ice armours the rocks that surround it.

The Geysir Geothermal Area, meanwhile, is a wonderland of hot springs, including the geyser of Strokkur, which erupts every ten minutes or so. Finally, Thingvellir is a National Park located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, filled with lava fields, forests, ravines and springs.

Those seeking a unique winter excursion can opt into a snorkelling tour in one of these springs, Silfra, to witness its crystal clear views and swim between the continents.

Just off the Golden Circle are plenty of cultural and natural sites that those on guided tours rarely get a chance to see but you are welcome to locate at your own leisure. Many of these, such as the Fontana Spa and Secret Lagoon, have a romantic ambience, making them perfect for couples.

You’ll retire for the night in south-west Iceland.

The fourth day of your adventure will take you along the South Coast, where you can expect to find countless attractions inland and spectacular views out to sea. As this is a slow-paced vacation, you’ll spend three days in total getting to know this beautiful region.

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The first major attraction you will come to is a Seljalandsfoss; a tall, gentle waterfall, it is famous for the vast cavern that opens behind it. The water that feeds it comes from the glacier of Eyjafjallajokull, which can be glimpsed at as you travel.

If you wish to have a more personal experience with an Icelandic ice cap, you can opt into a glacier-hiking tour on Solheimajokull, found just after Seljalandsfoss. You’ll be led by an expert guide, who will welcome you to a world of gleaming, colourful ice and spectacular views.

Another choice is to visit the ice caves on the volcano of Katla, a particularly appealing choice for those coming outside of midwinter when the crystal blue ice caves are closed. A final way to explore the ice caps is on a thrilling snowmobiling tour, where you will race across their snowy surfaces.

The next site on the South Coast is the magnificent Skogafoss waterfall, which is about sixty metres tall and produces an enormous cloud of spray. After marvelling over its power, you can move along to one of the world’s most beautiful non-tropical beaches, Reynisfjara.

This stretch is renowned for its otherworldly black sands, enormous waves, and the dramatic sea-stacks of Reynisdrangar, said to have once been trolls frozen in the sun.

By the beach is a quaint village of Vik, where you will spend the night.

The fifth day of your tour will take you along the rest of the South Coast, culminating at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which is often nicknamed the crown jewel of Iceland’s nature.

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After leaving Vík, you will pass through some spectacular landscapes as you make your way towards Vatnajokull National Park, where most of today’s sites can be found. The first attraction you’ll reach, however, is the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, which is steeped in religious history. Next to it is a similarly historic farm, Foss a Sidu, which sits before a beautiful waterfall.

You’ll then have the opportunity to visit Skaftafell, a nature reserve in the National Park. This area is filled with natural wonders, including glacier tongues and lagoons, sparkling rivers, and lava formations. The most beautiful of these are the hexagonal basalt columns that surround ‘the black waterfall’, Svartifoss.

After exploring the nature reserve to your heart’s content, you can continue along to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Iceland’s deepest lake, it fills with icebergs breaking from a tongue of Vatnajokull glacier, often as tall as multi-storey buildings. They are spectacular to admire from the shores, and made all the more beautiful by the resident seals.

Adjacent to the lake is the ethereal, romantic Diamond Beach, the black sand stretch of coastline where these icebergs wash up after finally reaching the ocean.

Both Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Beach are fantastic places to remain after the sun sets in hope of seeing the auroras dancing above. Your accommodation will be in this area.

If travelling between October and March, your sixth day will begin with a winter adventure like no other: an exploration of the crystal blue ice caves under Vatnajokull glacier.

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These incredible formations are very rare around the world. A visit to one will envelop you into a world of vivid blue colours and beautiful lighting effects, and allow you to experience first hand the inner workings of Iceland’s beautiful glaciers.

After your guided tour into this spectacular place, the rest of your day is free; though you have to get back to the capital in the evening, where you will be retiring, what you do before your get there is entirely up to you.

Most guests want more time marvelling over the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon because of its sheer, unreal beauty, but you have the opportunity to return to any South Coast sites you want to admire again.

Of course, as this is a self-drive vacation, you can also address your itinerary and seek out the hidden gems just off the main road that most visitors overlook. If you are looking to find a private, romantic spot out in the remote nature, now is a great time to do so.

As your day comes to a close, you will likely still be on the road, so be sure to look for dark corners en route where you can hunt for the Northern Lights.

Sadly, your seventh day is your final one in Iceland. You will have to return your car to Keflavik International Airport in time for your flight.

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If, however, you have a late departure, you have several options for how to spend your last day. While you could simply enjoy the city of Reykjavik, making the most of its shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and art, the adventurous can squeeze in a final excursion.

From the domestic airport, you can opt into a helicopter or plane tour, to witness Iceland’s magnificent winter landscapes from the sky. If travelling before the end of October, you could even take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to descend into the vast, colourful magma chamber of a dormant volcano.

You could also use your last hours to explore the volcanic, geothermal wonders of the Reykjanes Peninsula, before dropping off your vehicle and saying farewell to your exclusive, romantic time in Iceland.

Enjoy your flight and come back soon!