13-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Get ready for an extraordinary adventure that awaits you. On day two of your self-drive tour, your journey is westward to the captivating Snaefellsnes Peninsula, renowned as "Iceland in Miniature" due to its diverse geological wonders.

As you veer off the Ring Road, a slight detour will lead you to two contrasting yet enchanting waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar's mesmerizing display of trickling rivulets gracefully streaming down the rugged rocks will captivate you. At the same time, Barnafoss will leave you in awe with its swirling torrent of water. 

Returning to Route 1, a visit to Deildartunguhver is highly recommended. Known as Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver will impress you with its raw energy and immense geothermal power. 

Continuing to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you'll encounter the striking black church in Budir. This architectural marvel exudes a dramatic allure, surrounded by snow and lava fields. Take a moment to absorb the serene ambiance and appreciate the picturesque scenery.

Make sure to explore the charming villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, both renowned for their peculiar rock formations. These coastal settlements provide a glimpse into Iceland's unique geological heritage. 

As you venture further towards Snaefellsjokull National Park, the majestic presence of the Snaefellsjokull stratovolcano and its magnificent ice cap will dominate the landscape. A thrilling optional expedition into the depths of Vatnshellir cave, an ancient lava tube, awaits you in this area.

If daylight still graces your journey, visiting Djupalonssandur pebble beach is a must. There, you'll discover a fascinating shipwreck, a haunting reminder of the forces of nature that have shaped this rugged coastline. Additionally, you can test your strength with the heavy-lifting stones that sailors once used to showcase their bravery and fortitude.

You'll spend the night in one of the charming accommodations on the peninsula. If the skies are clear of clouds, you'll have an excellent opportunity to hunt for the northern lights.

On day three of this winter road trip on the Ring Road, you'll head for the 'Capital of the North,' Akureyri.

If you didn't make it to the north of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula the previous day, visit the photogenic Mount Kirkjufell, casting its angular shadow over the township Grundarfjordur. Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland because of its distinctive peak that reaches 1519 feet (463 meters).

For pop culture buffs, you may recognize Kirkjufell as the "Arrowhead Mountain" in HBO's Game of Thrones.

As you travel the rest of Snaefellsnes, take in the rolling snowy hills and dramatic coastline, including the beautiful coastal town of Stykkisholmur.

Driving along the Troll Peninsula's winding coastal roads in North Iceland, you'll be treated to panoramic views of stunning fjords. Marvel at the beauty of Eyjafjordur, one of Iceland's longest fjords, as it glistens beneath the winter sun.

Along the way to Akureyri, don't miss the chance to make quick stops on the charming villages dotting the fjord's coast. For example, you can explore Hofsos, Siglufjordur, Dalvik, and Hauganes. Visiting these locations will allow you to learn more about the local culture and history of the region.

After crossing the mountains of the Trollaskagi Peninsula and the villages along the Eyjafjordur fjord, you'll arrive in Akureyri, where you'll spend the night. The benefit of being this far north is you stand a better chance of spotting the northern lights, so keep your eyes open for this winter highlight. 

If you have any energy, you can explore downtown Akureyri and its plethora of restaurants and bars. Don't miss the chance to visit the Akureyrarkirkja church, an architectural gem that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

If not, you can retire to your North Iceland accommodation as you have more time to explore tomorrow.

Embark on an exhilarating journey as you head eastward on day six, following the Ring Road again. But before continuing, don't miss the opportunity to stop at the beautiful Namafjall geothermal area if you haven't already experienced its surreal wonders.

Your next destination is Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland. As you traverse the breathtaking landscapes, be prepared to be enchanted by the vast, snow-blanketed plains and the majestic mountains of the Modrudalsoraefi mountain pass. This rugged terrain is officially part of the highlands, offering an incredible panoramic view of the Sprengisandur desert.

Upon arriving in Egilsstadir, you can explore this vibrant town or continue your journey to the picturesque fishing town of Seydisfjordur. Both towns are a sight to behold, boasting their unique charm and rich historical and cultural attractions.

In Egilsstadir, you can delve into the town's fascinating heritage, visit local museums, or immerse yourself in the lively arts scene. Meanwhile, Seydisfjordur captivates with its colorful houses, nestled in a stunning fjord, and offers a tranquil ambiance perfect for unwinding.

If you want to explore Iceland's largest forest, drive from Egilsstadir to the lush Hallormsstadaskogur woods. This national forest features thousands of trees with nearly a hundred different tree species.

Here, you can immerse yourself in tranquil walking paths amidst towering birch and spruce trees, offering a refreshing change in scenery from the typically stark Icelandic landscapes. In the heart of the forest, you'll find a charming camping site and a crystal-clear lake, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy picnics and the harmonious song of native birds.

Nearby, you'll discover the mystical Lake Lagarfljot, shrouded in folklore that dates back centuries. According to local legends, a mythical creature resides in its depths, with tales that predate those of the famous Loch Ness monster. 

Retire to your comfortable accommodation in East Iceland as the day draws to a close. Relax and unwind, reflecting on the awe-inspiring landscapes, the fascinating towns you've explored, and the rich cultural heritage you've encountered.

Day eight arrives, and you could use it to see the mountain Vestrahorn on the Stokknes Peninsula, referred to as the 'Batman Mountain' for its angular features that resemble a bat. This spot is a favorite amongst photographers, so have your camera (and gloves!) ready.

You can spend the morning exploring other areas of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. This cold lake is deep and massive, so there's more to explore here. The best features of the lagoon are its thousands of floating icebergs, with different sizes and colors.

In addition, make sure to marvel at the adjacent Diamond beach, where some ice chunks end up before melting. The stark contrast between the crystal-like ice and the black sands of the beach makes it a perfect site for photography.

After exploring these attractions, you also have the option to visit one of the mystical ice caves within the Vatnajokull glacier. As an expert guide leads you, you can enjoy this awe-inspiring experience conveniently and safely.

As you venture into the depths of the ice cave, you'll be enveloped by a captivating symphony of shades. Compressed over centuries, the ice reveals mesmerizing blues, radiant whites, and black streaks that seem to glow from within.

The constantly shifting nature of the ice caves means that each visit to Vatnajokull is a unique experience. Carved by the powerful forces of glacial meltwater, these caves take on new shapes, formations, and colors with every passing season. These ice caves are only accessible during winter.

You'll once again be staying in accommodations in Southeast Iceland. If you stay in Hofn, don't miss the chance to stroll around the coastal town to see its old houses and charming harbor.

When you're familiar with the sights here, take your pick of where to spend your evening hunting for the northern lights.

On day nine of your winter adventure in Iceland, you'll dive deeper into the southern region. Before reaching your destination in Vik, you'll have the day exploring more features of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe.

The focus of your winter adventure on this day is the diverse and dazzling Skaftafell Nature Reserve, often called a hiker's paradise. Skaftafell was a national park before becoming part of the larger Vatnajokull National Park.

As you enter the reserve, be prepared to be enchanted by a winter wonderland like no other. The views around Skaftafell are impressive and feature everything from woodland to rivers, lava fields, and mountainscapes. Skaftafell showcases the raw beauty of Iceland's icy landscapes and offers many outdoor adventures.

The landscape of Skaftafell transforms during winter as snow blankets the rugged terrain, adding a magical touch to the already captivating scenery. The towering peaks and vast stretches of pristine snow create a breathtaking ambiance that's both peaceful and refreshing.

There are many trails to follow in the nature reserve. Each offers diverse views and caters to varied physical abilities. Pick a path and plan for enough daylight to avoid getting lost in the dark.

You also have the option to join a guided glacier hike to survey the icy blues of one of the many glacial tongues in the area and experience the great, ancient ice cap up close. Provided in this optional activity is glacier gear like crampons and a helmet.

An expert guide will lead this optional glacier hike to ensure your safety and enjoyment. They'll take you to the diverse terrain of the glacier and tell you about its most exciting stories. As you traverse the ever-changing landscape of the glacier, you'll gain a profound understanding of the delicate balance of nature and the awe-inspiring forces that have shaped Iceland's unique geology over millennia.

You'll then go to your charming South Iceland accommodation for the night.

On day 10, you'll discover the South Coast of Iceland, a well-traveled route. Fortunately, you'll have the advantage of traveling it opposite most tours because you're driving in a clockwise direction.

Before leaving Vik, where you stayed last night, you can walk around the village to see its charming shops and cafes. You can also walk toward the local church to get a panoramic view of the area.

Take a short drive from Vik to the famed Reynisfjara black beach and admire the fascinating geology. Apart from the long stretch of black volcanic sands, Reynisfjara features impressive hexagonal basalt columns and defiant sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. The Reynisdrangar stand like trolls by the beach, constantly pounded by the North Atlantic Ocean.

Keeping the sea on one side and the heady heights of the interior to the other, glaciers such as Eyjafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull, and Solheimajokull dominate the landscape. If you want to explore one of these glaciers up close, you can add a glacier hiking experience during the booking process.

On the other hand, if you're in the mood for a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, you can also take an optional snowmobile tour on one of these glaciers. Dash across the ice and take in the serene environment of the area.

The South Coast is also known for its many waterfalls, with glacier waters plummeting down from the Southern Highlands. The two most majestic and beautiful are the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, which measure 197 feet (60 meters).

Rainbows are familiar sights at Skogafoss waterfall on a sunny day due to its massive cascade. Meanwhile, Seljalandsfoss waterfall offers the best viewing experience because you can walk behind its water curtain.

Retire to your accommodation in Selfoss town for the evening and look out for the northern lights.

Your day will be spent exploring the famous Golden Circle, one of the most popular areas in Iceland. This route includes three main attractions, particularly the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, and it's exceptionally alluring in the winter, with its icy tendrils stretching out as water plummets into the canyon below. While in this area, don't forget to photograph its massive and frozen two-tiered cascade.

Near Gullfoss waterfall is another highlight of the Golden Circle called the Geysir geothermal area. At Geysir, a hot spring called Strokkur blows boiling water into the air every 5-10 minutes. This is a testament to the raw power of Iceland's geothermal activities.

If you're driving from the south, the last feature of this scenic route is Thingvellir National Park, a place of rich history and geological formations.

Thingvellir is characterized by the ridge that runs through it, representing the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. They're pulling apart at the same rate your fingernails grow and create the unique opportunity to walk between continents. Iceland is the only place on earth where this is possible.

Silfra is the name for a fissure formed by the aforementioned tectonic activity and filled with incredibly pure glacier water. This water is then further filtered by the lava rock surrounding it, rendering it some of the most transparent water in the world. You can snorkel in Silfra to enjoy this passage's 328 feet (100 meters) visibility. Participants on the optional snorkeling tour need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

If you prefer warmer water, why not spend an hour or two soaking in the hot spring at the Secret Lagoon? Although it may not be so secret anymore, it's the oldest pool in Iceland, and its setting is quite picturesque.

For those looking for something a bit bolder, a high-speed ride along Iceland's second-largest glacier on a snowmobile is the perfect thrill for the day.

Whatever you get up to, you're guaranteed to return to Reykjavik in the evening with even more unforgettable memories.