Iceland Northern Lights City Break
Description
Summary
Description
Experience one of Iceland's most breathtaking wonders in this thrilling northern lights city break in Reykjavik. This six-day winter vacation package, which you can pack with optional guided tours and experiences, maximizes your chance of checking off the elusive aurora borealis from your bucket list.
Since arranging a personal vacation can take weeks of planning and preparation, we have made things easier by creating a fully customizable schedule and an easy booking process. By booking this tour, you'll save a lot of time while enjoying the highlights of Iceland at a great price.
You can add as many or as few tours as you wish. Some travelers may want daily activities, while others may want to spend their city break relaxing with their own plans.
Your booking includes airport transfers, five nights of accommodations in the same hotel in Reykjavik, access to a personal travel agent, and a detailed itinerary. The complimentary itinerary details recommendations of what to see in Iceland that will make your exploration more manageable and efficient.
This multi-day city break in Iceland sets Reykjavik as your primary destination for six days. Known as the northernmost capital city in the world, Reykjavik offers various experiences to every kind of traveler, from cultural attractions and excellent restaurants to scenic destinations.
The highlight of this vacation package is the chance to see the northern lights, otherwise known as the aurora borealis. This natural phenomenon graces the Icelandic skies during the winter months, from September to April.
Remember to include at least one northern lights hunting tour in your vacation package if you want the best chance to view this swirling light spectacle. You can choose your mode of transport during the experience, whether on a bus, ATV, super jeep, or a boat.
You'll have four nights in which to hunt for the northern lights, providing you with an amazing chance to catch them!
To elevate your winter adventure further, you can surround your northern lights hunting with optional extra activities and arrange them based on your schedule and preferences.
You can add a Reykjavik city card to your booking to get better access to Reykjavik's museums, swimming pools, parks, and public buses. The city card provides complimentary entrance tickets to locations such as the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum.
While you're free to explore the city on your own, you can also do it with the expertise of local guides. For example, joining the optional food walking tour in Reykjavik lets you sample tasty Icelandic cuisines while learning about the country's rich history and culture.
For more bucket list experiences, you can book guided excursions to the Golden Circle, South Coast, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. These three locations are home to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country, where you can see waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic beaches, and more.
Those looking for a more relaxing time can also consider visiting geothermal spas near Reykjavik. At the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and the Hvammsvik Hot Springs, guests can expect the best geothermal bathing experiences surrounded by remarkable vistas.
Other optional activities you can join include whale watching, helicopter tours, beer walking, and museum visits. All these excursions take place in Reykjavik or have departures from it.
If you ever change your mind and decide not to push through with the trip, you may cancel your booking and get a full refund 24 hours before departure time.
Take advantage of this opportunity to witness Iceland's northern lights and many other wonders by booking this amazing Reykjavik city break in winter. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Attractions
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik
Welcome to your winter holiday in the land of fire and ice.
On day one of your six-day northern lights city break, the adventure begins after touching down at the Keflavik International Airport.
Outside the airport’s arrivals hall, you’ll find a bus that will take you to Reykjavik, your destination for the day. The airport transfer service is already included in your vacation package.
On your way to Reykjavik, you’ll pass through the rugged terrain of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This region is known for its vast lava fields, rugged coasts, and active volcanoes.
If you wish to wash away your jet lag before reaching the Icelandic capital, your best option is to stop by the Blue Lagoon. Besides Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is possibly Iceland’s most popular destination.
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa where locals and tourists can enjoy a geothermal bath. It is known for its warm azure or milky-blue waters, rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. These minerals are believed to have healing properties that soothe aching muscles.
Steamy mist and moss-covered lava fields that add to the Blue Lagoon’s rejuvenating experience will welcome you as you enter the pool. While in the area, you can access top-rated facilities such as in-water bars, saunas, and steam rooms.
To visit the Blue Lagoon, don’t forget to add an entrance package to your booking.
After getting your fill of geothermal pampering at the Blue Lagoon, you’ll continue your journey to Rekykavik. Once in the city, you can head to your accommodation before exploring.
You can start by walking along the different streets in Reykjavik. Check out the downtown area’s restaurants and cafes. Grab a quick bite and enjoy a cup of coffee before visiting the Old Harbor. The Old Harbor is one of the most important locations with deep historical significance.
After going around the Old Harbor, you can visit the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. Considered Reykjavik’s cultural hub, the Harpa hosts various concerts, events, and conferences annually. It also features a stunning glass architecture with 714 panels and LED lights illuminating the building at night.
As you close your first day in Iceland, you’ll return to your comfortable hotel and recharge for another exciting day. You may be able to spot the northern lights from your hotel window, but don't worry if not - you'll have plenty more chances to catch them.
Day 2 - Top Landmarks of Reykjavik vs Optional Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tours
Your second day in Iceland is your first full day in Reykjavik. If you want to focus on taking photos of some touristy locations, you can do all that today. You can also pair it up with exciting optional tours, such as sightseeing in the Golden Circle and northern lights hunting.
For your independent exploration of Reykjavik, you can begin your culture immersion with a visit to Hallrgimskirkja, an iconic church that dominates the city's skyline with its unique modernist design. Take an elevator ride to the top of the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains.
Afterward, you can stroll along the picturesque shores of Tjornin Pond, where you can observe graceful swans, ducks, and geese. This serene spot is surrounded by charming cityscapes, making it ideal for a leisurely walk or a peaceful moment of reflection.
Please note that at the height of winter, the pond freezes over. During this time, ice skating and hockey are popular activities here.
If you want to stay in the city but want some guidance, consider a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, a walking tour, or booking a Reykjavik City Card. Otherwise, spice up your day with a whale-watching tour, a helicopter ride, or a visit to the luxurious Sky Lagoon or relaxing Hvammsik Nature Baths.
Meanwhile, if you book the Golden Circle today, you will spend your day exploring its three major attractions: The Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. The tour departs from Reykjavik and is led by a local guide to enrich your trip.
In the evening, consider joining an optional northern lights hunt. Reykjavik's proximity to the Arctic Circle offers a prime location for witnessing this natural phenomenon. You can choose from various guided tours, including bus, boat, ATV, or super jeep excursions, each offering a unique experience for chasing the elusive aurora borealis.
Expert guides will take you to remote, dark-sky locations away from city lights, increasing your chances of seeing the colorful lights dance across the Icelandic sky.
After a packed day in Reykjavik, you will return to your hotel to rest and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 3 - Experiencing Reykjavik vs Optional South Coast Tour
On the third day of your winter city break in Reykjavik, you can customize your itinerary again. You're free to discover more of Reykjavik with some recommendations from your travel agent, or you can join optional tours.
If you prefer exploring independently, we recommend adding a 24-hour Reykjavik city card to your booking. This optional pass provides access to various cultural and recreational attractions in the Icelandic capital.
With the card in hand, you can access some of Reykjavik's top museums, such as the National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavik Art Museum, and the Arbaer Open Air Museum, where you can delve into Iceland's rich history and artistic heritage.
Additionally, the city card offers unlimited use of Reykjavik's public bus system for 24 hours and entrance to the most popular swimming pools in the city.
Otherwise, you can book many of the same city activities and hot spring experiences as yesterday.
Embark on a helicopter ride for some of the most beautiful views in the country, or join a whale watch to see the gentle giants of the sea.
Relax at the Sky Lagoon or taste locally brewed beers with a craft beer walk.
For those seeking a change of scenery, you can opt for a day trip focusing on the captivating South Coast of Iceland. This excursion takes you beyond the city limits to explore the stunning natural beauty of the countryside with the help of a local guide.
The first attraction you'll encounter on the South Coast is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. With a drop of 200 feet (60 meters), the Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a breathtaking wonder. Moreover, Seljalandsfoss offers a unique feature that lets visitors walk around its waterfall.
Not too far from Seljalandsfoss is Skogafoss, another incredible waterfall known for its power and beauty. It boasts an impressive drop, the same as Selajalandsfoss, but with a broader width of 82 feet (25 meters).
Other spectacular features of the region are the Solheimajokull glacier, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Vik village. While Solheimajokull is known for its icy terrain, Reynisfjara boasts long stretches of black sands and basalt rock formations.
The optional South Coast tour includes a transfer from and to Reykjavik and a local guide, so you don't have to worry about your transportation.
Lastly, you can cap the day with another date with the northern lights. You can do so by riding a bus, a boat, an ATV, or a super jeep, depending on your preference.
Many travelers book different northern lights tours for different experiences. Remember that no northern lights shows are the same, with different colors, patterns, and movements with each viewing.
Of course, this Reykjavik city break is completely customizable, so you can also use today to relax and make your own plans!
Day 4 - Immersive Culture of Reykjavik vs Optional Sky Lagoon and Snaefellsnes Tours
On day four of your winter visit to Iceland, you may see Reykjavik under a blanket of snow, depending on the weather. This calls for a more laid-back experience in the city or a neighboring area.
Once again, you can freely explore the northernmost capital city in the world based on what you want to experience. But if you've explored most of Reykjavik's cultural sites in the past few days, perhaps a dive into the local cuisine is your best option.
With an optional food walking tour, you can experience the flavors of Iceland with the guidance of a knowledgeable local foodie. You may be able to sample traditional Icelandic dishes such as lamb stew, fresh seafood, Icelandic hot dogs, and skyr, a beloved Icelandic dairy product.
While sampling these tasty delicacies from different food places, you may even meet passionate chefs who will share their stories and the history behind Iceland's unique culinary traditions.
Alternatively, if you want a quick escape from the cold weather, you can book a day of relaxation at the Sky Lagoon. Situated in the town of Kopavogur beside Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is an excellent place for a soothing geothermal bath.
Besides the warm waters of the geothermal spa, you'll also enjoy its surrounding views. Lava rocks surround the attraction while facing the picturesque Atlantic Ocean.
Consider whale watching tours and helicopter rides if you have not done them yet, as these experiences are unforgettable.
Meanwhile, if you prefer exploring more stunning natural landscapes in the countryside, you can join another optional tour today on a bus or a small group. This time, your destination will be the breathtaking Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the imposing Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano from Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Known as "Iceland in miniature," this captivating region offers a condensed version of the country's diverse landscapes, including lava fields, rugged coastlines, and mountains. Your Snaefellsnes itinerary may include visits to the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi, Djupalonssandur beach, Budir black church, and the recognizable Kirkjufell mountain.
To finish your day, why not add another northern lights hunt? Even if you took a bus or super jeep tour to see them, watching the aurora borealis on a boat or ATV is a completely different experience!
Whether you choose to savor Reykjavik's culinary delights, relax in the Sky Lagoon's geothermal waters, venture into the captivating Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or make your own plans, your free day in Iceland offers a range of options to cater to your interests.
In the evening, you'll return to your comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik.
Day 5 - Unique Experiences in Reykjavik
On your fifth day in Iceland, you'll have time to enjoy further and experience the charm of Reykjavik. You can repeat most of the activities you've enjoyed the last five days or enjoy the ones you may have missed.
If you enjoyed Reykjavik's cityscape, why not take an optional helicopter tour to kick off the day? Experience the breathtaking views from above and marvel at the unique charm of the colorful houses, scenic bay, and surrounding mountains of the Icelandic capital.
As you hover above these iconic landmarks, your experienced pilot will share fascinating insights into the city's geological wonders and history. Remember to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Iceland from a bird's-eye view.
Another exciting optional activity you can experience is whale watching, where you can closely encounter the gentle giants of the Atlantic Ocean.
Whale-watching tours in Reykjavik depart from the scenic Old Harbor near the city center. From here, you will sail through the open waters of Faxafloi Bay aboard a boat with large viewing decks and a professional crew.
Iceland's coastal waters are teeming with marine life, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching, no matter the season. Marine animals like humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and sometimes the elusive blue whale roam these fertile waters.
While you scan the ocean's surface for signs of these magnificent creatures, you'll also have the chance to spot playful dolphins and various seabirds that call these waters home.
Knowledgeable guides will provide valuable insights into the behavior and biology of the marine life you encounter, making this tour both an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
You can also take tours within the city, as on previous days, if you prefer something more relaxing.
Towards the end of the day, you can head to Laugavegur Street or the adjacent areas to get a taste of Reykjavik's vibrant nightlife.
Reykjavik is dotted with pubs and bars that cater to various tastes. You can start your evening by enjoying a craft beer at one of the city's microbreweries or tasting a traditional Icelandic schnapps called Brennivín.
Otherwise, use this final opportunity to book a thrilling northern lights adventure!
After a fun-filled penultimate day in Iceland, you'll head back to your cozy accommodation in the city center.
Day 6 - More of Reykjavik Before Departure
On your sixth and final day in Iceland, you can enjoy a few more activities before heading to the airport for your flight.
Make the most of your remaining time by exploring the city's top museums. You can add entrance tickets to the Whales of Iceland Museum, Wonders of Iceland Exhibition at Perlan, or FlyOver Iceland during the booking process.
Step into a realm of wonder at the Whales of Iceland Museum, where you can embark on an immersive journey into the world of magnificent marine giants with life-sized models of various whale species found in Icelandic waters.
As you wander through the exhibit, you'll learn about the diverse marine ecosystems around Iceland and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation efforts. The museum's displays and informative presentations offer a captivating farewell to the wildlife gracing your Icelandic journey.
On the other hand, the Wonders of Iceland Exhibition will transport you through Iceland's geological marvels. Set within the futuristic glass dome of Perlan Museum, this immersive experience takes you through the country's erupting volcanoes, glaciers, and northern lights.
If you want a unique experience to cap off your Icelandic winter vacation, don't miss out on the FlyOver Iceland. The attraction offers a virtual flight combining motion seats, 4D effects, and a massive curved screen to simulate a thrilling aerial journey across the country.
While suspended in the air, you'll see cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.
After finishing your activities, you'll board the bus from Reykjavik to the Keflavik International Airport to catch your flight home. See you on your next visit to the land of fire and ice, and we hope you enjoyed your Reykjavik city break.
What to bring
Good to know
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed. This itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows.
In the event of extreme weather, certain activities may be canceled at short notice. If your chosen activity is canceled, you can contact your personal travel agent to help you with rearranging your activity or booking another. Any potential price difference will be refunded to you. Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the winter.
We recommend bringing shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers, which you can purchase in many supermarkets and gas stations around Iceland.
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