Ultimate 10-Day Northern Lights Winter Trip to Iceland's Highlands with Ice Caving

Discover the highlights of the South Coast with a two-day small-group trip from Reykjavik.

This morning, you’ll leave the city behind you as you travel along a stretch of the Ring Road. Since you’ll be spending a night away from Reykjavik, be sure to pack an overnight bag and check out of your room before you start the journey.

After meeting your group for the next two days, you’ll head through the countryside toward your first stop: the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Eyjafjallajokull glacier, which made headlines in 2010 when the volcano beneath it erupted, halting air travel across Europe due to the massive ash cloud.

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall sits at the foot of the glacier, cascading down almost 200 feet (about 60 meters). Though narrow and gentle, it’s a stunning sight. Next, you’ll visit the nearby Skogafoss waterfall, which has the same height but is much broader and more powerful.

Continuing along the South Coast, you’ll enjoy views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean on your right. You’ll make another stop at the Reynisfjara black-sand beach, one of Iceland’s best-known beaches. It’s appeared in several films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones and Star Wars: Rogue One.

Enjoy a walk along the jet-black sands and admire the views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Just be cautious not to get too close to the water, as the sneaker waves here can be dangerous.

After a break, your group will continue along the road, passing through barren lava fields, rolling hills, and magnificent plains until you arrive at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.  Often referred to as the “crown jewel of Iceland,” this deep lake is the birthplace of many icebergs. You’ll watch as they float in the water, shifting and changing as they make their way toward the sea.

Adjacent to the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where you can get a closer look at the icebergs that have drifted ashore, creating a jewel-like appearance that contrasts beautifully with the volcanic sands.

Finally, you’ll settle into your accommodation in Southeast Iceland, just in time to grab some local cuisine for dinner. Remember to look towards the sky in the evening for a chance to catch the northern lights if conditions permit.

Our main activity today is a thrilling highland adventure.

You’ll take a Super Jeep tour into the Landmannalaugar geothermal area. This modified 4X4 vehicle is specifically designed for off-roading, making it the ideal way to reach the remote Landmannalaugar area of the Highlands, which is inaccessible to regular vehicles during the winter.

Landmannalaugar, also known as “the people’s pools,” is an area in the Highlands of Iceland. It’s a popular destination for hikers and marks the end of the Laugavegur hiking trail, one of the country’s best-loved routes.

Your experienced off-roading guide will first take you into the Thjorsadalur Valley, where you’ll see the Hjalparfoss waterfall. This twin cascade is formed when two streams of the Fossa river merge. Nestled in a lava field near the Hekla stratovolcano, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

You’ll also visit two beautiful lakes today. The first is Ljotipollur, a vibrant red crater lake that contrasts beautifully with the bright blue waters inside. The second is Frostastadavatn, a well-known photography spot, famous for its scenic beauty.

As you continue your journey, you’ll discover the magnificent beauty of the Landmannalaugar area. Situated in the black Laugahraun lava field, this part of Iceland’s southern highlands is filled with rhyolite (silica-rich igneous rock) mountains. These volcanic rocks create a dazzling spectrum of colors, including shades of green, pink, red, and even golden yellow.

Since Landmannalaugar is a popular hiking destination, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short hike along one of the area’s main trails. You’ll also have time for a relaxing dip in one of the numerous geothermal hot pools — make sure you pack your swimsuit and towel in your backpack today.

Before heading back to Reykjavik, you’ll stop at Thjofafoss waterfall in the Domadalur Valley. Accessible only by super Jeep, this waterfall offers another chance to enjoy a thrilling off-roading experience.

If you prefer a more relaxed day, you can choose to visit one of two geothermal spas. The Hvammsik hot springs, located in the nature of West Iceland, offer a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.

Alternatively, the Sky Lagoon, just on the outskirts of Reykjavik, features an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The seven-step ritual at the Sky Lagoon is designed to provide the ultimate relaxation, based on Icelandic traditions.

After an unforgettable day, you’ll return to Reykjavik and check into your city-center accommodation for the night.

Your main activity is an exploration of the Thorsmork Valley mountain ridge with another Super Jeep tour from Reykjavik.

You’ll spend today heading into the Valley of Thor, a stunning natural area named after the Norse god of thunder. Situated between three glaciers (Eyjafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull, and Tundfjallajokull), the valley provides sweeping views of mountains and rivers, providing plenty of photo opportunities as you explore the breathtaking landscapes.

Your adventure begins with a Super Jeep ride out of Reykjavik. The drive takes about two hours, but the journey is just as scenic as the destination.

The first stop is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you'll have the chance to take more photos after your South Coast tour. Your guide will then take you to the nearby Gljufrabui waterfall, a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors, tucked behind cliffs.

Next, you’ll continue into the Thorsmork Valley, passing through incredible untouched landscapes and dramatic river crossings. The Super Jeep allows your group tp access remote areas that are typically inaccessible by regular cars.

As you travel through the Highland roads and tracks, you can chat with your guide to learn more about the area you’ll visit. With a local Icelander leading the way, you'll gain a unique insight into Icelandic culture.

Upon arrival in Thorsmork Valley, you’ll be blown away by the jaw-dropping views. Towering mountains and glaciers will surround you, and you’ll get a closer look when you hike up the Valahnukur mountain.

The hiking route here begins the longer trek that links the Thorsmork Valley with Landmannalaugar. Your two days in the Highlands will allow you to experience both the start and end of this epic hike, without the time commitment of the full journey.

After a busy day hiking and soaking in the spectacular views, your guide will take you back to Reykjavik.

If you prefer a shorter activity today, you can choose to go horseback riding or on a city food tour instead.

Icelandic horses are smaller, smarter, and friendlier than other breeds, making them perfect for exploring the stunning Icelandic nature. Alternatively, a Reykjavik food tour takes you to esteemed restaurants around the city and allows you to taste the expertly prepared local cuisine.

You can spend the evening as you wish, enjoying dinner and drinks or exploring the city on foot.

You’ll return to your downtown accommodation for a good night’s sleep before tomorrow’s adventure.

Discover the lava fields, caves, waterfalls, hot springs, and glaciers of West Iceland on the first day of this two-day small-group excursion.

You’ll leave Reykjavik and meet the other travelers joining you on this two-day adventure. Your guide will drive your group northbound out of the city toward the town and Borgarnes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of Mount Esja, the mountain overlooking Reykjavik, and pass by an abandoned WWII naval base.

Borgarnes is situated on the Borgarfjordur fjord, where Vikings settled over 1,000 years ago. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the settlement of Iceland, and you’ll have some time to enjoy the view of the fjord and the coastline.

From here, you’ll drive into the Reykholtsdalur Valley, a geothermal hotspot home to the Deildartunguhver hot spring, one of the most powerful in Europe. You’ll explore the hot spring by walking along the wooden walkways, keeping you safe from the hot water.

The geothermal energy here is used to heat the homes in nearby towns. You’ll learn about geothermal power and its uses as you explore.

Next, you’ll visit the village of Reykholt, the former home of Snorri Sturluson, a key figure in Icelandic culture. Sturluson was a lawmaker, historian, politician, and poet. He’s thought to be the author of the Prose Edda, an essential resource for those who study Norse mythology.

Your guide will then take your group to two nearby waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Although they are a short walk apart, they differ greatly in appearance. Hraunfossar gently trickles down a broad cliff face into a lava field, while Barnafoss is a powerful, rapid waterfall with gushing torrents of water.

After a day full of exploration and learning about Iceland’s early history, you’ll travel to your accommodation.

Depending on your choice when booking, you’ll stay in the village of Borgarnes or on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, both in West Iceland. Either way, you’ll be well-positioned to spot the northern lights if they make an appearance, so keep your eyes on the sky.