Scenic 4-Day Northern Lights Tour of Vatnajokull Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & the South Coast
Description
Summary
Description
Included
Destinations
Reykjavik / 2 nights
Southeast Iceland / 1 night
Blue Ice Cave Tours Iceland - Vatnajökull Glacier - ExpeditionMap
Attractions
Activities
Travel details
Round-trip airport transfers
Round-trip airport transfers
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Day 1 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
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Your winter adventure in the land of fire and ice begins the moment you arrive in Iceland, where enchanting experiences await amidst the country’s breathtaking natural wonders.
On your first day, you’ll arrive at the Keflavik International Airport, ready to embark on your adventure. But before diving into Iceland’s wonders, an unforgettable treat awaits you at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
Relax in the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by surreal lava fields. Let the warm, healing waters envelop you, providing relief after your long flight. Don’t forget to indulge in the silica masks that nourish your skin, and take time to explore the saunas and steam rooms, all adding to the rejuvenating experience.
Feeling refreshed, you’ll head to Reykjavik, the charming capital city. After settling into your cozy hotel, you’ll have a chance to see the northern lights in the evening.
Choose between a northern lights tour by bus or by boat.
On the bus tour, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to explore multiple locations and escape potential cloud cover. If the forecast is favorable, you may even visit the stunning Thingvellir National Park, part of the Golden Circle route.
On the other hand, the boat tour promises an enchanting experience, sailing away from the city lights, surrounded by darkness and an open sky that provides optimal conditions for witnessing the dancing lights of the aurora borealis.
Whichever option you choose, seeing the ethereal lights painting the Icelandic sky with vibrant green, pink, and violet hues will inspire you.
As the night draws in, you’ll return to Reykjavik to rest and relish in the memories of your first day in this winter wonderland. Enjoy a good night’s sleep in your hotel, as the next two days are packed with sightseeing in Iceland’s countryside.
Accommodation on day 1
Experiences on day 1
Day 2 – Southeast Iceland
- Southeast Iceland
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- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
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On day two of your tour of Iceland, you’ll journey along the South Coast as part of a guided minibus tour. Here, you’ll explore the South Coast’s diverse landscapes and make several scenic stops along the way.
Your first stop will be at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This beautiful waterfall tumbles in a thin stream from a cliff over 197 feet (60 meters) tall, which arches inward for some unusual and unique perspectives.
Next, you’ll visit Skogafoss waterfall, passing the famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano and glacier en route, which your guide will point out. Skogafoss is similar in height to Seljalandsfoss but has a much broader, more powerful flow. On sunny days, the spray from the waterfall often creates vivid rainbows, making the scene even more magical.
Continuing along the route, you’ll reach Reynisfjara black sand beach, a dramatic stretch of coastline known for its volcanic sands and fascinating geology. Here, you’ll encounter the Dyrholaey rock arch, which juts out into the ocean. It’s a spectacular sight from a distance but even more breathtaking up close, where you can marvel at its hexagonal basalt columns.
Rising from the tumultuous waters, you will also see the impressive Reynisdrangar sea stacks, accompanied by exciting folklore shared by your guide.
After stopping for refreshments in the nearby Vik village, you’ll continue your journey to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of Iceland’s crowning features.
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is an enormous lake littered with great icebergs that break off a nearby glacier tongue and slowly edge toward the sea. Watching them is a mesmerizing experience, made more charming by the seals that call the lagoon their home.
Before heading to your accommodation for the night, you’ll visit Diamond Beach, where these icebergs wash up when they finally escape to the ocean. The sight of the ice chunks glittering against the black sand in the evening light perfectly captures the essence of how the beach got its name.
You will spend the night in a country hotel nearby.
Experiences on day 2
Day 3 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
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- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Activity of the day - The Blue Ice Cave
- Diamond Beach
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On day three of your tour in Iceland, you’ll experience the highlight of your trip: the famous caves of the Vatnajokull National Park.
Your adventure begins at the edge of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, where you’ll visit the ice caves that are only accessible under specific conditions. Ice caves are rare and most reliable during winter, making the opportunity to explore one a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Once on-site, you’ll board a super jeep for a thrilling ride up onto the glacier, taking you to the hidden caves. The ride is short, but it’s an excellent way to enjoy the glacier’s frozen landscapes in the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle.
Once there, you’ll put on safety equipment, like crampons and helmets, and receive a thorough safety briefing. With that complete, you’ll head inside this otherworldly place and begin your exploration.
The ice’s spectacular formations and vibrant colors will take your breath away. As you stroll through the halls and corridors, wondering how nature could create such a marvel, your guide will tell you how these caves form.
You’ll have at least 45 minutes to appreciate and photograph this incredible location.
Ice caves are not permanent structures as they change and evolve with the passing seasons. Each year, new caves form, while others collapse or melt away, making each visit a unique experience.
These ice caves are formed by glacial movements and other factors, creating a unique and ever-changing environment.
Once you have enjoyed the ice cave, you’ll return to your vehicle and begin the scenic drive back to Reykjavik, where you will spend another night.
If the weather conditions are favorable, you may even be treated to a glimpse of the northern lights lighting up the night sky as you approach the city.
Accommodation on day 3
Day 4 – Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
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Day four of your Iceland tour is your departure day, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the capital city until it's time to return to the airport.
If you have a late flight, this is an excellent opportunity to explore Reykjavik’s diverse sights, visit the museums, and see the cultural landmarks for some great views.
If you want to share unforgettable moments of your trip on your social media channels, taking photos of Reykjavik’s iconic cultural attractions is a must. Although the city is brimming with these sites, downtown Reykjavik hosts the most popular ones.
You’ll have the chance to visit these sites if you opt for a small-group walking tour of Reykjavik, where you can also learn about the city’s history and culture.
One of these landmarks is Hallgrimskirkja church, widely regarded as the most beautiful church in Iceland. Its architectural style is inspired by the basalt lava formations that define Iceland’s landscape, particularly the cliffs of the Svartifoss waterfall.
Not far from the church is another architectural wonder, the Harpa Concert Hall. It hosts various concerts, events, and conferences throughout the year. It’s the place to be if you want to attend some cultural, theatrical, or musical shows.
Inside the Harpa Concert Hall, you’ll see a stunning interior featuring a striking glass facade of over 700 panels. This design creates mesmerizing reflections of the surrounding landscape and the changing natural light.
Other locations to add to your Reykjavik itinerary include the Perlan Museum, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the Tjornin pond.
If you're planning to visit the museum, consider getting admission to the Wonders of Iceland Exhibition at Perlan Museum. This ticket grants you access to a fascinating array of exhibits that showcase what makes the Wonders of Iceland a globally renowned attraction.
Alternatively, for a unique adventure, you can opt for a FlyOver Iceland experience. This interactive experience will transport you to the skies above the land of fire and ice,
To recharge after exploring, you can choose a food tour in Reykjavik, indulging in Iceland’s hearty and delicious cuisine. Alternatively, you can opt for a beer and schnapps guided walking tour for a lively night out before leaving the city.
For animal lovers, you can go for a whale-watching tour or the Whales Of Iceland Museum ticket, where you can learn more about these majestic creatures and their role in Iceland's natural heritage.
If you can’t get enough of the aurora borealis, you can opt for an entrance ticket to the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center. Aurora Reykjavik is a museum dedicated to this natural phenomenon. Here, you’ll be enchanted by one of nature’s most captivating displays.
Another option for you to enjoy is the 50-minute lava show. This amazing lava show lets you see a volcanic eruption up close, away from the dangers of an active volcano.
When you’re ready, you’ll have a bus ticket provided for your transfer to Keflavik International Airport. As you head home, you’ll carry with you the memories of experiencing some of Iceland’s most rare and extraordinary natural wonders.
Experiences on day 4
What to bring
Good to know
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximize your chances to see them if the weather allows. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to better fit your arrival date and time and that breakfast may not be included in a few selected hostels and guesthouses.
Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations nationwide.
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