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 out of Reykjavik. 

This morning, you'll leave the city behind you as you travel along a stretch of the Ring Road. You'll spend a night away from Reykjavik, so you need to pack an overnight bag and check out of your room. 

After meeting your group for the next two days, you'll travel through the countryside toward your first stop of the day, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. On the way, you'll see the famous Eyjafjallajokull glacier. It made headlines in 2010 when the volcano beneath the glacier erupted, halting air travel across Europe due to the enormous ash cloud. 

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall sits at the foot of the glacier, cascading down almost 200 feet (about 60 meters). It's a narrow and gentle waterfall but gorgeous to see. Next, you'll head to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall, which has the same height but is much broader and more powerful. 

You'll then continue your journey along the South Coast, enjoying a view of the mighty Atlantic Ocean on your right. You'll make another stop at the Reynisfjara black-sand beach, one of the best-known beaches in Iceland. 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 ensure you don't 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. This deep lake, often called the "crown jewel of Iceland," is the birthplace of many icebergs. You'll see them floating in the water as they shift and change on their journey to sea.

Next to this lagoon is Diamond Beach, where you can get a closer look at the icebergs — many drift onto shore, creating a jewel-like appearance that contrasts beautifully with the volcanic sands.

You'll then retire to 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 the conditions are right.

Journey into a glacier with an incredible ice-caving tour on day two of your small-group trip along the South Coast.

After breakfast at your accommodation, you'll rejoin your group and return to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon car park. Here, you'll meet an experienced glacier guide who will take you onto the ice and into an ice cave.

Ice caves form every year as glaciers melt and refreeze, meaning no two are the same — they're as unique as fingerprints. Visiting a glacial cave is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one of the most incredible things to do during your trip to Iceland. They're only accessible during the winter months, meaning you'll have the chance to participate in this fantastic experience during your trip.

Your guide will give you the safety gear you need for this expedition, including crampons and a helmet. You'll then set off over the ice to the cave. The guides choose them carefully to ensure they're safe and picturesque.

Once in the cave, you'll see incredible ice walls in blues and whites, with beautiful shapes that look almost like the inside of a cathedral. Your guide will tell you about the formation of the caves as you explore and take photos.

After your ice-caving experience, you'll return to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon to catch another glimpse of it and snap a few more photos. It'll now be time to return to Reykjavik, so you'll travel back along the South Coast. If the northern lights appear, your guide will stop at picturesque points along the way, so you'll have some good photo opportunities.

You'll check back into your accommodation in Reykjavik and can spend the evening at your leisure. Enjoy a meal at a traditional Icelandic restaurant or make the most of the city's bustling nightlife by visiting a local bar.

Your main activity today is a highland adventure.

You'll take a Super Jeep tour into the Landmannalaugar geothermal area. This modified 4X4 vehicle is designed for off-roading. It's the ideal way of reaching 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. 

First, your experienced off-roading guide will take you into the Thjorsadalur Valley, where you'll see the Hjalparfoss waterfall. This twin cascade results from two streams of the Fossa river merging. It's in the middle of a lava field near the Hekla stratovolcano, surrounded by stunning views.

You'll also visit two beautiful lakes today. The first is Ljotipollur, a crater lake that's vibrant red in color, contrasting perfectly with the bright blue waters inside. The second is Frostastadavatn, a popular photography spot.

As you continue traveling in comfort and style, you'll discover the magnificent beauty of the Landmannalaugar area. This part of Iceland's southern Highlands is nestled in the black Laugahraun lava field and is filled with rhyolite mountains. This type of volcanic rock creates a full spectrum of dazzling colors. You'll see shades of green, pink, red, and even golden yellow.

Since this is a popular hiking area, you'll be pleased to know that you'll have the chance to take a short hike on 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 you head back to Reykjavik, you'll stop at Thjofafoss waterfall in the Domadalur Valley. The comfortable Super Jeep you travel in is one of the only vehicles capable of reaching this destination, and you'll enjoy a fun off-roading ride to get here. 

If you do not fancy a Highland adventure, you can visit one of two geothermal spas. The Hvammsik hot springs is immersed in the nature of West Iceland, allowing you to get out of the city for a wonderful bathing experience.

The Sky Lagoon is on the outskirts of Reykjavik, though you would never know with the infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The seven-step ritual here is designed using Icelandic traditions to provide ultimate relaxation.

You'll return to Reykjavik after an unforgettable day. You'll sleep in the same city-center accommodation.

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 until you reach the town of Borgarnes. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of Mount Esja, the mountain overlooking Reykjavik, and will see an abandoned WWII naval base.

The settlement of Borgarnes sits on the Borgarfjordur fjord, where Vikings settled over 1,000 years ago. Your guide will tell you 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 hot spot 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 head to the village of Reykholt, the former home of Snorri Sturluson, an important 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.

The guide will now take your group to two waterfalls near Reykholt, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. The waterfalls are a short walk from each other but very different in appearance. Hraunfossar trickles down a broad cliff face into a lava field, while Barnafoss is a rapid waterfall with gushing torrents of water.

After a fascinating day exploring West Iceland and learning more about the country'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-placed to see the northern lights if they appear, so keep your eyes peeled.