5 Days • 4 Nights
Iceland Northern Lights: Winter Aurora & Ice Caves
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Hunting the Northern Lights across the dark winter skies is the magical heart of this journey. The aurora borealis is one of nature's greatest spectacles, and winter in Iceland, with its long, dark nights, is prime aurora season. On guided evening excursions your expert guide reads the forecasts and cloud, driving away from all light pollution to the best dark-sky spots, where you wait and watch for the green, violet and pink curtains of the Northern Lights to shimmer, ripple and dance overhead, reflected in still water or over a snowy landscape. The wonder is profound and unforgettable.
- A blue ice cave beneath the glacier is a breathtaking winter-only highlight. In the depths of winter, meltwater carves shimmering caves within Iceland's glaciers, and stepping inside one is like entering a jewel. With an expert glacier guide you venture beneath the vast Vatnajokull ice cap into a naturally formed ice cave, its walls and ceiling glowing in extraordinary shades of blue and crystal, sculpted and polished by water and time. The light, colour and profound silence deep within the ancient ice are otherworldly. The experience is breathtaking and unique to winter.
- The Golden Circle and South Coast under snow are a spectacular winter highlight. Iceland's famous wonders take on a new magic in winter. You complete the Golden Circle under snow, standing in the frosted rift valley of Thingvellir, watching Strokkur geyser erupt into the cold air amid steam, and gazing at Gullfoss framed by ice and snow. You follow the South Coast to the frozen spray of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and the black sands of Reynisfjara, dramatic against the white. The contrast of fire and ice is spectacular. Completing the Golden Circle of Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss under snow.
- Warming up in the steaming Blue Lagoon amid the snow is a blissful highlight. There are few finer winter pleasures than soaking in warm, silica-blue geothermal water while snowflakes drift down and steam rises around you. You unwind at the famous Blue Lagoon, its milky waters glowing amid a snow-dusted black lava field, with a silica mask and a warm drink at the swim-up bar, the perfect antidote to a crisp day of aurora hunting and exploring. The contrast of warm water and cold air is blissful. Warming up in the steaming Blue Lagoon.
- Colourful Reykjavik and cosy country hotels bring winter warmth to this journey. Between adventures under the vast winter skies, you enjoy the cosy warmth of Iceland's hospitality. You explore colourful Reykjavik, festive and inviting in winter, with its landmark Hallgrimskirkja church, warm cafes, geothermal pools and lively design and food scene, and you retreat each night to welcoming country hotels perfectly placed for dark-sky aurora hunting, with hearty Icelandic dinners and snug rooms. The warmth and comfort amid the winter wilds are wonderful. Exploring festive, colourful Reykjavik and cosying up in welcoming country hotels perfectly placed for aurora hunting.
- Above all, this journey delivers the magic of an Icelandic winter and the dancing aurora. Winter turns Iceland into a wonderland of snow, ice and dancing skies, and this journey is built to capture its magic. Over five days you hunt the Northern Lights on guided evenings, complete the snowy Golden Circle, follow the frozen South Coast, venture into a glowing blue ice cave, and warm up in the steaming Blue Lagoon, all from cosy, well-placed bases. The combination of the shimmering aurora, frozen waterfalls, sapphire ice caves and steaming lagoons is spellbinding.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Your winter Northern Lights adventure begins as your flight lands at Keflavik International Airport, where you are met and transferred across the snowy lava fields to colourful Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, festive and inviting in the winter dark. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the short winter day exploring the cosy capital, strolling the lively main street, warming up in a cafe or a geothermal pool, and climbing the tower of Hallgrimskirkja church for a view over the snowy rooftops. This evening, after a welcome dinner, you set out on your first guided Northern Lights hunt, your guide reading the aurora forecast and driving to dark skies away from the city lights, watching for the green curtains to appear. Rest well, thrilled to be in Iceland in winter, ready for the Golden Circle tomorrow.
Today you follow the classic Golden Circle, magical under a mantle of winter snow. You stand in the frosted rift valley of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the tectonic plates pull apart and the world's oldest parliament was founded. You watch the Strokkur geyser blast boiling water into the cold air amid billowing steam at the Geysir field, and gaze at the mighty Gullfoss, half-frozen and framed by snow and ice, thundering into its canyon. The contrast of steaming geothermal heat and winter snow is spectacular. As the day ends, you return to Reykjavik. This evening, enjoy the capital's cosy restaurants and, if the skies are clear, head out on another guided Northern Lights hunt, watching for the aurora to dance over the winter landscape. Rest well, for tomorrow you follow the South Coast.
Today you follow the dramatic South Coast, spectacular in its winter coat. You visit the frozen spray of Seljalandsfoss and the broad, powerful Skogafoss, their edges hung with ice, and pass beneath glaciers gleaming white above the coast. You reach the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara, dramatic against the snow, with its towering basalt columns and sea caves (staying safely back from the powerful sneaker waves), and the pretty village of Vik beneath its snowy cliffs and red-roofed church. As the day ends, you settle into a cosy country hotel near Vik, perfectly placed under dark rural skies. This evening, after a hearty Icelandic dinner, you watch for the Northern Lights over the black-sand coast, one of the most dramatic settings imaginable for the dancing aurora. Rest well amid the winter beauty of the South Coast.
Today you enjoy the most magical of winter adventures before returning to the capital. With an expert glacier guide you venture out towards the vast Vatnajokull ice cap and descend into a naturally formed blue ice cave, its walls and ceiling glowing in extraordinary shades of sapphire and crystal, sculpted by meltwater deep within the ancient glacier, an otherworldly and unforgettable experience unique to winter. You then journey back west along the snowy South Coast towards Reykjavik, savouring the frozen waterfalls and white landscapes in the low golden light. As the day ends, you arrive back in colourful Reykjavik and settle into your hotel. This evening, celebrate your winter adventures with dinner in the capital, and enjoy a final chance to hunt the Northern Lights if the skies are clear. Rest well after a spellbinding day.
On your final morning, you journey out to the famous Blue Lagoon, set amid a snow-dusted black lava field close to the airport, and soak in its steaming, silica-blue waters while the cold winter air brushes your face and steam rises around you, the perfect, blissful farewell to Iceland with a silica mask and a warm drink at the swim-up bar. Refreshed and glowing, you are then transferred the short distance to Keflavik International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having experienced the magic of an Icelandic winter, hunting the dancing Northern Lights across dark skies, exploring the snowy Golden Circle and frozen South Coast, venturing into a glowing blue ice cave, and warming up in the steaming Blue Lagoon. The memories of the shimmering aurora, frozen waterfalls and sapphire ice stay vivid long after you land, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the land of fire and ice.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels and country lodges, a welcome dinner
- Daily breakfast
- All private airport and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring, sightseeing and activities with expert English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees, national park permits and geothermal spa entries as per itinerary
- private and small-group touring with an expert guide, guided Northern Lights hunting excursions, a Golden Circle tour, a South Coast tour, a guided blue ice cave and glacier excursion, Blue Lagoon entry, and all activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional snowmobiling and gratuities
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors, and a passport valid for the length of stay is required. Rules can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist with ETIAS or a Schengen visa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK), and Iceland is one of the most cashless countries on earth; cards (including contactless) are accepted virtually everywhere, from fuel stations and country cafes to remote guesthouses, so you rarely need cash at all. ATMs are available in towns; tipping is not expected as service is included, though rounding up for exceptional service is always welcome
- Best time to visit: Iceland is a year-round destination with two very different personalities. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, ice caves, snow-dusted waterfalls and cosy geothermal pools. Late May, September and October offer a beautiful balance of lighter crowds, autumn colour and early aurora
- Language & etiquette: Icelandic is the language, but English is spoken fluently almost everywhere, so communication is effortless. Icelanders are relaxed, egalitarian and welcoming, first names are used for everyone, and a strong respect for nature runs deep. A key custom at geothermal pools and the Blue Lagoon: you must shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the water, a point of hygiene taken seriously and worth knowing in advance
- Getting around: The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the whole island and links most highlights on good sealed roads; we combine private driver-guides and small-group touring with optional self-drive where you want independence. Distances are large and weather changes fast, so we build in realistic drive times. Highland F-roads (to Landmannalaugar and the interior) are gravel, river-crossing routes open only in summer and require suitable 4x4 vehicles
- Health & safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent healthcare and clean tap water that is delicious straight from the cold tap. The real hazards are natural: sudden weather, strong winds, icy paths, sneaker waves at Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and unfenced geothermal areas where you must stay on marked paths as the ground and water can be scaldingly hot. We monitor conditions closely and follow official guidance
- Food & culture: Iceland's cuisine is fresh and surprising, built on superb lamb, langoustine and Arctic char, creamy skyr, rye bread baked in geothermal heat, and the beloved Icelandic hot dog. Reykjavik has a lively cafe, music and design scene, geothermal bakeries and craft breweries, while the countryside serves hearty farm-to-table fare. Alcohol is expensive and sold in state Vinbudin shops and licensed bars; we recommend the best tables at every stage
- Weather & packing: The Icelandic saying goes, if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes; conditions shift quickly in every season, so layers are essential year-round, along with a waterproof, windproof jacket, warm mid-layers, a hat and gloves, and sturdy waterproof walking shoes. Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter. Mobile coverage and wifi are excellent across populated areas and along the Ring Road
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
This journey is timed for the aurora season (roughly late September to March) and includes several guided evening hunts, which greatly improves your chances by getting you to dark skies at the right time. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, however, and depend on clear skies and solar activity, so sightings can never be guaranteed on any single night or trip. Chasing them over multiple nights in dark rural areas gives you strong odds, and your guide tracks the aurora and cloud forecasts closely to maximise every opportunity.
Is winter travel in Iceland safe and comfortable?
Yes. Iceland is very well set up for winter, with heated hotels, geothermal pools, well-maintained main roads and experienced guides and drivers who monitor conditions constantly. Days are short but the low golden light is beautiful, and we plan the pace around daylight and weather. We provide warm, safe experiences such as the ice cave with full equipment, and we adjust or reroute if conditions require. Pack warm layers, a waterproof and windproof jacket, a hat, gloves and good waterproof footwear, and let us handle the rest for a safe, cosy winter adventure.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, usually a generous spread of skyr, breads, cheese, cold cuts, fruit and good coffee, along with any meals named in the itinerary (often a welcome dinner and special experiences such as a seafood dinner in a harbour town or a farm meal in the countryside). We usually leave other meals free so you can explore Iceland's excellent restaurants, seafood shacks and geothermal bakeries, and we are delighted to recommend and reserve the best tables at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert driver-guide or private transfers and a pace tailored entirely to you, giving real depth, flexibility and comfort; small-group and self-drive options can be arranged if you prefer. Iceland's knowledgeable guides bring the geology, sagas, folklore and natural wonders vividly to life, reading the weather and light to find the best of the Northern Lights, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife at exactly the right moment.
Do I need a visa for Iceland?
Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities may visit visa-free for up to 90 days, with the new ETIAS travel authorisation being introduced for visa-exempt travellers; others require a Schengen visa. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on ETIAS or visa applications, and ensure your passport validity and documents are in order, so entry is smooth and stress-free from the moment you land at Keflavik.
Is Iceland safe to visit?
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with negligible crime, excellent infrastructure and healthcare, and superb tap water. The real considerations are natural rather than human: fast-changing weather, strong winds, icy winter paths, powerful sneaker waves at black-sand beaches, and hot geothermal ground where you must stay on marked paths. Our experienced guides monitor forecasts and road and safety conditions constantly, follow official guidance, and adjust plans so you can relax and enjoy.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you wish to see. Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, lush green landscapes, open highland roads, puffins and whales, and endless daylight for touring; winter (late September to March) brings the Northern Lights, blue ice caves, frozen waterfalls and steaming geothermal pools under snow. Late May, September and October offer a lovely balance of fewer crowds, autumn colour and the return of the aurora. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Ring Road, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, the Westfjords and the highlands, add a glacier hike, an ice cave, a helicopter flight, whale watching or extra spa time, chase the Northern Lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them.
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