5 Day Winter Self Drive Tour | Northern Lights, Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Day two is when you will visit Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route! This is where you will discover exactly why we call this the Land of Fire and Ice.

At Þingvellir National Park, you can immerse yourself in the history of Iceland whilst surrounded by the forces of nature. This is where Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi, was first founded in the year 930 AD, making it the oldest parliament in the world.

Situated within a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the area bears the evidence of thousands of years of continental drift, which has torn the landscape leaving ridges and fissures in its wake. Of these, the Silfra fissure is the most well-known, with its crystal clear glacial water making it a world-class diving site.

If you can brave the waters, then there is the option of taking a snorkelling tour in Silfra, which will take you deep between the two continents.

Your next stop will be at the Geysir geothermal area, where bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles dominate the scene. The highlight here is Strokkur, an incredible fountain geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes, spurting boiling hot water almost 20 metres high into the air! It’s a breathtaking thing to witness and makes for wonderful photo opportunities.

From there, you’ll continue to one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations, the remarkable Gullfoss waterfall. Fed by meltwater from the Langjökull glacier, Iceland’s second-largest ice cap, this waterfall plunges dramatically through an ancient canyon, into the Hvítá river below.

There are several vantage points from which you can observe the water, which flows over two rocky tiers.

In the afternoon, you have the option of exploring Langjökull glacier on a snowmobile tour or taking a peaceful ride on the back of an Icelandic horse through the countryside. You’ll then continue onwards to Hvolsvöllur, where you will stay overnight.

This small town is an excellent location from which to view the Northern Lights, should they make a display tonight.

Today will be spent journeying along the spectacular South Coast of Iceland. You’ll notice the scenery changing before your eyes as you head into this diverse region, with the mighty Eyjafjallajökull volcano looming in the distance.

Your first stop will be at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Cascading from a height of around 60 metres in front of a shallow cavern, it makes for an enchanting sight when surrounded by icicles hanging from the surrounding walls.

Nearby is Skógafoss, another spectacular waterfall in its own right. On a sunny day, rainbows drift forth from its plume of mist. Legend has it that there is treasure hidden behind this waterfall; while you can wander right up to touch the water should you so wish, you’d have to be brave to venture into its midst!

As you journey onwards, you’ll catch sight of the glistening Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, glistening upon the horizon. Here, you’ll be able to wander amongst the moraine and observe the black, white and blue striations in the glacial ice, caused by volcanic ash being frozen solid.

If you’d like, there is the option to take a snowmobile tour or glacier hike upon Sólheimajökull glacier.

There is also the opportunity to explore an ice cave deep within the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which will take you into the heart of one of nature’s most extraordinary creations.

Once you have finished exploring the glacier, you’ll continue onwards to the hauntingly beautiful Reynisfjara black sand beach. It is here that the tumultuous waves of the North Atlantic Ocean crash ashore, sweeping in with such force that they have shaped the surrounding landscape. Tall basalt columns line the cliff face here; remnants of hot lava flows meeting with the cold water of the sea.

From the beach, you’ll have an extraordinary view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, standing steadfast in the waves.

Afterwards, you’ll continue driving until you reach the vicinity of the Vatnajökull National Park. If you have some time, then you may like to stop and explore the Skaftafell Nature Reserve or the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, though you will also have all of tomorrow to spend in this region.

You’ll spend the night in accommodation at the town of Höfn or somewhere nearby. Don’t forget to look towards the sky tonight for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

You’ll have the whole day at your fingertips to explore the vast and beautiful surroundings of the Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest ice cap.

Begin the morning with a visit to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where large icebergs that have calved from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier float in the serene, tidal waters. They make for a stunning sight, surrounded by layers of pristine white snow. If you’re lucky, you may spot a seal or two, bobbing about in the depths.

On a sunny day, they haul out upon the icebergs, warming themselves in the sun. A short walk from the lagoon will take you to the nearby Diamond Beach, aptly named for the glistening icebergs that are often found on its shores. Glistening in the sun, they resemble jewels scattered about on the dusky black sand.

Their shapes can take on many elaborate forms, with some even resembling castles or ice sculptures!

Today, you have the option of venturing deep into Vatnajökull glacier on an ice cave tour. These awe-inspiring natural phenomena are quite rare and Iceland is one of the only places in the world where you’ll be able to visit one. Departure is from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in a super jeep that will take you into the heart of this winter wonderland.

Touching the solid, frozen walls of a crystal blue ice cave is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you just can’t miss.

Alternatively, head into the wild and rugged Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where ancient glacial tongues protrude from between the mountains. There are many hiking trails in this area, including one that will take you to the unique Svartifoss waterfall.

Surrounded by tall, black basalt columns, this waterfall has been the inspiration for many artists over the years, including the design of the famous Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík! From Skaftafell, there is the option of embarking upon a glacier hike that will take you atop one of the majestic outlet glaciers in the vicinity.

Afterwards, you’ll continue the long journey back to Reykjavík. The drive will take approximately six hours, so be prepared to make several rest stops along the way. You can stop off at any locations that you may have missed on the South Coast or Golden Circle to pack in some more sightseeing before arriving at your accommodation in the city.

If the skies are clear tonight, then you’ll have your last chance to witness the Aurora, dancing in the starry sky.

This will be your final day in Iceland. When you are ready, you will make your way back to Keflavík International Airport. Be sure to leave enough time to drop off your rental car and to check in for your flight home or onwards to your next destination.

Depending on when your flight departs, you may have some time to take a stroll around Reykjavík and look for last-minute souvenirs in the boutiques that line the Laugavegur shopping street. There are many galleries and museums to explore, as well as cafés and restaurants where you can grab your last taste of the hearty Icelandic cuisine.

Otherwise, swing by the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing morning; it’s the perfect way to unwind before a long flight. Soak in the mineral-rich waters with a silica facial mask as the steam rises around and envelops you in a layer of warmth. This world-class day spa is located upon the Reykjanes peninsula between Reykjavík and Keflavík, making it a great place to stop before you bid farewell to Iceland.

Until next time, we hope you’ve had a wonderful winter vacation in the Land of Fire and Ice. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!