6 Day Northern Lights Hunting Trip | From Reykjavik to the Ice Cave

Day two of your adventure will see you travelling around Iceland’s classic Golden Circle route. It is here that you will discover why we call this the Land of Fire and Ice! At Þingvellir National Park, deep rifts and valleys hold significant geological, cultural and historical significance. This was the location where Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi, first convened in the year 930 AD. Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this area bears the evidence of continental drift which has reshaped the land over thousands of years. You can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates or even take an optional snorkelling tour of the Silfra fissure, which will take you into crystal clear freshwater surrounded by the walls of the two continents. Your next stop will be at the Geysir geothermal area, where volcanic activity bubbles and boils just beneath your feet. Be mesmerised by this otherworldly atmosphere as steam billows up from fumaroles and mud pools splatter forth. The highlight here is Strokkur, a fountain geyser that erupts with hot water every 5-10 minutes! Thereafter, you’ll head to Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. This waterfall originates at the Langjökull glacier, flowing across lava fields until it plunges across two tiers into a steep crevasse. It’s an extraordinary sight, particularly in winter when it becomes partially frozen over. If you’d like to continue the adventure, there is the option of taking a horse riding tour that departs from Gullfoss. This is your chance to ride on the back of an Icelandic horse across the spectacular, wintry countryside. Otherwise, feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins on an exhilarating snowmobiling tour on Langjökull glacier! It’s the best way to get up close and personal with Iceland’s wild and rugged nature. After a long day of exploring, you’ll finish up with a relaxing dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. If you have arranged additional activities during your Golden Circle tour, such as snorkelling, horse riding or snowmobiling, then your visit to the Blue Lagoon will be scheduled on your arrival or departure day instead. You'll spend the night in Reykjavik.

The next two days will be spent exploring the famous South Coast. This is one of Iceland’s most scenic drives, culminating at the Vatnajökull National Park in the south east. Starting from Reykjavík, this drive will take you by sheer cliff faces, vast lava fields and through black sand deserts. Your first stop will be at the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a 60-metre tall beauty that cascades before a shallow cavern with icicles hanging from its roof. Nearby, its neighbour Skógafoss is just as breathtaking. On a sunny day, rainbows can often be seen here in the mist. A short stroll up a staircase will take you to the top of the waterfall, for awe-inspiring views of the surroundings. Afterwards, you’ll head to the Reynisfjara black sand beach, where tumultuous waves of the North Atlantic Ocean crash ashore. The cliffs that line the beach are astonishing – tall and dark grey, they are shaped like columns and are basaltic in nature; remnants of hot lava that once cooled quickly following a volcanic eruption. From here, you’ll have a sweeping view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean, as well as the Dyrhólaey rock arch in the distance. There will be time for a short break in the seaside village of Vík, before you continue on the journey to the Skaftafell within Vatnajökull National Park. This nature reserve contains many fantastic hiking trails, some of which will take you to waterfalls, while others offer great vantage points of Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest peak in Iceland. You’ll reach the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in the evening, just in time to witness the beautiful icebergs that float in these tidal waters before the sun sets. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, where icebergs that have drifted out to sea are deposited back onto a stretch of black sand. It is often said that they resemble jewels glistening in the sun. Tonight, you will stay in accommodation within the vicinity of Skaftafell or the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Be sure to look towards the sky when it gets dark for the chance to see the Northern Lights.

On day four, you’ll get up bright and early for the penultimate highlight of your trip – an adventure inside one of Iceland’s astonishing ice caves! You’ll be picked up in a super jeep that has been modified to withstand the rugged and harsh terrain of Iceland’s wintry landscapes. The ascent onto Vatnajökull glacier may be a bumpy ride but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views all around. Upon your arrival, you’ll disembark from the super jeep and receive a safety briefing from your glacier guide. They’ll equip you with the appropriate equipment required for ice caving, including a helmet to protect your head and crampons, which will make it much easier for you to walk upon the ice. Be sure to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, as there may be water inside the ice cave. A short walk upon the glacier will take you to the mouth of one of Iceland’s natural wonders. You’ll have around 45 minutes to explore the ice cave, as your guide shares their knowledge about the glacier and how ice caves are formed. Depending on the light, ice caves can shimmer with crystal blue hues or gleam in shades of white and black. Being surrounded by the solid walls of ice is an incredible experience that will surely leave you with extraordinary memories to last a lifetime. Afterwards, you’ll be transported by super jeep back to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. It is worthwhile revisiting in different conditions, as the icebergs here can look completely different from one day to the next. If you’re lucky, you may spot seals hauled out upon the ice or spot seabirds hunting for fish. You’ll also have another chance to wander along the black sandy shores of the Diamond Beach for some final photo opportunities before you make the return journey back to Reykjavík. The drive will take several hours and you can expect to arrive back to the city late in the evening. You'll spend the night in Reykjavik.

You’ll have the choice today of either exploring Reykjavík city at your leisure or taking a day trip to the wild and windswept Snæfellsnes peninsula. If you choose to do some sightseeing in Reykjavík, there are a myriad of wonderful cafés where you will be able to relax and have a lazy brunch. Afterwards, you can go for a stroll about town. The city is famous for its quirky street art, some of which spans several storeys high on the sides of buildings dotted around charming alleyways. Breathe in the fresh ocean breeze by the Old Harbour, where colourful boats and ships are docked, or take a walk by the coast to the Sun Voyager sculpture. This fascinating piece of art resembles a Viking ship pointing out to sea. For an added bit of adventure in the afternoon, you can join an ATV tour for some off-road action in Iceland’s rugged landscapes or take a boat out into Faxaflói bay to do a spot of whale watching. If the conditions are favourable in the evening, then you’ll be able to see the Aurora dancing in the sky above Reykjavík. There is also the option of joining a Northern Lights tour, which will take you away from the city lights to a location in the countryside, where you will be able to view them in all their glory. If you choose to head out today to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula instead, then you will be picked up early in the morning by your guide. From there, you will be whisked away to the north west, surrounded by undulating snow and with the Snæfellsjökull volcano looming upon the horizon. You’ll spend the day travelling around the entire peninsula, exploring everything from quaint fishing villages that line the spectacular coastlines to glorious black sand beaches, pretty churches, snow capped mountains and more. At Djúpalónssandur, the sand resembles large black pearls, while the conical peak of Mt Kirkjufell is often a drawcard for photographers, no matter the weather. In the evening, you’ll return to Reykjavík where you will spend the night.

This will be your final day in Iceland. When you are ready, you will take a bus transfer back to Keflavík International Airport, where you will be able to catch your flight home or onwards to your next destination. If you have some time today, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the quirky boutiques of Reykjavík, wander through the charming streets and savour the fresh air by the mirrored façade of the Harpa Concert Hall on the iconic waterfront. There are many fascinating museums and galleries to be found around town, some of which are artistic and others which are downright quirky. On your way to the airport, you may like to drop in to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing dip in steaming geothermal pools. It’s a great way to unwind before a long flight. This world-class spa facility offers a number of luxurious massage treatments, while the restaurant on-site prepares delicious local Icelandic fare. Just remember to leave enough time to return to the airport and to check in for your flight. We hope you’ll have had an exciting winter trip, chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland!