8-Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
A full circle of Iceland's most dramatic winter landscapes, from glaciers to fjords, in a single unforgettable journey.
This 8-day winter tour around Iceland covers the entire island in a carefully sequenced loop, combining natural wonders, glacier adventures, and cultural heritage sites across the Golden Circle, South Coast, Eastfjords, North Iceland, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Each day introduces a distinct region of Iceland, with scheduled stops at landmark locations as well as lesser-visited corners that reveal the country's quieter character. The tour operates in winter, meaning shorter daylight hours but a higher probability of northern lights sightings and access to seasonal ice caves inside Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier.
Accommodation is primarily in country hotels and regional guesthouses, placing guests in rural settings where aurora conditions are far better than in the capital. The itinerary includes several activities by default — glacier hiking, an ice cave tour, and whale watching — with optional extras such as horseback riding, a lava cave visit, and geothermal bathing available at key stops.
The difficulty level is rated easy, making this circuit accessible to travellers who are reasonably fit but do not require prior outdoor experience. Winter road conditions are managed by professional local drivers, and all glacier activities are led by certified guides with full safety equipment provided.
Tour Highlights
Enter a natural blue ice cave inside Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier on the South Coast, one of Iceland's most coveted winter experiences.
Strap on crampons for a guided glacier hike across crevasses and ridges on one of Iceland's most accessible outlet glaciers.
Watch humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins from the small harbour village of Hauganes in North Iceland.
Stand beside Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon as icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull and drift slowly toward the open Atlantic.
Walk through Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly diverge and Iceland's parliament was founded in 930 AD.
Explore the geothermal landscapes of Lake Mývatn, including the lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð.
Photograph Kirkjufell, Iceland's most iconic mountain, rising above the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on the final day of the circuit.
Itinerary Overview
The tour opens with Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and Gullfoss waterfall with its two-tiered 32-metre drop. The night is spent within the Golden Circle region.
A three-hour glacier hiking tour starts the day, followed by stops at Skógafoss waterfall and Reynisfjara black sand beach with its striking basalt columns. Overnight accommodation is near the town of Vík.
A guided ice cave tour takes the group inside the natural blue ice caves of Breiðarmerkurjökull, then the route continues to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. The night is spent near Vatnajökull glacier.
The drive east passes Iceland's largest forest at Hallormsstadaskógur and Lagarfljót lake before entering the scenic fjords of the east. Optional horseback riding is available, and the night is spent in the Eastfjords area.
Heading north, the group visits Dimmuborgir lava formations, the geothermal mud pools of Námaskarð, and Goðafoss waterfall before arriving in Akureyri for the night. An optional visit to the VÖK Baths near Egilsstaðir is available earlier in the day.
After exploring Akureyri, the group travels to Hauganes for an included whale watching tour before continuing to the dramatic rock formation of Hvítserkur. The night is spent in Borgarnes on the west side of the country.
What Is Included
Included
- 7 nights accommodation in country hotels and regional guesthouses
- Professional minibus driver and guide throughout
- Glacier hiking tour with certified guide and full safety equipment
- Natural ice cave tour inside Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier
- Whale watching tour from Hauganes harbour
- All ground transportation between destinations
Not Included
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Meals and personal food expenses
- Optional horseback riding tour in the Eastfjords
- Optional VÖK Baths entrance near Egilsstaðir
- Optional lava cave tour at Víðgelmir
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Iceland Winter Circuit
Spaces on small minibus tours fill quickly during the winter season, particularly for departures that include active ice cave availability. Confirm your booking early to secure your preferred dates.
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