8-Day Northern Lights Exploration of Iceland
Golden Circle, glaciers, volcanoes, and the aurora borealis across Iceland's most iconic landscapes
This Iceland Northern Lights tour is an eight-day small-group journey designed to combine Iceland's greatest natural landmarks with carefully chosen overnight locations that maximise your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis away from city light pollution.
From the geothermal wonders of the Golden Circle to the ice-filled lagoon at Jökulsárlón, each day brings a distinct Icelandic environment to life. The itinerary weaves together volcanic craters, turf farmsteads, glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, and fjord coastlines in a logical south-and-west loop from Reykjavik.
Evenings are structured around the Northern Lights Academy programme, which includes a dedicated lecture, photography tips, and guided outdoor searches at dark-sky locations. Whether or not the aurora appears, the landscapes and cultural encounters provide a thorough introduction to Iceland's geology and heritage.
The tour also includes an optional ice cave excursion inside Vatnajökull glacier, available between October and April, and an optional Northern Lights boat cruise departing from Reykjavik, giving travellers flexible ways to deepen the experience.
Tour Highlights
Climb the Grábrók volcanic crater and observe Europe's most powerful hot spring at Deildartunguhver in the Borgarfjörður region.
Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including the Vatnshellir lava tube cave 35 metres underground beneath Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Walk beside floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and discover the Diamond Beach, where ice blocks rest on black volcanic sand.
Travel the Golden Circle, taking in Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the double waterfall of Gullfoss.
Participate in the Northern Lights Academy programme with guided aurora searches, photography coaching, and evening presentations on most nights.
Meet Icelandic horses at a dedicated farm visit and learn about the unique qualities and history of this ancient breed.
Relax in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on the return journey to Reykjavik on day seven of the tour.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and transfer by Flybus shuttle to your hotel in Reykjavik. The evening is free to explore Iceland's capital city independently.
Join your guide for a morning tour of Reykjavik before heading west to the Saga Valley. Visit the Grábrók volcano crater, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. The evening includes a Northern Lights lecture and outdoor aurora search.
Spend the day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula visiting Grundarfjörður, the Vatnshellir lava tube cave, and the coastal cliffs at Arnarstapi. Evening photography tips are shared as part of the Northern Lights Academy, followed by outdoor hot tub relaxation.
Drive along Hvalfjörður fjord to Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal fields, and Gullfoss waterfall. The afternoon includes a visit to an Icelandic horse farm and a geothermal greenhouse before arriving in South Iceland for an aurora search.
Visit the Lava and Volcano Exhibition Center, a traditional folk museum with turf houses, and the 60-metre Skógafoss waterfall. The afternoon includes a walk on the black lava beach and bird cliffs at Reynisfjara before reaching the Vatnajökull National Park region.
Explore the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and Diamond Beach, visit the turf church at Hof, and spend time in Europe's largest national park. An optional ice cave tour inside Vatnajökull glacier is available. The evening offers prime conditions for aurora viewing at this remote location.
What Is Included
Included
- 7 nights accommodation in listed hotels
- Breakfasts on days 2 through 8
- Lunch on days 3 and 4
- Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Airport transfers by Flybus shuttle on arrival and departure
- Vatnshellir lava cave entry
- Blue Lagoon admission on day 7
- Northern Lights Academy programme including lectures and guided searches
- Geothermal greenhouse visit
- Icelandic horse farm visit
- Hot spring bread tasting at Geysir
Not Included
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Optional ice cave tour inside Vatnajökull glacier
- Optional Northern Lights boat cruise from Reykjavik
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
This tour is rated very easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. Participants should be prepared for variable sub-zero temperatures, particularly during evening aurora searches, and should pack appropriate layered cold-weather clothing and sturdy footwear.
Reserve Your Place on This Iceland Aurora Journey
Small group sizes mean availability is limited across all departure dates. Secure your spot on this eight-day Northern Lights exploration before the season fills.
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