Best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is world famous as a Northern Lights travel destination. From mid-September to early April, travellers visit the island hoping to see the magical lights dancing across the night sky.
7 days - An independent winter tour of Iceland
Join us for a winter independent tour to the land of ice and fire in the middle of the North Atlantic. We will take you out to see the most famous sights around the Golden Circle, hot springs and much more.
Visit filming locations from Game of Thrones such as the ancient site of Þingvellir and then areas around Akureyri such as the Goðafoss waterfall. As a finale you will have a day and night at the Blue Lagoon for a soak in the warm healing waters.
- Day 1
- Arrive Reykjavik and evening Northern Lights Tour
- Day 2
- Golden Circle Highlights
- Day 3
- South Coast Highlights: Skógafoss Waterfall, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Beach and Sólheimajökull Glacier
- Day 4
- Arrive Akureyri, the largest town in the north of Iceland
- Day 5
- Explore Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Selfoss and Goðafoss
- Day 6
- Fly back to Reykjavik and then head to the Blue Lagoon for an afternoon of relaxing
- Day 7
- Depart Reykjavik, transfer from hotel to airport
- Start/End Place
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Country Visited
- Iceland
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Start Date
- Flexible
- Travel Style
- Independent
- Suitability
- Independent holiday with moderately active activities and no luggage handling included
- Code
- 50DN0335
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
Details
Transportation
Day tours by minivan, Air Iceland flight to and from Akureyri.
Included
- Private transfer on day of arrival
- Meet & Greet service at hotel
- Flight to and from Akureyri with private transfers
- 5 nights at centrally located 3.5 star hotel in Reykjavik and Akureyri
- 1 night at local inn by the Blue Lagoon
- Daily breakfast
- Golden Circle small group day tour
- South Coast small group day tour
- Day tour to visit Dimmuborgir, Mývatn Nature Baths & Goðafoss Waterfall with small group
- Entrance to the Forest Spa
- Entrance to Blue Lagoon
- Transfers to Blue Lagoon and then airport on final day
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fees
(Drinks paid locally)
Not Included
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks including alcoholic beverages, juice, soft drinks and hot beverages
- Entrance fee to Lake Myvatn baths
- Gratuities and items of personal nature
- Travel insurance
- International flights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Reykjavik and evening Northern Lights Tour
On arrival, private transfer to the hotel. At 9pm this evening, you will be picked up from your hotel for a small group bus tour to search for the Northern Lights. Enjoy a hot chocolate enroute as your guide and driver search out the best spot to see the lights this evening. Dress warmly and be prepared to be out for a while. Remember, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that is impossible to predict.
Accommodation
Sand Hotel Superior Room or similarAttractions
Day 2 - Golden Circle Highlights
Small group day tour to the Golden Circle region. Visit all three attractions of the famous Golden Circle with added visits to family farms and the Kerið Crater Lake. You will be picked up by small minivan and explore Þingvellir National Park. The home of Iceland’s ancient Viking parliament and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site will be our first stop. There you will take a walk to experience firsthand the geological phenomenon that is the Mid-Atlantic ridge before visiting Gullfoss the Golden Waterfall and Geysir spouting water sometimes up to 40m high.
Stops will also be made at Efstidalur dairy farm, known for its organic homemade ice cream and
Friðheimr tomato farm where you can purchase lunch. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Sand Hotel Superior Room or similarDay 3 - South Coast Highlights: Skógafoss Waterfall, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Beach and Sólheimajökull Glacier
Today, discover the dramatic landscapes of Iceland's South Coast, one of the country's most spectacular regions. Travelling along the historic route from Reykjavík, pass through fertile farmlands framed by rugged mountains, glaciers and volcanic scenery.
Along the way, visit some of Iceland's most iconic natural attractions, including the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, the black sands and basalt formations of Reynisfjara Beach, the charming coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal and the impressive Sólheimajökull Glacier.
The journey also includes a visit to Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, and nearby Gljúfrabúi, a hidden cascade nestled within a narrow canyon. This full-day excursion showcases the extraordinary diversity of Iceland's South Coast, from glaciers and waterfalls to volcanic beaches and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Sand Hotel Superior Room or similarDay 4 - Arrive Akureyri, the largest town in the north of Iceland
This morning, your private transfer will take you to Reykjavik domestic airport where you'll board a 60 minute flight to the beautiful town of Akureyri.
Often referred to as the "capital" of the north, Akureyri is by far the largest town in the north of Iceland and it's the second largest urban area in Iceland with a population little less than 20,000. Located only 60 kilometres from the Arctic Circle, the mountains in the area are often capped with snow year round, and in the winter they offer some of the best skiing in the country.
Transfer by private car to your Hotel.
This afternoon, you can walk to the Forest Spa - we have included entry for you.
For the next two nights you'll be staying at the comfortable hotel right in the town's centre. There is the possibility to go on another Northern Lights tour this evening if desired.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Centrally located 3.5 star hotel in AkureyriDay 5 - Explore Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Selfoss and Goðafoss
Today, journey into the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Mývatn, a region renowned for its volcanic terrain, geothermal activity and unique natural beauty. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognise parts of the area as filming locations for scenes set north of the Wall. You will be picked up at your hotel at 9am and then have a full day of touring this area.
The Lake Mývatn area is considered by many to be the most beautiful and, at the same time, the most catastrophic place in Iceland. Discover the magical wonderland of Lake Mývatn with an experienced local tour guide including all the top attractions. This tour is unique in that you also visit the amazing Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe features in films such as Prometheus.
You will stop along the way for lunch (not included) and we recommend bringing good walking shoes, water bottle and warm clothing in winter time.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Centrally located 3.5 star hotel in AkureyriDay 6 - Fly back to Reykjavik and then head to the Blue Lagoon for an afternoon of relaxing
Day 7 - Depart Reykjavik, transfer from hotel to airport
Our services end after breakfast and a private transfer to the international airport.
Meals
1 BreakfastDates & Prices
All prices listed are per person, twin share. Prices are indicative.
Dates
Valid From
Valid To
From Price
Status
Accommodation
1 Oct 2026
15 Apr 2027
15 Apr 2027
1 Oct 2026
15 Apr 2027
USD 3,788
On request
Standard
1 Oct 2026
15 Apr 2027
15 Apr 2027
1 Oct 2026
15 Apr 2027
USD 2,052
On request
Extra for Single
Important Information
Lunch can be purchased along the way during the day trips or bring your own. Boots can also be hired if necessary.
The program is flexible and can be tailored to your preferences. The hiking is easy on these tours. We can include sections of the Arctic Coastal Way.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Gallery
Interactive Tour Map
Inspiration
Ultimate Guide to Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
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On Arrival Reykjavik airport
Meet at Reykjavik international airport.