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14 days of Wonderful Winter in Iceland: Northern lights, History, and Amazing Scenery
14-day self-drive itinerary · winter
Winter in Iceland is wonderful. You can see the Northern Lights, learn about history, and enjoy the epic scenery in this 14 day tour. It is the perfect amount of time to experience all that Iceland has to offer.*
This is a 14-day winter tour of Iceland that takes you to see the northern lights, experience the country's history, and enjoy its amazing scenery. You'll start in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, and visit some of the city's most popular attractions. From there, you'll head out into the countryside to see glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields. You'll also get to experience Icelandic culture firsthand by visiting small towns and villages. And, of course, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This travel is ideal for getting a taste of everything Iceland has to offer.
Day 1: Day 1
Start your journey in the Land of Fire and Ice at Keflavík international airport or in Reykjavík city, the world’s northernmost capital. If you start in Reykjavík, spend the day exploring the city. Visit the Settlement Exhibition to learn about the city’s history, then walk along the waterfront to take in the views of the mountains, lava fields, and the ocean. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many cafes and restaurants for some traditional Icelandic food. In the evening, head out in search of the northern lights
Overnight: Reykjavík
Day 2: Day 2
Today, spend the day exploring Reykjavík’s many museums and galleries. Learn about the country’s Viking history at the National Museum, or see the world’s largest collection of Icelandic art at the Reykjavík Art Museum. For something unique, check out the Icelandic Phallological Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of penises and testicles. In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of Reykjavík’s many restaurants, or head out for some live music at one of the city’s bars
Overnight: Reykjavík
Day 3: Day 3
Start your day with a drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the location of the world’s first parliament. Walk through the park to see the dramatic landscapes, then head to the nearby Geysir geothermal area to see the Strokkur geyser erupt. Continue on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls. In the afternoon, drive to the nearby town of Hella for accommodation.
Day 4: Day 4
This morning, drive to the town of Vík, located on the southern coast of Iceland. Stop at the Reynisfjara black sand beach to see the dramatic coastline, then continue on to the Dyrhólaey rock arch. In the afternoon, drive to the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike to the top of Skógafoss for a spectacular view
Overnight: Vík
Day 5: Day 5
Today, explore the Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Start with a drive to the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, then continue on to the Skaftáreldahraun lava field. Next, visit the Skaftafell geopark, then walk to the edge of the Vatnajökull glacier. In the afternoon, head to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to see the icebergs up close. Finally, end your day at the Diamond Beach, where you can see the icebergs that have washed ashore
Overnight: Höfn
Day 6: Day 6
Today you will drive towards the majestical east fjords of Iceland. The first stop is at Egilsstaðir where you can learn more about the Eastfjords at the Egilsstaðir Heritage Museum. From there, continue your drive to the small village of Fáskrúðsfjörður. Make sure to stop at the viewing point at Lón to get a panoramic view of the fjord
Overnight: Fáskrúðsfjörður
Day 7: Day 7
Start your day with a drive to the town of Egilsstaðir. On the way, you’ll pass through the stunning Stuðlagil canyon. Continue on to the Dettifoss waterfall, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Then, explore the Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon formed by a glacial flood. In the afternoon, drive to the town of Húsavík for accommodation.
Day 8: Day 8
This morning, drive to the Mývatn lake area. Start with a visit to the Hverir mud pools, then continue on to the Dimmuborgir lava field. Next, walk through the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters, then see the Goðafoss waterfall. In the afternoon, drive to the town of Akureyri for accommodation.
Day 9: Day 9
Today, explore the town of Akureyri. Start with a visit to the Akureyri Art Museum, then walk through the botanical gardens. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride up Mt. Axarfjall for stunning views of the city and the surrounding fjords. In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of Akureyri’s many restaurants
Overnight: Akureyri
Day 10: Day 10
This morning, drive to the Tröllaskagi peninsula. Stop at the Hofsós swimming pool, then continue on to the Glaumbær farm museum. On the way back to Akureyri, stop at the Hvítserkur rock formation. In the afternoon, explore the town of Akureyri. Visit the Akureyri church, then walk through the city’s pedestrian-only shopping street. In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of Akureyri’s restaurants
Overnight: Akureyri
Day 11: Day 11
This morning, drive to the town of Siglufjörður. Stop at the Herring Museum to learn about the town’s history, then walk through the town’s quaint streets. In the afternoon, drive to the town of Hvammstangi for accommodation.
Day 12: Day 12
Today, explore the Borgarfjörður area. Start with a visit to the Grábrók crater, then continue on to the Deildartunguhver hot springs. Next, see the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. In the afternoon, drive back to Reykjavík for your last night in Iceland
Overnight: Reykjavík
Day 13: Day 13
This morning, drive to the town of Akranes. Stop at the Akranes Lighthouse Museum, then walk along the town’s harbor. In the afternoon, drive to the Hvalfjörður fjord for a look at the stunning scenery. In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of Akranes’ restaurants
Overnight: Reykjavík
Day 14: Day 14
On your final day in Iceland, spend some time exploring Reykjavík or the Reykjanes peninsula. If you’re in Reykjavík, visit the Perlan Museum for stunning views of the city. Or, walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture. If you’re on the Reykjanes peninsula, visit the Blue Lagoon or the Lava Centre. In the afternoon, head to Keflavík airport for your flight home.
Prefer a guided journey?
Guided audio journeys across Iceland — every stop mapped, narrated and ready to drive.
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