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Magical 2 Week Northern Lights Winter Road Trip in Iceland with Waterfalls & Glaciers
14-day self-drive itinerary · winter
Visit the stunning country of Iceland on a two-week winter road trip! You'll see the amazing Northern Lights, beautiful waterfalls, and glaciers. This is a trip you'll never forget!*
If you're looking for an unforgettable winter vacation, Iceland is the perfect destination. This self-drive tour takes you on a journey around the country's most popular sights, including glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. All this, while hunting for the northern lights which can often be seen dancing in the sky. Make sure you bring a camera, as you're sure to want to capture the memories of this magical trip. It's no wonder many visitors say that Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Iceland should definitely be on your travel bucket list. With its otherworldly landscape, it's easy to see why. This self-drive tour allows you to explore all that Iceland has to offer at your own pace You'll also get the opportunity to learn about Icelandic culture and visit small towns and villages. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a relaxing vacation, this self-drive tour of Iceland is sure to please.
Day 1: Day 1
Welcome to Iceland! After picking up your rental car at the airport or in Reykjavík city, it's time to start exploring. Reykjavík is full of interesting sights, from the historic Harpa concert hall to the vibrant Reykjavík Art Museum. Make sure to stroll down Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, and try some of the delicious Icelandic cuisine. In the evening, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights \- one of Iceland's most magical sights. Accommodation in Reykjavík.
Day 2: Day 2
Today, you'll head north to the Borgarnes area. Stop at the Reykholt historic site, where the famous Icelandic sagas were written, before continuing on to the Hraunfossar waterfalls. These falls flow directly from a lava field, creating a truly unique sight. Nearby, you'll find the Barnafoss waterfall, which gets its name from a tragic legend. Make sure to also visit the Deildartunguhver hot springs, Europe's highest-flow hot spring. In the evening, go on a hunt for the Northern Lights. Accommodations in Borgarnes area.
Day 3: Day 3
Start the day with a visit to the Glanni waterfall, followed by the Grábrók crater. Then, head to the Illugastaðir seal watching point \- you might be lucky enough to spot some of Iceland's adorable seal population. Continue on to the Hvítserkur rock formation and the Kolugljúfur canyon before ending the day with another hunt for the Northern Lights
Overnight: Skagafjörður area.
Day 4: Day 4
Today, you'll explore the historic Glaumbær farm before continuing on to the Hofsós town. Make sure to visit the Siglufjörður Folk Museum to learn about Iceland's fascinating history and culture. In the evening, go on another hunt for the Northern Lights
Overnight: Akureyri area.
Day 5: Day 5
Spend the day exploring the town of Akureyri, known as the "capital of the north." In the evening, go on another Northern Lights hunt
Overnight: Akureyri area.
Day 6: Day 6
Today, you'll head east to the Goðafoss waterfall. Then, it's on to the Mývatn lake area, where you'll find the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters and the Dimmuborgir lava formations. Make sure to also hike up to the Hverfjall mountain for an incredible view. In the evening, relax in the Grjótagjá cave or the Hverir mud pools before going on another Northern Lights hunt
Overnight: Mývatn area or Húsavík area.
Day 7: Day 7
Start the day with a visit to the Stuðlagil canyon, followed by the Rjúkandi waterfall. Then, it's on to the Hengifoss waterfall \- at 128 meters, it's the second tallest waterfall in Iceland. Make sure to also visit the Skriðuklaustur historic site before going on another Northern Lights hunt in the evening
Overnight: Egilsstaðir area.
Day 8: Day 8
Today, you'll head to the Eastfjords of Iceland. Make sure to visit the Fáskrúðsfjörður the French town and go for a walk around the picturesque Eastfjords. In the evening, go on another Northern Lights hunt
Overnight: Höfn area.
Day 9: Day 9
Today, you'll head to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can admire the giant icebergs floating in the water. Then, it's on to the Diamond Beach, where the icebergs have washed ashore. Make sure to also visit the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon and the Skaftafell geopark. In the evening, go on another Northern Lights hunt
Overnight: Vík area.
Day 10: Day 10
Today, you'll explore the Vatnajökull national park, home to Europe's largest glacier. Make sure to visit the Svínafellsjökull outlet glacier and the Foss á síðu waterfall. Then, it's on to the Systrafoss waterfall and the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. In the evening, go on another Northern Lights hunt
Overnight: Vík area.
Day 11: Day 11
Today, you'll head to the Reynisfjara black sand beach, where you can admire the dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Make sure to also visit the Dyrhólaey promontory and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. Then, it's on to the Kvernufoss waterfall and the Skógafoss waterfall. Make sure to also walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall for a unique view. In the evening, go on another Northern Lights hunt
Overnight: Hella area.
Day 12: Day 12
Today, you'll start with a visit to the Þjófafoss waterfall. Then, it's on to the Gjáin oasis and the Háifoss waterfall \- at 122 meters, it's the third tallest waterfall in Iceland. Make sure to also visit the Þjóðveldisbærinn the Commonwealth farm and the Hjálparfoss waterfall. In the evening, go on another Northern Lights hunt
Overnight: Hella area.
Day 13: Day 13
Today, you'll head to the Golden circle of Iceland, where you can admire the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Þingvellir national park. In the evening, head back to Reykjavík for one last night in Iceland
Overnight: Reykjavík city.
Day 14: Day 14
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Reykjavík city or the Reykjanes peninsula before heading to the airport for your flight home. Thank you for choosing Iceland for your vacation \- we hope you had a magical time!
Prefer a guided journey?
Guided audio journeys across Iceland — every stop mapped, narrated and ready to drive.
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