Iceland South Coast Winter Adventure - 5 Days

Highlights

• Drive Iceland's famous Golden Circle and see the northern lights
• Visit waterfalls and ice caves along Iceland's southern coast
• Ride ATVs on volcanic black-sand beaches

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, the Golden Circle Drive & Northern Lights

Welcome to Iceland! This northern volcanic island is a hotbed of geological wonders and has a settled history that dates back over 1,000 years to the age of the Vikings. After arriving at the airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you'll pick up your rental car and start the adventure. Today, you'll be driving east along the famous Golden Circle, a 190-mile (300 km) route that features some of southern Iceland's most popular natural attractions.

First up is Þingvellir National Park, home to the historic Law Rock. It was at this outcropping during the Middle Ages that chieftains met once a year to recite new laws and air grievances. Next is the Geysir geothermal area, located about 65 miles (106 km) east of the capital of Reykjavík. With bubbling mud pits, steam vents, and erupting geysers, the area is one of the most active geothermal zones in the country. Then it's on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. You can follow trails to the top of the falls or view them above the canyon's edge. 

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls, Sólheimajökulll Glacier Hike

Get ready for a full-day scenic drive on Route 1 (Ring Road) down the southern coast of Iceland. One of the first highlights you'll pass is Urriðafoss, a waterfall on Iceland's longest river of Þjórsá. The falls here aren't big, but they do cascade at high speeds over rugged lava rocks. Another waterfall you'll pass is Seljalandsfoss, about 17 miles (30 km) west of the town of Skógar. These narrow falls plunge 200 feet (60 m) over a cliff into a lagoon, and there's actually a footpath where it's possible to walk behind it.

Another great place to stretch your legs is Kvernufoss, a small canyon near Seljalandsfoss. A little way south, you'll pass the seafront village of Vík, near the southernmost tip of Iceland. Its windswept volcanic beaches and coastal cliffs are simply breathtaking. Nearby is Dyrhólaey, a 393-foot (120 m) rock promontory whose name derives from its massive natural arch (Dyrhólaey actually translates to "door-hole"). After enjoying the views, you can take a stroll on the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, home to jagged rock formations that lend it an otherworldly quality.

Then you'll have the option to strap on crampons and embark on a three-hour hike across Sólheimajökulll glacier. Led by an expert guide, you'll traverse the surface of this 600-year-old ice, which gleams in various shades of white and blue. Of course, there will be plenty of stops to take incredible photos of the glacier and surrounding mountains and volcanoes. The hike is suitable for any skill level, and all the necessary equipment is included. At the end of the day, you'll check into your hotel on the South Coast of Iceland (likely in or around Vík), where you'll overnight.

Day 3: Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Visit Crystal Blue Ice Cave

In the morning, you'll leave Vík and drive east on Route 1 to Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon on the coast. The drive takes 2.5 hours, but you can stop on the way to visit natural attractions. One option is to enjoy the viewpoints and marvel at the otherworldly rock formations of the Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon. There are a couple of famous waterfalls on the way, too, including Skaftafell and Svartifoss. The latter plunges 65 feet (20 m) over basalt cliffs and is accessible via a scenic 3-mile (5 km) trail.

Eventually, you'll arrive at Jökulsárlón. At 656 feet (200 m), this is the deepest lake in Iceland. The icebergs floating on its surface are over 1,000 years old, and if you're lucky, you might spot seals and small whales in the water or on shore. Then, follow the lagoon to the shores of the adjacent Diamond Beach. This black-sand beach is famous for the iceberg fragments that drift ashore from the lagoon and which gleam like diamonds in the sunlight.

Day 4: South Coast to Reykjanes Peninsula, ATV Beach Ride

Hop in the car this morning and hit the road for the return drive back up the southern coast to the Reykjanes Peninsula. Just like the previous days, there will be plenty of places you can stop and enjoy the scenery. One unique landmark is Hjörleifshöfði. Known as the "Yoda cave," the entrance to this mountain cavern is actually shaped like the diminutive character from "Star Wars."

You can also stop at Eldhraun lava field. This enormous field of moss-covered lava rocks resulted from a fissure eruption in 1783 and is believed to have been one of the greatest lava flows in history. If you missed them the first time around, you can also stop at impressive waterfalls like Urriðafoss and Kvernufoss. At the latter, there's a museum where you can learn about the area's history and how people traversed the glacial rivers before they were bridged.

Day 5: Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, Drive to Airport & Depart

Alas, this morning marks your final day in Iceland. However, before you go, you can explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, which offers much more than just the airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you can drive around the area's fishing villages and lava fields, plus stop at Reykjanes Geopark.

One highlight here is Krýsuvík. This geothermal area is situated on Iceland's tectonic plates and thus is filled with hot springs, steam vents, and mud pots. Similarly, you can visit the bubbling and steaming mud cauldrons at Gunnuhver Hot Springs, named for a female ghost who was supposedly trapped here by a priest about 400 years ago. Temperatures at these mud springs are a balmy 572°F (300°C), so be sure to stay well within the marked pathways.