Day 1: Arrive in Iceland
Fly into Keflavík International Airport and transfer to downtown Reykjavík (approximately 45 minutes). Most travelers choose the flybus (a coach that drops you off at your hotel), or rental car. Private transfers are also available, but Uber is not available as of September 2016.
Check into your hotel and explore the downtown area or rest away any jetlag. In case you arrive in the early morning (which is typical for flights from the United States), downtown Reykjavik has some great coffee shops. Sandholt (located smack in the middle of downtown on Laugagevur 36) opens at 6.30am.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Reykjavik by day Northern lights hunt by night
During the morning and day, you can join a planned city walk, enjoy some of the many great restaurants Reykjavik has to offer (do not miss the famous hot dog stand), see the sights, shop, or just relax. If you want to “relax like a local”, find one of the many geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavik.
In the evening go for a Northern Lights hunt! The Northern Lights tour in Iceland takes you to see a spectacular natural phenomenon which happens during the winter months (September to April). The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole.
There are several ways to do Northern Lights Hunts, ranging from coach tours to private jeeps. We can help you make the right choice for you based on your preferences and budget. Before you go, be sure to read these tips for viewing and photographing the northern lights.
Note: the locations visited during the Northern Lights tour vary from day to day depending on weather conditions. Because this tour is weather dependent, sightings are not guaranteed.
Day 3: The South Shore
Take your rental car and drive the scenic South Shore at your own pace. The drive along the south coast of Iceland is one of the country’s most scenic regions. You will drive as far as Vík, a charming small village. Along the way you can stop at the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss waterfall (60m/196ft), which you can walk behind and through to the other side. You can also stop at the majestic and much-photographed Skógafoss waterfall, with its 60m/196 ft drop. The hiking trail to the right of the waterfall offers spectacular views and forms the start of the famous fimmvörðuháls hike. Other highlights include the stunning Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the black sand coastline, and the impressive Reynisdrangar rock formations near Vík.
Day 4: The Golden Circle
Today you will drive back along the shore and explore the famous Golden Circle route, staying the night near Gullfoss Waterfall. The Golden Circle allows you to visit some of Iceland’s most stunning sights, starting with the Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur geyser shoots a column of water up to 30m (98 ft.) into the air every 48 minutes in a thrilling display of nature’s forces. The visit continues with Gullfoss waterfall (Golden Falls), created by the river Hvítá, which tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32m/105 ft deep.
The Golden Circle also includes Thingvellir National Park, an historical and geological wonder where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year. You will also find many cafés along with a farm that makes and sells its own ice cream.
Day 5: The Reykjanes Peninsula, The Blue Lagoon, and departure
Today you'll check out from your hotel and drive to the Blue Lagoon. Soak and relax with an option for an in-water massage while you re-live the past 4 days. The Blue Lagoon is recognized as one of National Geographic’s 25 “wonders of the world” and is a unique source of geothermal seawater. The Blue Lagoon temperature stays the same all year, around 37°-40°C (98°-104°F).
We recommend you drive the Krisuvik way to explore more sights on the way to the Blue Lagoon and to the Airport. You can visit the Gunnuhver geothermal area, Seltun Geothermal area, Krisuvikurvatn lake, and the Bridge between Continents where North America and European tectonic plates meet are along the way.
Afterward, head to the airport to board your flight back home after some wonderful days in Iceland and memories you’ll never forget. Goodbye for now!
Thanks to local Iceland expert Bjorn Gudmundsson for providing this itinerary.
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