Wild & Wintry Iceland: Northern Lights, Glaciers, & Volcanoes - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Fly to Akureyri, Lake Mývatn & Northern Lights 

Say hello to the winter wonderland of Iceland! Upon your arrival in Keflavík, you'll transfer to Reykjavík airport via bus, where you'll catch a flight to Akureyri in North Iceland. Pick up your rental car at Akureyri airport, and make the one-hour drive to Lake Mývatn via Iceland's famous Ring Road or Route 1. After getting settled at your accommodations, you're free to explore the lake and surrounding areas.

Lake Mývatn has some of the highest concentrations of volcanic and geothermal sights in the entire country. Start with a walk along the lake and lava fields to view some of the unusual rock formations, then head to Dimmuborgir, a group of lava rocks that look like towers of old. Be sure to stop in at nearby Grjótagjá Cave, a natural spring tucked away under layers of lava rock that is located near the lake and was a filming site for "Game of Thrones." Later, you can enjoy a relaxing soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you'll find man-made waterfalls and geothermal saunas. 

This evening, take a guided horseback ride to seek out one of Iceland's most amazing phenomena: the aurora borealis, or northern lights. After your guide sets you up with your equipment and introduces you to your Icelandic horse, you'll trek across snow-covered trails and into the nearby forests on the hunt for the best views of these magical veils of blue, green, and red lights. The aurora only appears in higher latitudes, and North Iceland in the winter months is one of the best places to see them. 

Day 2: Diamond Circle, Húsavik Whale Watching

Begin your tour of the Diamond Circle today, a circuit of 155 miles (250 km) that includes stunning and unearthly landscapes, volcanic rock formations, and thunderous waterfalls. Start by visiting Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), where you'll take in endless views and can even walk down to the water's edge if you're feeling adventurous. After a few photo ops, continue to Vatnajökull National Park to see Dettifoss, considered one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. 

Day 3: Transfer to Egilsstaðir, Möðrudalsöræfi & Herðubreið, Vök Baths

This morning, you'll leave Lake Mývatn and head toward the town of Egilsstaðir, which is your destination for the night. The drive takes about two hours, with some noteworthy places to stop along the way. Start with a visit to Möðrudalsöræfi and Möðrudalur farm, which has an altitude of more than 1,500 feet (469 m)—a higher elevation than any other farm in Iceland. Here, you can enjoy views of Mount Herðubreið, known as the "Queen of Icelandic Mountains," and visit the farm's tiny church, which was built by the owner in 1949.

Just before you arrive in Egilsstaðir, you'll want to make a stop at Vök Baths. Located on Lake Urriðavatn, a short distance from town, this collection of geothermal floating pools is surrounded by amazing lake and mountain views. Take a refreshing dip in one of the pools, decompress in the sauna, or have a meal at the attached bistro. Vök Baths are the largest spa in East Iceland and are considered one of the region's top attractions. After your visit, head to Egilsstaðir and check in at your accommodations before heading out to explore.

Egilsstaðir is the largest city in East Iceland, often referred to as the "Capital of the East." It sits on the banks of the Lagarfljót River and is surrounded by lush landscapes that include mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. You can hike to the nearby Fardagafoss waterfall or visit one of the town's restaurants to try some local reindeer meat. For a deeper dive into the region's history, stop in at the East Iceland Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the history of the region with a collection of artifacts and exhibits that reflect the culture and everyday life of people in the area.

Day 4: The East Fjords, Wild Reindeer Experience

Drive the rugged coastlines of the East Fjords today, where you'll find dramatic and scenic valleys and numerous small villages dotted across the landscape. Stop in at the town of Fáskrúðsfjörður to learn about the history of French fishermen in the area in the 19th century, or tour the Icelandic Wartime Museum in Reyðarfjörður. You can also stop in the tiny village of Breiðdalsvík and see the Old Fish Factory car museum. Later, take a drive along the shores of Lagarfljót, where legend has it that a beast called the Lagarfljót Wyrm lives, or visit Hengifoss waterfall for more scenic views. 

East Iceland is also the best place to see herds of reindeer grazing along the roadways. Introduced from Norway in the late 1700s, there were once thousands of reindeer across Iceland. They eventually died out, save for those in the east, where they still thrive. You can get a closer view with a guided Jeep tour, with a knowledgeable guide leading you on a 4WD expedition along winter trails to find these roaming herds. Overnight in the small municipality of Djupivogur before continuing your journey tomorrow. 

Continue to Route 218 to visit the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, a nearly 400-foot (120 m) promenade with panoramic views of the southern coast. From Dyrhólaey, you'll make a visit to Reynisfjara Beach, an immense stretch of black sand that is home to Reynisdrangar, offshore rocky basalt sea stacks that are the nesting grounds of various seabirds. You'll be right next door to the city of Vík, where you'll overnight this evening. 

For a true winter experience, spend part of this afternoon on a guided hike on an outlet glacier of Skaftafell, an icy giant that extends from the mighty Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Meet with your certified guide, and after receiving instructions on how to use the provided glacier tools and gear, you'll head across the ice fields. Walk through a frozen wonderland of natural ice sculptures, ice ridges, and deep blue crevasses with endless scenery as far as the eye can see on this memorable, three-hour adventure.

Day 7: The Golden Circle, Efstidalur II Farm Bistro

Journey to the Golden Circle today, where you'll see Þingvellir National Park, home to the Silfra fissure. Created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates cutting through Iceland, this is one of the clearest bodies of water on earth. While you're in the area, you'll also want to see historic Law Rock, where Viking chieftains from around the country once met to discuss local law. 

From there, head to the Geysir geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pits and erupting geysers, easily one of Iceland's most impressive geothermal zones. The area covers much of the Haukadalur Valley and includes the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes and reaches heights of up to 130 feet (40 m), as well as Smiður and Litli-Strokkur geysers. After watching the eruptions, take a peaceful walk through Haukadalsskógur, the largest forest in southern Iceland, and relax in the hot springs at Kúalaug. Finally, continue to Gullfoss (Golden Falls), where you can hike the falls or see the volcanic crater of Kerið.

Day 9: Silfra Snorkeling, Reykjavík Whales & Northern Lights

Head back to  Þingvellir National Park today for a snorkeling excursion into the Silfra fissure. Explore the glacial waters, enjoying nearly 400 feet (120 m) of visibility as you swim the main parts of Silfra. Float through Big Crack, Silfra's narrowest section where the continental plates are so close you can almost touch them, and see Silfra Hall for a full spectrum of the fissure's colors. Go through Silfra Cathedral, where the depth reaches 75 feet (23 m), and you feel like you're flying over the boulders and glacial silt. Your snorkel tour finishes in the crystal clear waters of Silfra Lagoon.

Day 10: Drive to Keflavík via Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart

Your winter adventure in Iceland comes to a close today, but if you have time before your flight, you can get in some last-minute sightseeing along the Reykjanes Peninsula as you make your way to Keflavík airport. Take a break at the Krýsuvík geothermal area for views of the steam vents and hot springs, or visit Gunnuhver Hot Springs, where you'll find steamy, bubbling mud pools. You can also stop at Reykjanesviti Lighthouse for some last views of the majestic scenery. 

Walk the Bridge Between Continents (Europe Miðlína) for some historic Icelandic geology. The Reykjanes Peninsula is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which pulls apart a few centimeters every year. You can cross the bridge between the continental plates and look down at the gap below. Just before you reach Keflavík, visit Garður Lighthouse—a nice spot for a walk before you board your flight home. Safe travels! 

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