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Elina
Winter in Iceland combines black beaches, waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and long evenings when you can watch the Northern Lights. Over six days, we’ll travel along the main routes in the south of the island and see the sights that draw visitors here in winter.
We’ll start with the Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal valley with the Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall. We’ll then head along the South Coast to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the glaciers and the black sand beaches. The easternmost point of the route will be the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and Diamond Beach.
👉 Friends! This programme includes accommodation in cottages. If you’d like to get even closer to Iceland’s natural beauty, we’ve got a brilliant tour where you’ll be staying overnight in a campervan: Iceland campervan tour – in search of the Northern Lights.
We’re staying in hostels and private accommodation. After a busy day, we can warm up, dry our clothes and relax before our next outing.
The Golden Circle, the waterfalls of the South Coast, the black sand beaches, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, all in one compact itinerary.
You don’t need to pack your things halfway through the route. We’ll set off for the glacial lagoon without any luggage.
Residences change as people move eastwards. This reduces the number of return journeys along the same stretches of road.
We travel as a single group, gather more quickly at stops and can respond more flexibly to winter weather.
The team leader checks the forecast, road conditions and alerts from the relevant services, and adjusts the order of the locations if circumstances require it.
The order in which locations are visited may change due to the weather, road conditions, road closures and winter restrictions. The team leader will adjust the itinerary to ensure that the key stops on the programme are included without compromising the group’s safety.
Participants make their own way from the airport to Reykjavík and check into their booked hostel. Once the group has gathered, we’ll get to know each other, and the tour leader will hold a briefing and tell us more about the specifics of travelling through Iceland in winter.
Depending on our arrival time, we’ll take a stroll through the city centre, visiting Hallgrímskirkja, the waterfront and the ‘Sun Traveller’ sculpture. The duration of the walk is flexible, so that participants arriving on different flights can relax after their journey.
Estimated mileage in a shared car: 0 km.
Participants are responsible for paying for their own airport transfer
We’ll board our coach in Reykjavík and set off for the Golden Circle. We’ll visit Thingvellir National Park, situated on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Next, we’ll head to the geothermal valley, where the Strokkur geyser erupts regularly, and then on to Gullfoss waterfall. Weather permitting, and depending on road conditions and the length of daylight, we’ll also stop at the Kerid crater.
Approximate distance: 220–250 km.
We’ll continue our journey along the South Coast. Our first major stop will be Seljalandsfoss. In winter, the path behind the waterfall may be closed due to ice, so we’ll only be able to view it from the accessible viewing points.
Glufrabui is nearby, but access to it also depends on the condition of the path. Next, we’ll visit Skógafoss. If conditions are favourable, we may be able to drive to a safe viewing area near the Sólheimajökull glacier, without having to set foot on the ice without a specialist local guide.
After stopping at Vík, we’ll continue our journey across the Eldgrún lava fields towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The tour leader will decide on the number of additional stops depending on the weather and the amount of daylight.
Estimated distance: 190–220 km
We’re heading to the Skaftafell area in Vatnajökull National Park. Depending on the condition of the paths, we’ll either take a short winter walk or visit the accessible viewing points offering views of the glacier.
The highlight of the day is the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Icebergs break off from the glacier, drift across the lagoon and float out towards the ocean. On the opposite side of the road, we’ll visit Diamond Beach, where icebergs lie on black volcanic sand.
We’ll head back along the same route. If the sky is clear and the forecast is favourable, we’ll spend the evening watching the Northern Lights.
Estimated distance: 250–270 km
We head back west and visit the places we’ve saved for the return journey. We’ll stop at Vík and Reynisfjara beach, where we’ll see black volcanic sand, basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar cliffs.
Due to the danger of sudden waves, we should stay away from the water, avoid turning our backs to the ocean, and follow the instructions on warning signs. If the access road is open, we’ll add Cape Dirholei.
We could also visit the Fjadrarglúfur Canyon or another accessible location that we missed out on due to the weather.
Approximate distance: 280–310 km.
After check-out, the tour leader refuels and returns the group transport to Reykjavík. This marks the end of the joint programme.
Participants make their own way to the airport by scheduled coach. If the flight is scheduled for the following day, additional accommodation in Reykjavík must be booked separately.
To reserve a place on the trip, you will need to pay a deposit of €500. A consultant will send you the payment details. The remaining balance can be paid in cash to the trip leader on the first day of the trip.
No refunds will be given if you leave the route.
The consultant will offer advice on what to pack, help you choose the best flight, and provide information on hotels and excursions. You make your own payments and purchases. If you would like the consultant to book a ticket on your behalf, additional services and a service charge apply.
Depending on the weather conditions, the group’s condition and general preferences, the team leader is entitled to make changes to the route.
To travel to Iceland, you must have a valid Schengen visa or a biometric passport.
To take part in the programme, you must not have any medical conditions that are incompatible with active tourism: see the list here.
Winters in Iceland are mild; temperatures rarely drop below -5 degrees Celsius. However, there will certainly be strong winds, which can make it feel as cold as -15. So make sure to pack warm clothes and raincoats.
As well as physical preparation, pay attention to your gear. It must be of high quality and reliable to withstand the northern rain and wind. Your comfort and enjoyment of the trek depend on your choice of kit. Good waterproof trousers and a jacket, along with comfortable waterproof boots, are essential for this trek.
Observation requires a dark sky, sufficient solar activity and breaks in the cloud cover. The team leader will keep an eye on the forecast and, if conditions are favourable, will suggest a suitable observation spot.
No. The programme involves staying in accommodation and taking short walks without a heavy rucksack. You need to be prepared for wind, rain, slippery paths and long journeys by car.
In Iceland, the weather and road conditions can change throughout the day. The tour leader checks the official warnings and may change the order of stops, shorten the walk or avoid travelling to a dangerous location.
The group is staying in a hostel in Reykjavík and in rented houses on the South Coast. Some of the accommodation may involve shared rooms and bathrooms. We will let you know the exact arrangements before the trip begins.
On the first day, participants make their own way from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík. On the sixth day, the transfer to the airport is also not included in the programme. A consultant will provide up-to-date options
The total cost, not included in the price, will be approximately €250 plus airfare. It all depends on your preferences and budget. All additional costs for the itinerary are set out in more detail below:
*Please note: it is not part of the consultants’ remit to book individual flights for each participant. They provide general recommendations based on their experience and share details of other participants’ flights so that you can travel together. Participants are responsible for selecting and purchasing a flight ticket that suits them. If you would like a consultant to book a flight ticket, a hotel or additional excursions for you, please read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.