Northern Lights on the Ring Road
Tour Itinerary
Arrival and private transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
If you arrive earlier in the day, you might consider a Blue Lagoon or sighseeing tour. We’d be happy to make suggestions based on your interests. One of our favorite activities after a long flight is to visit one of the neighborhood geothermal pools. It is so refreshing to relax in the warm water, breathing in the fresh Icelandic air. It’s a great way to get to see Icelandic daily life and maybe meet a few locals. It’s also nice to take a stroll in the old city center, perhaps visiting one of the museums or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a cozy café.
- Reykjavik
- 49 km / 30 mi
The Golden Circle includes three breathtaking, world-renowned locations in southwest Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall. These sites are located just outside Reykjavik and can be visited within a day.
Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of historical, cultural, and geographical significance. It is where Iceland's first parliament, Althingi, was formed when a group of nobles gathered in 930 AD, making it the oldest running parliament in the world that is still in operation. The site is full of geological wonders, such as the gap between the European and North American tectonic plates, a wide range of interesting rock formations, sapphire blue lagoons, and much more, making it a must-see for every visitor.
Continue from Thingvellir National Park to the famous geothermal area of Geysir, known for its many geysers that have made Iceland famous. The highlight is Strokkur, a bubbling, seething spring that violently throws torrents of hot water into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. You will also see the Geysir, which gives all geysers their English name.
We continue our drive to Gullfoss, "the golden falls," a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travelers in summer and winter. It gets its name from the golden hue formed when water cascades down. Watching the mighty, roaring waterfall against a luscious green background is a magnificent sight. It is indeed one of Iceland's wonders. Here you will find the ideal spot to snap a picture or reflect on the glory of nature.
- Breakfast
- Golden Circle area
- 375km / 230mi
Lava Center - Waterfalls - Black Sand Beach
Today, you will embark on a journey to discover the unique wonders of Iceland's unique waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast.
At the Lava Center, you will learn about Iceland's unique geology through an engaging and interactive exhibition. You will discover how Iceland's landscape has been shaped over a million years by volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes.
Continue your drive to Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall where you can walk behind its cascading waters, and the powerful 60-meter drop of Skógafoss.
Finally, before continuing to your overnight accommodation, you will explore the famous black sand volcanic beach just outside the village of Vík í Mýrdal. You will visit Reynisfjara, Iceland's most famous beach, with striking Reynisdrangar basalt columns rising dramatically from the ocean.
You will spend overnight in the countryside, ideally located away from the city lights, and offering better chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
- Breakfast
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
- 200 km / 120 mi
In the morning, we head towards the Skaftafell area located in Vatnajokull National Park. Here you will find Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. We'll drive by moss-covered lava fields, deserts that have been scarred by volcanic activity, and some amazing rock formations that are clear reminders of volcanic activity over the years.
Near Jökulsárlón you will find the Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice wash ashore and are scattered like huge diamonds glistening against the stark black sands. The beach is spectacular any time of year, but especially magical when the sun is shining. Spend some time here to roam the beach and enjoy this unique setting right next to the glacier lagoon.
By then, you'll have seen the magnificent Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, which extends like a tongue from Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which is known for the sparkling icebergs that float on its icy blue surface, is in its shadow. Some icebergs wash up on the nearby Diamond Beach, shining like precious diamonds against the black sands. Both breathtaking locations will leave you with life-long memories.
- Breakfast
- Hofn area
- 278 km / 172mi
Today, you will experience a more remote area than only a few travelers get to. You will drive along Iceland's Eastfjords, offering fantastic scenery of sweeping seascapes, rugged fjords, and small fishing villages.
After a thrilling drive, you will arrive at Lake Myvatn, a prime location for witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. The anticipation of this natural wonder will surely add an extra spark to your journey.
- Breakfast
- Myvatn area
- 429 km / 266 mi
The unusual moon-like landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area have always attracted visitors to Iceland. Lake Mývatn, located in northern Iceland, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and geothermal activity. The area is famous for its unique geological features, including pseudocraters, lava formations, and hot springs. Mývatn is also a birdwatcher's paradise, especially during the summer when various species, including ducks, flock to the area. The lake's name means "midge lake," reflecting the swarms of midges that can be found around it. Key attractions include the Mývatn Nature Baths, which offer a more serene alternative to the Blue Lagoon, and the nearby Hverir geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The surrounding landscapes, like the Dimmuborgir lava fields and the imposing Krafla volcano, are perfect for hiking and exploring.
The Námaskarð pass and the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters are surreal sights that are most striking in winter.
The Goðafoss, the majestic Waterfall of the Gods, is one of the main attractions in the area, and is undeniably one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the country.
Our next stop is the northern capital of Iceland, the town of Akureyri with a charming harbor area, shops, cafes, and museums. After spending some time in Akureyri, we will continue to the Skagafjordur area for the overnight
- Breakfast
- Skagafjörður area
- 202 km / 125 mi
Today, you will have a chance to explore the west of Iceland along the beautiful Borgarfjörður area.
You will stop by the most powerful hot spring in Europe Deildartunguhver, and the spectacular twin waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.
Next, you will journey through the historically rich Reykholt area, the home of the renowned 13th-century writer, poet, and scholar Snorri Sturluson, a significant figure in Icelandic Saga heritage.
Late afternoon, we return to Reykjavik for your last overnight.
- Breakfast
- Reykjavik
- 381 km / 236 mi
Private transfer to the airport.
- Breakfast
- 381 km / 236 mi