The Land of Northern Lights
During your Iceland trip we explore Southwest Iceland, known for its natural wonders and cultural sites. We see glittering glaciers, snow-clad mountains, giant lava fields and steaming hot springs. We bathe in the mineral rich geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, we walk on a black lava beach, we visit an Icelandic horse farm and we travel close to the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. We overnight in a small hotel in the countryside. It’s truly a magnificent place to be on a dark clear night when the stars are out and a full moon lights up the surroundings. On the best of nights, the northern lights come out to dance as well.
Iceland is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations and could easily become one of the most popular winter destinations to visit with the right promotion. In spite of image of cold, winter is the season during which mother nature blows you away in Iceland. This short getaway tour to Iceland gives you an insight to Iceland's nature and cultural life, staying 2 nights in Iceland's capital and 2 nights in a country hotel in South Iceland that is ideal for the search of northern lights.
This program includes during 2 evenings a combination of presentations, lectures, film and guided Northern Lights searches in the hotel garden in South Iceland. Árhús Cottages in South Iceland offer a Northern Lights wake up call for guests that register for that special service at the reception. The tour is dependent on weather and therefore sightings are not guaranteed. The Northern Lights are in the northern hemisphere from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natural wonders, the Northern Lights are ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone (it is not a TV show that you can just turn on and off). But it is worth the patience which is much required. Because they are a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside while looking for them. It is best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await patiently this truly outstanding event. For the best photos we recommend using a tripod.
Tour Itinerary
Welcome! Begin your trip to Iceland today arriving in Reykjavik airport. The Flybus shuttle brings travelers from Keflavík International Airpor to your hotel where you spend one night. We provide you with ideas how to explore Iceland's capital on your own. Free shuttle bus from Guesthouse Borgartún to downtown Reykjavík at 19:00 and back at 22:00. Overnight in Reykjavik (B)
Overnight in Reykjavik 
The Flybus shuttle brings travelers from Keflavík International Airpor to hotel
At 09:00 meet your tour guide who shows the group the highlights of Iceland's exciting capital. Then head out to the Reykjanes Peninsula with its hot springs, mountains, bird cliffs, lighthouses and fishing villages. By the end of the day, we get to soak off our travels in the warm mineral-rich waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. We stay for two nights in simple cottages in South Iceland. There is an option to upgrade to studio rooms at the Stracta Hotel in Hella. In the evening, we hear about the Northern Lights from our tour guide at Árhús Cabins. Naturally, once darkness falls, you are out in the garden waiting for the Northern Lights.
Today we head along the south coast and reach the area near the active volcano that is beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. We stop at the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges from the mountain. Next, we visit Skógar folk museums, which contains an outstanding collection of farm and domestic artefacts from Iceland's past and several turf-built houses. Nearby is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country; the 60-meter high Skógafoss waterfall.
In the afternoon we offer an optional glacier walk. The Sólheimajökull glacier tongue extends from the large Mýrdalsjökull glacier, down to the sandy plains of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.jpgIcelandic south coast. The spectacular surroundings are marked by rugged and majestic rock formations thoroughly shaped by the glacier. On this fun, safe and easy to moderate glacier walk you get to explore the wonderland of ice sculptures, water cauldrons, ridges and deep crevasses on the breath-taking Sólheimajökull glacier. While enjoying all the features of the glacier and its spectacular surroundings, you will learn more about the behaviour of glaciers and their impact on nature. No technical requirements are needed for the tour as an experienced glacier guide will teach you how to use basic glacier equipment, such as crampons and an ice axe which is provided for glacier walks. The unique experience of a glacier walk on one of the many retreating glaciers of the world is sure to leave lasting memories. Duration of this activity is about 3 hours in total, about 90 minutes on the ice and about 30-40 min walk (one-way) from the parking lot to the glacier edge itself. The minimum age for the glacier hike is ten years. You need to bring warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots. The glacier hike can only be booked with the guide on day 2. The special price for the Land of Northern Lights group members is ISK 14.000 (about EUR 100 per person). Payment is due with the glacier hike company on day 3.
If you booked the trip without the glacier hike, then the tour continues further south where you can stroll on the black lava beach to see the amazing bird cliffs at Reynisfjara near Vík. In the evening there is another presentation about the Northern Lights. If the night is clear, you might see the Northern Lights swirling in a wild and carefree dance across the heavens in dramatic shapes, colours, patterns and sizes. The grounds of Árhús Cabins and the Stracta Hotel in Hella are extensive and dark, offering you an excellent location for Northern Lights search if the weather conditions are right. It requires patience, warm clothing and the excitement of "maybe there could be Northern Lights".
In the morning you learn about the Icelandic horse, its unique qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Travel the Golden Circle route. See steam rising from the Geysir geothermal fields as you arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The original geyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur "the Churn" which erupts at 5-10 minute intervals. Continue to Gullfoss, a double waterfall that tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River and attracts tourists and travellers in summer and winter. Head inland to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Reykjavík for your last night, either at Hotel Cabin or Centerhotel Plaza. An optional Northern Lights evening cruise can be booked while in the destination if the weather conditions are ideal. Overnight in Reykjavik (B)
- Overnight in Reykjavik
We hope you've enjoyed your stay! Your Iceland tour ends today. Individual transfer by Flybus airport shuttle from your guesthouse accommodation in Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport (B)
- Individual transfer by Flybus airport shuttle
Customer reviews
We were scared we will not see the lights as a friend had been there and not been lucky. For the first night we were ot lucky either. We waited about an hour or so to see the lights with no luck. However when we travelled into the national park they started to appear. They were very colourful and looked amazing! We watched them for about an hour when they started to fade. Then we saw them again a few times and we took a few amazing photos. During this trip we saw a lot other as beautiful things like mountains, glaciers, lakes .... Our guide was very knowledgable and told us many interesting things about Iceland.
The tour organizes do their best to make us happy and if the Nature is hiding its wonders sometimes , they cannot do anything.
I do recommend this trip !
Bert Weinhold
Schulz M
Lina Hoffman
Regards,
Devin Helton
Teresa McConnell
