Northern Lights Road Trip

DAY 1 Reykjavik Airport - Reykjavik
Driving distance: approx. 50-95km/30-55 miles

Velkominn to Iceland! Pick up your car at the airport and start your Iceland experience! If time permits, from Keflavik International Airport we recommend driving the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula, a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge dividing the European and North American tectonic plates cuts through the area. You’ll see unusual and stunning features around the peninsula, including craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Gunnuhver area where you can view quirky colorful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away.
Reykjanes is also home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the chance to relax in the soothing azure waters. Another great option is the Sky Lagoon which is a firm favourite with the locals. (important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance).

Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals included: -

DAY 2 Reykjavik - Borgarfjordur
Driving distance: approx. 155km/96 miles

Today, head to the scenic Borgarfjordur region via the Hvalfjordur tunnel (or you can take the scenic coastal road instead (adds additional 17km/10miles to the trip). Borgarfjordur is a popular area among locals from Reykjavik, who enjoy coming here for holidays. It’s also been gaining popularity with international visitors for its exotic landscapes and Viking history. We suggest a stop in Borgarnes town where you can learn about the first Viking settlers in the area at the popular Settlement Museum. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs, the beautiful Hraunfossar (the Lava Falls), where melted water from a glacier flows through interesting lava formations. Near Deildartunguhver you can indulge in hot spring relaxation at the Krauma natural geothermal baths. Krauma is known for its “fire and ice” experience since it combines Deildartunguhver’s hot spring waters with cool spring water that originates from the mountains. If you wish to try something new, the Hvammsvik nature area is now open with its seven seaside pools evoking the traditional hot springs of olden times.
Tonight, you are well situated to catch a glimpse of the famous northern lights, if Mother Nature decides to cooperate.

Overnight: Borgarfjordur area
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3 Borgarfjordur / Langjokull Glacier OR Snaefellsnes
Driving distance: Varies

Today you can choose to continue to explore the marvelous Borgarfjordur region, or you can visit the scenic Snaefellnes Peninsula. Each area has something to offer.
Borgarfjordur: Here’s a hidden gem filled with enchanting volcanic scenery, glacial views, and Viking age history. Langjokull glacier offers exciting adventures such as exploring an ice cave and tunnel built into the icy blue heart of the glacier. Start with an adventurous ride up the glacier in a monstrous 18-wheeled vehicle. Once in the tunnel, you’ll view a glacier from the inside and learn how these icy wonders are formed. Another interesting area activity is a guided visit to the colorful Vidgelmir lava cave. Another beautiful place to visit is the scenic Husafell nature area. An exotic experience is a guided winter hike to the Husafell Canyon Baths, stone-lined hot pools in the secluded highlands.
Snaefellsnes: This peninsula is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” because it contains so many different types of Icelandic landscape in one location. Give yourself an early start since there is so much you can see in this beautiful area. We recommend you stop at the wind tangled Arnarstapi sea cliffs and the rocky beach of Djupalonssandur. The beautiful Snaefellsjokull glacier-volcano is the crown jewel of the peninsula. Legends say that the mountain is home to a benevolent half-troll guardian. Drive along the north coast through bustling fishing villages, stopping to look at Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in the country.

Overnight: Borgarfjordur area
Meals Included: Breakfast


DAY 4 Borgarfjordur - Golden Circle - Hella or Hvollsvollur
Driving distance: approx. 200km/125 miles

Today you’ll be visiting some of Iceland’s best-known national wonders! Head for the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where the world's oldest parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake. This is also the meeting point of the tectonic plates that divide the North American and European continents, giving you the rare chance to take a walk between two continents.
This area, the Golden Circle area is full of hot springs, and there are two great local favorite bathing pools. Laugarvatn Fontana is built on top of a hot spring, and its steam baths are good for your skin and joints. The Secret Lagoon is a lovely historical stone lined natural geothermal pool with its own tiny geyser nearby.
Visit the quirky geothermal fields of Geysir. Stroll along a footpath around colorful bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. The most famous of these is Strokkur, which erupts about every ten minutes. Then visit the dramatic, two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, a spectacular sight in winter when frozen mid-cascade.
Afterwards drive along winter country roads to your overnight in South Iceland. If nature co-operates, you might glimpse some northern lights!

Stay at: Hella or Hvollsvollur area
Meals Included: Breakfast


DAY 5 Hvollsvollur or Hella - Vik - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Driving distance: approx. 180km/112 miles

Travel along the south coast, one of Iceland’s main farming areas. You’ll see many farms and shaggy haired herds of Icelandic horses as you head along the Ring Road. See the magnificent waterfall, Skogafoss, site of hidden treasure. (Make sure you have your camera ready, Skogafoss makes a fantastic backdrop for a selfie). Nearby is Skogar Folk Museum, well known throughout Iceland for being the best of its kind with a collection of mementos from this region’s past housed in beautifully preserved old turf roofed buildings. Make a stop in pretty Vik village. Nearby you can admire stunning views of a black sand beach and the black basalt columns of Reynisdrangar.
You’ll also see glaciers from the road, including Myrdalsjokull and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull. The road leads alongside Vatnajokull as you head to your overnight stay.

Overnight: Kirkjubaejarklaustur area
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 6 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Vatnajokull National Park - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Driving distance: approx. 209km/130 miles

Today is perfect for exploring glacial wonders in Vatnajokull National Park, Western Europe's largest national park. Start with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where blue, white, turquoise, and black-streaked icebergs shift and dance. The mystical lagoon is enormous and has been the backdrop for many major feature films and programs. It is a special place for photographers who enjoy the challenge of catching the icebergs in just the right light conditions. If you want a different glacial lagoon photography experience, the Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon is beautiful and often has fewer visitors. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, an area where icebergs rest on black sand. It has become a famous site for Instagrammers.
Visit Vatnajokull National Park’s majestic Skaftafell area, which is located between two glaciers and offers several winter hiking possibilities. Depending on your schedule, Skaftafell is an excellent place to try a guided hike on a glacier. There are few better ways to really get close to a glacier and learn about their formation.

Overnight: Kirkjubaejarklaustur area
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7 Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Reykjavik
Driving distance: approx. 265 km/165 miles

Drive along the scenic south coast back to the west. Visit Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that you can walk behind (subject to trail conditions). You’ll also be passing through landscapes impacted by Eyjafjallajokull volcano, famous for its 2010 eruption. If the skies are clear, you might even get a glimpse of the glacier-crowned volcano.
Visit Selfoss, a town that makes a great break during your day. The innovative new Selfoss Center reconstructs the original buildings from the town’s 19th and early 20th century. Visitors find this colorful Icelandic style of corrugated iron facades and chalet architecture very charming. The buildings contain artisanal restaurants, pubs, local shops and art galleries. If you love learning fun facts, we suggest visiting the Skyrland exhibition in the Sellfoss Center’s Old Dairy building. Along from Selfoss, the town of Hveragerdi is great place to take a break and enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere. Hveragerdi is famous for its geothermal greenhouses where flowers and vegetables are grown year-round. The town has several charming restaurants featuring local cuisine, as well as a small geothermal park. Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon/early evening.

Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8 Reykjavik

Return the car back to Keflavik International Airport today. If you have time and didn't previously, you may wish to visit one of the local thermal baths, or visit some of the museums in Reykjavik. We hope you have enjoyed your Northern Lights Road Trip Self-Drive holiday!

Meals Included: Breakfast