Iceland's Classic Northern Lights
Iceland's Classic Northern Lights
Iceland's Classic Northern Lights
5 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Reykjavik, Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi, Hveragerdi / Golden Circle, Hveragerdi / South Coast, Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIKW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Pursue mother nature’s most spectacular show on a five-day winter adventure of Iceland’s southern coast. Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle – soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon and marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir, before strapping on the crampons and hiking across the Solheimajokull Glacier and feeling the mist of pristine waterfalls on your face. Rug up in your finest thermals and search the night sky for dancing lights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital and an eclectic place full of charm. At 6 pm you’ll meet your local leader and travel companions at an important welcome meeting at your hotel. If you arrive in Reykjavik with time to spare, why not hit the streets and explore the city's quirky boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.
Day 2: Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi
Location: Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Wake up and take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Stop at family-run workshop where they use native Icelandic ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts. Tour their production area and learn more about their sustainability initiatives while sipping on a cup of their delicious tea. Next up you’ll see the Bridge between Continents, a footbridge that spans a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, and visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named for the angry ghost that is believed to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. A steaming bowl of lobster soup awaits you in the fishing village of Grindavik for lunch (vegetarian alternatives available), before you continue to Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church that has been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day you’ll head for your accommodation near the town of Hveragerdi. This evening will be a good opportunity to turn your head to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
Day 3: Hveragerdi / Golden Circle
Location: Hveragerdi / Golden Circle
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Marvel at the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River. After witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity for yourself, with a soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon. Fed by various hot springs in the surrounding area, this spot is the oldest pool in Iceland – though it’s had a facelift since first opening in 1894. Once you're fully destressed (or before your fingertips start to prune), head back to your accommodation, and depending on the weather, rug up in warm clothing and head out in search of the northern lights.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 4: Hveragerdi / South Coast
Location: Hveragerdi / South Coast
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Start the day by visiting the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective, followed by the powerful Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest at a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. From here embark on a short hike to another breathtaking waterfall, Kvernufoos, hidden in a nearby valley, and unbeknownst to most. The waterfall is framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to its otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of gorgeous waterfalls, prepare to take a walk on one of Europe's biggest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. No experience is necessary to partake in the hike – your guide will brief you on all you need to know so you can explore the icy caves and crevasses safely. This evening you’ll enjoy a comforting dinner at your accommodation before looking to the skies in search of dancing lights.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
Day 5: Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik
Location: Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik
Meals Included: breaksfast
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. En route, stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains, the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart, the resulting gap partly filled with fresh water and clearly visible. Once you get back to Reykjavik, your leader will take you out on a walking tour to discover more of the history and culture of this fascinating city. Once this concludes, you will say your goodbyes and your adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights) -
Reykjanes Peninsula - Herbal tea and salt workshop visit
-
Reykjanes Peninsula - Gunnuhver hot springs
-
Reykjanes Peninsula - Bridge between Continents
-
Reykjanes Peninsula - Strandarkirkja
-
Aurora Spotting (weather dependent)
-
Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
-
Fludir - Secret Lagoon
-
Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
-
South Coast - Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
-
South Coast - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
What's Not Included
-
Insurance
-
International Travel
Transport
- On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. This trip starts in Reykjavik on Day 1 at 6pm. This trip finishes in Reykjavik at approximately 2pm on Day 5. Please do not book any flights until after 6pm.
Mode of Transport
- On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
The northern lights are most visible during the colder months, when temperatures can reach -15 °C or below and snow is very likely. It's important to bring appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, thermals layers, gloves and suitable footwear.
While there is a strong chance of seeing the northern lights in all their colourful glory (thanks to the high latitude, time of year and itinerary), nature makes no guarantees. On the rare occasion that your leader must alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.
A remote location and high-performing currency are just two reasons Iceland can be an expensive destination. This affects things like museum entrance fees and outdoor activities but is especially noticeable when eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on ways to get the best value during your visit. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Friday - Tuesday
Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 25, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 06, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 13, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 03, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 20, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 24, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 03, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 24, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Mar 27, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 20, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 20, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Oct 23, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 27, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 03, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 03, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Nov 06, 2026 - Nov 10, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Nov 20, 2026 - Nov 24, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 24, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Nov 27, 2026 - Dec 01, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Dec 04, 2026 - Dec 08, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 08, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Dec 11, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Dec 13, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 15, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Dec 18, 2026 - Dec 22, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 22, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions