Iceland Winter Express

Reykjavik - Borgarfjordur - Reykholt - Hellisandur. We'll pick you up at 9 am from the Reykjavík meeting point (see the tour Trip Notes and your booking documentation for information about the pick up point). Although the pick-up process may take up to 30 minutes, please be ready and waiting by 9 am.

We'll start our adventure in Borgarfjordur, home to Europe’s largest hot spring, Deildartunguhver. This incredible hot spring gushes around 180 litres of hot water per second at a steamy 100°C, providing heating and hot water to the surrounding areas.

We’ll then offer the option to visit the Krauma geothermal baths, or if you prefer, we’ll head to a nearby horse farm where we can meet and pet friendly Icelandic horses.

Next, we'll journey to Reykholt, a small but culturally significant town where the renowned medieval poet and politician Snorri Sturluson once lived. We'll also visit a hot spring pool said to be his favourite. Close by, we’ll marvel at the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. If the weather cooperates, we’ll end the day trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Please note: This tour is modular, meaning it is made up of different excursions and activities. You will have different guides and will be joined by different groups for different sections of the itinerary. All of the tour inclusions remain the same.

Hellissandur - Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Reykjavik. After a delightful breakfast, we’ll set off for Djupalonssandur Beach, soaking in the stunning alpine and coastal scenery of western Snaefellsnes along the way. Once a bustling fishing village with around 60 boats, Djupalonssandur is now known for its dramatic landscape. As we explore, you’ll notice massive stones on the shoreline, once used by fishermen to test their strength. We’ll enjoy a short hike along the coast, with the shimmering silver-tipped Atlantic waves rolling over the glossy black pebbles. From the beach, you can still see the remnants of a British trawler shipwrecked in 1948.

At the top of the beach, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photogenic mountain. Snaefellsnes, often called “Iceland in a nutshell” for its diverse and captivating landscapes, will dazzle us with its beauty. We’ll enjoy magnificent views of Snaefellsjokull, the impressive glacier made famous by Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth". We then have the option to tour the Vatnshellir Cave at an extra fee, before heading back to Reykjavik. This evening is free to head out and see the city.

Reykjavik - Seljalandsfoss - Skogafoss - Reynisfjara - Vik - Hof. The second half of our trip will immerse us in the stunning southern and eastern regions of Iceland, where we’ll encounter awe-inspiring landscapes of vast moss-covered lava fields, majestic waterfalls, volcanic black sands, and towering glacier tongues.

After a hearty breakfast in Reykjavik, we’ll journey along the South Coast, passing picturesque farmlands, quaint towns, and charming villages on our way to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Here, we’ll brave getting a little wet as we hike behind the waterfall, marvelling at the view through the cascading water curtain. Our next highlight is the impressive Skogafoss, located at the base of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Climb to the top of this waterfall for panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands and, on a clear day, catch a glimpse of Myrdalsjokull glacier.

We’ll then visit Reynisfjara, a striking black sand beach famous for its wind-sculpted basalt cliffs and dramatic sea stacks. As we make our way to our accommodation in Hof, we’ll drive through the picturesque town of Vík. After settling into our hotel, we’ll enjoy a relaxing evening and, if conditions are favourable, embark on another hunt for the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Hof - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Vatnajokull National Park - Skaftafell Nature Reserve - Reykjavik. After a restful night, we’ll embark on our final day with a visit to the world-renowned Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach.

At Diamond Beach, we’ll witness nature’s ice sculptures washed ashore and shattered into countless fragments that gleam like diamonds against the black sand. This stunning spectacle gives the beach its sparkling name. Keep an eye out for floating icebergs that have broken off from the glacier tongue, and you might even spot a seal or two.

Our adventure continues as we step inside a glacier to explore a breathtaking ice cave, guided by a qualified expert. Ice caves are dynamic and ever-changing, with new formations emerging each winter as glaciers melt and freeze. Inside, you’ll be awestruck by the deep, jewel-blue ice - a striking effect of the ice's compression and the play of light and colour. For photographers, this is a superb opportunity to capture the shimmering blue light filtering through the ice. Please note that as ice caves are natural phenomena that change constantly, we cannot guarantee a visit to a specific cave. The choice of ice cave will depend on the conditions and safety considerations at the time of the trip.

On our journey back to Reykjavik, we’ll stop at Vatnajokull National Park for a brief visit. Skaftafell Nature Reserve, with its lush greenery amidst jagged mountains and snow-capped peaks, promises to be a highlight of the day. As night falls, we’ll embark on one last hunt for the Northern Lights.

Due to factors like traffic, weather, and the search for the Northern Lights, we expect to return to Reykjavik between 9 pm and 11 pm. We recommend that you book accommodation for this evening, as this is not included in the cost of your tour.