3 Day South Coast, Golden Circle & Northern Lights Tour

The tour departs at 8:00 AM from Reykjavík. After pickup, we board our comfortable minibus and head east out of the city. As we drive through the scenic countryside, your guide will share stories about Iceland’s history, culture, and unique geology—setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

We begin at the Geysir geothermal field, where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents dot the ground. The highlight is Strokkur, an active geyser erupting every few minutes, sometimes reaching heights of up to 35 meters! It’s named after “Geysir,” the original namesake of all geysers worldwide.

Next, we visit the mighty Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls.” Fed by meltwater from Langjökull glacier, this two-tiered waterfall drops dramatically into a canyon. On sunny days, look for a rainbow glimmering in the mist. A photographer’s delight.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, creating a visible rift valley. It’s also Iceland’s most historic site: the birthplace of the world’s oldest parliament, founded in 930 AD. The area is rich in geological beauty, with clear springs, cliffs, and Iceland’s largest natural lake.

Our next stop is the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can walk behind the cascade for a one-of-a-kind view. Just bring a rain jacket! The roar of the water and shimmering mist make this an unforgettable experience.

After a day exploring the waterfalls and glaciers of Iceland’s South Coast, we’ll spend the night in a comfortable countryside hotel in the same area, typically Hotel Drangshlíð or a similar option. The location offers easy access to the next day’s activities and is ideally situated for Northern Lights viewing during the winter months, far from city lights. Dinner and rest here provide the perfect break before continuing your journey toward Vatnajökull National Park and the Glacier Lagoon the following day.

After settling in, your guide will share the evening’s aurora forecast and, if the skies are clear, suggest the best nearby viewing spots. With minimal light pollution, this is one of the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic sky.

A short drive away lies Skógafoss, a powerful 60-meter-high waterfall pouring from a cliff into the Skógá River. Climb the staircase beside the falls for sweeping views of the coastline, or admire the rainbows that often appear in the spray below.

Next, we meet our certified glacier guide for an unforgettable adventure on the ice. After gearing up with helmets, crampons, and ice axes, we’ll step onto the glacier, an ever-changing world of blue ice, deep crevasses, and frozen sculptures. If weather or safety factors prevent hiking at one glacier, the tour may instead take place at another beautiful and suitable glacier.

We’ll end the day at a cozy countryside inn in the area, typically Hrífunes Inn or a similar guesthouse, perfectly located between the waterfalls of the South Coast and the glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park. This quiet, rural setting offers a peaceful atmosphere and wide-open skies that are ideal for spotting the Northern Lights on clear winter nights. It’s a comfortable overnight stop that sets us up nicely for the scenic drive east the following morning.

After settling in, your guide will share the evening’s aurora forecast and, if the skies are clear, suggest the best nearby viewing spots. With minimal light pollution, this is one of the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic sky.

A spectacular natural wonder, this 200-meter-deep lagoon is filled with floating icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers. The lagoon’s tranquil blue waters are often home to seals basking on the ice.

Across the road from the lagoon lies Diamond Beach, where glittering ice fragments from Jökulsárlón are scattered across black volcanic sands. The dazzling contrast of light and dark makes this one of Iceland’s most photogenic locations.

From Jökulsárlón, you will join a tour where a Super-Jeep will take you to the glacier. After a short hike you will be able to enter a naturally formed ice cave. Inside, you’ll learn about the cave’s formation and the dynamic nature of Iceland’s glacial environment.

On our return journey, we visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where the Atlantic coastline features dramatic, massive waves crashing against unique basalt pillars in the cliffs. In the distance, you can see the cliffs of Dyrhólaey.

After a final stretch along the South Coast, we return to Reykjavík, with an estimated arrival around 8:00 PM. Actual arrival time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.