Hiking, Hot Springs & Northern Lights
An active winter holiday to some of Iceland's best highlights in South Iceland!
Tour code: IMG520
The Best of the South West in Winter
This four-day winter adventure and hiking tour embraces the highlights of the South West of Iceland. It includes the historical and geological Thingvellir National Park, the majestic Golden waterfall Gullfoss, the world famous Geysir hot spring, as well as the immense black sand beaches and beautiful waterfalls of the south coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
On top of these unique natural wonders, our friendly and knowledgeable guide will take our small group on exciting hiking or snowshoeing walks amongst spouting hot springs, volcanic fissures and hot rivers as well as a thrilling Glacier Walk. We spend three nights at a country hotel where our guide/chef cooks for us delicious traditional Icelandic dinners. This is the perfect place to hunt for the Northern Lights!
Tour Overview
- Group Size
- 6 - 14 participants
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Duration
- 4 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Contact Us
Do you have questions? Feel free to contact us!
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide/driver for 4 days
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms with private facilities
- Transportation in a 4x4 minibus
- Breakfast (3), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)
- Glacier Walk on Sólheimajökull glacier
- Snow Shoes
- Northern lights hunting
Optional extras
- Single room (single travelers and groups with odd numbers must choose the single supplement option during the booking process)
- Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itineraryHiking, Hot Springs & Northern Lights
Day 1
Our driver-guide will pick us up from our accommodation at 8:30. A short drive in a 4x4 minibus takes us to Þingvellir National Park, where we’ll hike along the fault lines that reveal the dramatic rifting of the Earth’s crust. Along the way, we’ll learn about the major historical events that took place here and gain insight into why this remarkable site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After this fascinating hike, we’ll continue our journey to explore the rest of the Golden Circle, including the erupting hot springs of Geysir and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. We’ll then head to Country Hotel Efstidalur, where we’ll stay for three nights and enjoy a delicious dinner.
In the evening, we’ll keep an eye out for the magical Northern Lights.
Hike: 8-10 km
Day 2
A short drive takes us to Nesjavellir, a large geothermal power plant where heat is harnessed to warm homes in the capital area. Depending on the conditions, we’ll either hike or enjoy a snowshoe walk through this dramatic landscape, surrounded by lava fields, bubbling mud pots, and steaming hot springs.
After our adventure, we return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. If luck is on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights while relaxing in the outdoor hot jacuzzi.
Hike: 5-10 km
Day 3
Today, we journey along Iceland’s stunning South Coast toward the Sólheimajökull glacier, where an exhilarating adventure awaits. Our certified and experienced glacier guide will lead us across a frozen wonderland, showcasing the glacier’s breathtaking hues—ranging from brilliant whites to deep blues and crystal-clear ice. We’ll safely explore its deep crevasses, glacial cauldrons, and other fascinating features, while our guide shares insights into the ever-changing landscapes, the formation of these icy giants, and their connection to the surrounding volcanoes and mountains.
After this thrilling glacier experience, we’ll continue a little further east to the striking Black Beach of Reynisfjara, with its dramatic basalt columns and roaring waves. On the return journey, we’ll stop to admire two iconic waterfalls: the mighty Skógafoss and the picturesque Seljalandsfoss. Return to our hotel.
Dinner will be at the hotel or in a a nearby restaurant.
Day 4
Today we pack our bags and drive to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði, the starting point for a hike into the enchanting Reykjadalur Valley. We’ll ascend through rolling hills into a magical landscape of steaming solfataras and bubbling hot springs. For the adventurous, there’s the chance to soak in a natural hot river, surrounded by the valley’s otherworldly scenery.
After this rejuvenating experience, we drive to Reykjavík, where our unforgettable Icelandic adventure comes to an end.
Hike: 11 km
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Practical Information
Can I get a triple room?
It is no problem to check if a triple room is available for you during your tour. Please send us an email to incoming@mountainguides.is to check availability.
Will we see the Northern Lights?
To see the Northern Lights you need solar activity, clear skies and darkness. The first two we cannot control but our darkest months are September to March and therefore your best change too see them is during that period.
How much luggage can I bring on the tour/can I bring a suitcase?
We recommend that you bring one piece of luggage per person. We recommend that you bring að soft duffel bag, since they are easier to stack in the vehicle.