Around Iceland in 8 days | Winter



Around Iceland in 8 days | Winter

Make the most of Iceland winter wonderland on our 8 days and 7 nights classic road trip. Iceland is blessedly rich in natural wonders from imposing glaciers and powerful waterfalls, to rugged fjords and geothermal springs. In winter, the landscapes change face to reflect even more the country’s natural duality: ice and fire. The self-drive tour is the best option to witness Iceland’s main attractions at your own pace. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Lake Mývatn fascinating volcanic features, and charming fishing towns in between. Available from 1 October to 30 April.

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View northern lights version of this tour

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From:1,265 EUR
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Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom and breakfast
  • Rental car for 8 days, with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance (pick up & drop off in Reykjavik)
  • Two authorized drivers
  • Flybus transfer to and from airport
  • E-Itinerary with the tour map, location points, and pictures for you to view before you arrive.
  • Driver Guide tablet mapping and navigating your personalized journey and highlights of surrounding areas. Including a GPS Navigation system, recommendations along the way, Wi-Fi, helpful information, a messenger system to stay in touch with us, our Driver Guide will instantly become your best travel mate.
  • Free Wi-Fi Hotspot through tablet
  • Emergency phone line service
  • Taxes and service fee

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself into the wintry cosy atmosphere of Reykjavík
  • Feel your 'earth' beating in Lake Mývatn area
  • Visit the spectacular mountain range on Stokksnes Peninsula
  • Experience the charm of quaint fishing towns
  • Drive through magical and diverse scenery in the Eastfjords
  • Gaze at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
  • Witness the most impressive waterfalls
  • Discover three of Iceland’s most iconic wonders on the Golden Circle
  • Staff recommendations for excellent activities

Available as

Included - Your Personal Assistant

The Hey Guide

Hey Guide was designed to assist you on your journey to Iceland, guiding you through your personalized day-to-day itinerary. The guide also gives you recommendations along the way, and helpful information regarding driving conditions, weather forecast, and more. How does it all work?

Learn more
  • Personal Wifi hotspot

  • Safe Travel Information

  • Digital Vouchers

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Itinerary

Arrival Day | Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a beautiful city all year round but gets particularly magical in wintertime, when the town is lit up with Christmas lights that brighten the dark nights. Reykjavík is full of cosy cafés where you can sit in and enjoy some live music, along with great museums, art galleries, and outdoor geothermal pools. Don’t miss the chance to taste the best of Icelandic cuisine at the city’s finest restaurants. The Airport Direct shuttle will transfer you to your accommodation in Reykjavík from Keflavik Airport upon arrival. Optional, and not included in the price, is to pick up the rental car at the airport when you arrive.

Accommodation in Reykjavík (optional and not included in tour price).

    Day 1 | West Iceland

    Today, explore the pearls of West Iceland, starting with Borgarfjörður, whose every single corner is tied to a surfeit of sagas and stories, adding depth and mystery to the region. Visit Reykholt, one of Iceland's most notable historical sites, housing a cultural centre dedicated to medieval studies, along with a nice quaint church and an ancient geothermally-heated pool. Let your mind wander to the magnificent contrasts of the blue waters of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls and surrounding snow-covered lava cliffs. End the day at Europe’s highest flowing hot spring, Deildartunguhver, which feeds the scenic Geothermal Baths and Spa Krauma nearby.

    Accommodation is in Borganes or Borgarfjörður area for 1 night.

      Day 2 | Northwest Iceland & Akureyri

      Explore Vatnsnes Peninsula, Iceland’s largest and most accessible seals sanctuary. You might spot them basking in the sun or swimming in the distance, but their natural curiosity often brings them real close. Visit the Hvítserkur seastack, or stone dinosaur, as impressive at low tide or with the feet in the water, before heading towards the remarkably well-preserved turf farmhouse Glaumbær and Víðimýrarkirkja Church. Spend a pleasant evening in Akureyri, whose small houses and friendly atmosphere make you feel home.

      Accommodation in Akureyri area.

        View entire itinerary

        Day 3 | Lake Mývatn Area

        You wake up to a thick blanket of snow, ready to explore some sort of another planet in Lake Mývatn Area. Your first stop is at Goðafoss Waterfall, a beautiful arenalike waterfall that saw the end of Norse Paganism in Iceland. Take in the stunning sights at Dimmuborgir Lava Field, Grjótagjá Cave, Hverir Geothermal Area, and Krafla Volcanic Crater. End this day of walking and sightseeing with a relaxing moment in the silky blue waters of Mývatn Nature Baths. Under the northern lights?

        Accommodation in Lake Mývatn area.

          Day 4 | Northeast Iceland & Egilsstaðir

          Reach the northern part of your trip, including amazing sights such as the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, the intriguing Hljóðaklettar Cliffs and the stunning landscapes. Proceed East across the stark and barren landscape of Möðrudalsöræfi - should we say moonscape, since astronauts once used the area as a practice ground for their mission to the moon. Keep an eye out for wild reindeers in the snow before you relax and re-energize at Egilsstaðir for the night.

          Accommodation in Egilsstaðir area.

            Day 5 | The Eastfjords

            Embark on a breathtaking drive along the twisting narrow Eastfjords, between rugged mountains. Visit Seyðisfjörður, clamped between high precipitous mountains, and full of cosy little cafés. Continue along a winding coastal road until you reach Djúpivogur, a tiny fishing town on the water’s edge surrounded by peaks. From there is a unique view over Papey Island, home to colonies of Common Eider and seals. End the day with the most delicious lobster soup at Höfn, just a stone’s throw away from the snow-topped Vestrahorn Mountain and Stokksnes Peninsula.

            Accommodation in Höfn area.

              Day 6 | Vatnajökull National Park

              Today, you enjoy the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park. At the otherworldly Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, hop on an amphibian boat and sail among the gigantic icebergs. Visit the nearby Diamond Beach and its glittering stranded icebergs, a captivating wintry sea of lights. Embark on an ice caving adventure or continue to Skaftafell National Park, whose variety of trails will delight hiking lovers and families alike. The Park is home to Svartifoss Basalt Column Waterfall and Skaftafellsjökull Glacier, among others.

              Accommodation in Vík/Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

                Day 7 | South Iceland

                Explore the best sites the South Coast has to offer, including the glorious Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and its astounding basalt formations, the charming town Vík, and mountains in view of all sides. Just outside Vík is a panoramic view over Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and as you continue onwards, you will drive past the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Head towards two of Iceland’s star waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, both beautiful in their way and equally spectacular.

                Accommodation in Gullfoss/Geysir area.

                  Day 8 | Gullfoss & Geysir

                  Make the most of your day and head straight to Iceland’s most famous landmarks, by following the Golden Circle Route. Set foot on two continents at Thingvellir National Park covered with snow, before reaching Gullfoss Waterfall, whose beauty increases tenfold as it gets half-frozen, revealing the most intense blue waters. Meet the only active geyser in Europe, Strokkur, erupting once every 10 minutes, and try to capture the pre-eruption bubble. Add two stops at Skálholt Historical Site, once a political and cultural centre, and Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake, both very near the Golden Circle’s three main attractions.

                  Accommodation in Reykjavík (optional and not included in the tour price).

                    Accommodation in Reykjavík

                    Optional and not included in the tour price.

                       

                      TripAdvisor reviews

                      Great trip! Hey Iceland did a wonderful job planning out our 8-day road trip. We are three adults who wanted to travel around the country by car, but didn't know how to start planning the trip. Hey Iceland has a well-run tourist system in place that offers lots of options to experience the country.
                      arobe22 New York City

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