Explore South Iceland, including hiking, hot springs, snowshoeing and aurora watching
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, friendly and knowledgeable guide will take your small group on exciting hiking or snowshoeing walks amongst spouting hot springs, volcanic fissures and hot rivers as well as a thrilling Glacier Walk. You’ll spend three nights at a country hostel where your guide/chef will be cooking delicious traditional Icelandic dinners for your group. This is the perfect place to hunt for the Northern Lights!
Highlights of the Northern Lights, Hot Springs and Hiking
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Northern Lights, Hot Springs and Hiking Itinerary
Day 1 Thingvellir Hike, Geysir and Gullfoss
Your driver guide will pick you up at 8:30. A short drive in 4x4 minibus brings you to the National Park of Thingvellir where the group will hike along the fault lines that make evident the rifting of the earth’s crust. You’ll hear about the major historical events that have taken place here and come to understand why we are stood in a UNESCO world heritage site. After this interesting hike, you’ll drive on to discover the rest of the Golden Circle namely the spouting springs of Geysir and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Dinner and accommodation in a nice hostel by lake Laugarvatn where you will stay for three nights.
In the evening, you will look out for Northern Lights.
Overnight Location: Hostel by lake Laugarvatn
Distance: 10km
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Hike in Geothermal Area
A short drive brings the group to Nesjavellir which is a big geothermal power plant where heat is pumped up and used for warming houses in the capital area. Depending on the conditions, the group will either hike or a show shoe walk in this magnificent area amongst the lava rocks, mud pots and boiling springs. After the hike, return to our hostel for dinner and overnight.
In the evening you will have the possibility of bathing in the Geothermal Baths of Fontana Spa (optional) only few minutes’ walk from the hostel. If you are lucky, you will be able to admire the Northern lights from the outdoor hot jacuzzi.
Overnight Location: Hostel by lake Laugarvatn
Distance: 5-10km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 South Coast, Glacier Walk, Black Beach and Waterfalls
Today you’ll drive towards the South Coast of Iceland. You’ll head for the Sólheimajökull glacier where an exciting adventure awaits. Your certified and experienced glacier guide will lead the group through a frozen wonderland of different shades of glacier ice. The spectacular colors of the ice can be white, blue or crystal clear. You will safely view deep crevasses and water cauldrons, along with other interesting features of the glacier. Your guide will share his wisdom about the ever-changing landscapes of the Icelandic glaciers, their formation and how these icy giants relate to the surrounding volcanoes and mountains. After this thrilling experience you will drive a little bit further east to visit the Black Beach of Reynisfjara. On the way back to the hostel the group will stop to admire the waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Dinner and overnight at the hostel. Look out for Northern Lights in the evening.
Overnight Location: Hostel by lake Laugarvatn
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Bathing in Hot River
Today you will pack your bags and drive to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði from where you will hike, or snowshoe walk to the Reykjadalur valley. You will be climbing up the hills into the magical valley of solfataras and hot springs. Those brave enough can dip into a natural hot river. The tour will end with the transfer back to Reykijavik.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 11km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Northern Lights, Hot Springs and Hiking Price and Dates
This guided multisport tour in Iceland is mostly run as a private tour for your group only where pricing depends on the size of your group.
- Guided Group of 4+: $1,375 USD per person
Accommodation on Northern Lights, Hot Springs and Hiking
This tour is based in hostel near the lake in rural part of Iceland. Standard rooms are of double occupancy; however, you will be sharing common spaces and facilities with other travellers.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hostel by lake Laugarvatn
Enjoy your stay in a cozy hostel near lake Laugarvatn. The rooms are simple and clean and the facilities are shared.
What’s Included in the Northern Lights, Hot Springs and Hiking?
Meals
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Reykjavik and after are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation in 4x4 minibus is included for you and your luggage throughout the tour, including transfers to and from Reykjavik.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Glacier walk
- Snowshoe rental
Not included
- Flights to and from Reykjavik
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Lights, Hot Springs and Hiking
Icelandic Mountain Guides are a boutique adventure tour company that has been sharing the best of Iceland’s beautiful wilderness since 1994. Their passion for nature and adventure drives them to provide quality, fun and educational experiences for their guests. They are also committed to the environment, carbon neutralizing all of their day tours.
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