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Snowshoes under the Northern Lights in Þórsmörk

Northern Lights Adventure in the Highlands

(5 days / 4 nights)

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Be Transported to Another World this Winter with Iceland's Northern Lights

Experience the wintery highlands and stay overnight at a mountain hut, surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve. Þórsmörk and its remote location offers exciting 4x4 adventures, amazing landscapes of volcanoes and glaciers and forested valleys with raging glacial rivers. Þórsmörk is an excellent location for stargazing and viewing the northern lights. This is the perfect combination of city life and rugged wilderness and the holiday also includes the star of Iceland – the Golden Circle.

Travelling in a group? We offer daily departures for groups of 4 and up.

Interested in joining a guided small group tour of the south coast?

Contact us for availability

Request info

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Quality and value for your money
  • Local experts in Iceland and trusted suppliers
  • Customisable and personal tour options

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Watch the northern lights dance and flicker in the sky
  • Travel by super jeep throughout Þórsmörk
  • Explore glaciers, volcanoes and the rugged terrain of the interior
  • Enjoy the vast wilderness of the Highlands
  • Explore the famous Golden Circle route
  • Feel the power of the thundering waterfall Gullfoss
  • Marvel at eruptions at the Geysir geothermal region
  • Walk the quaint streets of Reykjavík
  • Taste Icelandic cuisine with local, fresh ingredients and some traditional surprises

 

Travel style

Multi-Day Tours i

Interest

4x4 Highland Route i, Active i, City Break i, Northern Lights i

Season

Sep - Apr

Departure

Mon, Tue, Wed

Interest

4x4 Highland Route i, Active i, City Break i, Northern Lights i

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik, the Capital

    On arrival to Keflavík Airport you are met by your private driver and transferred to your accommodation in central Reykjavik. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city as you wish, perhaps with a visit to one of the many museums or a stroll down the always lively shopping street, Laugavegur. Downtown Reykjavík also offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafés and coffee houses as well as plenty of bars and clubs if you wish to experience the renowned Reykjavík nightlife.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik.

    Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Journey to the Highlands & Wilderness Evening

    After your morning breakfast, you´ll start by joining a bus transfer from Reykjavik and head east through the farmlands of the south coast. Close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall you will meet your local guide and switch to the 4x4 Super Jeeps. We will turn off the main highway to follow a limited-access mountain road in the vicinity of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. This drive takes us through extremely rugged terrain, like the Gígjökull glacier tongue — an area that changed dramatically after the eruption in 2010. We’ll also cross un-bridged glacial rivers — a true test of our mighty jeep!

    On arrival to the mountain huts at Húsadalur, we´ll start with a warm soup for lunch before going on a 1,5 – 2 hour hike, followed by some sauna relaxation and a traditional Icelandic dinner. Afterwards, we’ll spend the evening sharing stories and with some luck we might see the northern lights dancing in the sky.

    Spend the night in budget accommodation at the Volcano Montain Hut.

    Note: The accommodation at the Volcano Huts include a small private room with shared bathrooms & showers

    Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Þórsmörk Exploration

    Spend the early morning in Þórsmörk. You could take a short hike in the area and enjoy the view of the breathtaking landscape. Next, we will start our scenic journey out of Þórsmörk with a 4x4 super jeep. Along the way, we´ll see the foothills of the Eyjafjalljokull volcano, before reaching the picture-perfect Seljalandsfoss waterfall. From there we will switch back to a standard bus back to Reykjavik, where you can enjoy the city centre on your own.

    For growling stomachs, we recommend dining this evening at one of the many gourmet restaurants in downtown Reykjavík.  Try Iceland’s famous fresh seafood or grilled lamb with a local microbrew—a great reward after your wilderness adventure.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: Natural Wonders of the Golden Circle

    Today you will visit some of Iceland’s most famous attractions with a guided personal small group tour of the classic “Golden Circle” route in South Iceland. One of the many highlights on this journey is Þingvellir National Park, a place of great historical and geological significance that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Þingvellir is the site of the country’s first parliament and is located along the edge of the great rift created by the drifting of the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. Other attractions include the beautiful two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall and the spouting hot springs of Geysir. While Geysir lies dormant, its neighbour Strokkur erupts every few minutes, gushing steam and water from the bowels of the earth. A taste of Icelandic food and drink is included during the tour. On return to Reykjavik, you will see the beautiful waterfall Faxi.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 5: Departure from Reykjavík

    Depart to Keflavik International Airport via a semi-private transfer. If your flight is in the afternoon, you will have time to visit some of Reykjavik´s boutiques or museums. You may also opt to take an exciting optional activity (not included) like whale watching or relaxing at the Blue Lagoon.

    Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
View full itinerary

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Day One

dt northern lights by boat
Activity

Northern Lights by Boat

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

10990ISK

ISK

View
Northern Lights in Þingvellir
Activity

Northern Lights Bus Tour – Small Group

Duration 4 hours
Price p.p. from

10990ISK

ISK

View
Jón Sigurðsson statue in Austurvöllur ©nordicvisitor
Activity

Reykjavík City Walk - Small Groups

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

4980ISK

ISK

View
the reykjavik food walk culinary tour
Activity

The Tasty Reykjavík Food Walk

Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

15900ISK

ISK

View
Blue lagoon ©bluelagoon
Upgrade

Blue Lagoon Entrance & Private Transport on Arrival

Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

30000ISK

ISK

View
Northern Lights in Iceland
Activity

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

Duration 4 hours
Price p.p. from

24990ISK

ISK

View
Wonders of Iceland & ©Áróra Planetarium Show
Activity

Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Planetarium Show

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

4990ISK

ISK

View
Whale in Iceland
Activity

Whale Watching from Reykjavík

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

12990ISK

ISK

View
FlyOver Iceland experience ©FlyOver Iceland
Activity

FlyOver Iceland

Duration 35 minutes
Price p.p. from

5490ISK

ISK

View
View all extras
dt northern lights by boat
Activity

Northern Lights by Boat

Duration 2 hours
Price p.p. from

10990ISK

ISK

View
Northern Lights in Þingvellir
Activity

Northern Lights Bus Tour – Small Group

Duration 4 hours
Price p.p. from

10990ISK

ISK

View
Jón Sigurðsson statue in Austurvöllur ©nordicvisitor
Activity

Reykjavík City Walk - Small Groups

Duration 3 hours
Price p.p. from

4980ISK

ISK

View
the reykjavik food walk culinary tour
Activity

The Tasty Reykjavík Food Walk

Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

15900ISK

ISK

View
View all extras

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

Contact us for availability

Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this multi-day tour in Iceland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Iceland Travel Guide.

On a multi-day tour, Nordic Visitor books your accommodation and excursions for a self-guided travel experience. That means you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own as well as planned, guided day tours. 

Each activity is run by a different tour operator, so you’ll get to meet a few local guides throughout your trip. 

You can rest assured that Nordic Visitor only works with a small number of handpicked suppliers that meet our high standards. The activities you’ll participate in are all extremely well rated so you’re sure to have a memorable time.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. On arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map and detailed Iceland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll always be able to reach us on your trip by calling our 24/7 helpline.

Yes, when you book your Iceland tour with Nordic Visitor, you always get airport transfers to and from Keflavík Airport included. This will be a private, shared or bus transfer, depending on your itinerary. Please check the details of your tour to confirm.

If you add extra nights to your stay before or after the scheduled trip, we’ll rearrange your transfers to fit your new itinerary.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your travel consultant if you have any specific requests about optional activities or services.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

On your multi-day tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our local Iceland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

During the booking process, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Iceland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

On this tour, you’ll enjoy a comfortable drive from Reykjavík to the Volcano Huts in Þórsmörk. This stunning highland location will be your home for 1 night.

Your transportation will be by bus and 4x4 super jeep with an experienced driver-guide. Please note that the bus transfer is non-guided.

During your stay at The Volcano Huts you’ll have a small private room with access to shared bathrooms and showers. Your room will have a bunk bed with a double lower bunk and single upper bunk.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a Reykjavík-based travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Iceland. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Iceland on the website of Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration. If you do require a visa, they maintain a list of local embassies that can assist you with the process. 

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Iceland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it. 

Read more about visas, airports and airlines in the getting to Iceland section of our travel guide.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Iceland for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore, what you want to see in Iceland and any events you might like to attend.

In summer, June to August, you’ll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, compared to the winter. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. 

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September. These shoulder season months have more tour and attraction availability.

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter, apart from the Christmas holiday season. This is the ideal time to try to spot the northern lights.

Find out what annual Icelandic events and festivals are on in our travel guide. Or read more about the best time to visit Iceland on our blog.

Because of its northerly location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has limited daylight in winter. 

Around Christmastime, from early December until late January, you can expect an average of 4–5 hours of daylight. These extended hours of darkness give you a higher chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Iceland.

Yes! Wintertime is the right season to visit Iceland if you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis). You can experience the northern lights between October and March, with peak visibility from December through February. 

For the best chances of seeing them, a self-drive tour is ideal. It means you have the flexibility of deciding when and where to go. To enjoy the aurora at its brightest, you’ll want to head into or even stay in the countryside, away from city lights.

Please note that as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even if you go out on a specific northern lights excursion, you might not see them, depending on the conditions or cloud cover. 

Read our Iceland northern lights guide to learn more.

The winter climate in Iceland is generally mild compared to other Northern European countries. That said, the temperature can drop below freezing at times. And the Atlantic winds can make it feel colder than it is. 

You can expect average temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and -1°C (30°F). Throughout winter (October to April), the weather conditions are very changeable, so you could experience rain, snow, sun and cold winds. 

For more information on the local climate, read this guide to Iceland weather conditions. 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. Your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Iceland’s winters are chilly although not as cold as you may expect. As you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, we recommend bringing plenty of layers to stay warm and dry.

Here is a recommended winter packing list for your trip to Iceland:

  • Durable insulated jacket, which should be waterproof
  • Robust walking boots with a good grip
  • Mid-layers such as a fleece or woollen jumper
  • A few pairs of warm hiking socks
  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Swimwear for visiting geothermal pools or spas
  • Backpack for daily adventures
  • Electronic equipment such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for exploring in the snow or glacier excursions
  • And don’t forget your camera!
     

For more information, check out this Iceland packing list.

Breakfast at your Iceland accommodations is always included when you travel with Nordic Visitor.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 2,000–3,000 ISK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 3,000–6,000 ISK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 7,000 ISK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

You can get in touch with our Iceland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Iceland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Iceland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Keflavík?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will hand over your welcome package with hard copies of your travel documents. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2 PM and 4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel so you can start exploring before check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. 

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. This means conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Relax in a top city hotel or guesthouse that is highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.

Look forward to sleeping soundly in Iceland. The accommodation you’ll stay in is conveniently located in Reykjavík for pickups for your day trips. Rest assured that you’ll stay in one of the best possible properties, as we only choose accommodation that has received excellent reviews from previous customers.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with well-appointed guesthouses or country hotels.

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Superior

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Deluxe or Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

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Monthly price comparison

Our best price per person when booking for two.

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