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Northern Lights in Iceland

Northern Lights Adventure in the Westfjords

Reykjavik, Northern Lights

(8 days / 7 nights)

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Be dazzled by Iceland's Northern Lights

Escape to the north with an exciting winter getaway in Iceland. Spend some free time in the bustling capital Reykjavík, then leave the city lights behind to seek out the northern lights. This 8-day adventure includes thrilling day tours where you can explore the famous Golden Circle and immerse yourself in the nature of the wondrous Westfjords. You’ll spend 4 nights in a cosy Icelandic guesthouse, and in the dark skies you’ll have the amazing opportunity to see the dancing aurora borealis!

8 days / 7 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 423213 ISK

— 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
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Discover the twin waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar
  • Breathe in the steam of the largest hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver
  • Admire spectacular landscapes in the Westfjords
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the quaint town of Ísafjörður
  • Witness the “great rift” at Þingvellir National Park
  • Spend a day on the famous Golden Circle route
  • Feel the power of the thundering Gullfoss falls
  • Marvel at eruptions at the Geysir geothermal region
  • Explore the bustling capital city Reykjavík
  • Have the chance to witness the colourful northern lights

Travel style

Multi-Day Tours i

Interest

Active i, Northern Lights i, Off the Beaten Path i

Season

Sep - Mar

Itinerary

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

  • Day 1: Welcome to Iceland & Explore the Capital

    Welcome to Iceland! Upon arrival to Keflavík Airport, you’ll be greeted by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavík. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city centre. Check out some of its many museums, restaurants and bars. If you're interested in discovering Icelandic design or experiencing the city's thriving coffee culture, head to the main street, Laugavegur, to enjoy its various shops and cosy cafes.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: Journey Through West Iceland

    Today your journey to the Westfjords begins! This region of Iceland is remote, far from bustling towns, allowing you to be close to nature in an area few tourists get to experience. After your morning pick-up, you’ll travel with your guide and fellow travellers through beautiful west Iceland.

    Along the way, you’ll stop in Borgarnes at the Settlement Centre, where you can enjoy exhibitions about Iceland‘s first settlers. After lunch at the museum restaurant, you’ll spend some time admiring the largest hot spring in the world, Deildartunguhver. Then, you’ll travel on to discover the beautiful twin waterfalls, Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. They flow over a field of cold lava and the white falls contrast dramatically with the black rocks.

    After driving through more impressive landscapes, you’ll arrive at Heydalur Guesthouse. Settle into your room and enjoy a 3-course dinner in the evening. The guesthouse has outdoor hot tubs for guests, so you can relax here after your day of adventures. If conditions are right, the area surrounding you is perfect for spotting the elusive northern lights*!

    Spend the next four nights at the Heydalur Guesthouse.

    *Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

    Heydalur is a beautiful area to visit and spend time hiking, but it is quite isolated during the winter months as it is far from other towns and villages and the weather and roads can be challenging. The only services available in the region are at Heydalur.

    Attractions
  • Day 3: Adventures in the West Fjords

    The next three days of your Iceland adventure will be dependent on weather conditions and your own interests and preferences. There will be plenty of excursions to choose from, or you can simply relax at the guesthouse and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

    Excursions typically available to choose from are:

    • Guided hike to the Drangajökull glacier or a snowshoe walk in Heydalur valley, if conditions allow.

    • Guided ice fishing tour (winter) or horse riding or kayaking (autumn), followed by visits to the salt factory in Reykjanes, the old Viking ruins at Vatnsfjörður and the Þrandur "troll".

    • Guided tour in Ísafjörður, the “Capital of the Westfjords”, with stops at the church, library and the historical old town followed by photo breaks at scenic viewpoints, like the seal colony at Hvítanes. Also includes visits to the Osvör Museum and Litli Bær turf house. Along the way, you’ll also visit the only sheep farmer in the area and learn about the rural Icelandic way of life.

    Each day you'll have lunch included in your package. In the evening, dinner will be served at the guesthouse. If conditions are right, each night is a new opportunity to witness the aurora borealis from this stunning, remote location.

    Spend the night at Heydalur Guesthouse.

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 4: More adventures in the West Fjords

    Enjoy more activities with the group today, depending on your interests and weather conditions. In the evening, you’ll head back to the guesthouse to for dinner with the group, then head out to look for the northern lights with your guide.

    Spend the night at Heydalur Guesthouse.

  • Day 5: More adventures in the West Fjords

    Today is your last day at the Heydalur Guesthouse. You can experience a final excursion with the group today, chosen based on your interests and weather conditions. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner, relax in the hot tub, and keep an eye on the night skies for another glimpse of the northern lights.

    Spend the night at Heydalur Guesthouse.

  • Day 6: Return to the Capital City

    After your adventure in the Westfjords, it’s time to head back to the capital. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse before saying goodbye. On the way, you’ll stop at the Witchcraft Museum in Hólmavík for one last cultural experience of this unique region. Back in Reykjavík, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel with plenty of time left to explore the city. Settle in then enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

    Dine at a local restaurant and spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 7: Exploring the Golden Circle

    Today you visit some of Iceland’s most famous attractions with a small guided group tour of the classic “Golden Circle” route in South Iceland. You will start the day heading to Hveragerði where the bus will make a short stop before continuing on your journey.

    One of the many highlights you’ll see today is the impressive Kerið Crater. Other attractions include the magical 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 high into the air.

    The last stop of the day is Þingvellir National Park, a place of great historical and geological significance. It is also one of Iceland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Þingvellir is the site of the country’s first parliament and is located along the edge of the great rift between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

    Spend the night in Reykjavík.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 8: Departure from Iceland

    Today is your last day in Iceland! If your flight is in the afternoon, you could spend the morning visiting some of Reykjavík´s boutiques or museums. You could also opt to join an exciting final optional excursion (not included), like whale watching or a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon.

    Later, a driver will collect you and take you to Keflavik International Airport in time for your flight home.

    Attractions See Activities for this day

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.

Map

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

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.

Due to the nature of this tour and activities included, it’s not recommended for families with young children. That said, it is suitable for well-travelled, active children of 12 years or older. If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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.

This tour includes full board at Heydalur Guesthouse for 4 nights. Heydalur is nestled between the small towns of Hólmavík and Ísafjörður. This is approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from road 61.

Full board means you’ll enjoy 4 breakfast, lunches and 3-course dinners. You’ll also have full use of the facilities, including the sauna, pool and hot tub. 

Please remember that the Westfjords is a remote region. While the area is beautiful during the winter months, services are limited at this time of year.

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.

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. 

To improve your chances of seeing them, this package includes a northern lights excursion. This way you’ll go hunting for the aurora with your guide.

Please note that as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. It all depends on the conditions and cloud cover on the night.

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.

There are limited laundry facilities along the Ring Road and in Iceland’s countryside. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning or laundry services for an additional cost. 

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.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

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.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Outstanding

The Westfjords are beautiful. It was quiet and still. Our hosts and their staff were outstanding. So friendly and charming. Wonderful accommodations and home cooked food. We saw the auroras two nights and we watched for hours. We want to go back. Highly recommend if you want to see auroras and a different side of Iceland.

Outstanding support

Outstanding support and customer service. Special thanks to Marko.

Absolutely perfect

It was wonderful to have all the arrangements made for us and our visit to Westfjords was absolutely perfect. Without Nordic Visitor we almost certainly wouldn't have been able to put together such a great itinerary.

World class experience

Everything about my experience with Nordic Visitor was world class, from communication with my travel representative, to the promptness and friendliness of our drivers/tour guides, and I cannot say enough good things about our stay at the Heydular guesthouse in the Westfjords.

Helpful

Nordic Visitor recommended that we change our plans to visit the Blue Lagoon and our contact at the 24-hour hotline answered all my questions and helped get us booked at the Sky Lagoon.

Wonderful

We spent 4 wonderful days in Heydalur. Remote, beautiful fjord, river and snowy mountains in the distance. The farmhotel is cosy and the food excellent.

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

In this category, you’ll stay in standard rooms in good quality 3-star hotels. Or, you'll spend the night in similar rooms in rura..

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Price per person from

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 423213 ISK

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Our best price per person when booking for two.

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