Be whisked away on a winter trip of a lifetime. A private guide will take you to iconic locations on the south coast of Iceland before heading into the remote central highlands. This is a striking region that few get to visit, even less in winter. Here you’ll experience breathtaking snowy peaks and glaciers all around, with a dark sky ideal for northern lights gazing. To top it all off, you’ll go on guided excursions like hiking and snowmobiling.
Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.
A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.
On arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional 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 capital. You can stroll through the charming Nordic city, visit museums and explore historic landmarks. Downtown Reykjavík offers a variety of excellent restaurants, cafés and bars, if you want to experience the renowned Reykjavík nightlife.
Spend the night in Reykjavík.
Included:
• Private meet & greet airport transfer on arrival
Average travel & exploration time: 50 minutes
This morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to start your Iceland adventure. In store for you today is plenty of stunning scenery as well as some of the best-known attractions of the south coast.
First, take in the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It’s the only one of its kind in Iceland, where you can walk behind the cascade on a footpath! Further along, you’ll also visit the magnificent 60-metre, free-falling Skógafoss waterfall in Skógar. It sometimes has large icicles in winter making it even more impressive. Next you’ll see the volcanic black sand beach south of Vík and the dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar and Dyrhólaey.
Spend the night in the Selfoss area.
Included:
• Breakfast at your accommodation
Average travel & exploration time: 9-10 hours.
The first part of the day will take you around the classic “Golden Circle” route. You’ll stop in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk through the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Next up is the Haukadalur geothermal area, home of Geysir – the original “geyser” – and the more active Strokkur, which spouts water every few minutes. Finally, you will witness the majestic two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall.
Then the highland adventure begins! You’ll meet fellow travellers to journey via super jeep into the central region of Iceland, a place few get to visit. Your destination is the Highland Base, located in the Ásgarður valley at the edge of the Kerlingafjöll mountains. Kerlingafjöll is a paradise that is picturesque in winter with its steaming geothermal valleys, glacial rivers, snow fields and sweeping panoramas.
Spend the evening at your leisure. You could visit the geothermal hot springs at your accommodation before enjoying a hearty dinner with other travellers. If weather conditions allow you might even see the northern lights* dancing over the Base.*
Spend the night at the Highland Base.
*Please note that the Highland Base Baths are still under construction. They expect this will be ready for guests over winter 2023.
*The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Please check if weather conditions and visibility are favourable.
Included:
• Transfer to Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base
• Breakfast at your accommodation
• Dinner at your accommodation
Average travel & exploration time: 6-8 hours
Today is filled with winter adventures in the Icelandic highlands. You’ll start with a super jeep journey into Hveradalir valley where you will be joining a 1.5-hour guided hike of the hot spring area. After the hike you will enjoy lunch at the Highland Base before heading on your next adventure.
This afternoon, you’ll hop atop a snowmobile to go driving through the sprawling snowscapes. This tour lasts 1 hour and will take you up Fannborg mountain towards the Hofsjökull glacier. Once back at the Base, spend the evening at your leisure before enjoying dinner at the on-site restaurant.
Spend another night at the Highland Base.
Included:
• Hveradalir guided hike
• Guided snowmobiling tour
• Breakfast at your accommodation
• Lunch at your accommodation
• Dinner at your accommodation
Have a relaxed morning in the wintery surroundings of the Highland Base. You can sleep in or head out for a self-guided walking tour of the area. Or enjoy one last dip in the hot springs to feel warm amidst the snowy landscape. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Base before boarding a super jeep transfer back to “civilization”. From the main road, you’ll switch to a bus transfer back to Reykjavík.
Spend the night in Reykjavík.
Included:
• Transfer from Highland Base to Reykjavík
• Breakfast at your accommodation
• Lunch at your accommodation
Average travel & exploration time: 7-6 hours
When it’s time for your Iceland getaway to come to an end, you will enjoy a private transfer back to the airport in time for your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon, you could add a bit more adventure to your itinerary. Book an optional activity (not included) such as going whale watching, visiting the Perlan interactive museum, or going to relax at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
Included:
• Continental breakfast buffet at your accommodation
• Shuttle transfer to Keflavík International Airport on departure
Average travel & exploration time: 50 minutes
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.
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Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.
Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.
Everything you need to know about this tour before you book
On a private tour with Nordic Visitor, you'll enjoy a tried-and-tested itinerary while enjoying the service of a private, local driver-guide. Let us know what your interests are and we’ll do our best to match you with a guide who will add to your experience.
You'll usually begin the day with your guide at around 9:00 AM. But if you prefer you can also choose to set out later. Depending on the day’s itinerary, you can expect between 8–9 hours with your guide. Take advantage of their insider knowledge while relaxing and enjoying the ride.
If there are specific things you'd like to see and do, let your guide know and they'll do their best to adjust the day's itinerary. The time spent at each spot will also be based on your interests. That said, the guide will follow the original itinerary.
Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map, and our very own Iceland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.
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.
On this tour, you’ll have the chance to stay at the Highland Base located deep into the central highlands. You’ll need to travel by super jeep to reach the base in the Ásgarður valley, at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll.
The Highland Base is a mountain resort and remote haven for those that enjoy being immersed in natural beauty. You’ll see nothing but mountains and glaciers on the horizon.
At the resort, you’ll stay at the Base Hotel, which encompasses 48 rooms and suites. Your room will be cosy and designed to remind you of a rustic mountain cabin.
You’ll have all the amenities you’ll need, such as a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, coffee and tea making facilities and a window with incredible views.
On-site there is a restaurant and a lounge, which are connected to the hotel via underground tunnels. This is so you can get around without having to put on all your outdoor gear.
You’ll also want to take some time to experience the hotel’s geothermal baths. The facilities include 3 steaming pools, a sauna and a cold plunge pool, if you’re feeling really Nordic. These are also connected to the hotel via passageways.
As you’re away from city lights, and this is Iceland’s more remote region, it’s the ideal spot to keep an eye out for the northern lights.
While staying at the Highland Base, you’ll participate in a 2-hour guided excursion to the geothermal area of Hveradalir.
You’ll start by meeting your guide at the Highland Base reception. Then hop on a super jeep ride to Hveradalir. This is an incredible spot known as the “valley of the hot springs” so you’re in for some breathtaking views.
A snowmobiling tour allows you to get up close to the actual snow and ice in Iceland. In the highlands, you’ll be surrounded by snowy mountains, icy plains and towering glaciers.
You’ll start by meeting the experts at the Highland Base reception. They will provide you with the gear you need and give you a quick snowmobile lesson. After you’re outfitted and informed, it’s time to take to the snow.
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.
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, your private guide will be there to advise you. But you can also call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.
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.
If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.
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, we recommend booking a package with a stay in the countryside. On a private tour, you’ll enjoy an aurora hunting excursion with your guide, who will bring you to top locations to try to spot the northern 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:
For more information, check out this Iceland packing list.
With Nordic Visitor, breakfast is always included at your accommodation in Iceland.
You'll also have some meals included as part of your stay at the Highland Base. You'll enjoy 2 lunches and 2 dinners at the on-site restaurant.
These will either be a set dinner menu or a buffet with a variety of fresh, local ingredients. You’ll be able to choose from meat, fish or vegetarian options by notifying your travel consultant in advance of any dietary restrictions.
Please note that drinks are not included with your meals.
The amount of spending money you’ll 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.
These should tide you over until you’re in Iceland to take your own pictures.
Relax in top-quality hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.
Look forward to peaceful stays on your private tour. Each hotel or guesthouse featured on your bespoke itinerary will be conveniently located and have high service standards. Rest assured that you’ll stay in the best possible properties, which have all received excellent reviews from previous customers.
Be comfortable and enjoy the journey as a passenger in the vehicle of your choosing.
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