Journey: The Northern Lights of Iceland
Experience the magical Northern Lights at the best places in Iceland
DISCOVER THIS TRIP HERE
Your 6-day Northern Lights trip in Iceland in short
Discover for yourself how special and versatile Iceland is during this Northern Lights trip.
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you fly directly to Iceland in approximately 3 hours, where an extraordinary Northern Lights adventure awaits you. After staying a night in an excellent 4-star hotel centrally in Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world, you will travel, accompanied by an experienced tour guide, past one highlight after another of southern Iceland and hunt for the Northern Lights. You will also visit the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik, the UNSECO World Heritage-listed Þingvellir National Park, beautiful waterfalls, the bubbling and hissing geothermal area around the famous geyser Geysir, the fascinating glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón and you will be introduced to the rugged landscapes of Iceland with mountain formations, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches and steep cliffs. You have an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Along the way you will spend 3 nights in perfect places for spotting the Northern Lights. You will also spend an evening walking in search of the Northern Lights and, if desired, you can be woken up at night when the Northern Lights color the sky. Your last night during this trip you will stay in trendy Reykjavik. In short, you will be presented with a lot of Iceland in a short time during this extremely beautiful winter trip!
Some highlights of this Iceland trip
- a unique introduction to the natural wonders of Iceland
- hunting for the Northern Lights in the best places in South Iceland
- walk along the continental divide in Þingvellir National Park
- visit to the iceberg lake Jökulsárlón
- unprecedented landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal areas
- tasting geothermally baked bread, bathing in the Blue Lagoon
- an introduction to the Icelandic horses and their farmer
- professional Dutch-speaking and/or English-speaking travel guidance
Your tour of Iceland on a map
Your Northern Lights trip in Iceland day by day
Day 1. Velkommin till Ỉsland, welcome to Iceland!
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you fly directly to Keflavik international airport where your transfer by luxury coach to Reykjavik is ready. Through the lava fields and winter landscapes you will be taken to Reykjavik in about 55 minutes where you will spend your first night. The hip and trendy city is the northernmost capital in the world and the westernmost capital in Europe. After check-in you will have time to explore the city. Visit the cozy cafés and bars in the center, the 72-meter-high Hallgrimskirkja church or the Sólfar, a striking image of a ship from the Viking era made of shiny silver steel. Stroll through the shopping streets, along the frozen lake Tjornin in the middle of the city, a popular place where many ice hockey games are played, flanked by colored houses, or pay a visit to Perlan. More than 24 million liters of hot geothermal water can be stored here. You will spend the night in the comfortable Hotel Klettur in Reykjavik.
Day 2. Impressive natural wonders in Iceland
After a delicious, extensive Icelandic breakfast and meeting your tour guide, the day starts with a visit to the fascinating Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik for an extensive, informative presentation about the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, and the folklore surrounding this natural phenomenon. Would you like to photograph or film the Northern Lights? The center staff will be happy to help you set up your equipment correctly. After visiting the Northern Lights Centre, you will travel to Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of Iceland’s three National Parks. The National Park is located on the largest lake in Iceland. In the Þingvellir National Park, the Eurasian and American tectonic plates are drifting apart at an average speed of 1-2 cm per year, creating a wonderful world of deep gorges filled with very cold and clear water fed from underground water sources, cracks, waterfalls, subsidence and fault surfaces. A significant part of the National Park is covered by lava from the nearby shield volcano Skjaldbreiður, which was still active 9,000 years ago. Take a short walk into this illustrious world. The Þingvellir National Park is also home to Iceland’s first parliament, the oldest in the world. Then you drive to Laugarvatnshellar, where you can take an interesting look at cave houses that were inhabited until less than 100 years ago. You will be amazed how the Icelanders were able to survive under these harsh conditions. Your next stop is the geothermal fields of Geysir, where bubbling mud pools, colored hot springs and the 30-meter-high gushing geyser Strokkur await you. The last natural phenomenon you will visit today is the impressive Gullfoss waterfall. The water thunders in two steps, which are more or less at right angles to each other, 32 meters down into a gorge that is more than 70 meters deep, 20 meters wide and 2.5 kilometers long. A spectacular sight! You will also visit Skalholt, the capital of Iceland during the Middle Ages. Today it is a cultural center and known for its beautiful church. A stop is also planned today in the town of Laugarvatn. The town is built around three hot springs. The residents make smart use of the natural heat for their heating, the greenhouses and even for cooking. You will visit a unique geothermal bakery at the Laugarvathn Fontana Spa where delicious Icelandic bread is baked in the hot sand. Taste the freshly baked bread, straight from the ground.
Tonight you will stay in the area of Flúðir, a small town with approximately 420 inhabitants. An excellent place for spotting the Northern Lights.
Day 3. Waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches
Today you drive along the south coast of Iceland, an area that is beautiful to view in winter. When the weather is clear you have a view of Hekla, one of the most infamous volcanoes in Iceland that erupts on average once every ten years. Along the way you will pass typical Icelandic farms, often with Icelandic horses in the fields. In this part of Iceland you will visit the new Lava Center, an interactive, high-tech, educational center about the origins of Iceland and the volcanic activities and earthquakes on the island over the past millions of years.
Today you will stop at some of Iceland’s most striking waterfalls; the graceful 65 meter high Seljalandsfoss (which you can walk behind) and the impressive 60 meter high and 25 meter wide Skógafoss. You continue your journey along the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, to visit the mysterious Reynisfjara beach. Take a short walk on the black sand, admiring the extraordinary rock formations and the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, today you travel through the Eldhraun, a gigantic lava field created by an eruption in the 18th century, to Kirkjubæjarklaustur where you will stay overnight and hunt for the Northern Lights.
Day 4. Europe's largest glacier and the Jökulsárlón ice lagoon
Today you are in the world of glaciers! Your entrance is already glorious, you have a view of several glacier tongues! You will visit the southern part of Vatnajokull National Park, named after the largest glacier in Europe. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe! You will view the Svinafellsjökull, one of the most beautiful glacier tongues of the Vatnajökull glacier. Of course you won’t miss the world-famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The 180 meter deep lagoon full of icebergs is a popular hangout for lazy seals. You will also visit the “Diamond Beach”, a beach full of icebergs. You will also visit the Skaftafell region of the national park, known for its exceptional natural beauty. A delicious dinner and a relaxing evening at your hotel in the fascinating region around Kirkjubæjarklaustur, with hopefully plenty of Northern Lights alarm, is the perfect end to another great day.
Day 5. Volcanoes, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik
After a delicious breakfast, you will get back on the bus and travel through the region around the towering stratovolcano Eyjafjallajökull, one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, which offers you beautiful winter landscapes in winter. Then you travel to the village of Hveragerði, one of the few villages in the world located in the middle of a geothermal area. Hveragerði is often called “The Flower Village”. This is because of the many greenhouses where flowers are grown that are fed by naturally hot water heated from nearby springs. Iceland is world famous for its Icelandic horses. Today a visit to an Icelandic horse farm is planned to meet these animals. Known as the Icelanders’ truest friend and servant, this ancient Viking horse breed played a crucial role in Icelandic history. Enjoy petting these friendly horses and taking some selfies with them. You will also be treated to some sweet snacks traditionally served on Icelandic farms. Your journey then continues to Strandarkirkja, a church on the coast that is often referred to as a “miracle church”. Your tour guide will tell you why. You follow the rugged coastline with its breathtaking waves and drive through an abandoned community, which was once the thriving center of the region, to the Reykjanes Peninsula. Here – surrounded by surreal landscapes – you can enjoy a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique wonder of nature with pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water in the middle of a black lava field. Finally, you return to Reykjavik, where you say goodbye to your tour guide and can spend the evening as you wish. You will spend the night in Reykjavik.
Day 6. End of an amazing Northern Lights trip in Iceland
For the last time this trip, you will enjoy breakfast after which you will board the shuttle bus to Keflavik Airport for your direct flight to the Netherlands. An amazing adventure in Iceland has come to an end.
The program may be deviated from due to organizational or weather conditions.
Your stay during your winter trip to Iceland
Day 1 and 5 Center Hotels Laugavegur
Located in the heart of Iceland’s vibrant capital, Reykjavik, Center Hotels Laugavegur is an excellent hotel to start and end your trip. The quirky, urban atmosphere that makes this city so unique comes to life throughout the building. Surrounded by Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty, this charming hotel offers you a warm welcome and an extremely comfortable stay.
What really sets Center Hotels Laugarvegur apart is its accessibility to Reykjavik’s treasures. From the hotel you are within walking distance of boutiques, restaurants, museums and other cultural attractions. After exploring Reykjavik, return to the hotel and relax in the cozy lounge, where you can enjoy local delicacies and a relaxed atmosphere.
You will stay in a trendy, well-equipped room with wonderful beds, soft duvets and pillows to dream away in. Your room also has a bathroom with shower and toilet.
Day 2 Icelandair Hotel Fludir
Your hotel is an ideal stop in Iceland to recover from a day full of impressions of Iceland’s most breathtaking attractions, including The Golden Circle (Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir). Whether you like fishing or horse riding, this cozy hotel is exactly what you need at the end of an active day.
The excellent restaurant, which uses only local, organic produce and meats, and the relaxing bar are the perfect places to spend your evenings. As you feast your eyes on sweeping views of Iceland’s pristine landscapes, let the friendly staff take care of your every need. You can soak in a hot tub and gaze at the Northern Lights in the beautiful hotel garden.
Your bright room includes two separate beds with hypoallergenic bedding. private access to the hotel garden, an LCD TV, free WiFi, telephone and a bathroom with shower, toilet and hairdryer.
Day 3 and 4 Hotel Klaustur
You will spend two nights in the modern hotel in a quiet location in the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur in the south of Iceland, one hour’s drive from Skaftafell National Park and the Vatnajokull Glacier.
Your room has a simple yet modern design, is equipped with private sanitary facilities and includes a flat-screen TV. You have free access to WiFi.
In the restaurant, with spectacular views of the mountains, you can enjoy breakfast and dinners. In the evening you can relax with a drink in the cozy bar. But hopefully you will spend a lot of time outside enjoying the Northern Lights.
Your flights to Iceland
Your flights are operated by the renowned airline Icelandair. The above rates are based on the lowest priced flight class. Most airlines have different classes of carriage. Often there is only a price difference between different classes and no difference in leg space and/or care. After receiving your reservation request, we will check the availability of the flight class. If the desired flight class is no longer available, we will contact you immediately for consultation. You can then book a higher flight class for a surcharge or we will look for a different departure date.
Park Sleep Fly package hotel Van der Valk Schiphol
For a rested and relaxed start to your trip, travel to Schiphol the day before departure for our Park Sleep Fly package in the luxurious Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol.
You will stay in a single, double, triple or quadruple Deluxe room including:
- Free parking for up to 14 days
- Full breakfast buffet
- Free return shuttle transport between the hotel and the airport
- Free entrance to the indoor swimming pool, wellness center, fitness center and outdoor sports and walking park
- Free WIFI
Rates per room including the above extras from:
- Single room €99.00
- Double room € 119.00
- Triple room € 149.00
- Quadruple room € 169.00
Rates are based on availability.
Optional extras during this Northern Lights trip
Extra overnight stay in Reykjavik
Would you like to get to know Reykjavik even better and see all the highlights of the northernmost capital in the world or do you want to go on a great whale safari? Then stay one or more extra nights before or after your Iceland adventure in Reykjavik. We would be happy to inform you without obligation about the possibilities and rates of an extra night in Reykjavik.
Park Sleep Fly package hotel Van der Valk Schiphol
For a rested and relaxed start to your trip, travel to Schiphol the day before departure for our Park Sleep Fly package in the luxurious Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol.
You will stay in a single, double, triple or quadruple Deluxe room including:
- Free parking for up to 14 days
- Full breakfast buffet
- Free return shuttle transport between the hotel and the airport
- Free entrance to the indoor swimming pool, wellness center, fitness center and outdoor sports and walking park
- Free WIFI
Rates per room including the above extras from:
- Single room €99.00
- Double room € 119.00
- Triple room € 149.00
- Quadruple room € 169.00
Rates are based on availability.
Price overview & departure dates for your Northern Lights trip in Iceland
The travel price includes:
- Direct return flight between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (the choice is yours) and Keflavik International Airport in Iceland including:
- maximum 23 kg of checked baggage per person
- maximum 10 kg + 1 personal item (such as a small backpack, laptop bag) per person as hand luggage
- airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- 2 nights in Reykjavik and 4 nights in countryside hotels in your desired accommodation category on a bed and breakfast basis
- 6 days of car rental, including:
- local taxes
- unlimited kilometers
- basic insurance CDW
- theft insurance
- 2nd driver
- GPS system
- Pick up and drop off of rental car at Keflavik airport
- Access your Iceland travel app, packed with useful information about attractions along the way, your accommodation addresses and your booking
- 24/7 Road assistance
From Trekking Trails Travels you will receive the following extras with your booking:
- Iceland travel guide
- Road map Iceland (scale 1: 500.00)
- Extensive travel information and tips from Trekking Trails Travels
Rates winter 2023/2024
The rates listed below are per person (maximum 36 participants per trip.)
| Date of departure | pp for 2 persons per room | pp at 1 person per room |
|---|---|---|
| October 5, 2023 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| October 26, 2023 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| November 2, 2023 | €1,810 | €2,185 |
| November 14, 2023 | €1,810 | €2,185 |
| December 7, 2023 | €1,810 | €2,185 |
| January 11, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| January 18, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| February 8, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| February 13, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| February 29, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| March 7, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| March 14, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| March 19, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
| April 4, 2024 | €1,845 | €2,220 |
Rates winter 2023/2024
The rates listed below are per person (maximum 16 participants per trip.)
| Date of departure | pp for 2 persons per room | pp at 1 person per room |
|---|---|---|
| October 12, 2023 | €2,325 | €2,765 |
| November 16, 2023 | €2,155 | €2,530 |
| February 22, 2024 | €2,240 | €2,685 |
Snowmobile insurance
If you participate in a snowmobile safari, the deductible per damage is € 1,000. This also applies to the snowmobile safari included in the price. The amount of the applicable deductible can be fully purchased for €15.67 per driver. If you unexpectedly cause damage to the snowmobile during a snowmobile safari, Allianz Global Assistance (our insurer in this case) will pay you the repair costs up to the amount of your deductible. You first pay these costs to the snowmobile rental company yourself. All you have to do is submit proof of payment with the damage to Trekking Trails Travels and we will then take care of the settlement. Allianz Global Assistance will transfer the amount to you after settlement.
Additional costs per reservation number
Consumer contribution Guarantee Fund VZR Garant
Trekking Trails Travels does not charge any reservation costs, per booking an amount of € 7.50 per traveler is charged as consumer contribution to the VZR Garant Guarantee Fund. Click here (the page opens in a new window) for more information about the VZR Garant guarantee fund.
Reservation request for this tour through Northern Norway
Reservation request for this tour through Northern Norway How does your reservation request work? We ask you to fill in some information about yourself, any fellow traveler(s) and your wishes regarding this trip. We will then contact you as soon as possible to discuss your trip and travel costs with you. Only then, after your approval, will your trip be definitively booked. If you have any questions regarding your trip, insurance or excursions, for example, you can ask one of our employees in a personal conversation. NB: * The main booker is the contact person between Trekking Trails Travels and the travelers. * The surname and first name must match the passport of the main booker. The information you share with us will always be treated confidentially and only for the purpose of the intended reservation request.