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Iceland Northern Lights, Glacier Walking, & Snowshoeing Tour

Duration
4 days
Season
December through March
Group size
Up to 16 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Family-run country hotel
Difficulty
Moderate: Great fitness required, hiking/glacier walking/snowshoeing up to 11 km (7 mi) per day
What's included
Guide, accommodation, all meals, 4×4 minivan transfers, glacier walk, snowshoes

Most people flock to Iceland in summer, but winter is when the magic really happens—empty trails, neon green Northern Lights, and landscapes straight off another planet. That’s exactly what this 4-day tour is about—leaning into winter’s rugged side as we explore Iceland’s South Coast on foot. From hikes to glacier walks and even snowshoeing, it’s the perfect way to dip your toes into the country’s wild beauty while still hitting some top sights. And with a local guide by your side, you’ll finish the trip with memories, stunning photos, and maybe even a new love for winter!

Adventure highlights

  • South Coast’s highlights
    Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot spring, Reynisfjara black beach—it’s all part of the plan
  • All-inclusive adventure
    Your guides take care of everything, from 4×4 transfers and charming farm stays to all meals and fun activities throughout 4 days
  • Frosted landscapes & hot springs
    Nothing beats slipping into hot springs and hot rivers while the world outside is frozen
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
A
Alexia S.

Most amazing experience ever. Would do it 500 times over, and would not have been so amazing without our insanely fabulous guide Sölvi. He made the trip a million times more special.

m
mrstang

Yep, you climb from the bottom all the way to the top of a glacier. The view from the top is nothing less than nature at its perfection. From there a delicious Icelandic dinner, and yep, we saw northern lights on the drive back. Perfect small group experience, start to finish.

F
Fay H

We have just returned from our holiday in Iceland, which we enjoyed very much. Enjoyment helped by having taken your Glacier walk and Northern Lights tour. Your guides were helpful and polite, the tour was well planned, feeling safe on the walk and the hunt for the lights was very well researched. The main reason we choose your tours was because of you seemed specialist in glacier walks and we certainly felt we were in very good hands.[ liked the seating arrangement for crampon fitting for example ].

Show all reviews

Itinerary

This Iceland Northern Lights tour is a four-day winter escape through some of the country’s most breathtaking southern highlights. We’ll explore Thingvellir National Park, marvel at Gullfoss waterfall, walk black-sand beaches, and stand before the cascades of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Along the way, our guide leads hikes, snowshoe adventures, and even a glacier walk across shimmering ice. Evenings are spent in a cozy countryside hostel, where home-cooked Icelandic meals set the stage for chasing the magical Northern Lights!

  • Our driver-guide will pick us up at our accommodation at 8:30am. A short drive in a 4×4 minibus takes us to Thingvellir National Park, where we will hike along the fault lines that reveal the rifting of the Earth’s crust. We’ll learn about the major historical events that have taken place here and gain an understanding of why this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After this fascinating hike, we’ll continue to explore the rest of the Golden Circle, including the spouting springs of Geysir and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Dinner and accommodation will be at the cozy Efstidalur country hotel, where we will stay for three nights. In the evening, we’ll keep an eye out for the Northern Lights.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 10 km (6 mi)
    Accommodation: Charming country hotel

    Famous Geysir in Iceland in beautiful sunset light. One of the most famous natural heritage on Iceland.
  • A short drive takes us to Nesjavellir, a large geothermal power plant where heat is harnessed to warm homes in the capital area. Depending on the conditions, we’ll either hike or snowshoe through this magnificent landscape of lava rocks, mud pots, and boiling springs. After the hike, we return to our hostel for dinner and overnight stay. In the evening, there’s the option to bathe in the geothermal baths of Fontana Spa, just a few minutes’ walk from the hostel. And if we’re lucky, we may even admire the Northern Lights from the outdoor hot jacuzzi!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Hiking: 5-10 km (3-6 mi)
    Accommodation: Charming country hotel

    Snowshoeing landscapes Iceland
  • Today we drive toward Iceland’s South Coast, beginning with the Sólheimajökull glacier where an unforgettable adventure awaits. Led by a certified glacier guide, we’ll explore a frozen wonderland of shimmering ice in shades of white, blue, and crystal clear. Along the way, you’ll safely view deep crevasses, water cauldrons, and other fascinating glacier features while learning about their formation and connection to the surrounding volcanoes and mountains. After this thrilling experience, we continue east to visit the dramatic black sand beach of Reynisfjara. On the return to our hostel, we stop to admire the stunning waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Dinner and overnight at the hostel. In the evening, we’ll keep watch for the Northern Lights. Dinner will be at the hotel or at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation:Charming country hotel

    Two people walking black beach
  • Today we pack our bags and drive to the greenhouse village of Hveragerði from where we will hike, or snowshoe walk to the Reykjadalur valley. We 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. We then drive to our accommodation in Reykjavík.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Hiking: 11 km (7 mi)

    Hot springs bathing Iceland
Adventure brochure
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Accommodation

5.00(4 reviews)
A
Alexia S.

Most amazing experience ever. Would do it 500 times over, and would not have been so amazing without our insanely fabulous guide Sölvi. He made the trip a million times more special.

m
mrstang

Yep, you climb from the bottom all the way to the top of a glacier. The view from the top is nothing less than nature at its perfection. From there a delicious Icelandic dinner, and yep, we saw northern lights on the drive back. Perfect small group experience, start to finish.

F
Fay H

We have just returned from our holiday in Iceland, which we enjoyed very much. Enjoyment helped by having taken your Glacier walk and Northern Lights tour. Your guides were helpful and polite, the tour was well planned, feeling safe on the walk and the hunt for the lights was very well researched. The main reason we choose your tours was because of you seemed specialist in glacier walks and we certainly felt we were in very good hands.[ liked the seating arrangement for crampon fitting for example ].

Show all reviews
5.00(4 reviews)
A
Alexia S.

Most amazing experience ever. Would do it 500 times over, and would not have been so amazing without our insanely fabulous guide Sölvi. He made the trip a million times more special.

m
mrstang

Yep, you climb from the bottom all the way to the top of a glacier. The view from the top is nothing less than nature at its perfection. From there a delicious Icelandic dinner, and yep, we saw northern lights on the drive back. Perfect small group experience, start to finish.

F
Fay H

We have just returned from our holiday in Iceland, which we enjoyed very much. Enjoyment helped by having taken your Glacier walk and Northern Lights tour. Your guides were helpful and polite, the tour was well planned, feeling safe on the walk and the hunt for the lights was very well researched. The main reason we choose your tours was because of you seemed specialist in glacier walks and we certainly felt we were in very good hands.[ liked the seating arrangement for crampon fitting for example ].

B
Brooks G

We had two great tours with Jón Yngvi, he is a real asset to your team, and his service was nothing less than amazing. He made us feel comfortable, and we felt like we could ask him anything about our tour, and he always seemed to know the answer!! We learned a ton, and even came across the Northern Lights, of which where obviously amazing!! We would totally book another tour with your company, and we would hope that Jón Yngvi, was our guide!!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide/driver with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4-day Iceland Northern Lights tour
      • Accommodation for 3 nights at a family-run country hotel (double occupancy with private facilities)
      • Transportation in 4×4 minibus
      • All meals, from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4
      • Glacier walk
      • Snowshoes

    Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

      • Single occupancy room

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Iceland
      • Insurance — available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this Iceland Northern Lights tour, great fitness and some hiking experience is required. You can expect hiking up to 11 km per day (7 mi), on occasionally challenging terrain and with some elevation gain.

    Note that you’ll also do a glacier walk and, if possible, snowshoeing—no prior experience needed. Professional guides will be by your side the whole way through.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking tours in Iceland here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Comfortable hiking clothes 
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • If the forecast is favorable, there’s a great chance you’ll witness the mesmerizing display of dancing auroras during your trip!

    Still, as the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, we can’t guarantee a sighting. Their visibility depends on atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see the northern lights is between September and March when the nights are longest and skies are clear—far from city lights, exactly where you’ll be! And that’s exactly what this winter tour is all about, so hopefully, we’ll get a chance to see them.

    Find out more about northern lights in Iceland and your chance of seeing them!

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Iceland Northern Lights tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 16:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants.
      • Solo travelers and odd-numbered groups must add the single occupancy room to their booking at checkout.

    Iceland Northern Lights tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 16 may be permitted to join the Iceland Northern Lights tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The price for this Iceland Northern Lights tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

    Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy room for themselves is required—you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. Also, if your group has an odd number of people (e.g., 3 or 5 people), adding the single occupancy option is mandatory as well.

    Triple-share rooms are also available—let us know if interested and we’ll check availability.

  • The starting point of your Iceland Northern Lights tour is Reykjavik, Iceland. To get there, fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), serving Reykjavik. From there, it’s best to hop on a shuttle to Reykjavik, or you can take a taxi. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Reykjavik.

    It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour. If you’re flying in from the U.S. or will be landing early (4-6:30am), you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e., if the flight gets delayed) and could miss out on the tour. This is, therefore, not recommended! Accommodation for the night prior to the tour is at your arrangement.

    You will meet your guide at 8:30am in Reykjavik.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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