The Northern Lights are a truly magnificent gift of nature. Observing their extraordinary colors dancing across the Arctic sky is an unforgettable experience, and Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see them.
Our adventure begins in Reykjavik. From the captivating Harpa Concert Hall to art galleries in colorful neighborhoods and fishing boats on the harbor, this is the perfect introduction to our journey.
We spend the rest of our Iceland guided tour immersed in Mother Nature’s elements as we explore the beautiful countryside. Testaments to the constantly evolving earth are everywhere — hot rivers, snowy peaks, and majestic waterfalls dominate our views. We traverse glaciers on foot and by Super Jeep and explore one of Iceland’s grandest ice caves. As the winter sun retreats each day, we seek out the spectacular Northern Lights as they paint dramatic shapes, colors, and patterns on the night sky. Rejuvenating soaks in thermal baths and charming accommodations round out this exciting adventure.
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Reykjavik & Borgarfjordur
This morning we discover the colorful and vibrant city of Reykjavík. During our walking tour, our guide introduces us to the city’s culture, history, and distinctive character while exploring its lively downtown streets and neighborhoods.
Following the tour, we enjoy lunch before traveling north to the Borgarfjordur region.
Our first stop is Borgarnes, where we visit the Settlement Exhibition and delve into the fascinating story of Iceland’s earliest settlers and Viking heritage. We continue into the countryside for a relaxing afternoon at Krauma Natural Baths, where geothermal waters offer the perfect opportunity to unwind after a day of exploration.
This evening, we settle into the Fosshotel before gathering for dinner at the hotel’s bistro. As darkness falls, we’ll keep an eye on the skies for a possible appearance of the Northern Lights. With a little luck and clear skies, we may be treated to one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural displays.
Fosshotel ReykholtReykholt, Iceland
Set in the historic village of Reykholt in West Iceland, Fosshotel Reykholt is a peaceful country hotel surrounded by lava fields, waterfalls, mountains, and caves. The hotel features comfortable accommodations, a restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine, and a spa with indoor and outdoor facilities, including hot and cold tubs, a sauna, and steam bath.
West Iceland
Today is filled with some of West Iceland’s most remarkable natural wonders. We begin with a visit to Hraunfossar, a striking series of countless creeks and cascades that stream from beneath the surrounding lava fields.
From here, we continue to Klaki Base Camp for an unforgettable Into the Glacier experience. We travel onto Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, before venturing inside a man-made ice tunnel to explore the remarkable inner workings of this “river of ice.” This rare experience offers an entirely different perspective on Iceland’s glaciers—later in the journey, we will have the chance to walk on the surface of one.
After lunch en route, we descend beneath the earth on a guided tour of Víðgelmir, Iceland’s largest lava cave. Elevated walkways lead through an underground world of unusual colors, lava formations, and geological features hidden deep below the surface.
Our final visit of the day is Reykholt and Snorrastofa, where we learn about Snorri Sturluson, Iceland’s renowned medieval writer, historian, and statesman who lived here in the early 1200s.
At day’s end, we return to the Fosshotel for another evening meal together. After dinner, we’ll check the skies once again, hoping for a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
The Golden Circle
This morning, we depart for Iceland’s celebrated Golden Circle, beginning at Thingvellir National Park, one of the country’s most important historical and geological sites. It was here that Iceland’s early parliament was founded by Viking settlers in 930. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir is also remarkable for its location along the meeting point of two of the Earth’s tectonic plates.
Our next visit is to a geothermal farm, Fridheimar, where we gain insight into the ingenuity behind greenhouse farming in this northern climate.
After lunch, we continue through the Icelandic countryside to magnificent Gullfoss, an impressive waterfall whose cascading waters are especially dramatic amid the snow and ice of winter.
Nearby, we explore the Geysir geothermal area, where steaming vents and bubbling pools reveal the powerful forces beneath Iceland’s surface. Strokkur, one of the area’s most active geysers, regularly sends a plume of steaming water high into the air.
This afternoon, we leave the Golden Circle behind and continue toward Iceland’s spectacular South Coast.
Dinner at our hotel this evening blends Icelandic heritage with contemporary influences. As always, we’ll be watching the skies for a chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
Hotel LoaHvolsvollur, Iceland
Located in the small town of Hvolsvollur in the heart of South Iceland, Hotel Loa is a modern hotel combining Nordic design with a peaceful setting. Opened in 2025, the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the natural wonders of Iceland’s South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss, the black-sand beaches, and the surrounding volcanic landscapes. An on-site restaurant serves fresh, locally inspired dishes featuring Icelandic ingredients.
The South Coast
An exciting day of exploration begins with an early departure for Solheimajokull Glacier, a glacier tongue extending from Myrdalsjokull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier. After arriving at base camp, we meet our mountain guides and receive the equipment and safety instruction needed for our glacier adventure. Equipped with crampons and other necessary gear, we step onto the ice and enter a dramatic landscape of ice formations, ridges, and deep crevasses. It is a memorable opportunity to experience Iceland’s frozen landscape from an entirely new perspective.
After our glacier hike, we continue to the small village of Vík, enjoying lunch en route. Our next stop is Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black-sand beach, where Atlantic waves crash against a dramatic shoreline framed by distinctive basalt columns.
We cap our day at Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls. With a width of approximately 82 feet and a drop of nearly 200 feet, its sheer scale and power make it one of the South Coast’s most impressive natural sights.
We return to Hotel Loa for another regional dining experience, keeping our fingers crossed for clear skies and a possible Northern Lights display.
Thorsmork & Reykjavik
After breakfast, we depart for a memorable excursion into Thorsmork, one of Iceland's most dramatic nature reserves. Meaning “Thor's Forest,” Thorsmork is a spectacular valley surrounded by glaciers and rugged mountains and threaded with glacial rivers. Our excursion takes us deep into this remarkable landscape, traveling through terrain that is inaccessible to ordinary vehicles and allowing time to experience the scenery on foot. The region is surrounded by the glaciers Eyjafjallajokull, Mýrdalsjokull, and Tindfjallajökull, creating one of southern Iceland's most extraordinary settings.
Following our Thorsmork adventure, we visit two of the South Coast's beautiful waterfalls. First is Seljalandsfoss, fed by waters originating at Eyjafjallajokull Glacier. Nearby, discover Gljufrabui, known as the “hidden waterfall of the south,” tucked partly out of sight behind the surrounding rock.
Early this evening, we return to Reykjavik for our final celebratory dinner in theland of fire & ice.
Alda HotelReykjavik, Iceland
Situated in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, the 4-star Alda Hotel is perfectly positioned for your stay. Guestrooms feature Nordic design and modern amenities offering the perfect blend of both comfort and style. Enjoy complimentary smartphones for local calls and internet use, a sauna and hot tub, and on-site restaurant and bar.
Reykjanes, Blue Lagoon & Departure
After breakfast, we journey to the Reykjanes Peninsula, a fascinating landscape shaped by volcanic forces and geothermal activity. Our first stop is the Seltun Geothermal Area, where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and mineral-rich hillsides offer a colorful glimpse into the powerful forces beneath Iceland’s surface.
We then continue to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing finale to our Icelandic adventure. Surrounded by rugged lava fields, we have time to soak in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal waters before we transfer to Keflavík International Airport for your departing flights.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
6 Days
Mar 7-12, 2027
Nov 7-12, 2027
Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.
From $7,495 Per Person
First two reserved:$500
Additional:$1,000
See single supplement policy below.
Call for pricing: 1-800-941-8010 or email [email protected].
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Iceland: Northern Lights Adventure is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The terrain we cover is incredibly varied. We'll enjoy some gentle hikes and a glacier hike. Please be aware that hikes and/or activities may have to be changed last-minute due to weather conditions, which are highly unpredictable in Iceland.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Downtown Reykjavik or Keflavik International Airport, Iceland
Most Convenient Airport:Keflavik International Airport, Keflavik, Iceland (airport code KEF)
Meeting Time and Place:Your guide(s) will meet you at 8:45 a.m. on Day 1 of your trip in the lobby of the Alda Hotel in downtown Reykjavik.
Departure Time and Place:Your guides will provide a drop-off at the Keflavík International Airport by 2:30 p.m. on the last day of the trip. Please plan departing flights accordingly, taking into account the required check-in time for international flights. If you do not wish to depart on the final day, you can ride with the other guests from the Blue Lagoon, to the airport, and then back to Reykjavik, or you may wish to depart the Blue Lagoon at your leisure and return to Reykjavik independently by taxi or the Flybus.
A half-day glacier walk is included, weather permitting. All necessary equipment is provided, including crampons and ice axes. Boots are available for rental, although your hiking boots should suffice. The Icelandic mountain guides we will hike with are experienced mountaineers with a great deal of knowledge about glaciers and safety procedures. After being fitted with gear and a safety briefing, we head onto the ice itself for a unique perspective on the importance and beauty of glaciers. If the weather makes this adventure unsafe, a traditional hike will be offered instead.
It is important to see the Northern Lights as just one of many thrills of a winter trip to Iceland. Immense glaciers, snowy peaks, majestic waterfalls, relaxing thermal baths, fewer crowds, and the vibrant city of Reykjavik, are reasons enough to go. With luck you will also see the sky ablaze with dancing lights, but this can never be guaranteed. The Northern Lights are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. And, like many natural wonders, the Northern Lights are ephemeral - they may appear for a bit, and then disappearing.
The unique colors of the Northern Lights are created by the Earth's spectra of gases and the height in the atmosphere where the collision of particles from the sun and the Earth's gases takes place. Our naked eye can most easily see the green-yellow part of the spectrum where the sun emits most of its light. Green is the most common color observed but the Northern Lights can also appear white-gray.
Please be prepared to wait outside while looking for aurora. It is best to dress warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you patiently await this truly outstanding light show.
Thanks to warming Gulf Stream winds, Iceland enjoys a much warmer climate than you might expect given its northerly location (and its name). Though the interior is covered with ice all year round, the coastal areas, like Reykjavik enjoy a relatively mild climate. The hours of daylight greatly increase over the course of the month to about 12 hours per day. Sunrise is generally around 7 a.m. and the sun sets again by about 7 p.m.
Weather in Iceland can change quite suddenly, so it is a good idea to always dress in layers.
Iceland
High: 37 Low: 28
High: 39 Low: 34
The best season to see the northern lights in Iceland is from September to mid-April, as these are the months where there are full dark nights. Cold, clear, cloudless nights present the best chance of a sighting.
Menus in Iceland generally feature a choice of meat (often lamb) and fresh fish (many varieties of both fresh and saltwater fish are available, the most common being salmon and trout). Some menus are more extensive. Icelandic cuisine has come a long way, and many chefs train in mainland Europe before bringing their skills home to create innovative dishes using native ingredients. It is common even for small hotels to offer meals buffet-style, as this allows travelers to try traditional local dishes alongside more familiar fare. Please inform us of any specific dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please call our office with any questions or concerns about our ability to meet your needs.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
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Easy walking and hiking for 1-4 hours per day, 1/2-day glacier walk, thermal bath visits and nighttime Northern Lights viewing.
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