8-Day Iceland Winter Guided Tour: South Coast, Golden Circle & Glacier lagoon
Experience Iceland's legendary Ring Road on this 8-day Northern Lights small group tour, limited to just 16 travelers. You'll circle Iceland's most spectacular winter landscapes while hunting for the mesmerizing aurora borealis in remote countryside locations far from city lights.
This Iceland Northern Lights tour takes you to the best aurora viewing spots across the country. You'll spend six nights in countryside hotels in prime Northern Lights territory, including the renowned Lake Mývatn area and the dramatic Eastfjords. Your expert local guide will monitor aurora forecasts and take you to optimal viewing locations each evening when conditions are favorable.
Beyond Northern Lights hunting, you'll explore Iceland's iconic natural wonders. Marvel at the Golden Circle's geothermal features, including erupting Strokkur geyser and powerful Gullfoss waterfall. Journey along the South Coast to witness epic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, walk on black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, and watch icebergs drift through Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Your small group Northern Lights tour continues through less-visited regions including the spectacular Eastfjords, where you might spot reindeer against dramatic coastal landscapes. You'll explore the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area with its pseudocraters and geothermal features, visit charming Akureyri in North Iceland, and discover the powerful waterfalls and hot springs of West Iceland.
Throughout this Northern Lights tour Iceland adventure, you'll enjoy five included dinners featuring local cuisine at countryside hotels, giving you evenings to relax and prepare for aurora hunting. Your small group size ensures a more intimate experience with personalized attention from your guide, who'll share insights about Icelandic nature, culture, and the best techniques for Northern Lights photography.
This comprehensive Ring Road Northern Lights small group tour covers nearly every corner of Iceland in winter's magical embrace.
Note: This tour is operated by a partner of Iceland Tours.
Use SAVE10 at checkout for 10% off
valid for arrival dates through the end of March 2026. Offer ends soon.
On this tour you will...
Stay in idyllic countryside locations with prime opportunities to spot the Northern Lights
Glimpse remote corners of Iceland, like the stunning Eastfjords and Lake Mývatn
Experience the mind-blowing sights of the world-famous Golden Circle route in winter splendor
Witness plunging waterfalls and towering sea cliffs along Iceland's beautiful South Coast
Explore charming Akureyri, known as the capital of North Iceland
Visit entertaining museums and immerse yourself in Reykjavík’s great foodie scene
Top attractions
Downtown Reykjavík
Gullfoss
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Vík í Mýrdal
Skaftafell
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Akureyri
Deildartunguhver
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Blue Lagoon
Why book a guided group trip with Iceland Tours?
Pick from wide range of departure dates
Expert local guidance in English
Travel with like-minded adventurers
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 20% deposit
Handpicked local accommodation options
Your 8-day guided group itinerary
Your Iceland Northern Lights adventure begins with a transfer from Keflavík International Airport (included) to your Reykjavík hotel in the city center. After settling in, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore Iceland's vibrant capital with its abundance of museums, restaurants, and bars to suit all tastes.
If you're interested in experiencing Reykjavík's thriving coffee culture or checking out Icelandic design, head to the main street, Laugavegur, where you'll find various shops and cozy cafés. Consider visiting one of the city's excellent museums, or simply stroll through the colorful streets admiring the unique architecture and street art.
Spend your evening exploring Reykjavík's restaurant scene. The city offers everything from traditional Icelandic cuisine to international flavors, giving you a taste of the capital's vibrant food culture before heading into the countryside tomorrow.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
ExtraPerlan Museum Wonders of Iceland & Northern Lights Show
This morning, your guide will pick you and your fellow small group travelers up from your hotel to begin your Ring Road adventure. The first leg takes you around Iceland's famous Golden Circle route, containing some of the country's best-known natural sites.
You'll visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The dramatic rift valley is even more spectacular in winter when dusted with snow. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur hot spring erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air.
Next, you'll witness the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, where glacial water plunges in two dramatic tiers. In winter, ice formations around the falls create an otherworldly scene. The tour also visits Friðheimar, geothermally-heated greenhouses where you'll taste fresh tomato products grown using Iceland's natural hot water.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel with your small group (included). Afterward, if conditions are favorable, you'll have your first opportunity to hunt for the Northern Lights in the countryside away from city lights.
Today you'll explore South Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions. You'll start at the LAVA Center, an interactive exhibition about Iceland's volcanic activity, frequent earthquakes, and how the island evolved over millions of years through volcanic forces.
Visit the fairytale-like Seljalandsfoss waterfall. If conditions allow, you can walk behind the icy cascade on a footpath for a unique perspective. Close by, your guide will take you to Skógafoss, an impressive 60-meter (197-foot) high waterfall located at the foot of a mountain range. Legend says Viking settler Þrasi Þórólfsson hid treasure behind the falls. You'll also visit the Skógar Folk Museum to learn about Iceland's cultural heritage.
Your final stop before reaching your accommodation is the dramatic black sand volcanic beach near Vík í Mýrdal village. Here you'll see spectacular Reynisdrangar basalt columns rising from the ocean and steep sea cliffs. According to folklore, these rock formations are trolls who were turned to stone by sunlight.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel with your group (included). This location offers excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing, so keep your eyes on the sky this evening if conditions are favorable.
Start the day bright and early for a full day of icy highlights. You'll spend time exploring Skaftafell, part of the immense Vatnajökull National Park, a place of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by glaciers and dramatic peaks.
The tour continues to spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, famous for floating icebergs in shades of milky white and bright blue. The icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift through the 180-meter (591-foot) deep lagoon before reaching the ocean. This constantly changing ice sculpture gallery creates spectacular photo opportunities.
Next to the glacier lagoon, you'll visit Fellsfjara, also known as Diamond Beach. Here you'll see large chunks of ice that have washed up on the black sand shore after being shaped and polished in the surf. The contrast between sparkling ice and dark sand creates truly magical scenes, especially in winter light.
After exploring these glacial wonders, you'll be driven to your accommodation in the Eastfjords region. Enjoy a delicious local dinner at your hotel (included), then prepare for Northern Lights hunting. This remote location offers dark skies perfect for aurora viewing.
Today you'll experience a slice of Iceland that few travelers get to explore. Your small group's drive takes you along majestic East Iceland, with gorgeous scenery including tranquil fishing villages, narrow fjords, rugged tundra, and sweeping landscapes.
If you're lucky, you might spot reindeer as they come down from the mountains to stay close to the sea during winter months. Reindeer are not native to Iceland but were introduced in the 18th century and now roam wild in the east.
Among other highlights, you'll stop in small villages including Stöðvarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður. The latter is known for its French heritage and houses a fascinating Northern Lights photo exhibition showcasing stunning aurora images.
Your final destination is the otherworldly Lake Mývatn area. This region is known as one of Iceland's best locations for viewing the Northern Lights due to its altitude, minimal light pollution, and the unique lay of the land. The open landscapes provide unobstructed views of the night sky.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel with your group (included). We highly recommend being on the lookout for the aurora borealis tonight, as this location offers exceptional viewing conditions.
Start the day exploring the unusual, moon-like landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area. You'll visit Námaskarð pass, where bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles create an otherworldly scene even more surreal in wintertime. The Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters formed when lava flowed over wetlands, creating steam explosions that left behind these distinctive formations.
You'll have a chance to see Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. While not Iceland's tallest waterfall, the cascade divides into two horseshoe-shaped falls, making it unique among Icelandic waterfalls. The name comes from the legend that in the year 1000, when Iceland officially converted to Christianity, the local lawspeaker threw his pagan idols into the waterfall.
You'll then have free time in Akureyri, often called the capital of North Iceland, to explore on your own. This charming town offers museums, shops, cafés, and a picturesque harbor area. You might visit the striking Akureyrarkirkja church, browse local boutiques, or enjoy coffee in a cozy café.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel with your group (dinner included). The Skagafjörður area offers good opportunities for Northern Lights viewing if conditions cooperate.
Before heading back to Reykjavík, you'll explore West Iceland's incredible natural features along beautiful Borgarfjörður. Your guide will stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, which produces 180 liters (48 gallons) of boiling water per second. The hot water is piped to towns up to 64 kilometers (40 miles) away for heating.
You'll visit the spectacular twin waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls seemingly originating in a lava field without a river or lake. The water actually streams through rivulets in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, creating beautiful cascades. Meanwhile, Barnafoss is more like a series of rapids caused by the Hvítá river entering a narrow passage.
Next, you'll visit historical sites at Reykholt, rich in saga history. Reykholt was the home of 13th-century writer, poet, and scholar Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland's most important historical figures who wrote much of what we know about Norse mythology and Icelandic history.
After being dropped off at your Reykjavík accommodation, you can spend the evening at your leisure in the city center. This is your final evening to explore the capital's vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene.
When it's time for your Iceland Northern Lights adventure to end, you'll be picked up from your hotel by a shuttle bus approximately three hours before your flight. The shared airport transfer (included) will take you to Keflavík International Airport for your return flight home.
We hope you've captured amazing Northern Lights photographs and memories to last a lifetime. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope to see you in Iceland again!
What’s included?
Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
5 two-course dinners in the countryside featuring local cuisine (Days 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6)
Airport transfer
Local transport with guidance in English
Admission to Friðheimar greenhouse
Admission to Lava Center
Admission to Skógar Folk Museum
Admission to Northern Lights photo exhibition in Fáskrúðsfjörður
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
Stay in well-located hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by experts.
On this trip, you’ll stay at the following hotels or similar:
- Day 1 – Fosshotel Reykjavík
- Day 2 – Grímsborgir
- Day 3 – Magma Hótel
- Day 4 – Hótel Höfn
- Day 5 – Hótel Laxá
- Day 6 – Hofsstaðir Country Hotel
- Day 7 – Fosshotel Reykjavík
Customer reviews
Read what real customers had to say about this tour
FAQs about our guided group trips
On this type of tour, you’ll travel around Iceland by bus with the same driver-guide for the length of your trip. Guided group tours are a great way to make like-minded friends, as you’ll spend time with the same travelers for your whole vacation.
You’ll get to stay in accommodation around the country, and some tours include a few evening meals too. After a day’s exploring, you’ll go back to your private room and meet your guide and group the next morning to continue your trip.
All of our guided group tours start and finish in Reykjavík.
There are 2 group sizes available:
- Small group: Up to 19 people
- Standard group: Up to 32 people
Small groups offer a more intimate travel experience, whereas standard groups are more wallet-friendly.
You’ll likely be with people from a whole mix of backgrounds, from different countries and of different ages. Your guide will entertain you with fun facts and jokes as you journey around Iceland. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be laughing along with your group!
There will most probably be a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends and family.
The luggage restrictions on this guided group tour are as follows:
- 1 suitcase or large bag per person for clothes and overnight items
- 1 day bag for essential items, like a camera, extra clothes, and valuables
Each day your luggage will be loaded onto the bus. In the evening, you’ll take all your bags with you to your room.
Our guided group tours have fixed start dates and itineraries. While it’s not possible to customize the actual tour, you can tailor your trip with extra days and activities before or afterwards.
For example, you could add a couple more days in Reykjavík at the end of your trip. Fill these with day tours or exciting activities like ice caving and snowmobiling.
On a guided group tour, you’ll learn a lot about Icelandic history, nature, and culture from experienced tour guides. You’ll find their passion for the country infectious and gain a perspective on life in Iceland from these travel experts.
Guided group tours also mean you don’t need to worry about driving yourself on unfamiliar roads. They’re a fantastic way to explore Iceland if you want to meet like-minded travelers too.
That said, guided tours are by no means the only way to experience Iceland. If you’d prefer something more customizable, you could go for a multi-day tour by bus. Or if you want to set your own pace on a road trip, it’s hard to beat a self-drive tour.
Another option is a privately guided tour. This combines the experience of a locally guided tour with the intimacy of traveling in your own private group.
On an Iceland guided tour, you can expect to travel by bus in a small or large party. You can choose your preferred group size when you book.
Iceland small group tours are more intimate, whereas standard group tours are more wallet-friendly. The maximum number of people in a small group is 16, and 36 in a standard group.
Your driver-guide will lead the entire trip, which includes stays in the Icelandic countryside. Each day you’ll explore a new part of Iceland and enjoy commentary from your guide between stops.
As you’ll be with the same group of people throughout your trip, you’ll have the chance to socialize with fellow travelers and make friends (maybe even for life). There’s nothing like diving into Iceland’s epic nature for a bonding experience!
There’s plenty to enjoy on a guided tour of Iceland. The great thing about them is that you can access locations you never would have known about. And you can travel to seemingly out-of-reach regions, like the Icelandic highlands.
Here’s just some of what you could get up to on an Iceland group tour:
- Chase the Northern Lights in a remote countryside spot
- Tour the legendary Ring Road route
- See bubbling hot springs on the Golden Circle
- Explore ice cave country in Vatnajökull National Park
- Hop between stunning waterfalls on a south coast tour
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings at Þingvellir National Park
- Watch an active geyser, Strokkur, erupt before you
- Admire freshly calved icebergs drift gently out to sea
- Roam the black sands of Reynisfjara beach
- Soak up culture and nightlife in downtown Reykjavík
- Dive into the country's food scene at Iceland's best restaurants.
Need more inspiration? Check out this Iceland Travel Guide.
All of the guided Iceland vacation packages featured here include local transport, accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, and activities. Some also include dinners in the countryside, so check the specific package for details.
You can customize your guided trip with extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your vacation. Use these to pack in day tours or an evening Northern Lights tour. You could even pay a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
In general, tipping is not as commonplace in Iceland as in some other countries. While tour guides would never expect to be tipped, they would receive them gratefully.
You can start planning your Iceland adventure right on this page. Browse the guided vacation packages above until you find the one for you.
Next, check departure dates on the tour page. Guided group tours have fixed dates and durations, although you can extend your trip with extra days in Reykjavík if you like. This would be your chance to add activities, like exploring an ice cave or bathing in hot springs.
After that, simply follow the checkout instructions to complete your booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email straight away, followed by your travel documents closer to your departure date.
You can check dates on the individual tour pages. Guided tours are available in a small or large group, with separate departure dates for each.
There are weekly or fortnightly departures throughout the popular summer and winter seasons. Make sure you book in advance as spaces can sell out quick.
Because guided group tours have fixed departure dates, it’s a good idea to book your vacation package before your flights. Once you’ve received the confirmation from Iceland Tours, you’re clear to book with your preferred airline.
That said, you might want to do a rough check for flights before you book your package to get a feel for what’s available.
Iceland is well connected to Europe and North America with daily direct flights to lots of major cities.
When visiting Iceland, it pays to pack smart and be prepared. The weather is changeable and conditions are likely to be different to what you’re used to at home.
Here’s an Iceland packing list that’s good for all seasons:
- Warm, waterproof coat
- Toasty inner layers
- Hat, scarf, and gloves
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Moisturizer and lip balm
Carbon offsetting is already included as standard with every Iceland Tours package. We have partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon footprint of the tour itself, so there is nothing extra you need to do or pay.
Iceland Tours is Travelife-certified, meaning our operations are independently assessed against sustainability standards covering environmental, social, and supply chain criteria. This certification reflects a commitment to responsible travel that goes beyond carbon offsetting, including how we select local accommodation and activity partners.
Carbon offsetting for international flights to and from Iceland is not included in the tour package, but your airline may offer offset options at the time of booking, or you can arrange this through a local or national environmental fund. For more on how we approach sustainable travel, see our sustainability policy and our article on responsible and sustainable travel in Iceland.
This Iceland Northern Lights tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, creating a more intimate and personalized experience compared to standard group tours that can have up to 32 people. The smaller group size means more attention from your guide, easier Northern Lights viewing (less crowding at viewing spots), and a more social atmosphere where you can connect with fellow travelers. Your guide can also answer questions more thoroughly and tailor the experience to the group's interests.
You'll have Northern Lights hunting opportunities on six consecutive nights in countryside locations with minimal light pollution. The tour stays in prime aurora viewing areas including the South Coast, Eastfjords, and the renowned Lake Mývatn region, considered one of Iceland's best Northern Lights viewing locations. Your guide will monitor aurora forecasts and take you to optimal viewing spots when conditions are favorable, maximizing your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.
While Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and never guaranteed, this tour maximizes your chances by spending six nights in countryside locations away from light pollution. The tour runs from mid-October through early April, during Iceland's Northern Lights season when nights are darkest. Your expert guide will monitor aurora forecasts and solar activity, taking you to the best viewing locations when conditions are right. Historical data shows most winter travelers who spend multiple nights in Iceland's countryside see at least some aurora activity.
On this small group tour, you'll travel around Iceland by bus with the same expert driver-guide for all 8 days. Your group of up to 16 travelers will stay together throughout the journey, creating opportunities to make friends with like-minded adventurers. You'll stay in comfortable countryside accommodation with private facilities, and five dinners are included. Each evening in the countryside, your guide will assess Northern Lights conditions and organize viewing opportunities when the aurora forecast is favorable.
This Northern Lights tour runs from mid-October through early April, corresponding to Iceland's aurora season when nights are longest and darkest. December and January offer the darkest nights, though aurora activity can be strong throughout winter. September and April have shorter nights but can still offer good Northern Lights viewing. This 8-day tour's extended countryside stays across multiple regions provide excellent opportunities regardless of which winter month you choose.
While occasionally visible from Reykjavík on very strong aurora nights, Northern Lights are much more impressive when viewed from countryside locations with dark skies. This tour maximizes your aurora viewing potential by spending six consecutive nights in remote areas far from city lights, including the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn, and South Coast. These locations offer unobstructed views of the night sky and significantly better chances of witnessing vibrant Northern Lights displays.
This comprehensive Ring Road tour covers Iceland's most spectacular winter attractions. You'll explore the Golden Circle's geothermal wonders, witness epic South Coast waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, walk on black sand beaches, see icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, discover the dramatic Eastfjords, explore the volcanic Lake Mývatn area, visit charming Akureyri, and experience West Iceland's powerful hot springs and waterfalls. Five dinners featuring local cuisine are included, along with admission to the LAVA Center, Skógar Folk Museum, and other attractions.
Your guide will provide tips on Northern Lights photography techniques and camera settings. For best results, bring a camera with manual settings capability (DSLRs or mirrorless cameras work best), a sturdy tripod, and extra batteries (cold drains batteries quickly). Recommended settings typically include wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), high ISO (1600-3200), and exposure times of 5-25 seconds. Smartphones can capture Northern Lights but with limited quality. The Northern Lights photo exhibition in Fáskrúðsfjörður on Day 5 will also inspire you with professional aurora photography.
Your Northern Lights small group tour includes 7 nights of quality accommodation, daily continental breakfast, 5 two-course dinners in the countryside featuring local cuisine, airport transfers, expert local guidance in English throughout, admission to Friðheimar greenhouse, LAVA Center, Skógar Folk Museum, and the Northern Lights photo exhibition in Fáskrúðsfjörður. You'll also have 24/7 emergency helpline support in Iceland and carbon offsetting of your tour. The small group size (maximum 16 people) ensures a more personalized experience.
Absolutely! Small group Northern Lights tours are perfect for solo travelers. You'll join other like-minded adventurers, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers while exploring Iceland. The intimate group size of up to 16 people creates a social atmosphere without feeling overwhelming. You'll have your own private room each night while sharing daytime adventures and Northern Lights hunting with your small group. Many solo travelers choose guided group tours specifically for the social aspect and shared Northern Lights viewing experiences.
