Escape to Akureyri and experience guided excursions packed with winter thrills.
Discover Iceland's captivating northern region with this 4-day winter adventure based in Akureyri, the charming town known as the Capital of the North.
While most visitors focus on the south, this package reveals a different side of Iceland where dramatic fjords meet volcanic landscapes, where traditional wooden architecture lines cozy streets, and where the Northern Lights dance above a remote yet welcoming community. Akureyri offers an authentic Icelandic experience far from the tourist crowds, serving as your gateway to some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders. From your comfortable base, you'll venture out on guided excursions to Lake Mývatn's otherworldly volcanic terrain, chase the aurora borealis through the winter darkness, and stand before the powerful Goðafoss waterfall. This tour perfectly balances structured exploration with personal freedom, giving you two days of included excursions plus a flexible day to customize your adventure however you wish.
The Lake Mývatn area showcases Iceland's volcanic nature in stunning detail. You'll encounter bubbling mud pools at Námaskarð, explore the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir that once served as a Game of Thrones filming location, and witness pseudocraters rising from ancient lava flows at Skútustaðagígar. The option to soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths adds a luxurious element, letting you float in geothermal waters while surrounded by snow-covered volcanic landscapes. Your Northern Lights hunt takes advantage of North Iceland's dark winter skies and relatively clear weather, offering excellent chances to witness this natural phenomenon. Between excursions, Akureyri itself provides plenty to explore, from its iconic hilltop church with panoramic fjord views to its excellent restaurants and galleries. The town's ski resort, Hlíðarfjall, sits just minutes away for those seeking winter sports. With optional activities ranging from whale watching to snowmobiling, this package lets you craft the perfect northern Iceland experience while enjoying the hospitality and character that make Akureyri so special.
On this tour you will...
Discover Akureyri, the colorful ‘Capital of the North’
Chase the magnetic Northern Lights on an evening excursion
Witness Iceland’s volcanic activity at Lake Mývatn
Marvel at the otherworldly lava formations of Dimmuborgir
Visit Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls
Get the chance to treat yourself to a luxurious soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths
Top attractions
Akureyri
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Dimmuborgir
Why book a multi-day trip with Iceland Tours?
Stay at the same place in Akureyri for your whole trip
Travel on comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi
Effortlessly customize your trip with extra activities
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
Your 4-day bus itinerary
Arrive at Akureyri Airport and transfer directly to your accommodation in this charming northern town. Unlike bustling Reykjavík, Akureyri maintains a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Once settled, spend your afternoon discovering the downtown area centered around Hafnarstræti, the main street lined with inviting cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. The town's traditional wooden buildings dating from the early 20th century give the center a distinctly Nordic character. For spectacular views over Eyjafjörður fjord and the surrounding mountains, climb the famous steps leading to Akureyrarkirkja church, perched on a hillside overlooking the town. The church's modern architecture and elevated position make it Akureyri's most recognizable landmark.
When evening falls, your Northern Lights adventure begins. Expert guides will lead you away from town into the dark North Iceland countryside, utilizing their local knowledge to find optimal viewing spots. The northern location often provides clearer skies than the south, improving your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis shimmering overhead in waves of green and purple light.
Highlights
Akureyri
Extra activities
IncludedNorthern Lights night from Akureyri
Today's excursion reveals why Lake Mývatn ranks among Iceland's most geologically fascinating regions. Your journey begins with a scenic drive along Eyjafjörður's coastal road before stopping at Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, where the Skjálfandafljót river plunges over a wide horseshoe-shaped cliff.
Continue to Lake Mývatn, where volcanic activity has sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. At Námaskarð geothermal area, steam vents hiss and mud pools bubble in vibrant colors created by mineral deposits, while the sulfurous smell confirms you're standing above extremely active geology. Explore Grjótagjá, a lava cave containing a small geothermal pool, its azure water illuminated by light filtering through cracks in the rock ceiling.
You'll have the option to visit Mývatn Nature Baths for a soak in milky-blue geothermal waters, an excellent alternative to the more famous Blue Lagoon without the crowds. The dramatic lava formations at Dimmuborgir create a maze of towering rock sculptures that once served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. At Skútustaðagígar, examine pseudocraters formed when hot lava flowed over wetlands, causing steam explosions that left behind these distinctive formations. Your return journey offers magnificent views across Eyjafjörður toward Akureyri.
Your third day provides complete flexibility to explore North Iceland at your own pace. You might choose to relax in Akureyri, visiting the Botanical Gardens that surprisingly thrive despite the Arctic location, or browsing local art galleries showcasing northern Icelandic artists. The nearby Hlíðarfjall ski resort beckons winter sports enthusiasts with excellent downhill skiing and spectacular mountain views.
Alternatively, enhance your adventure with optional excursions available throughout the region. Whale watching tours from Akureyri's harbor venture into Eyjafjörður searching for humpback whales and other marine life frequenting these nutrient-rich waters. The Arctic Coast Way offers dramatic coastal scenery and remote villages where traditional fishing culture remains strong. Ice fishing on a frozen lake provides a uniquely Arctic experience, while snowmobiling across vast white expanses delivers pure adrenaline.
Whatever you choose, this flexible day ensures your trip aligns perfectly with your interests and energy levels after the previous days' explorations.
Your North Iceland adventure concludes with a final breakfast in Akureyri before your included airport transfer.
Depending on flight times, you may have opportunity for last-minute exploration or shopping in the town center. Consider visiting the nearby Forest Lagoon if time permits, this newer geothermal spa features infinity pools overlooking forested hillsides, providing a perfect conclusion to your Icelandic journey. As you depart, you'll carry memories distinct from the typical Iceland experience. You've witnessed the raw volcanic power shaping Lake Mývatn, experienced small-town Icelandic hospitality in Akureyri, and perhaps caught the Northern Lights dancing above fjords and mountains. North Iceland's remoteness and dramatic scenery create a sense of discovery that even well-traveled visitors find refreshing. The volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and warm geothermal waters will linger in your memory, along with the realization that Iceland offers far more diversity than a single region can capture.
What’s included?
Comfort accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Airport transfer
Northern Lights guided bus tour
Lake Mývatn guided bus tour
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
FAQs about our multi-day trips
Throughout your multi-day trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be based in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík or Akureyri the capital of the North. From here, you can join guided tours into the surrounding countryside to soak up the mind-blowing scenery. Your package will include at least one day trip, and depending on the length of your tour package you can opt to add more.
It’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t have the same guide throughout your trip. In fact, on each escorted group day trip from Reykjavík or Akureyri, you’ll get to meet a new guide and new fellow travelers.
What’s more, spending each night in the same accommodation means you don’t need to worry about unpacking and repacking during your trip. It also gives you the chance to experience more of the city’s restaurants, food halls, and bars. And you’ll have time to browse the local shops and visiting the city’s attractions.
When you opt for a multi-day package, you won’t be traveling with the same guide and group throughout your trip. This means that number of fellow travelers you meet on your guided excursions will vary depending on the activity.
For instance, if you’re going on an ice cave tour, your group could include a just a handful people. Meanwhile, a tour of the Golden Circle by bus will often be a larger group as you’ll likely be traveling by coach. And you’ll find evening Northern Lights tours are usually by coach too, although you have the option to upgrade to a small group, super jeep, or boat tour.
Depending on the excursion, your bus could be either a minibus or coach. Most buses will have free onboard Wi-Fi and charging points for your phone. Larger buses also have overhead compartments for stowing your bag and jacket.
It’s good to know that although there’s no restroom on the bus, your guide will make sure to include regular breaks throughout the journey.
On each morning of your trip, you’ll get a tasty continental breakfast at your accommodation. In most places, this is served buffet-style in a communal dining room.
With most packages, lunch and dinner are not included so you’re free to choose from all of the options available. In Reykjavík and Akureyri, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to eat.
Some festive packages include special meals. Check the ‘What’s included?’ section for the individual package to find out exactly what you’ll get.
If your package features longer day tours, you’ll find that the guide will factor in lunch and restroom stops. But it’s still good to come prepared by packing a few snacks and plenty of water. And if you prefer, you could bring a picnic lunch rather than eat out.
Because a multi-day trip is made up of different excursions every day, you won’t always be with the same group. That said, Iceland is small enough that you might just bump into someone from the day before!
If you’re looking for the kind of experience where you can hang with the same group and make new friends, we also offer guided group tours of Iceland. These are led by local experts who will take you and your travel buddies all over the country.
Yes, all of these multi-day trips include airport transfers by bus from Akureyri Airport to your accommodation in Akureyri on arrival and departure.
Enter your dates and the number of people in your group on the tour package page. Here you can also choose your accommodation level.
At checkout, you can customize your trip with extra days and activities. Afterwards, follow the steps to finalize your booking and you’ll get a confirmation from us via email.
There’s one more thing that’s great to know: all it takes is a 5% deposit to secure your booking today.
On a multi-day package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 3 levels of accommodation:
- Budget – Guesthouses and hotels, with shared bathrooms
- Comfort – Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars, with private bathrooms
- Quality – Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars, with private bathrooms
Each accommodation level offers different types of rooms. We’ve described them below to help you choose the best one for you. Just keep in mind that not every hotel has all these room types available.
- Single room: one single bed in a room, perfect for solo travelers.
- Double room: a full-sized double bed for 2 people.
- Twin room: a room with 2 single beds that fit 1 person each.
- Triple room: these vary in size and layout, but are designed to fit 3 adults. Triple rooms feature a combination of double, single or sofa beds, depending on the hotel.
No matter which accommodation level you pick, breakfast is included. Read more about the differences between the levels on this accommodation page.
There’s an incredible amount you can do on a multi-day vacation from Iceland Tours. Here’s some ideas to spark inspiration:
- Roam the black sands of Reynisfjara beach on a south coast tour
- Venture under a glacier on a guided ice cave tour
- Complete the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss waterfall
- Explore ‘Iceland in Miniature’ on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
- Join a glacier hike across thousand-year-old pack ice
- Go whale watching from Reykjavík and spot the gentle giants
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings at Þingvellir National Park
- Marvel at natural hot springs, like the Strokkur geyser
- Unwind in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
- Hunt down the Northern Lights on a magical winter tour
Because you’ll be based in Reykjavík for your whole trip, most excursions will take you to the south or west of Iceland. Be sure to check out this guide to the best things to see and do near Reykjavík.
If you want to see North Iceland, East Iceland, or the Westfjords, you might want to consider a self-drive or guided group tour. These are also great options if the Ring Road is on your must-do list.
For even more inspo, explore these awesome things to do in Iceland.
No worries! Iceland Tours is already offsetting the carbon footprint of your tour package. We've teamed up with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon offset for all our tours.
Carbon offsetting for international flights is not included, but we suggest checking with your airline or through a local environmental fund for options.