Chasing Northern Lights Around Iceland Road Trip with Snæfellsnes
Embark on an epic 10-day winter adventure around Iceland's legendary Ring Road, enhanced with the magical Snæfellsnes peninsula. This extended journey combines everything from our popular 8-day winter itinerary with extra time to explore one of Iceland's most dramatic coastal regions, all while experiencing the country dressed in its spectacular winter coat. With 10 days to circle Iceland, you'll witness glacier-topped mountains, frozen waterfalls adorned with massive icicles, and steaming geothermal areas creating dramatic clouds in the cold air.
Your winter journey showcases Iceland's incredibly diverse landscapes transformed by snow and ice. Explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature,' where the mystical glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano dominates winter scenery. Drive through North Iceland to the extraordinary Lake Mývatn region, where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents contrast beautifully with frozen surroundings. Wind through the picturesque Eastfjords, where snow-capped mountains plunge into deep blue waters, creating breathtaking winter vistas.
Experience Iceland's stunning southeast, home to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where enormous icebergs drift through deep blue water in a scene that epitomizes winter magic. Visit Skaftafell, surrounded by snow-covered glaciers and pristine white landscapes. Follow the dramatic south coast where iconic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss create spectacular ice formations, and complete the world-famous Golden Circle in its winter glory.
Watch Strokkur geyser create enormous steam clouds as boiling water erupts in the cold air. Marvel at Gullfoss as it partially freezes, with spectacular ice formations framing the thundering waterfall. Walk through snow-covered Þingvellir National Park, where winter highlights the dramatic rift valley between tectonic plates.
Throughout your 10-day winter journey, you'll have countless opportunities to witness the enchanting Northern Lights dancing across dark Arctic skies from peaceful countryside locations. This tour delivers the perfect balance of Iceland's greatest winter attractions at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
Use WINTER_20 at checkout for 20% off
valid on all self-drive tours with arrival between November 2025 - March 2026. Offer ends soon.
On this tour you will...
Explore the Golden Circle in its winter costume
Follow the south coast route to glacier country
Circle the Snæfellsnes peninsula with its epic coast
Wind through the picturesque Eastfjords region
See active geysers gushing and hot springs bubbling
Marvel at gigantic, powerful waterfalls
Top attractions
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Akureyri
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Gullfoss
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Egilsstaðir
Skaftafell
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Vík í Mýrdal
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Downtown Reykjavík
Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?
Start your tour on the date that suits you
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard
Handpicked local accommodation options
Best Price Guarantee
Your 10-day Iceland self-drive itinerary
Your memorable Icelandic winter adventure begins the moment you land at Keflavík Airport. After picking up your rental vehicle and getting familiar with your car, you'll set off on the scenic 50-kilometer drive to Reykjavík through dramatic lava fields now transformed by winter. Snow and frost create an otherworldly landscape that offers your first glimpse of Iceland's unique beauty in its winter coat. Once you arrive in Iceland's charming capital, check into your accommodation and take time to explore the city at your leisure.
Reykjavík takes on a special magic in winter, with colorful houses standing bright against snowy landscapes, twinkling lights creating an enchanting atmosphere as darkness falls early, and cozy cafes offering warm refuge from the cold. Wander through the downtown streets, browse shops selling Icelandic wool sweaters perfect for winter weather, or enjoy dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Visit landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church, whose white exterior blends beautifully with winter skies, or stroll along the harbor. As night falls, if conditions are clear, keep your eyes on the sky for your first potential Northern Lights sighting. Tonight you're in the city, but tomorrow you'll begin your journey through the countryside where aurora viewing opportunities are even better.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
ExtraSky Lagoon Saman Pass
ExtraThe Reykjavík Food Walk
Today you'll drive around the stunning Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' because it showcases incredible landscape diversity. In winter, this region becomes even more magical with snow highlighting the dramatic coastal scenery. Begin your exploration at the Eldborg volcanic crater, whose perfect cone shape stands out beautifully against the white landscape. Continue to the impressive Gerðuberg basalt cliffs, where geometric rock formations create a natural wall that's particularly striking when dusted with snow. Visit the quaint hamlet of Búðir, where the iconic black church stands alone against a backdrop of snow-covered lava fields and winter ocean, creating one of Iceland's most photographed scenes.
Stop at Djúpalónssandur, a striking black pebble beach where you can see historical shipwreck remains scattered across the shore. The contrast of dark pebbles, rusted metal, and white snow creates a haunting winter scene. Throughout the day, don't miss the views of the famous and majestic Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano that dominates the peninsula. In winter, this mystical peak stands out brilliantly against dark skies. The entire region is protected as Snæfellsjökull National Park. Spend the night on or near the peninsula, with excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing from this coastal location.
From Stykkishólmur or the Snæfellsnes area, you'll head toward the fjord of Borgarfjörður, a region characterized by vast lands, sweeping views, and rich cultural heritage straight out of Icelandic sagas. In winter, the area takes on a serene beauty with snow-covered farmlands stretching as far as the eye can see. Stop at the beautiful waterfalls of the region, where winter ice formations create additional beauty around the cascading water. You'll have sweeping views of Langjökull glacier gleaming in the distance, its massive ice cap dominating the inland horizon. The area is steeped in saga history, and you can feel the weight of centuries as you drive through landscapes that have changed little since Iceland's settlement era.
Consider visiting attractions like Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, where steam rises dramatically in the cold winter air. Stop at Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath a lava field, and nearby Barnafoss, both beautiful in their winter dress with ice formations framing the flows. The combination of flowing water, ice, and snow-covered lava creates magical winter scenes. Settle into your accommodation in the Borgarfjörður area for the night.
Today's itinerary takes you north through the diverse landscapes of North Iceland toward Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the north. Drive through farm fields and the Skagafjörður region, known for Icelandic horse breeding. You're sure to spot several beautiful horses in snowy fields as you make your way north. These sturdy animals are perfectly adapted to harsh Icelandic winters, with their thick coats keeping them warm. We recommend taking time to visit the museum at Glaumbær, one of the few turf farmhouses that has been properly preserved in Iceland. This fascinating site shows how Icelanders lived for centuries, with grass-covered roofs providing insulation against harsh winters. In winter, the turf houses blend beautifully into the snowy landscape, making it easy to understand how this traditional building style evolved.
As you approach Akureyri, you'll notice the landscape becoming more mountainous. Arrive in this charming northern capital, nestled at the head of Eyjafjörður fjord, Iceland's longest fjord. Spend some time exploring the colorful downtown, botanical gardens, and local museums. Settle into your accommodation in the Akureyri area for the night, ready to explore Lake Mývatn tomorrow. Tonight offers excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing.
Today brings more natural wonders as you explore the extraordinary Lake Mývatn area in depth. Your first stop is at the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods.' In winter, the falls are partially frozen with spectacular ice formations framing the cascading water, creating a dramatic scene. Continue to the Mývatn area to explore this remarkable region. Visit Dimmuborgir, a mesmerizing lava field labyrinth where twisted rock formations create an otherworldly maze. In winter, snow and ice add to the dramatic appearance of these 'Dark Castles,' and you might recognize filming locations from Game of Thrones.
Explore the ancient pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, unique geological formations that stand out beautifully against the winter landscape. The contrast between the serene, partially frozen lake and the raw volcanic features surrounding it creates an unforgettable winter scene. The lake remains partially ice-free thanks to geothermal activity, and steam rises from hot springs around the shore, creating dramatic effects in the cold air. Consider visiting the Námaskarð geothermal area with its amazing boiling mud pools and steam vents, where the contrast between hot ground and frozen surroundings is particularly striking in winter. Spend the night in the Mývatn area.
Continue your exploration of the geothermal wonders this morning before heading east. Visit the Krafla area, where a series of volcanic eruptions took place from 1975 to 1984. The Víti crater lake and surrounding lava fields look especially striking in winter, with ice and snow creating dramatic contrasts against the dark volcanic rock. The geothermal activity keeps some areas snow-free, creating interesting patterns in the landscape. Begin your journey toward East Iceland, traveling through increasingly remote winter landscapes.
The route takes you through high plateaus and along river valleys, where vast empty spaces create a profound sense of wilderness. This is prime territory for wildlife spotting. If you're lucky, you might see some of the local wildlife, including wild reindeer that roam freely in East Iceland. These magnificent animals are more visible in winter when they descend to lower elevations. You might even spot an Arctic fox, Iceland's only native land mammal, whose white winter coat provides perfect camouflage. The journey through this remote region showcases Iceland's raw beauty, with snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes creating stunning vistas. Arrive in the village of Egilsstaðir, gateway to the Eastfjords, for the night.
Today you'll discover the beautiful Eastfjords, where steep mountains plunge dramatically into deep blue fjords. Winter adds special beauty to this region, with snow-capped peaks reflected in the calm fjord waters. Start your exploration with Reyðarfjörður, where you'll find a quaint and interesting World War II museum documenting the Allied presence in these remote fjords. Continue to Fáskrúðsfjörður, a unique town with French heritage reflected in street names appearing in both Icelandic and French. This charming detail comes from the town's history as a base for French fishermen. The French Hospital Museum offers fascinating insights into this heritage and provides a warm cultural break from winter outdoor adventures.
Drive along the spectacular coastal road, following the shoreline through one beautiful fjord after another. The route offers stunning views across the water at every turn, with each fjord having its own character. In winter, the contrast between dark blue waters and white snow-covered mountains creates breathtaking vistas. Pass through tiny fishing villages where colorful houses stand out against the snowy landscape. Continue south along the coast to reach Höfn, known as Iceland's lobster capital, where you'll spend the night with views of Vatnajökull glacier looming in the distance.
Your next stop is Iceland's scenic southeast, one of the most visually spectacular regions in winter. First, you'll pass by various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. These massive rivers of ice flowing down from the ice cap create a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. In winter, the glaciers stand out brilliantly white against the black volcanic sand and dark winter skies. Arrive at the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, famous for its enormous floating icebergs. Watch these massive ice chunks drift slowly through the deep blue water, their brilliant white and blue colors standing out dramatically against winter skies. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. The winter silence is profound, broken only by the occasional crack and splash of ice.
Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds. In winter, the surrounding landscape of snow and ice makes this scene even more magical. Visit Skaftafell, a must-see area and winter oasis surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered black sand plains. This area offers excellent winter hiking opportunities with a broad range of trails through pristine white landscapes. Continue through the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, across the vast Eldhraun lava field now covered in snow, and over the Mýrdalssandur plain before arriving in the Vík area for the night.
Today you'll take in some of the top highlights of the south coast before completing the Golden Circle. Start the morning by admiring the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, now adorned with spectacular ice formations. You can climb the stairs beside the falls if conditions permit for incredible views. Continue to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of falling water if accessible, experiencing the dramatic ice cave that forms behind the falls in winter.
Drive inland to explore the Golden Circle, beginning with the imposing Gullfoss waterfall. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes, creating spectacular ice formations around the edges while the powerful center continues to thunder into the canyon below. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where you can witness Strokkur geyser propel water in the air every 5 to 10 minutes. In winter, the steam from each eruption creates enormous clouds in the cold air, making the spectacle even more impressive. Last but not least, visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating this impressive landscape. Snow highlights the dramatic rift valley, making it easy to see where the continents are pulling apart. Walk through the Almannagjá rift, now decorated with ice and snow.
You'll end the day in Reykjavík for your last night in Iceland, perhaps celebrating your incredible 10-day winter journey with dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
It is now time for you to say goodbye to Iceland and fly home after an amazing 10-day journey through some of the world's most picturesque winter landscapes. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to enjoy a final morning in Reykjavík. Take a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's excellent cafes, perhaps trying traditional Icelandic pastries or a hearty meal. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters, perfect for remembering your winter adventure, or local chocolate and other treats.
If your flight is later in the day, you might want to enjoy a last stroll around Reykjavík or visit one last museum or attraction in the city. Consider visiting the National Museum, Harpa concert hall, or simply wandering through the colorful streets one final time. Drive back to Keflavík Airport to return your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of the stunning Snæfellsnes peninsula, frozen waterfalls, floating icebergs, dramatic winter landscapes, the extraordinary Mývatn region, scenic Eastfjords, and hopefully spectacular Northern Lights displays dancing across dark Arctic skies. You're already dreaming of returning to experience more of Iceland's winter magic.
What’s included?
Detailed itinerary
Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 9 days
2 authorized drivers as standard
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
Collision damage waiver
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
Carbon offsetting of your tour
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Fuel & parking charges
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
Customer reviews
Read what real customers had to say about Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Winter Self-Drive - 10 Days.
FAQs about our self-drive trips
On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be at the wheel of the rental car of your choice and free to go pretty much where you want, whenever you want.
We provide a detailed itinerary to help you plan your route and where you want to stop along the way. But it’s up to you whether you want to stick to it or go your own way. If you do take detours, make sure that you aren’t too far from your accommodation on any given night.
That said, it’s a good idea to stick to the suggested itinerary if you’ve never visited Iceland before. Created by our Reykjavík-based travel experts, it contains plenty of things for you to and see and do on each leg of your trip. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be short on ideas!
You also get unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and use maps on your phone for navigation.
It’s best to book your trip at least a few weeks before you travel. This gives us enough time to organize your preferred accommodation and itinerary. For this reason, we’re unable to accept bookings with less than 1 week’s notice.
In the summer, which is the most popular time of year, booking a few months ahead is a good idea. In certain parts of the countryside, accommodation options are more limited and can be booked up well ahead of your trip.
You have to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like jeeps and vans. You’ll need to have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year and present a credit card when you collect your car.
You don’t need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in Latin script (for example, Arabic or Chinese).
Find out more about car rental in Iceland.
Yes! It’s possible to add extra activities or extend your trip with additional nights in Reykjavík or the countryside. Check the itinerary above to see what activities are available on what day.
Of course you can add extra adventures! We want you to be able to get the absolute most out of your trip to Iceland, so you can pick optional extra activities at checkout. You’ll be shown exactly what’s on offer for each day of your trip.
And if you feel like you just don’t have enough time to fit it all in, you can also add extra days.
The rules of the road in Iceland are similar to most other countries, although there are some local quirks that you might not be familiar with.
Iceland drives on the right and steering wheels are on the left side of the car. Distances and speed limits are given in kilometers only.
Roundabouts are very common in Iceland, especially in towns. If you’re not familiar with these, make sure you understand how to give way (yield) to other traffic.
In the countryside, you might encounter sheep on the road, or even reindeer in East Iceland. You may also come across gravel roads, single-lane bridges, and blind summits.
For all the info on how to handle these, see this guide to driving in Iceland.
Although Iceland’s weather can sometimes get in the way, it’s perfectly possible to have a safe self-drive trip in winter. The main roads are cleared regularly and there is good 4G coverage in most of the countryside if you need it.
That said, roads can sometimes close in winter if there are storms or heavy snowfall. When you book with Iceland Tours, you’ll get access to a 24/7 helpline while you’re in Iceland. Rest assured that help is at the end of the phone when you need it.
We’ll often contact you proactively if we think your trip will be affected by bad weather and adjust your plans accordingly. This means you’ll always stay safe and get the most out of your trip, no matter the weather.
Once you’ve paid your deposit for your trip, we’ll finalize bookings for your accommodation, rental car, and any activities. As soon as we receive confirmation of everything, we’ll email you, letting you know your travel documents are available in our portal.
We aim to finalize everything within a few weeks of receiving your booking request, but in busy periods this might take longer. That said, you’ll always receive all of your documents before your departure date.
You’ll be able to pick up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport from the arrivals hall. Before your trip, we’ll send you information about where to go in the terminal to collect your keys.
Make sure you have your driver’s license and credit card ready when you collect your vehicle.
If you land late at night, you can use the out-of-hours phone at the pick-up desk to contact someone who will be able to help you.
You also have the option to collect your rental car in Reykjavík, if you’re planning to spend some extra days in the city before your trip starts. If you’d like to do this, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.
Yes, you can easily collect your rental car from Reykjavík instead of Keflavik Airport.
During the booking steps on our website, just let us know you'd prefer your pick-up/drop-off location to be in the city centre. We'll take care of it for you, no problem.
Just a quick heads-up: if you request different pick-up and drop-off locations (e.g. collect from the airport, drop off in the city, or vice versa) there's a one-way fee of around ISK 7.900 ISK (EUR 60). You'll pay this directly to the rental company when you pick up the car.
On a self-drive package with Iceland Tours, you can choose from 3 levels of accommodation:
- Budget – Guesthouses and country 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.
Feel like getting closer to nature? Check out these self-drive camping tours.
All of our self-drive tour packages include the following as standard:
- Rental car of your choice, with unlimited mileage
- Basic liability insurance coverage
- Collision damage waiver
- Authorization for second driver
- Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
- Accommodation level of your choice
- Breakfast every day
- Detailed itinerary crafted by local travel experts
- 24/7 helpline in Iceland, just in case you need it
When you book your vacation on our website, you’ll be able to choose your preferred rental car and accommodation level.
You can see what vehicles are available on this car rental page.
In Iceland, you can expect all weathers no matter what time of year you visit. With that in mind, it’s good to make sure you’ve got everything you need to stay cozy, warm, and dry.
Here’s a packing list to help you get ready for your trip:
- Tough, waterproof walking boots
- Thermal underlayers
- Sweaters or fleeces
- Waterproof raincoat
- Warm winter jacket
- Scarf, hat, and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear (for pools and hot springs)
- Lip salve and moisturizer
For more tips on what to bring with you, see this Iceland packing list.
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.
This comprehensive 10-day Ring Road and Snæfellsnes winter tour represents Iceland Tours' ideal balance of complete country coverage with manageable daily distances during challenging winter conditions. Unlike shorter Ring Road tours that rush through regions, this extended itinerary allows you to fully appreciate Iceland's diverse winter landscapes - from glacier-topped mountains and frozen waterfalls to boiling geysers erupting from snow-covered ground.
The 10-day duration includes the complete Ring Road circuit plus the spectacular Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature," giving you access to attractions that shorter tours miss entirely. Your Iceland Tours package strategically positions overnight stays in optimal locations for Northern Lights viewing while ensuring comfortable daily driving distances. This tour combines Iceland's greatest hits with lesser-known gems, providing the most comprehensive winter Iceland experience possible in a manageable timeframe.
The Snæfellsnes peninsula addition transforms this from a standard Ring Road tour into a comprehensive Iceland exploration that showcases the country's incredible diversity. Your Iceland Tours itinerary dedicates a full day to exploring Snæfellsnes' dramatic coastline, including the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano that inspired Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
You'll discover unique attractions like the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur with its scattered shipwreck remains, the striking Gerðuberg basalt cliffs, and the charming hamlet of Búðir surrounded by dark lava fields. The volcanic Eldborg crater and dramatic coastal formations create photo opportunities impossible to find elsewhere in Iceland. This peninsula perfectly complements the Ring Road's inland attractions, giving you both coastal drama and volcanic wonders while maintaining the winter theme with snow-covered landscapes and potential Northern Lights viewing.
Lake Mývatn represents one of the absolute highlights of your 10-day Iceland Tours winter adventure, offering an entire region dedicated to volcanic wonders and geothermal activity that creates stunning contrasts against winter snow. Your itinerary includes the mesmerizing Dimmuborgir lava field labyrinth, featured in Game of Thrones, where dark volcanic formations create an otherworldly maze perfect for winter exploration.
The area showcases ancient Skútustaðir pseudo-craters formed by steam explosions when lava met water, plus the dramatic boiling mud pools and colorful steam vents at Námaskarð where Earth's geothermal power creates rainbow-colored mineral deposits. The nearby Krafla volcanic area, site of eruptions from 1975-1984, demonstrates Iceland's ongoing geological activity. Combined with the possibility of Northern Lights reflecting off the lake's surface, Mývatn offers Iceland's most concentrated volcanic wonderland enhanced by winter's magical atmosphere.
Your 10-day Iceland Tours adventure showcases Iceland's most iconic waterfalls transformed by winter conditions into spectacular frozen displays. The tour includes the mighty Gullfoss "Golden Falls," where glacial waters plunge dramatically into a canyon often adorned with ice formations, and the active Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur geyser shoots steaming water skyward every 5-10 minutes against a snowy backdrop.
You'll visit the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's tallest at 60 meters, often creating rainbow mists in winter sunlight, and Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind the frozen cascade. The impressive Goðafoss "waterfall of the gods" provides another winter spectacle along your route north. The Golden Circle's crown jewel, Þingvellir National Park, showcases the dramatic rift valley where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating Iceland's most significant historical and geological site enhanced by winter's pristine snow cover.
This 10-day winter itinerary is expertly designed by Iceland Tours to balance comprehensive coverage with safe winter driving practices, featuring manageable daily distances and strategic overnight locations. The tour follows Iceland's best-maintained routes - the Ring Road and major regional highways - that receive priority snow clearing and are accessible with standard rental vehicles when proper winter precautions are taken.
Daily driving typically ranges from 2-4 hours between accommodations, allowing ample time for stops, photography, and flexibility around weather conditions. Your Iceland Tours package includes 24/7 emergency support, collision damage waiver, and proactive weather monitoring - the team will contact you if conditions require itinerary adjustments to ensure safety. The 10-day duration provides built-in flexibility for weather delays while still covering the complete route, making this Iceland's most comprehensive yet manageable winter Ring Road experience.
The Eastfjords section of your Iceland Tours adventure offers one of Iceland's most scenic and culturally rich winter experiences, featuring dramatic fjord landscapes and authentic fishing village culture enhanced by winter's serene atmosphere. Your route includes the historically significant Reyðarfjörður with its fascinating World War II museum, and Fáskrúðsfjörður where French street names reflect the area's maritime heritage from 19th-century fishing operations.
Winter transforms the Eastfjords into a wildlife viewing paradise - you'll have excellent opportunities to spot reindeer herds that migrate to lower elevations during cold months, plus potential Arctic fox sightings in this remote region. The winding coastal roads provide spectacular mountain and fjord panoramas, while the journey through these authentic fishing communities offers insights into traditional Icelandic life. The Eastfjords' relative isolation also creates excellent Northern Lights viewing conditions away from any light pollution.
This comprehensive 10-day Ring Road and Snæfellsnes tour offers significantly more thorough exploration than shorter Iceland Tours packages, providing the optimal balance between complete coverage and comfortable pacing for winter conditions. While 7-8 day Ring Road tours require rushing through regions or skipping attractions, this extended itinerary allows proper time to appreciate each area's unique character and winter beauty.
The critical addition of Snæfellsnes peninsula sets this tour apart from basic Ring Road packages, adding coastal drama, volcanic formations, and cultural sites that shorter tours cannot accommodate. You'll experience Iceland's full diversity - from the volcanic highlands of Mývatn to the coastal villages of the Eastfjords to the glacial wonders of the southeast. The 10-day duration also provides better Northern Lights opportunities across multiple regions and weather patterns, while extra time allows for spontaneous discoveries and weather flexibility essential for safe winter travel.
Your 10-day Iceland Tours package includes strategically selected accommodations positioned for optimal Northern Lights viewing while providing comfort after winter exploration days. You'll stay in countryside locations including the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Akureyri area, Lake Mývatn region, Eastfjords, and south coast - each offering different aurora viewing advantages and minimal light pollution.
The extended itinerary means multiple nights in prime Northern Lights locations, significantly increasing your chances of witnessing spectacular displays. Mývatn's high altitude and clear skies, the Eastfjords' remote positioning, and south coast locations near glacier lagoons all provide excellent aurora viewing potential. Your accommodations range from Budget to Quality levels, all featuring continental breakfast and countryside positioning that places you perfectly for stepping outside to witness the dancing lights whenever solar activity permits.
This self-drive format provides excellent flexibility to enhance your 10-day Ring Road and Snæfellsnes adventure while maintaining the core itinerary that ensures optimal winter routing. Your Iceland Tours package already includes numerous suggested stops and activities - from visiting the preserved turf farmhouse museum at Glaumbær to exploring the various volcanic formations at Mývatn to hiking opportunities at Skaftafell surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains.
The tour's comprehensive nature means you're positioned near many optional experiences throughout your journey - you might choose to spend extra time at specific attractions, explore additional hiking trails where conditions permit, or pursue spontaneous wildlife viewing opportunities for reindeer and Arctic foxes. The 10-day duration includes natural flexibility for weather adjustments and personal preferences, while Iceland Tours' 24/7 support ensures any modifications maintain the tour's strategic flow and accommodation schedule.
This comprehensive 10-day Ring Road and Snæfellsnes tour operates during Iceland's winter season, typically November through March, when you can combine complete country exploration with Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Peak booking time aligns with Northern Lights season - November through February offers the longest darkness hours but also the most challenging weather, while late February through March provides a good balance of aurora potential and improving road conditions.
Iceland Tours recommends booking this popular winter itinerary well in advance, especially for travel during peak aurora season when accommodation availability becomes limited in remote regions like the Eastfjords and Mývatn area. Early booking ensures access to optimal rental vehicles equipped for winter conditions and preferred accommodation levels across all regions. The 10-day comprehensive nature means this tour requires more advance planning than shorter packages, but provides the most thorough winter Iceland experience possible with excellent Northern Lights opportunities throughout the complete Ring Road circuit plus unique Snæfellsnes attractions.
