Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & Scenic Winter Road Trip.
Experience Iceland transformed into a winter wonderland on this magical 6-day self-drive adventure through the country's spectacular south coast. Winter reveals a different side of Iceland, where waterfalls freeze into stunning ice sculptures, glaciers gleam brilliant white against dark winter skies, and the enchanting Northern Lights dance overhead on clear evenings. This carefully paced journey combines iconic natural attractions with the freedom to hunt for the Aurora Borealis on your own schedule.
Your winter adventure takes you along Iceland's stunning south coast, where dramatic scenery becomes even more breathtaking under a blanket of snow. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, now adorned with massive icicles, and stand in awe before Skógafoss as it thunders over frozen cliffs. Explore the otherworldly black sand beaches near Vík, where the contrast of dark volcanic sand against white snow and ice creates unforgettable winter landscapes.
Journey to the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs drift through deep blue water in a scene that epitomizes winter magic. Watch as ice chunks wash up on nearby Diamond Beach, sparkling like diamonds against black sand. Visit Skaftafell, a winter oasis surrounded by snow-covered glaciers and pristine white landscapes that offer excellent opportunities for winter hiking.
Experience the world-famous Golden Circle in its winter glory. Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, its hot water creating dramatic steam clouds in the cold air. Marvel at Gullfoss as it partially freezes, creating spectacular ice formations around the powerful waterfall. Walk through Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where snow highlights the dramatic rift valley between tectonic plates.
Throughout your 6-day winter journey, you'll have the freedom to chase the Northern Lights whenever conditions are favorable. With time split between vibrant Reykjavík and peaceful countryside accommodations, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, natural wonders, and aurora hunting.
Use WINTER_10 at checkout for 10% off valid on all self-drive tours with arrival between November 2025 - March 2026. Must be booked by November 3rd, 2025.
On this tour you will...
Take in the stunning sights of Iceland’s south coast
Soak up Viking history at Þingvellir National Park
Marvel at baby icebergs drifting out to sea
Witness geothermal forces at work at Geysir
Have the chance to unwind in warming hot springs
Stay in both the city and countryside
Top attractions
Seljalandsfoss
Skógafoss
Vík í Mýrdal
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Skaftafell
Gullfoss
Geysir and Strokkur
Þingvellir National Park
Downtown Reykjavík
Why book a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours?
Start your tour on the date that suits you
New rental cars with 2 drivers as standard
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Handpicked local accommodation options
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
Best Price Guarantee
Your 6-day self-drive itinerary
Your memorable Icelandic winter adventure begins the moment you land at Keflavík Airport. After collecting your rental vehicle, you'll set off on the scenic 50-kilometer drive to Reykjavík through dramatic lava fields now dusted with snow or covered in winter frost. This initial journey offers your first glimpse of Iceland's unique volcanic landscape 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 and cozy cafes offering warm refuge from the cold. The city comes alive with twinkling lights as darkness falls early, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Wander through the downtown streets, browse shops selling Icelandic wool sweaters perfect for the 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. The darker winter nights provide excellent opportunities for aurora viewing right from the city, though you'll have even better chances in the countryside ahead.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
ExtraSky Lagoon Saman Pass
ExtraThe Reykjavík Food Walk
Today you'll discover the spectacular scenery of Iceland's south coast transformed by winter's touch. Drive east along Route 1, where snow-dusted mountains and frozen waterfalls create a magical landscape. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, now dramatically adorned with massive icicles that can be taller than church spires. You can still walk behind the waterfall in winter, though the path may be icy and you'll need good winter footwear. The experience is even more dramatic in winter, with frozen formations creating a glittering ice cave behind the falling water. Don't miss the nearby hidden waterfall Gljúfrabúi, tucked inside a narrow canyon and often surrounded by ice in winter.
For a special experience, consider hiking to Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland's oldest geothermal pools nestled in a beautiful hidden valley. The naturally heated water provides welcome warmth on a cold winter day. Continue to Skógafoss, one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, where you can climb the stairs beside the falls for incredible views, though they may be icy in winter.
The nearby Skógar Folk Museum offers fascinating indoor exhibits showing how Icelanders lived in past centuries. Drive along the coast to discover the famous black sand beaches near Vík and Reynishverfi, where the dark volcanic sand creates a stunning contrast with white snow and ice. Tonight, keep watch for the Northern Lights from your countryside accommodation.
Today brings one of the most spectacular winter experiences as you venture to Iceland's stunning southeast. The drive itself is breathtaking, passing through landscapes of black sand, white snow, and blue ice. Your main destination is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, one of Iceland's most iconic locations that becomes even more magical in winter. Watch enormous icebergs drift slowly through the deep blue water, their brilliant white and blue colors standing out dramatically against winter skies. The icebergs range from brilliant white to stunning shades of blue, some streaked with black volcanic ash, creating a mesmerizing natural sculpture garden. Seals often swim between the ice chunks, and the winter silence is broken only by the occasional crack and splash of ice breaking apart. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on the black volcanic sand, sparkling like giant diamonds. In winter, the surrounding landscape of snow and ice makes this scene even more surreal.
Visit Skaftafell, a beautiful oasis surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered black sand plains. This area offers excellent winter hiking opportunities through landscapes where everything is covered in pristine white snow, with views of massive glacial tongues flowing down from Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. After a full day of glacial wonders, drive back to your accommodation in the south for your second night. Again tonight, conditions may be perfect for Northern Lights viewing from the countryside.
Today you'll explore the world-famous Golden Circle, experiencing these iconic attractions in their spectacular winter setting. Begin at the Geysir geothermal area, where the contrast between the frozen ground and boiling hot springs creates a dramatic scene. Watch as Strokkur geyser erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting a powerful column of boiling water high into the air. In winter, the steam from the eruption creates enormous clouds in the cold air, making each eruption even more impressive. The surrounding area steams with numerous smaller hot springs that bubble and boil, their warmth preventing snow from settling nearby.
Continue to Gullfoss, Iceland's most famous waterfall, which takes on a completely different character in winter. The waterfall partially freezes, creating spectacular ice formations around the edges while the powerful center continues to thunder into the canyon below. The massive clouds of mist often create ice crystals that catch the light beautifully. The surrounding landscape is typically covered in snow, creating a stunning winter scene.
If you wish to warm up after outdoor activities, continue to Lake Laugarvatn for a relaxing thermal bath at Laugarvatn Fontana spa. This natural geothermal spa features interconnected baths and steam rooms built directly over hot springs, offering a healthy, natural spa experience that's especially wonderful on a cold winter day. The contrast between the warm water and cold air creates a magical atmosphere.
Start your day with a drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks particularly dramatic in winter. Snow highlights the geological features, making it easy to see where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. Walk through the Almannagjá rift valley, where deep fissures and towering rock walls are often decorated with ice and snow. This is one of the few places on Earth where continental drift is visible above ground, and winter makes the dramatic landscape even more striking. The park is also the birthplace of Icelandic democracy, where the ancient parliament was established in 930 AD. Take time to walk around and appreciate the unique winter landscape of Þingvellir, where everything is covered in pristine white snow.
After exploring the park, head back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland. Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the capital city's winter charms. Browse shops for last-minute souvenirs, relax in cozy cafes with excellent coffee, or visit museums and cultural attractions. As darkness falls early in winter, consider joining a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík or simply keeping watch from the city if conditions are clear. Celebrate your incredible winter journey with dinner at one of Reykjavík's excellent restaurants, perhaps trying traditional Icelandic dishes.
Your unforgettable 6-day winter adventure through Iceland comes to an end today. 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 to fuel your journey home. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters, perfect for remembering your winter adventure, or local chocolate and other treats. If time permits, visit any Reykjavík attractions you might have missed, like the modern Harpa concert hall with its stunning glass facade, or take one final walk through the colorful streets.
For those with later flights, consider booking an extra night in Reykjavík to fully experience all the amazing things Iceland's capital city has to offer, from museums and galleries to restaurants and nightlife. Make your way to Keflavík Airport to drop off your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of frozen waterfalls, floating icebergs, dramatic winter landscapes, 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 5 days
2 authorized drivers as standard
Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
Unlimited mileage
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 Golden Circle & Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive - 6 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.
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.
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.
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 6 day Iceland tour is specifically designed as a winter experience for optimal northern lights viewing from October through March. The itinerary strategically places you in countryside accommodations away from Reykjavík's light pollution, particularly in the South Coast and Vík areas where dark skies provide excellent aurora viewing conditions. You'll spend multiple nights in rural locations throughout South Iceland, giving you several opportunities to witness the northern lights dancing across Iceland's winter sky. The self-drive format allows you the flexibility to venture out when conditions are optimal and position yourself at the best viewing spots based on weather conditions and aurora forecasts.
This comprehensive winter Iceland tour showcases South Iceland's spectacular landscapes and winter phenomena. You'll witness Gullfoss waterfall and Skógafoss waterfall, which can display impressive winter formations with icicles during the coldest months. The tour includes Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon where enormous icebergs drift slowly toward the sea, creating an otherworldly seascape. Strokkur geyser provides a striking contrast as geothermal forces create steaming eruptions against the winter backdrop. The black sand beaches of Vík take on a mystical quality in winter, while you can explore Skaftafell with its glacial landscapes and hiking possibilities. The winter experience varies throughout the season, with November through March offering the most dramatic frozen landscapes.
Iceland Tours offers three accommodation tiers strategically located for both comfort and northern lights viewing opportunities. Budget accommodations are guesthouses and country hotels with shared bathroom facilities. Comfort accommodations are hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars with private bathrooms. Quality accommodations are hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars with private bathrooms, or superior/plus rooms in 3-star properties. The tour includes stays in both countryside locations (ideal for aurora viewing) and Reykjavík for urban experiences. All accommodations include continental breakfast daily and are handpicked by local experts for their quality and strategic positioning. The mix of rural and city stays gives you diverse perspectives on Icelandic hospitality while maximizing northern lights opportunities.
This 6 day Iceland itinerary includes comprehensive winter driving support and safety measures. Your rental car is equipped for winter conditions with unlimited mileage and in-car Wi-Fi for navigation and emergency communication. Iceland Tours provides 24/7 emergency helpline support throughout your stay, with proactive weather monitoring and itinerary adjustments if needed. Main roads are regularly cleared and maintained, with good 4G coverage in most countryside areas. While road closures can occur during severe weather, the support team contacts you proactively to adjust plans accordingly. You'll receive a detailed itinerary to help guide your journey, ensuring your safety while maximizing your experience.
Your 6 day Iceland tour covers South Iceland's premier winter destinations through a carefully planned route. Day 1 begins in Reykjavík, followed by Day 2's journey to the South Coast featuring Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the waterfall) and Skógafoss waterfalls, plus exploration of Vík's famous black sand beaches and the hidden Seljavallalaug thermal pool. Day 3 takes you to Skaftafell and the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with its floating icebergs, returning to your accommodation for a second night. Day 4 features the Golden Circle including Geysir geothermal area with Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall, with optional Laugarvatn Fontana spa visit. Day 5 includes Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before returning to Reykjavík.
This winter Iceland tour offers flexibility within its self-drive format, with "Extra activities" available on certain days throughout your itinerary. You can enhance your experience with the optional Laugarvatn Fontana spa, featuring interconnected thermal baths and steam rooms that create a unique geothermal experience perfect for warming up after winter sightseeing. The Skaftafell area provides various hiking opportunities suited to winter conditions, while the self-drive nature allows you to extend time at locations for optimal northern lights photography or exploring additional viewpoints. Since the core itinerary already includes strategic positioning for northern lights viewing and comprehensive winter sightseeing, additional activities enhance rather than replace the main attractions. Contact Iceland Tours directly to discuss specific add-on options and availability for your winter travel dates.
Pack comprehensive winter clothing for this 6 day Iceland tour, as temperatures can range from just above freezing to well below -10°C (14°F) during the coldest months. Essential items include insulated waterproof winter boots with excellent grip, multiple warm layers including thermal base layers, waterproof outer shell jacket and pants, warm winter hat and insulated gloves, and a headlamp or flashlight for northern lights viewing. For photography, bring extra camera batteries (cold drains power quickly), lens cleaning cloths, and a sturdy tripod for northern lights shots. Don't forget swimwear for potential geothermal pool visits, sunglasses for snow glare, and hand/foot warmers for extended outdoor viewing sessions.
This Iceland tour is strategically designed to maximize your aurora viewing opportunities through multiple countryside nights away from light pollution. The northern lights are visible from October through March, with the darkest conditions occurring in November through February. Your accommodations in rural South Coast areas provide excellent dark-sky conditions. Download aurora forecast apps and monitor weather conditions, as clear skies are essential for viewing. The self-drive format allows you to venture out when conditions are optimal, and many accommodations offer northern lights wake-up calls when aurora activity is detected. Remember that northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, but this tour provides multiple opportunities across several nights in prime viewing locations.
This 6 day Iceland tour operates from October through March when northern lights are visible. The optimal season runs from November through February, when Iceland experiences shorter daylight hours, providing maximum darkness for aurora viewing. December and January offer the darkest conditions but also the most challenging weather, while October-November and February-March provide a good balance of darkness and more moderate weather conditions. Winter in Iceland features average temperatures between -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F), though Atlantic winds can make it feel colder. Each month offers unique winter experiences, with October offering autumn colors transitioning to winter, while January and February provide the most dramatic frozen landscapes.
Iceland Tours ensures comprehensive support for your winter 6 day Iceland itinerary with our 24/7 emergency helpline available throughout your stay in Iceland. We provide proactive weather monitoring and will contact you if conditions might affect your plans, offering alternative arrangements to ensure safety and maximize your experience. Your booking is secured with just a 5% deposit and includes the Best Price Guarantee for complete confidence. The package includes a detailed PDF itinerary with attraction descriptions to help guide your journey. All VAT, taxes, and service fees are transparently included, and the tour features carbon offsetting through our partnership with Icelandic environmental funds, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable winter tourism practices.
