Chasing Northern Lights Along Iceland’s Iconic Ring Road Trip.
Experience the magic of Iceland's legendary Ring Road transformed by winter on this spectacular 8-day self-drive adventure. This week-long journey ranks among our most popular winter itineraries, combining the freedom of independent exploration with the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights through Iceland's darker months. Circle the entire country on Route 1 and witness natural wonders in their seasonal setting, from waterfalls that may develop stunning ice formations during colder periods to glaciers standing out brilliantly against snow-covered landscapes.
Your winter Ring Road circuit reveals diverse regions shaped by the season's unique character. In the north, explore the extraordinary Lake Mývatn area, where steaming geothermal vents create dramatic clouds in frigid air and volcanic features contrast sharply with surrounding snow. Travel through the remote Eastfjords, where winding coastal roads trace shorelines and steep mountains plunge into deep fjord waters. The journey continues to Iceland's stunning southeast, home to the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Watch enormous icebergs drift through cobalt water before crossing to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks sparkle against black volcanic sand like scattered jewels.
The south coast showcases iconic waterfalls including Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss maintaining their powerful displays throughout winter, while black sand beaches take on different characters under low-angle Arctic sunlight. Complete the world-famous Golden Circle route, watching Strokkur geyser launch columns of boiling water that create impressive steam clouds in cold temperatures. Walk through Þingvellir National Park's dramatic rift valley, where winter conditions often enhance the visual impact of this tectonic boundary.
Throughout your 8-day journey, countless opportunities arise to witness the enchanting Northern Lights dancing across dark Arctic skies. Accommodations in peaceful countryside locations far from urban light pollution provide excellent conditions for experiencing this natural phenomenon. This tour delivers the perfect balance of Iceland's greatest seasonal attractions with aurora hunting freedom, creating an unforgettable winter adventure.
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...
See steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools
Wind through the spectacular Eastfjords
Watch as freshly calved icebergs float out to sea
Roam black sand beaches on the south coast
Walk below towering waterfalls
Visit charming country villages and towns
Top attractions
Akureyri
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Deildartunguhver
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Dimmuborgir
Djúpivogur
Vík í Mýrdal
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Gullfoss
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 8-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. The landscape takes on a different character in winter months, with shorter daylight hours and the possibility of frost or snow depending on conditions.
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 atmosphere in winter, with the city coming alive with lights as darkness falls early, and cozy cafes offering warm refuge. Wander through the downtown streets, browse shops selling Icelandic wool sweaters perfect for the season, or enjoy dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Visit landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church for city views, or explore the waterfront area. 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 head to the countryside where aurora viewing opportunities increase dramatically.
Highlights
Downtown Reykjavík
Extra activities
ExtraFlyOver Iceland
ExtraSky Lagoon Saman Pass
ExtraThe Reykjavík Food Walk
Journey north toward Akureyri, the vibrant capital of Iceland's north. This scenic winter drive takes you through diverse landscapes as the season progresses. Head toward Borgarfjörður, stopping at the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water flows from beneath a lava field into the river below, creating delicate cascades. In colder periods, ice formations around the falls add extra beauty. Continue through Skagafjörður, Iceland's renowned horse-breeding region, where you'll spot herds of sturdy Icelandic horses in the fields. These animals are perfectly adapted to harsh conditions, with their thick coats keeping them comfortable through winter. The sight of these friendly horses against the mountainous backdrop is quintessentially Icelandic.
As you wind through mountain passes and alongside fjords, you'll understand why this route is considered one of Iceland's most scenic. The winter months offer unique lighting and atmospheric conditions. Arrive in the Akureyri area, where you'll spend the night in the town itself or surrounding countryside. Tonight, your location away from city lights offers excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing if conditions are favorable.
Dedicate your full day to exploring the extraordinary Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, one of Iceland's most geologically active regions. On your way to Mývatn, stop at the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods.' In colder winter months, ice formations may frame the cascading water beautifully.
Continue to the Lake Mývatn area to spend the day discovering the wonders around this remarkable lake. The region showcases fantastic volcanic formations and intense geothermal activity year-round. Wander through the dark lava formations of Dimmuborgir, creating an otherworldly maze where twisted rock sculptures tell volcanic stories. Explore the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters, unique geological formations created by steam explosions when lava met water. Later, you might venture up to the rim of Hverfjall crater for panoramic views over the entire region, or relax in the geothermal waters of Earth Lagoon Mývatn (available as an add-on), where you can soak in warm waters while taking in the volcanic landscape. Tonight offers another excellent opportunity for Northern Lights viewing from your countryside accommodation.
Continue your exploration of the Mývatn area this morning before heading east. Visit the Námaskarð geothermal area with its amazing boiling mud pools and steam vents. In winter, the contrast between the hot, steaming ground and the frozen surroundings is particularly dramatic, with enormous clouds of steam rising into the cold air. The ground is painted in vivid colors from mineral deposits, standing out beautifully against the white snow. Continue to the Krafla volcano 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.
Press onward from Mývatn toward East Iceland, driving through increasingly remote landscapes. This is excellent territory for wildlife spotting. If you're fortunate, you might see wild reindeer, which are found only in East Iceland. These magnificent animals roam freely through the mountains and 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 thick winter coat helps it thrive in harsh conditions. Arrive in the Egilsstaðir area for the night, staying in town or nearby countryside.
Today you'll discover the beautiful Eastfjords, where steep mountains plunge dramatically into deep blue fjords. Winter adds a special beauty to this region, with snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls creating spectacular scenery. Begin your journey toward Reyðarfjörður, where you can visit a small but fascinating World War II museum documenting the Allied forces' presence in these remote fjords.
Continue to Fáskrúðsfjörður, a unique town where French heritage is 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 in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The French Hospital Museum offers fascinating insights into this heritage. Make your way toward Southeast Iceland, driving along the spectacular coastal road. The route winds through one beautiful fjord after another, with the road following the shoreline and offering stunning views across the water at every turn. In winter, the contrast between the dark blue fjord waters and white snow-covered mountains creates breathtaking vistas. Pass through tiny fishing villages where colorful houses stand out against the snowy landscape.
Finally reach Höfn, known as Iceland's lobster capital, where you'll spend the night. Tonight offers another opportunity to watch for the Northern Lights from this coastal location.
Prepare for one of the most spectacular days of your entire journey as you explore Iceland's stunning southeast. Drive past numerous outlet glaciers flowing down from Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. These massive rivers of ice create dramatic landscapes year-round.
Your main destination is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which takes on special beauty in winter months. Watch enormous icebergs drift slowly through the deep blue water, their brilliant white and blue colors creating stunning contrasts. The icebergs range from white to stunning shades of blue, some streaked with black volcanic ash. Seals often swim between the ice chunks throughout the year. Cross the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on black volcanic sand, sparkling brilliantly in any light. This exceptional sight sits at the foot of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur. Visit Skaftafell, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand plains, offering excellent hiking opportunities. Continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, across the vast Eldhraun lava field, and over the Mýrdalssandur plain before arriving in the Vík area for the night.
Your penultimate day combines the spectacular south coast with the world-famous Golden Circle. Start early to visit the south coast waterfalls. Begin at Skógafoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls at 60 meters. Climb the stairs beside the falls for incredible views if conditions allow. In colder periods, you may see ice formations developing around the falls.
Continue to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall if accessible, experiencing a unique perspective through the falling water. Drive inland to explore the Golden Circle, beginning with Gullfoss. In winter, this powerful waterfall may develop ice formations around its edges while the center continues thundering into the canyon. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur geyser creates impressive steam clouds as it erupts in the cold air every few minutes. The contrast between boiling water and cooler ground is striking. Finally, visit Þingvellir National Park, where the dramatic rift valley shows where tectonic plates are pulling apart. Walk through the Almannagjá rift and stand where Iceland's ancient parliament was founded.
Return to Reykjavík for your final night, perhaps celebrating your incredible journey with dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
Your final day in Iceland arrives. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to enjoy a final morning in Reykjavík. Grab a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's excellent cafes, perhaps trying traditional Icelandic pastries. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters or local chocolate. If time permits, visit any Reykjavík attractions you might have missed, or take one final walk through the streets.
For those with later flights, consider adding a visit to one of Iceland's geothermal spas on your way to the airport. Make your way to Keflavík Airport to drop off your rental car and check in for your flight home, carrying memories of Iceland's Ring Road in winter, from volcanic landscapes at Lake Mývatn to floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón, the scenic Eastfjords, powerful waterfalls, possible reindeer and Arctic fox sightings, and hopefully spectacular Northern Lights displays dancing across dark skies. You're already dreaming of returning to experience more of Iceland.
What’s included?
Detailed itinerary
Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Rental car of your choice for 7 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
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Fuel & parking charges
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
Carbon offsetting of your tour
Customer reviews
Read what real customers had to say about Iceland Ring Road Northern Lights Self-Drive - 8 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.
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.
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.
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 comprehensive 8-day Ring Road and Northern Lights tour is specifically designed for winter travel, positioning you in prime aurora viewing locations around Iceland's entire coastline. Unlike summer Ring Road tours, this winter adventure takes advantage of Iceland's long darkness hours, giving you multiple opportunities to witness the Northern Lights dancing across rural skies far from city light pollution.
Your Iceland Tours itinerary strategically places you in countryside accommodations around the Ring Road - from Akureyri in the north to Höfn in the southeast and Vík along the south coast. Each location offers excellent Northern Lights viewing potential when conditions align. The complete clockwise Ring Road route means you'll experience Iceland's diverse winter landscapes while maximizing your chances of catching the aurora from different vantage points throughout the week.
This 8-day Ring Road tour covers Iceland's most spectacular attractions across all major regions. You'll witness the mighty Gullfoss waterfall plunging into a dramatic canyon, experience the erupting Geysir hot springs where Strokkur geyser shoots water skyward every 5-10 minutes, and walk through the historical and geological wonder of Þingvellir National Park where tectonic plates meet.
Your Iceland Tours itinerary includes the mystical Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where enormous icebergs drift in ethereal blue waters, plus Diamond Beach where ice chunks wash ashore like scattered jewels. You'll visit the powerful waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss (where you can walk behind the cascade), the "waterfall of the gods" Goðafoss, and the magical Hraunfossar where water flows from beneath lava fields. The Lake Mývatn region adds volcanic wonders including Hverfjall crater, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and bubbling Námaskarð mud pools.
Lake Mývatn represents one of the highlights of your Ring Road adventure, offering an entire day dedicated to exploring Iceland's most geologically active and diverse region. This remarkable area showcases volcanic formations created by thousands of years of eruptions, including the dramatic Hverfjall crater where you can hike to the rim for panoramic views, and the otherworldly Dimmuborgir lava formations that feel like walking through a natural sculpture garden.
Your Iceland Tours itinerary includes the boiling mud pools and colorful steam vents at Námaskarð, plus the Krafla volcanic area where eruptions occurred as recently as 1975-1984. The lake itself features diverse duck species during warmer months, while the nearby Earth Lagoon Mývatn (available as an optional add-on) offer a chance to soak in geothermal waters surrounded by winter landscapes. This concentrated volcanic wonderland provides incredible photo opportunities and insights into Iceland's geological forces.
The Eastfjords section offers one of Iceland's most scenic and culturally rich experiences, taking you through dramatic fjord landscapes and charming fishing villages steeped in history. Your route includes Reyðarfjörður with its fascinating World War II history museum, and the unique town of Fáskrúðsfjörður where French street names reflect the area's maritime heritage from French fishing operations.
This remote region provides excellent opportunities to spot reindeer herds and Arctic foxes, especially during winter months when these animals move to lower elevations. The winding coastal roads offer spectacular mountain and fjord views, while the journey to Höfn positions you perfectly for the next day's glacier region exploration. Your Iceland Tours itinerary allows time to appreciate the Eastfjords' rugged beauty and authentic Icelandic culture away from the more crowded southern attractions.
Winter driving on this 8-day Ring Road tour requires extra caution but follows Iceland's best-maintained routes that are regularly cleared by snowplows. The Ring Road (Route 1) is Iceland's primary highway and receives priority for snow removal, making it accessible throughout winter with proper preparation and vehicle equipment. Your Iceland Tours package includes collision damage waiver, unlimited mileage, and 24/7 emergency helpline support for urgent matters.
Road conditions can change rapidly in winter, so flexibility is essential. Iceland Tours monitors weather conditions during business hours and will contact you proactively if adjustments are needed to ensure safety. For urgent assistance outside business hours (such as on weekends), you can contact the 24/7 helpline. Daily driving distances are planned to be manageable even in winter conditions, typically 2-4 hours between destinations with plenty of stops for sightseeing. The dramatic winter landscapes, snow-covered mountains, and frozen waterfalls make every mile spectacular, turning driving into part of the adventure rather than just transportation.
Your 8-day Ring Road tour includes strategically selected accommodations in countryside locations that maximize Northern Lights viewing opportunities while providing comfort after days of winter exploration. You'll stay in charming hotels and guesthouses in towns like Akureyri (north Iceland's capital), the Lake Mývatn area (excellent for aurora viewing due to minimal light pollution), Egilsstaðir in the Eastfjords, Höfn near Vatnajökull glacier, and Vík along the dramatic south coast.
Each accommodation location offers different Northern Lights viewing advantages - from the Mývatn area's minimal light pollution to the south coast's dramatic backdrop of glaciers and black sand beaches. Your Iceland Tours package includes Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation levels, all featuring continental breakfast and strategic positioning away from major cities' light pollution. Many properties have outdoor areas perfect for aurora watching, and rural locations mean you can often spot the Northern Lights right from your accommodation.
This winter Ring Road adventure offers a completely different but equally spectacular experience compared to summer tours, with unique advantages for travelers seeking Iceland's most dramatic seasonal beauty. While summer tours benefit from midnight sun and easier driving conditions, winter tours provide exclusive access to Northern Lights viewing, frozen waterfalls draped in icicles, snow-covered volcanic landscapes, and a magical atmosphere that transforms familiar attractions into winter wonderlands.
The 8-day winter duration allows for more leisurely exploration despite shorter daylight hours, giving you time to fully appreciate each region's winter character. Iceland Tours' winter itinerary includes the complete Ring Road experience, letting you witness Iceland's seasonal contrasts - from steaming geothermal areas against snow-covered surroundings to the pristine beauty of glacier lagoons in their winter setting.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon reaches peak beauty during winter months when your Iceland Tours adventure visits this crown jewel of the Ring Road. Winter transforms the lagoon into an even more surreal landscape - the contrast between bright white icebergs and deep blue glacial water becomes more dramatic, while surrounding snow-covered mountains create a pristine arctic atmosphere impossible to experience in summer.
The nearby Diamond Beach showcases ice chunks polished to crystal clarity against black volcanic sand, creating stunning photo opportunities in the soft winter light. Your daytime visit allows you to fully appreciate these spectacular ice formations and the dramatic landscape surrounding Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The winter setting provides a sense of being in one of Earth's last wilderness frontiers.
Absolutely! This self-drive format provides excellent flexibility to enhance your 8-day Ring Road adventure with spontaneous discoveries and optional experiences. You can add activities like soaking in the Earth Lagoon Mývatn's geothermal waters or exploring the region's accessible volcanic features at your own pace.
The tour's comprehensive routing allows for spontaneous Northern Lights chasing - if aurora forecasts are favorable, you can extend evening drives to optimal viewing locations or adjust your schedule for early morning displays. You might choose to spend extra time at key attractions or add extra nights in Reykjavík at the tour's end. The 24/7 helpline is available for urgent matters to ensure you stay safe during your journey.
For the best Northern Lights opportunities on this 8-day Ring Road tour, plan your visit during the prime November and February-March window when Iceland experiences substantial darkness hours combined with more manageable road conditions. This timing offers excellent chances for aurora viewing while maintaining better accessibility around the complete Ring Road circuit.
Iceland Tours recommends booking this popular winter itinerary well in advance, especially for travel during Northern Lights season when accommodation availability is limited in countryside locations. The complete Ring Road circuit requires strategic planning for winter road conditions, making early booking essential for securing optimal accommodations and rental vehicles equipped for winter driving. The 8-day duration provides multiple opportunities to experience clear skies somewhere along the route, significantly increasing your chances of witnessing spectacular Northern Lights displays across Iceland's diverse landscapes.
