Iceland Active Winter Wellness

8 days / 7 nights
8 days / 7 nights
The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from above
Northern Lights glowing above icebergs on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
Person exploring glacier ice cave in Iceland
The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from above
Northern Lights glowing above icebergs on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
Person exploring glacier ice cave in Iceland
The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from above
Best price guarantee
There’s no availability for the combination you’ve chosen.
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Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

0

Infants

Ages 0-1

0

Combine thrilling activities with blissful hot spring visits 

On this 8-day winter self-drive tour of Iceland, you’ll see a huge slice of the country. Get stuck into some unforgettable adventure activities. Trek across a glacier to an ice cave and head underground into a lava tube, before relaxing in a few of Iceland’s geothermal baths.

This itinerary will take you to jaw-dropping waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and an awe-inspiring glacier lagoon. You’ll also get chances to chase the Northern Lights in the evening thanks to the winter darkness.

Because this is a self-drive package, you get to set your own pace and stop as often as you like. And your itinerary is easy to customize with extra activities like a glacier walk or spa experience. What more could you ask for from a week-long winter trip to Iceland?

Travel styleSelf-drive
Trip length8 days / 7 nights
VibeAdventure
SeasonWinter
(1 Oct–31 Mar)
TransportRental car
Starts fromReykjavík
Tour codeSD36

On this tour you will...

  • Soak in Iceland’s most iconic geothermal pool – the Blue Lagoon

  • Tour dazzling ice caves beneath the towering Katla volcano

  • Road trip around the breathtaking Snæfellsnes peninsula 

  • Visit Vatnshellir cave, where you can walk along an ancient lava tube

  • Unwind in the warm, soothing waters of Fontana Spa

  • See the beautiful south coast and travel the famous Golden Circle route

Top attractions

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

A man floating in the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

The Snæfellsjökull glacier at sunset

Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

Mountains in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on a cloudy day

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Water coming out of colorful rocks at Deildartunguhver hot spring

Deildartunguhver

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

A man standing below Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell

Gatklettur rock arch at Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi

A kittiwake flying above cliffs in the Breiðafjörður bay

Breiðafjörður bay

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 self-drive itinerary

Your 8-day self-drive itinerary
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

You’ve arrived in the Land of Fire and Ice and it’s time for your wintry adventure to begin. Collect your rental car from Keflavík Airport, drive to Reykjavík, and get settled into your hotel.

Then head out into the city and soak up the atmosphere. You could wander Laugavegur, the main street, and stop for a drink or bite to eat at a local café or restaurant. Or take a relaxing dip in a local swimming pool to recharge after your journey.

If your flight lands in the morning, you might have time for one of the optional activities below.

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Included & extra activities

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

Perlan on a sunny summer’s dayExtra

Perlan Museum Wonders of Iceland & Northern Lights Show

Staying inVík area
Driving distance260 km (162 mi)
Staying inVík area
Driving distance260 km (162 mi)

This morning, make your way out of the city to Iceland’s south coast. Here you’ll come across two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. You can even walk behind the plume of Seljalandsfoss!

In the afternoon, you’ll join a special ice cave expedition from the village of Vík. Hop aboard a super jeep and let your experienced driver-guide whisk you off to the edge of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Now it’s time to gear up (equipment provided) for your hike across the glacier surface!

Once you arrive at the ice cave, you’ll be able to peer and even walk inside. You’ll be blown away by the ice cave’s mesmerizing walls, which appear to glow blue. 

Highlights

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

Included & extra activities

The entrance to the Katla ice caveIncluded

Katla Ice Cave (Under the Volcano) from Vík

Staying inVík area
Driving distance250 km (155 mi)
Staying inVík area
Driving distance250 km (155 mi)

Continue along the south coast to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Iceland’s largest glacier. This slice of the country is studded with natural gems. You could take a short hike to the Svartifoss waterfall, set against a backdrop of hexagonal lava columns. 

Then stop at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can watch icebergs drifting slowly out to sea. Some of them wash ashore at nearby Breiðamerkursandur, also known as ‘Diamond Beach’. The sight of the clear-blue ice glistening against the jet-black sand is truly stunning.

In the evening, you’ll head back to Vík for a sound night’s sleep.

Highlights

Mountains in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve on a cloudy day

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Included & extra activities

The Skaftafell Blue Ice Glacier Walk from Iceland Mountain Guides © Björgvin HilmarssonExtra

Skaftafell Blue Ice Glacier Walk

Staying inGeysir area
Driving distance280 km (174 mi)
Staying inGeysir area
Driving distance280 km (174 mi)

Your trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without touring the famous Golden Circle. Today you’ll see two of the legendary natural attractions on this popular route: Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. 

At Geysir, you’ll witness the powerful Strokkur geyser erupting into the air every few minutes. The surrounding Haukadalur valley is also dotted with boiling hot springs and steaming vents.

A short drive away you’ll find the Gullfoss waterfall, also known as the ‘Golden Falls’. One of Iceland’s most majestic cascades, it’s named for the yellow-tinged waters that flow over it.

After a day of sightseeing, relax at the Fontana Geothermal Baths on the shores of Laugarvatn lake (admission included). If you’re feeling brave, you can dip your toes into the chilly waters of the lake before warming up in the naturally heated ‘hot pots’.

Highlights

The Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

Gullfoss

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Geysir and Strokkur

Included & extra activities

The Laugarvatn Fontana spa as seen from aboveIncluded

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Spa

Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance250 km (155 mi)
Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance250 km (155 mi)

After a restful night’s sleep, thanks to your spa experience, you’ll head to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. This history-laden site is the cradle of Icelandic democracy, where the parliament would meet in Viking times. 

The area also has great geological significance: here you can see where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. This is the only place on Earth where you can actually walk this boundary.

In the afternoon, head west toward the Borgarfjörður area. This is Iceland’s largest bay, home to thousands of small islands. You’ll find the star attractions here slightly inland though. Stop at the Deildartunguhver hot spring, perhaps taking a dip in the Krauma baths (optional upgrade).

Then check out by the Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls, whose brilliant blue waters are fed by a lava field.

Highlights

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

The Hraunfossar waterfall in winter covered in ice

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Water coming out of colorful rocks at Deildartunguhver hot spring

Deildartunguhver

Borgarnes

Borgarnes

Included & extra activities

The Krauma geothermal baths at DeildartunguhverExtra

Krauma Geothermal Baths

Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance340 km (211 mi)
Staying inBorgarfjörður area
Driving distance340 km (211 mi)

Today you’ll explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. It’s sometimes called ‘Iceland in Miniature’ thanks to its incredibly varied scenery. The peninsula is also dotted with charming fishing villages, including the main town of Stykkishólmur.

Follow the road to the far end of the peninsula and you’ll end up at Snæfellsjökull National Park. Here you’ll find glaciers, lava fields, and yellow and red beaches. There are also otherworldly rock formations along the cliffs, including the Arnarstapi sea stacks.

It’s in the national park that today’s main activity takes place. Descend a spiral staircase into the Vatnshellir lava tube. This stunning cavern was formed 8,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption, and now you can walk where lava once flowed.

Highlights

Gatklettur rock arch at Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi

A kittiwake flying above cliffs in the Breiðafjörður bay

Breiðafjörður bay

A man standing below Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell

The Snæfellsjökull glacier at sunset

Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park

Included & extra activities

A group exploring the Vatnshellir lava caveIncluded

Vatnshellir Cave Tour

Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance180 km (112 mi)
Staying inReykjavík
Driving distance180 km (112 mi)

Head back to Reykjavík for a day of urban discovery. You could check out the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Settlement Exhibition with its excavated Viking longhouse. Or spend day exploring the old town’s streets, which are lined with traditional multicolored houses.

Once you’ve had a chance to experience the city, make your way to the Blue Lagoon spa (admission included). There you can relax in its bright blue waters, while enjoying a free drink and silica mud mask.

In the evening, it’s time to return to Reykjavík. Before returning to your hotel, why not have dinner at one of the city’s food halls (not included)? 

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Included & extra activities

A man floating in the Blue LagoonIncluded

Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission

Raufarhólshellir Lava TunnelExtra

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Driving distance50 km (31 mi)
Driving distance50 km (31 mi)

Your last day in Iceland is here. Depending on your flight time, you might be able to squeeze in some more wandering around Reykjavík in the morning.

When it’s time to leave, return your rental car at Keflavík Airport. Go back home with memories of an epic trip, and the photos to prove it!

Highlights

The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Included & extra activities

Riders on FlyOver Iceland above a virtual waterfallExtra

FlyOver Iceland

The Sky Lagoon at sunsetExtra

Sky Lagoon Pure Pass

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

Katla Ice Cave – Under the Volcano tour

Laugarvatn Fontana admission

Vatnshellir lava cave tour

Blue Lagoon Comfort admission (includes towel rental, silica mud mask, 1 drink)

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

Choose your rental car

Included as standard:

Collision damage waiver

2 authorized drivers

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

Skoda Octavia Wagon
Manual

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class E
x5
x5
x4
Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic

CO₂ 213g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 or similar

Class I
x5
x5
x5
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Automatic

CO₂ 130g/km Plug-in hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 4×4 or similar

Class N3
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Manual

CO₂ 196g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class  B
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Caravelle
Manual

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D
x9
x5
x7
Skoda Octavia Wagon
Automatic

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class P
x5
x5
x4
Skoda Octavia Wagon
Manual

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class E
x5
x5
x4
Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic

CO₂ 213g/km

Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 or similar

Class I
x5
x5
x5
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Automatic

CO₂ 130g/km Plug-in hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 4×4 or similar

Class N3
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Manual

CO₂ 196g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class  B
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Caravelle
Manual

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D
x9
x5
x7
Skoda Octavia Wagon
Automatic

CO₂ 119g/km

Škoda Octavia Wagon 4×4 or similar

Class P
x5
x5
x4
Suzuki Swift
Manual

CO₂ 128g/km

Suzuki Swift 4×4 or similar

Class A2
x4
x5
x2
Dacia Duster
Manual

CO₂ 116g/km

Dacia Duster 4×4 or similar

Class E2
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Caravelle
Automatic

CO₂ 198g/km

Volkswagen Caravelle 4×4 or similar

Class D2
x9
x5
x7
Kia Sportage
Automatic

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class O
x5
x5
x3
Volkswagen Golf
Automatic

CO₂ 273g/km

Volkswagen Golf or similar

Class B2
x5
x5
x3
Kia Sportage
Manual

CO₂ 176g/km

Kia Sportage 4×4 or similar

Class F
x5
x5
x3
Renault Captur
Automatic

CO₂ 217g/km Plug-in hybrid

Renault Captur or similar

Class P6
x5
x5
x3
Kia Nero
Automatic

CO₂ 29g/km Plug-in hybrid

Kia Niro or similar

Class B3
x5
x5
x3

Trip summary

Best price guarantee
There’s no availability for the combination you’ve chosen.
Please try another combination.

Adults

Ages 12+

2

Children

Ages 2-11

0

Infants

Ages 0-1

0

FAQs about our self-drive trips

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