Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in South Iceland
Experience breathtaking landscapes and stunning northern lights in Iceland.
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in South Iceland Overview
The Northern Lights Expedition in South Iceland offers an unforgettable adventure through Iceland's most stunning landscapes. On this self-drive Aurora tour, travelers will explore the iconic Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they can walk through the Almannagjá gorge and marvel at the Öxaráfoss waterfall. The tour also includes visits to some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading waters for a truly unique experience.
In addition to these breathtaking natural wonders, the tour takes you to the picturesque black sand beaches of Vík, the towering Svartifoss waterfall framed by dramatic basalt columns, and the glacial lagoon at Jökulsárlón, offering a chance to witness icebergs drifting in serene waters. The highlight of the trip is the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, an experience that will leave you in awe of Iceland’s otherworldly beauty.
Trip highlights
Explore the stunning Golden Circle and Þingvellir National Park.
Discover the majestic waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Hike to the unique Svartifoss waterfall surrounded by basalt columns.
Witness the incredible Northern Lights in South Iceland’s serene landscapes.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in Keflavík, and pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive to the Golden Circle area for an overnight stay. If time permits, take the opportunity to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula along the way. Key highlights include the Reykjanestá bird cliff, Gunnuhver hot spring, Brimketill rock pool, and the Krýsuvík hot spring area.
- Overnight Location:
- Keflavík
- Distance:
- N/A
- Meals:
- None
Depart from Hveragerði in the morning and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park Þingvellir. Stroll through the Almannagjá gorge to the historic parliament site, then continue to the stunning Öxaráfoss waterfall. Next, travel through the farming region to Haukadalur, home to the famous geysers. A short drive away is the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. End your day with a drive to your accommodation in the Vík area on the South Coast.
- Overnight Location:
- Vík
- Distance:
- N/A
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the Skaftafell Information Centre in Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður National Park. We recommend an easy hike to the Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell, surrounded by impressive basalt columns. Drive along the base of the massive Vatnajökull ice cap, passing Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur (2114 m/6923 ft), before reaching the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Take a stroll along the lagoon's shore and visit the beach, where smaller icebergs are often washed ashore. For an up close experience, enjoy a boat trip among the drifting icebergs, and keep an eye out for seals in the lagoon and along the coast. End your day with an overnight stay in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
- Overnight Location:
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
- Distance:
- N/A
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Travel back through the dramatic lava fields of Eldhraun and the vast, desert-like black sands of Mýrdalssandur, making your way to the village of Vík. Here, you can explore the famous Reynisfjara black beach with its striking basalt columns and enjoy the panoramic views from Dyrhólaey viewpoint. Your next stop is Skógar, home to the impressive Skógafoss waterfall. A visit to the Skógasafn folk and transport museum is highly recommended. End your day with a memorable walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, continuing along the rock face to discover the hidden Gjlufrabúi waterfall, nestled in a gorge. Finish your journey with a final overnight stay in Reykjavík.
- Overnight Location:
- Reykjavík
- Distance:
- N/A
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and return your rental car and depart with unforgettable memories of your Icelandic adventure.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- N/A
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 4 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 4 nights are included.
- A rental car is included for the duration of the tour. The standard vehicle provided is a Toyota Yaris or similar (Automatic, 2WD, 5-seats, small 5-door).
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Rental car (Toyota Yaris or similar, Automatic 2WD, 5-seats, small 5-door)
- Standard coverage, which is the following:
- TPL Third Party Liability Included: Cover up to ISK 3.969.000.000 for personal injury & cover up to ISK 457.000.000 for damage to property.
- PAI Personal Accident Insurance Included: Cover up to ISK 298.000.000 for personal injury.
- CDW Collision Damage Waiver Included: Own risk is ISK 242.000 for passenger cars and ISK 399.000 for 4wd jeeps, vans, trucks.
- TP Theft Protection Included. Own risk ISK 242.000 for passenger cars and ISK 399.000 for 4wd jeeps, vans, trucks.
- ASC Keflavík Airport Surcharge Included.
- Additional Driver Two drivers included per car
Not included
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fuel costs
- Parking fees (where applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Upgrade costs for a different vehicle category
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Laugarvatn Fontana admission for day 2
- Vehicle upgrades
-
- Hyundai i30 (Automatic, 5-seats, 5-door, 2wd, wagon)
- Suzuki Jimny (Manual 4WD, 4-seats, 3-door)
- Kia Sportage (Automatic 4WD SUV, 5-seats, 5-door)
- Other options are available
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 2/5. This tour is generally easy and suitable for most travelers. It primarily involves driving on well-maintained roads and short, scenic walks to major attractions. Optional activities, such as hiking to Svartifoss, require moderate effort but are not overly strenuous. Winter conditions, including icy roads and unpredictable weather, may add some challenges, especially for those unfamiliar with driving in Iceland. However, with proper preparation, this is an accessible and rewarding experience for most visitors.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland’s main international gateway. From there, pick up your rental car at the airport and begin your journey.
The tour ends in Keflavík.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in South Iceland with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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