Iceland in Winter: An Active Journey in Search of the Northern Lights

Arrive early in the morning and transfer to central Reykjavík to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing and a traditional Icelandic breakfast. Enjoy a riveting introduction to Iceland’s natural wonders at Perlan, an immersive museum that features a simulated glacier and ice cave as well as a 360-degree northern lights experience within its planetarium. Then set out on a city tour, visiting landmarks such as the geology-inspired Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa, an intriguing glass-and-steel concert hall perched on the waterfront. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight. (B,D)

Walking: 1-2 miles on city streets

Descend into the Earth at Raufarhólshellir, a large tunnel formed by flowing lava more than 5,000 years ago. In winter, ice sculptures often form at the tunnel’s entrance, adding even more magic to this volcanic wonder. Next, visit a farm to learn about Icelandic farming culture and enjoy local specialties for lunch. This afternoon, experience two of the famous sites of the Golden Circle: the magnificent two-tiered waterfall known as Gullfoss, and Geysir, where the Strokkur geyser spurts water some 100 feet into the air at regular intervals. Arrive at your accommodations, situated far from light pollution, allowing for exceptional northern lights viewing. Over the next three nights, take walks under the dark winter skies—or gaze at them from the comfort of the warm lounge or your room. With favorable conditions and a bit of luck, you may witness the spectacular aurora borealis. (B,L,D)

Walking: 2-4 miles over established trails and uneven, rocky terrain

Please note: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings will be dependent on weather conditions. While this itinerary is designed around “new moon” dates which provide better opportunities for clear night skies, we cannot guarantee that travelers booked on this tour will experience the Northern Lights.

Travel along the southern coast to Sólheimajökull glacier, a tongue of the vast Mýrdalsjökull ice cap nestled between volcanic peaks. Don specialized gear and follow an experienced guide on a glacier walk, hearing about its history and geology as you traverse the ice.After a late lunch, head to Reynisfjara, a black-sand beach with fascinating basalt column formations. Conditions permitting, walk to a viewpoint across the dark sands to observe these towering, geometric rocks and the sea stacks just off shore, and learn about their geology and the legends that infuse them. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening of sky-gazing—and hopefully a sighting of the aurora borealis. (B,D)

Hiking: 2 miles over uneven terrain and glacial ice; walking 1-2 miles on sand

Step back in time at the Skógar Open Air Museum, gaining insight into everyday life in Iceland’s traditional turf farmhouses and discovering how early pioneers produced hydro-electric power in often challenging conditions. Continue to Skógafoss waterfall, which thunders some 200 feet off an emerald-colored cliff, creating large rainbows with its mist when the sun is out. Head to an Icelandic horse farm for lunch and a walk. Learn about the role these small but sturdy horses play in community life and observe their rhythmic gait, strength, and grace during a demonstration. On the way back to your hotel, take a walk to Urridafoss, one of Iceland's widest and most voluminous falls. Meet up again after dinner to watch for the northern lights. (B,L,D)

Walking: 2-4 miles on mostly flat trails

Begin the day at the Secret Lagoon, soaking in a hot spring as the winter sun rises late in the morning. Visit a geothermal greenhouse to discover how Icelanders have harnessed their abundant natural energy for use in agriculture, and sit down to a delectable lunch made with fresh produce grown on site. This afternoon, journey to Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage site situated at the junction of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. On a hike along well-traveled trails, witness the constantly changing nature of Iceland’s geology as you walk between the two continental plates which are slowly moving apart. Arrive back in Reykjavík in the late afternoon and toast your northern lights adventure at a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Walking: 2-3 miles on paved paths with 200 feet of elevation gain

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Keflavík for your flight home. (B)