Iceland's Magical Northern Lights

What's Included

• Northern Lights Cruise

  Search for nature's dazzling display on a northern lights cruise in Reykjavik.

• Aurora Borealis Sightings

  Venture out into the countryside outside of Vík for 3 nights in search of more aurora borealis sightings.

• Jokulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

  See Jokulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with floating icebergs.

• Blue Lagoon

  Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon.

• Geysir Geothermal Fields

  Experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir.

• Skógar Museum

  Explore Skógar Museum, covering all aspects of Icelandic life.

• Lava Exhibition Center

  Learn about the volcanic nature of the island of Iceland during a visit to the Lava Exhibition Center.

• Thingvellir National Park

  Straddle two continents while exploring Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley.

• Gourmet Icelandic Cuisine

  Savor gourmet Icelandic cuisine at a popular local restaurant.

What's Not Included

• Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

• Optional Activities

  Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

• International Flights

  International flights to and from Iceland are not included.

Experiences

• Experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir.
• Explore Skógar Museum, covering all aspects of Icelandic life.
• Learn about the volcanic nature of the island of Iceland during a visit to the Lava Exhibition Center.
• Straddle two continents while exploring Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley.

Culinaries

• Savor gourmet Icelandic cuisine at a popular local restaurant.

Must See

• Search for nature's dazzling display on a northern lights cruise in Reykjavík.
• Venture out into the countryside outside of Vík for 3 nights in search of more aurora borealis sightings.
• See Jokulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with floating icebergs.
• Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon.

Choice Highlights

Reykjavík Located in southwestern Iceland, the capital and largest city of Iceland is said to be the location of the first permanent settlement. It is believed that the city was established around AD 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development, but the city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades. Soon Reykjavík became the national center of commerce, population, and governmental activities. The city is rated among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.

Northern Lights Cruise Leave behind the bright city lights and sail into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay in search of the aurora borealis – or northern lights – one of nature’s wonders. When revealed you will be dazzled by the flickering display of light bursting with color that unfolds before your eyes.

Search for the Northern Lights Each year during the winter months, travelers journey to Iceland and venture out into the dark to see the magical but elusive northern lights (aurora borealis). This natural phenomenon is the product of collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere; the results are spectacular! Streaks of colorful light appear across the sky. The colors can vary from white to pink or purple and, most commonly, green. The best time to witness the lights in Iceland is from late September to mid-April when nights are longest. This light show is truly dazzling and worth the pursuit.

Golden Circle The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route from Reykjavík in South Iceland. Two main stops on the route are the national park Thingvellir and the waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls). The route covers about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back.

Thingvellir National Park Around 930, the Althing general assembly was established in Thingvellir. A law passed in 1928 protecting the area, which shall remain the property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of the Althing. Thingvellir National Park was officially founded in 1930, marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Althing. In 2004, the park became a World Heritage Site. Throughout the park, visitors can travel among the many hiking trails.

Gullfoss One of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland is Gullfoss, an incredible waterfall located in the canyon of Hvita river in southwest Iceland. As one first approaches the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that a mighty river magically vanishes into the earth. The falls offer a spectacular view of the forces and beauty of the untouched nature in Iceland. On a sunny day, a rainbow can be seen over the falls. In 1907, Gullfoss was owned by a local farmer, who was approached by an Englishman who wanted to buy it to produce electricity. Although the farmer declined the Englishman’s generous offer, he leased it to him. After the farmer’s passing, his daughter went to great lengths to save Gullfoss to stop construction that would damage it. She is often called Iceland’s first environmentalist. In 1979, Gullfoss was designated as a nature preserve and permanently protected for the public to enjoy.

Lava Exhibition Center Visit the Lava Exhibition Center to learn about Iceland’s historic eruptions and current lava flows that make Iceland a showcase of volcanic activity.

Vík The picturesque village of Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, and despite its small size, it is the largest settlement around and an important staging post. Vík's black sand beaches are some of the wettest places in Iceland. The cliffs of the beaches are home to many beautiful seabirds, most notably, the colorful puffins. The village lies directly beneath the Myrdalsjokull glacier, which sits atop the Katla volcano.

Seljalandsfoss Arguably Iceland’s most famous waterfall, the cascade drops 200 feet from rocks above into a serene pool below. One of the most unique features of Seljalandsfoss is that visitors can hike through the back of the falls and view them from the inside out. Seljalandsfoss offers a one of a kind view, where tourists can see the Northern Lights from inside a waterfall.

Skógar Museum The Skógar Museum was founded in 1949 and preserves the interesting cultural heritage of South Iceland in the form of tools and equipment used at land and sea, crafts and buildings. The museum was originally housed in Skógar Regional School and in 1968 moved to its own facilities. Visitors can see how Icelanders lived in the past in small turf houses and learn the history of Icelandic inhabitants.

Skógafoss Skógafoss is a waterfall situated on the beautiful Skóga River, in southern Iceland at the cliffs of a former coastline. It’s one of the biggest waterfalls in the country. Here’s a fun fact: Due to the amount of shower the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days! Legend has it that the first Viking settler in the area buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. Many years later, the locals found the chest, but were only able to grasp the ring on the side of the chest before it disappeared. The ring was allegedly given to the local church. Today, that old church door ring is now in a museum.

Sólheimajokull Glacier

Jokulsárlón Glacial Lagoon A majestic glacial lake in southeast Iceland, Jokulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park. The lagoon is situated at the head of the Breioamerkurjokull glacier. It developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of the melting glaciers. Today it is considered one of the natural wonders of Iceland and a major attraction for tourists. Several animals including various fish, seals and seabirds can be seen in or by the lagoon.

Blue Lagoon In 1976, a geothermal spa was formed during operations at the nearby geothermal power plant. Soon after, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply silica mud to their skin. Blue Lagoon opened its facilities in 1987. Following the opening was the opening of a special clinic for psoriasis patients. Blue Lagoon even started producing its own skin care products. Today, the Blue Lagoon is recognized as one of the wonders of the world.

...more ...less

Mode of Transport

Travel through Iceland's stunning landscapes by coach, with opportunities for walking tours and a northern lights cruise in Reykjavik.

Accommodation

Stay at the Centerhotel Plaza in Reykjavik and Hotel Dyrhólaey in Vik, offering comfortable accommodations as you explore Iceland's natural wonders.