5 Day Winter Iceland Itinerary: Chasing Northern Lights

The journey begins with a landing in the Land of Ice and Fire, where the first order of business is shaking off the jet lag with a classic Icelandic tradition. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is the ultimate welcome moment. There is nothing quite like soaking in milky blue, geothermal waters while the crisp winter air swirls around you to shake off the jet lag. Be sure to find the walk-up bar. Afterward, head into Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, to check into a centrally located hotel where you can walk the quaint city streets and across the rainbow road to find the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church.

With Reykjavik as a home base, the second day is all about the city’s unique culture and hidden gems. Experience the heat of the Reykjavik Lava Show, a fascinating way to see real molten lava up close without the volcanic danger. If the visit falls during New Year’s, the city transforms into a spectacle of light as fireworks go off in every direction for hours. If you are braving the winter roads with a rental car, take a short 25-minute drive outside the city to escape the city’s light pollution and your first opportunity to capture the Northern Lights. Pro tip: if you book a tour, be sure to schedule it early into your trip so that you can go again if you don’t have success.

Now it’s time to start the adventurous side of this trip as you head into the Golden Circle, a route packed with geological “wow” moments. Start at Thingvellir National Park, where it’s possible to literally walk through the Intercontinental Rift between tectonic plates. From there, the day is a whirlwind of water and steam: watch the Geysir blow its top, marvel at the massive Gullfoss, and hike to the bright blue waters of Bruarfoss. Wrap up the adventure with a soak in the Secret Lagoon, staying nearby at The Hill at Fludir for easy access to these lesser known pools.

The scenery turns dramatic on the South Coast, home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks. Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, making sure to climb the stairs at the latter for a breathtaking view from the top. Further down the coast, the black sand and towering basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach look like a scene from another planet. After settling into a hotel on the southern coast like 360 Hotel & Spa, head back to Skógafoss, as the waterfall makes for a world-class backdrop if the Northern Lights decide to show up.

The final day leads north to the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula for a look at Iceland’s most photographed peak. Kirkjufellsfoss is a must-see, especially in winter when the waterfall is framed by ice and the iconic mountain silhouette. Though whale watching is on pause during the winter months, the peninsula offers plenty of rugged coastal beauty to explore. On the drive back to the city, use the dark, mountainous foregrounds of the peninsula for one last chance at a perfect Northern Lights photo.