Upon touching down at Keflavík International Airport, take a comfortable shuttle through the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula toward the capital. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a late-morning stroll along the Old Harbour to breathe in the crisp Arctic air and view the striking architecture of the Harpa Concert Hall.
Transition from the city streets to the ocean-side Sky Lagoon, where you can experience the traditional 'Seven-Step Ritual' while overlooking the darkening coastal horizon. Afterward, stroll through the vibrant heart of the city along Laugavegur street to reach the majestic Hallgrímskirkja, capturing photos of the illuminated church against the twilight sky.
Cap off your first night with a refined dinner at The Fish Market, where you can sample fresh-caught Atlantic seafood and local delicacies in a warm, timber-cased setting. To embrace the winter darkness, make the short drive to the Grótta Lighthouse on the edge of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, the perfect quiet spot to watch for the shimmering Northern Lights reflected in the icy sea.
Begin your morning by traveling inland to Þingvellir National Park, where you can witness the geology of the Almannagjá fissure, the physical rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Take a crisp winter walk to the iconic Öxarárfoss waterfall, where the water often freezes into intricate ice sculptures, and visit the historic Lögberg to stand where ancient parliament assemblies were held beneath towering basalt cliffs.
Continue your journey to the Haukadalur Geothermal Area to witness the reliable eruptions of Strokkur as it sends plumes of steam into the crisp winter sky. Afterward, stand in awe at the edge of the thundering Gullfoss Falls, where the golden-hued glacial water of the Hvítá River cascades into a deep, frost-covered canyon.
Wind down with a therapeutic soak in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, where the natural steam creates a mystical atmosphere under the stars. Following a local meal at Restaurant Mika, venture into the dark countryside of the South Iceland plains for a dedicated Northern Lights safari to witness the aurora borealis dancing over the snowy landscape.
Begin your final day by traveling the dramatic South Coast to reach the iconic Seljalandsfoss, where the waterfall's mist creates intricate ice patterns on the surrounding cliffs. Continue to the thundering Skógafoss, a massive wall of white water that provides a majestic spectacle against the winter snow, before taking a short walk to discover the hidden gem of Gljúfrabúi tucked away in a nearby rocky cleft.
Continue your journey to the striking Reynisfjara Beach, where you can walk along the volcanic sands and admire the hexagonal basalt columns of Garðar and the jagged Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the North Atlantic. Afterwards, head to the clifftop at Dyrhólaey to capture panoramic views of the ice-blue waves crashing against the massive stone arch and the endless black coastline below.
Conclude your South Coast adventure with a cozy dinner at Suður-Vík, where you can enjoy local specialties while overlooking the village and the distant sea stacks. Afterward, take a short walk up to the iconic Víkurkirkja church for a final panoramic view of the Icelandic coastline beneath the winter stars, reflecting on your journey before settling in for your final night in the charming town of Vík í Mýrdal.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Keflavík International Airport shuttle | $40 |
| Old Harbour | Free |
| Harpa Concert Hall | Free |
| Sky Lagoon | $87 |
| Laugavegur | Free |
| Hallgrímskirkja | Free |
| Dinner at The Fish Market | $115 |
| Grótta Lighthouse | Free |
| Northern Lights at Grótta | Free |
| Þingvellir National Park | Free |
| Almannagjá | Free |
| Öxarárfoss | Free |
| Lögberg | Free |
| Haukadalur Geothermal Area | Free |
| Strokkur | Free |
| Gullfoss Falls | Free |
| Secret Lagoon | $31 |
| Dinner at Restaurant Mika | $35 |
| Northern Lights safari | $95 |
| Seljalandsfoss | Free |
| Skógafoss | Free |
| Gljúfrabúi | Free |
| Reynisfjara Beach | Free |
| Garðar basalt columns | Free |
| Reynisdrangar | Free |
| Dyrhólaey | Free |
| Dinner at Suður-Vík | $35 |
| Víkurkirkja | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $438 |