Chasing the Aurora Borealis: A 5-Day Adventure in Iceland

Day 1: Exploring Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt

Start your day at Sandholt, a cozy bakery known for its delicious pastries and hearty breakfast options.
Walk to the bakery from your accommodation.
ISK2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Drive or walk to the church, a short distance from the bakery.
ISK1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Loki

Enjoy traditional Icelandic fare at Café Loki, famous for its rye bread and herring.
Short walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
ISK3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Reykjavik City Museum

Learn about the history and culture of Iceland at the Reykjavik City Museum.
15-minute drive from lunch.
ISK1500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Sun Voyager

Stroll along the waterfront to see the stunning Sun Voyager sculpture.
A 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn, well-known for its delectable grill dishes.
15-minute drive from the Sun Voyager.
ISK8000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Aurora Hunt Tour

Join a guided tour to hunt the spectacular northern lights.
Pick-up from your hotel is usually included with the tour.
ISK12000, 3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Golden Circle Adventure

Golden Circle, Iceland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before hitting the road.
N/A
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Þingvellir National Park

Explore the stunning landscapes and the tectonic plate rift at Þingvellir National Park.
Drive 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
ISK1500, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes at the Geysir geothermal area.
30-minute drive from Þingvellir.
ISK0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Geysir Centre

Have lunch at the Geysir Centre with views of the geothermal area.
On-site at the Geysir area.
ISK2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, known for its two-tiered cascades.
10-minute drive from Geysir.
ISK0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kerid Crater

Visit the stunning volcanic crater lake, Kerid, with its red volcanic rock edges.
40-minute drive from Gullfoss.
ISK400, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Raudkaldur

Savor a delicious dinner at Raudkaldur, famous for its local seafood dishes.
30-minute drive back towards Reykjavik.
ISK6000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Northern Lights From a Viewing Point

Return to Reykjavik and find a secluded spot to watch for the northern lights.
Drive to one of Reykjavik's nearby dark spots.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your road trip.
N/A
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Akureyri

Enjoy a scenic drive through Iceland's beautiful landscapes en route to Akureyri.
A 5-hour drive north via Route 1.
Free, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Emelí

Stop for a delicious lunch at Café Emelí, known for its local dishes.
Located in Akureyri.
ISK3000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Explore the serene beauty of the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, home to numerous plant species.
A 10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Akureyri Church

Admire the distinctive architecture of Akureyri Church and its stunning views.
Five-minute drive from the gardens.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Bautinn

Enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine at Bautinn, famous for its locally sourced ingredients.
10-minute drive from the church.
ISK5000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Aurora Borealis Tour

Join a special evening tour dedicated to seeking out the northern lights in Akureyri.
Pick-up from hotel is usually included.
ISK12000, 3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Discovering Ilulissat

Ilulissat, Greenland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast before your flight to Ilulissat.
N/A
ISK2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly to Ilulissat

Take a short flight to Ilulissat, Greenland, renowned for its stunning ice fjord.
Flight from Akureyri Airport.
ISK20000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into Hotel

Drop off your luggage and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.
N/A
Varies, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Ilulissat

Enjoy a tasty lunch with breathtaking views of the icebergs.
Walk from your hotel.
DKK150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Ilulissat Icefjord

Take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat Icefjord.
Walk or take a shuttle from the restaurant.
ISK9000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Ilulissat Museum

Learn about the history and culture of Greenland at the museum.
A short drive or walk from the Icefjord.
ISK500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Dine at your hotel restaurant, where fresh local ingredients are highlighted.
N/A
Varies, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Aurora Viewing

Head to a clear viewpoint to observe the enchanting northern lights over the fjord.
Short walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast in Ilulissat, savoring the local flavors.
N/A
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly back to Reykjavik

Catch your return flight to Reykjavik, returning to the atmosphere of the capital.
Depart from Ilulissat Airport.
ISK20000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in Reykjavik's city center.
Drive or take a bus to the city center.
Free (depending on purchases), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kol Restaurant

Indulge in a modern Icelandic lunch at Kol, known for its innovative dishes.
Located in downtown Reykjavik.
ISK5000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Blue Lagoon

Unwind at the famous Blue Lagoon before your departure, enjoying its geothermal waters.
A 45-minute drive from Reykjavik.
ISK7000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Fish Market

Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Fish Market, celebrating your Icelandic adventure.
Back to downtown Reykjavik.
ISK8000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Departure

Prepare for your departure, reflecting on the beautiful experiences of chasing the northern lights.
N/A
Varies, N/A
View Hotel Availability