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5-6 Day Iceland Winter Adventure: Northern Lights, Golden Circle, Volcanoes & Waterfalls

Viewed by 78 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Aurora

Reykjavik, Iceland on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Brauð & Co

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at this popular Reykjavik bakery, open from 7am.
ISK1200, 1h0m

12:00pm

Reykjavik City Walk

Explore the cozy downtown area including Hallgrimskirkja church and the Sun Voyager sculpture, a great introduction to Icelandic culture and architecture.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Northern Lights Tour

Guided tour departs in the evening to chase the Northern Lights with expert local guides providing photography tips and safety advice, tours last 4-5 hours.
ISK14000, 5h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Messinn

Enjoy delicious Icelandic seafood in a warm, casual setting; a great way to end your first day after the aurora tour.
ISK4000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 2: Golden Circle

Golden Circle, Iceland on December 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Fuel up with fresh breakfast pastries and coffee, bakery opens from 7am.
ISK1300, 1h0m

9:00am

Thingvellir National Park

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offering stunning winter landscapes.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Geysir Geothermal Area

Watch the famous Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-10 minutes, amazing to see in winter steam and snow contrast.
Free, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Geysir Center

Enjoy a hearty Icelandic lamb soup or sandwich with views of the geothermal area.
ISK2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Gullfoss Waterfall

See the iconic two-tiered waterfall plunge into a rugged canyon, spectacular with winter ice formations.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Reykjavik

Head back to Reykjavik for a relaxing evening after a day of natural wonders.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Icelandic Fish and Chips

Casual dining with crispy fish and chips made from fresh Icelandic fish, perfect after a long day outdoors.
ISK3500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Waterfalls & Volcano

South Coast, Iceland on December 3, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Reykjavik Roasters

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast before heading out early to the south coast.
ISK1200, 45m

7:30am

Drive to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Beautiful waterfall you can walk behind, the icy winter light makes it magical; plan for some photo stops.
Free, 1h0m

9:00am

Skogafoss Waterfall

One of Iceland’s biggest and most spectacular waterfalls with a powerful flow and rainbow potential, even in December if lucky with sun.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Visitor Center

Learn about the famous 2010 eruption and the geology of this active volcano nearby.
ISK1500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gamla Fjósið

Traditional Icelandic dishes served in a cozy former cowshed near Skogafoss waterfall.
ISK3500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Continue to Vik and explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Dramatic basalt columns and sea stacks on this black sand beach, a must-see on the south coast.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive back to Reykjavik

Return to Reykjavik for dinner and rest.
Included, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)

Upscale dining with Icelandic meats and seafood in an elegant setting, perfect for a winter night.
ISK7000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in South Coast

Day 4: Glacier Adventure

Vatnajökull and Jokulsarlon, Iceland on December 4, 2025

5:30am

Very Early Breakfast or Grab-To-Go

Quick breakfast or takeaway coffee and snacks to start the long day of exploration early.
ISK1000, 30m

6:00am

Drive to Vatnajökull National Park

Head southeast to the largest glacier in Europe with stunning winter scenery and glacier hiking opportunities.
Included, 5h0m

11:00am

Glacier Hiking or Ice Cave Tour

Book a guided tour to explore glacier ice caves or hike safely on the Vatnajökull glacier; must be done with a guide for safety.
ISK15000, 3h0m

3:00pm

Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Famous iceberg-filled lagoon where you can also see seals; unforgettable in winter with ice and snow reflecting light.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Drive back toward Reykjavik, overnight near Selfoss or Reykjavik

Stop along the way to break up the return journey, ideally in Selfoss if not Reykjavik yet.
Included, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tryggvaskáli Restaurant in Selfoss

Comforting dishes featuring Icelandic ingredients, perfect after a long day of adventure.
ISK4500, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Vatnajökull and Jokulsarlon

Day 5: Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik

Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon, Iceland on December 5, 2025

9:00am

Relaxed Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start the day after recent busy adventures.
ISK1200, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Blue Lagoon

Drive to the iconic geothermal spa for a rejuvenating soak in warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by lava fields; open daily from 8am to 10pm.
ISK9000, 3h0m

2:00pm

Return to Reykjavik

Head back to Reykjavik city centre for the afternoon.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Reykjavik Museums or Shopping

Visit the National Museum of Iceland or shop for souvenirs downtown; museums open generally 10am-5pm.
ISK2500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Kol Restaurant

Celebrate your Iceland trip with creative Icelandic cuisine in a warm atmosphere.
ISK7000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon

Day 6: Optional Reykjavik Day

Reykjavik, Iceland on December 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kaffibarinn

Popular and cozy cafe offering great coffee and pastries to start your day.
ISK1200, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Perlan Museum and Wonders of Iceland Exhibition

Interactive exhibitions about Icelandic nature including a man-made ice cave; museum open 10am-6pm.
ISK3000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Saegreifinn (The Sea Baron)

Enjoy famous lobster soup and fresh seafood at this harbor-side eatery.
ISK3000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Optional Shopping or Relax in Town

Use your last afternoon to pick up souvenirs or relax in Reykjavik cafes before departure.
Varies, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Reykjavik
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