Iceland Northern Lights Escape: Vatnajökull & the South Coast – 6 Days
The Golden Circle, a glacier hike and nights in the countryside for the aurora, in a group of up to twelve.
Tour overview
This 6-day trip chases the Northern Lights along Iceland's south coast, staying in the countryside away from city lights. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than twelve, in a private minibus. You stay five nights in guesthouses, farm stays and hotels, with breakfast daily.
From Reykjavik you follow the Golden Circle to Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, then head east to Iceland's biggest waterfalls.
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You hike on Vatnajökull, Europe's biggest ice cap, with a glacier guide and see the icebergs of Jökulsárlón, then return via Vík and Seljalandsfoss, looking skyward each clear night for the aurora.
The physical rating is medium. This trip suits travellers who want an active winter break with the best chance of the Northern Lights.
Trip highlights
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The Golden Circle (Day 2)
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South coast waterfalls (Day 3)
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A glacier hike on Vatnajökull (Day 4)
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Jökulsárlón (Day 4)
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Vík (Day 4)
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Northern Lights hunting each clear night
Your route
10 stops from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Reykjavik Days 1 & 5–6
- Thingvellir National Park Day 2
- Geysir Day 2
- Gullfoss Waterfall Day 2
- Hvolsvollur Day 2
- Skógafoss Day 3
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Day 3
- Gerði Day 3
- Vik Day 4
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Day 5
Why choose this tour
Countryside stays for the Northern Lights. A guided glacier hike.
Best suited to
- Northern Lights seekers
- Active travellers
- Winter lovers
- Solo travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
6 days from Reykjavik, Iceland to Reykjavik, Iceland
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Day 1 · Reykjavik Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Hvolsvöllur Golden Circle
The Golden Circle.
- Hotel
- Guesthouse
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Skógafoss, Gerði South coast
Big waterfalls.
- Hotel
- Guesthouse
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Vatnajökull, Jökulsárlón, Vík Vatnajökull
A glacier hike.
- Hotel
- Guesthouse
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Seljalandsfoss, Reykjavik Reykjavik
Back to the capital.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Reykjavik Reykjavik
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Reykjavik (1 night) Hotel
- Hvolsvöllur (1 night) Guesthouse
- Gerði (1 night) Guesthouse
- Vík (1 night) Guesthouse
- Reykjavik (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 5 nights in guesthouses and hotels
- Meals 5 breakfasts
- Private minibus with Wi-Fi
- Golden Circle sightseeing
- Guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull
- Northern Lights hunting
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 4 lunches and 5 dinners
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You dislike cold weather
- You want luxury hotels
- You want most meals included
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £1,373 per person, twin share, tour only. 129 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need a visa for Iceland?
No, UK citizens can visit Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity, so they cannot be guaranteed, but the tour visits in the best season and away from city lights.
How hard is the glacier hike?
A moderate guided walk with crampons on the ice, suitable for most fit travellers.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast daily.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement may be available; otherwise solo travellers share with someone of the same gender.
How many people travel together?
No more than twelve travellers, with a local leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary