3-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik, Reykjavik

About this activity

Discover the best of Iceland in winter on this unforgettable Northern Lights Hunt, designed to showcase the country’s most iconic sights while maximising your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Travel along the famous Golden Circle, visit powerful waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, explore the dramatic black sand beaches of the South Coast, and marvel at the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

The tour is carefully planned to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Along the way, enjoy comfortable accommodation, scenic drives through ever-changing winter landscapes, and fascinating insights into Iceland’s nature and culture. This tour is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Northern Lights Additional fees Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 3 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 25 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Snaeland Travel

Ages: Adults (12–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Accommodation in Vík area with private bathroom for 2 nights
Included: Breakfast at the hotel
Included: Visit the greenhouse at Friðheimar Geothermal Farm
Included: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a nearby bus stop
Included: Expert guidance from a professional local guide

Not included

Not included: Accommodation in Reykjavík
Not included: Meals other than breakfast at the hotel
Not included: Bathing at the Blue Lagoon

Itinerary

Day 1 · The Golden Circle

Reykjavik

30 min

Pickup at your hotel in Reykjavik. On this day we will drive along the famous Golden Circle of South Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park

2 hours Admission included

Our first stop is Thingvellir where the forces of the Great Atlantic Rift are clearly visible. This is where the North American and European tectonic plates drift apart at a rate of 2-6 cm per year. Thingvellir is also the place where the ancient Icelandic parliament was established in 930.
Geysir

2 hours

Then we head to the Geysir hot spring area, home to the famous Geysir hot spring from which all other geysers take their name. Geysir is no longer active, but another hot spring, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes.
Fridheimar

one hour Admission included

Continue to Friðheimar, a unique geothermal greenhouse where you'll see how tomatoes and other plants are grown year-round using sustainable energy.
Gullfoss Falls

2 hours

Then, marvel at Gullfoss, the majestic golden waterfall, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and powerful cascades.
Vik

one hour

We then drive to our accommodation near the town of Vik, where we will stay for 2 nights.

Hunt for the Northern Lights in the evening. This excursion depends on the weather and aurora activity on the day and could be postponed to the second night in the countryside.

Hótel Katla or similar

Day 2 · White Glaciers and Black Sands

Jokulsarlon

3 hours

We head east, along the southern shore, to the unique Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The Lagoon developed around 60 years ago with a continuous process of calving and falling icebergs from the glacier tongue Breiðamerkurjökull. These icebergs are seen in two shades: milky white and bright blue, an interplay of light and ice crystals.

The Lagoon is filled with fishes that drift in from the sea along with the tides. Seals gather in large numbers at the mouth of the Lagoon to catch the fish during winter, which is a sight to be seen.
Diamond Beach

one hour

Located nearby, visit the Diamond Beach, renowned for its stunning black sand covered with sparkling icebergs that have washed ashore. These icebergs, originating from the glacier lagoon, create a breathtaking contrast against the dark volcanic sand, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The ever-changing landscape of ice fragments glistening in the sunlight provides a unique and mesmerizing experience.
Vatnajokull National Park

3 hours

On the return journey, travel through the stunning Vatnajökull National Park. This vast protected area is home to Europe’s largest glacier, dramatic mountain peaks, and powerful waterfalls cascading into deep valleys. The landscape is shaped by both ice and fire, with signs of ancient volcanic activity visible amid the lush green vegetation and glacial rivers. It’s a place where Iceland’s raw natural forces come together to create truly breathtaking scenery.
Vik

one hour

Overnight stay in a hotel near the village of Vík

Hótel Katla or similar

Day 3 · Volcanoes and Waterfalls

Reynisfjara Beach

one hour Admission included

On this day, we will enjoy a ride along the south coast of Iceland. This coastal road offers views of glacier tongues, waterfalls, rugged hills, black sand beaches, and its famous volcanoes. We visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara to view the geological formation and the smashing waves. Be careful not to step too close as the waves can be dangerous.
Skogafoss

one hour

Next, stop and admire the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall. Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most iconic waterfalls, located on the Skógá River in the south of the country. It plunges 60 metres (200 feet) over a rocky cliff, creating a powerful and picturesque cascade. On sunny days, the spray from Skógafoss often produces vivid rainbows, adding to its natural beauty and making it a popular destination for visitors and photographers alike.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall

one hour

Next we stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Here you can walk behind the waterfall but dress well, as the water mist behind the waterfall can make you wet.
Blue Lagoon

3 hours Admission not included

The final highlight before getting back to Reykjavik is the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is on the National Geographic list of 25 wonders of the world, claiming it is a geothermal gift of nature. Enjoy soaking in the mineral-rich water with its fine silica mud experience (this is an optional extra).
Reykjavik

one hour

Late afternoon arrival back at your hotel in Reykjavík. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in your capital.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Pick-up begins 30 minutes before the tour departure time.

Due to traffic restrictions in the city centre, your pick-up point may not be directly outside your hotel.

If your accommodation is not listed as a pick-up option, please ask your hotel where the nearest designated pick-up point is. Alternatively, you can message us via Viator—we’ll be happy to advise you on the closest available pick-up location.

All our vehicles are easily recognisable, displaying the distinctive Snæland Travel logo and a sign in the window with the tour name.

There are no luggage limitations on our tours!

Using your ticket

Please note that this ticket/voucher is only a confirmation receipt. We will send you the actual ticket/voucher separately, which will include full details about pickup times and locations.

Kindly be aware that in many cases, we are unable to collect passengers directly from their hotel due to city regulations. You may be required to go to a designated pickup point (commonly referred to as a bus stop). This information will be clearly stated on the voucher we send you.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 6 days before	100%
At least 2 days before	50%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meals: Not included except for daily breakfast at your accommodation. However, your guide will make regular stops at convenient locations where you can enjoy lunch and dinner, whether at local restaurants, cafés, or service stations. A main meal in Iceland typically costs between ISK 2,500–4,500, depending on the venue and choice of dish.