Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour
Winter Wonder in the Land of Glaciers & Volcanoes
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-2
Premiere Hotels
From: $6,799 - $7,449 pp dbl occ
($1,050 for sgl occ)
Iceland is awe-inspiring at any time of year. To be here in winter is like jumping into a black-and-white photo. Massive glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal wonders. Add to this the unpredictable, mesmerizing display of northern lights undulating across the arctic winter sky—we keep our fingers crossed for clear night skies giving way to those dancing lights. Embrace the chill in the air and be rewarded with Iceland's winter majesty.
Iceland
Start/End Reykjavík
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Discover the full diversity of Iceland's raw and wild landscape, where Mother Nature's drama is on full display
- Ice-walk on a glacier for an up-close perspective of glacial ice, then walk into the heart of Katla Ice Field
- Marvel at the aurora borealis in one of the world's best spots to experience the magic of the northern lights—if luck is on our side!
- Travel to a town built on a 5,000-year-old lava bed and ride in an all-terrain Super Jeep to access frozen waterfalls
Itinerary
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Travel from Reykjavík to take your first winter walk in Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage site | Explore a stunning valley in the Hengill geothermal hiking area, taking in views of frozen Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland | Hike among steam vents and boreholes in Nesjavellir Valley, witnessing firsthand the power of renewable geothermal energy.
This sleek, modern and award-winning hotel sits amid geothermal pools, near the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. (pool)
Explore Flúðir, renowned for its hot springs and greenhouses, both heated with geothermal water | Hop in the saddle for some riding on a traditional Icelandic horse | Ride aboard a private Super Jeep to explore a remote and rocky road past frozen waterfalls and snowy canyons near the active Katla Volcano | Discover hidden valleys and beaches on foot | After a day in this wintry wonderland, warm up with a relaxing soak in an outdoor geothermal hot tub.
A countryside log cabin-style resort with three geothermally heated hot tubs and views of mountains, glaciers and the Hekla Volcano. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
With ice axe in hand, don crampons for an unforgettable glacier ice walk with our local mountain guides at Sólheimajökull Glacier | Get close to the lovely Brúarfoss waterfall and admire the sky-blue waters fed by the Brúará River | Hike through the Haukadalsskógur forest, a national treasure and Iceland’s densest forest | On the Reykjanes Peninsula, walk among natural hot pools and visit the fishing village of Grindavík.
This remote retreat isn’t your average hotel—its traditional residences blend into the beautiful landscape with their living turf roofs and stone and reclaimed wooden walls.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level:
1-2
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
During this trip we hike on snow, ice or frozen ground. Iceland does not get a lot of snow but we may use ice cleats, snowshoes or hiking poles. Terrain can make the hikes seem harder or easier depending on weather and conditions of the trail. You will need ankle-supported, waterproof hiking boots.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
During this trip we hike on snow, ice or frozen ground. Iceland does not get a lot of snow but we may use ice cleats, snowshoes or hiking poles. Terrain can make the hikes seem harder or easier depending on weather and conditions of the trail. You will need ankle-supported, waterproof hiking boots.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Northern Lights
Northern lights are an incredible natural phenomenon and as such, are unpredictable. The probability of sightings is affected by weather, the phase of the moon and many other factors, so even in Iceland, sightings are not guaranteed (our experience has been 50/50). Our journey through the Land of Fire and Ice is a magical winter adventure full of the planet's most remarkable natural treasures, whether or not we're lucky enough to see the northern lights.
Cold-Weather Attire
It's not surprising that winter in a place called Iceland can be downright chilly. In order to enjoy hiking in the snow or rain, you must wear waterproof snow boots or hiking boots and waterproof breathable pants, jacket and gloves. We may walk on snow, ice or mud so your clothing should be warm enough to allow you to comfortably remain outside in at- or below-freezing conditions for 2–4 hours at a time. Layers are encouraged to help regulate body temperature during activity. If necessary, we provide ice cleats or snowshoes based on terrain conditions.
Severe Weather & Itinerary Changes
You can't have a winter wonderland without some winter weather. During your trip snow, high winds, below-freezing temperatures and hail are likely, and even rain is possible. These conditions often make the activity level feel more challenging than the original rating and may result in longer drives, shorter activities and more time spent at the hotel. Itinerary changes are quite common, so please know that if and when we encounter severe weather during the trip that causes road closures or affects our plans, your Trip Leaders will be at the ready with great alternate activities. If the possibility of shorter routes and unpredictable weather isn’t your idea of adventure, we understand, and this may not be the trip for you.
Accommodations & Meals
Luxury Iceland-style usually means modern, simple and nicely appointed buildings that prioritize location and views over plush amenities or landscaping. Please note that, due to the remoteness of our properties, breakfasts tend toward a local buffet-style affair and dinners are pre-ordered with limited-choice menus, which is simply a part of the cultural experience of Iceland.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Northern lights are an incredible natural phenomenon and as such, are unpredictable. The probability of sightings is affected by weather, the phase of the moon and many other factors, so even in Iceland, sightings are not guaranteed (our experience has been 50/50). Our journey through the Land of Fire and Ice is a magical winter adventure full of the planet's most remarkable natural treasures, whether or not we're lucky enough to see the northern lights.
It's not surprising that winter in a place called Iceland can be downright chilly. In order to enjoy hiking in the snow or rain, you must wear waterproof snow boots or hiking boots and waterproof breathable pants, jacket and gloves. We may walk on snow, ice or mud so your clothing should be warm enough to allow you to comfortably remain outside in at- or below-freezing conditions for 2–4 hours at a time. Layers are encouraged to help regulate body temperature during activity. If necessary, we provide ice cleats or snowshoes based on terrain conditions.
You can't have a winter wonderland without some winter weather. During your trip snow, high winds, below-freezing temperatures and hail are likely, and even rain is possible. These conditions often make the activity level feel more challenging than the original rating and may result in longer drives, shorter activities and more time spent at the hotel. Itinerary changes are quite common, so please know that if and when we encounter severe weather during the trip that causes road closures or affects our plans, your Trip Leaders will be at the ready with great alternate activities. If the possibility of shorter routes and unpredictable weather isn’t your idea of adventure, we understand, and this may not be the trip for you.
Luxury Iceland-style usually means modern, simple and nicely appointed buildings that prioritize location and views over plush amenities or landscaping. Please note that, due to the remoteness of our properties, breakfasts tend toward a local buffet-style affair and dinners are pre-ordered with limited-choice menus, which is simply a part of the cultural experience of Iceland.
