Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour
Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels
2025: Nov-Dec2026: Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec2027: Jan-Mar
Winter Wonder in the Land of Glaciers & Volcanoes
Winters in Iceland inspire awe. Massive glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal wonders dazzle in the moonlight, and sometimes in the glow of the northern lights.
Highlights
- Discover the full diversity of Iceland’s raw and wild landscape, where Mother Nature’s drama is on bold, unforgettable display
- Ice walk on a glacier, hike amid steam vents and mud pots, then soak and unwind in an outdoor hot tub
- Marvel at the aurora borealis in one of the world’s best spots to experience its magic—if the skies and timing are in our favor!
- 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
- Stay at hotels with breathtaking views, places that feel worlds away yet are close to plunging waterfalls, spouting geysers and lava fields
Start/End Reykjavík
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel from Reykjavík to take your first winter walk in Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage site • Explore a stunning valley in the Hengill 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.
Night 1
This sleek, modern and award-winning hotel sits amid geothermal pools, near the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. (pool)
Days 2-3
Get close to the lovely Brúarfoss waterfall and admire the sky-blue waters fed by the Brúará River • Board a private Super Jeep to explore a remote and rocky road past frozen waterfalls and snowy canyons • Discover hidden valleys and beaches on foot • Wander the beautiful wilds of Thórsmörk, the “forest of Thor” • After a day in this wintry wonderland, warm up with a relaxing soak in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by basalt rock formations.
Nights 2-3
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.
Days 4-6
With ice axe in hand, don crampons for an unforgettable glacier ice walk with our local mountain guides at Sólheimajökull Glacier • Hike through the Haukadalsskógur forest, a national treasure and Iceland’s densest forest • In the Heidmork Nature Reserve, meander past pseudocraters—wondrous landforms resembling volcanic craters—and through a vibrant spruce forest.
Nights 4-5
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.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. 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 two to four 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. We are likely to encounter snow, high winds, below-freezing temperatures and hail during your trip, 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 that causes road closures or affects our plans, your Trip Leaders will be at the ready with great alternative 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.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
*Deluxe Hotel
This sleek, modern and award-winning hotel sits amid geothermal pools, near the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn. (pool)
Nights 2-3
Premiere Hotel
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.
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
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.
Gallery
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 11 customers
First backroads trip
My husband and I didn't know what to expect. Some of the hikes were a little challenging but overall each was unique and invigorating. We absolutely loved meeting all the different people from various locations. The guides were spectacular, friendly, professional and went out of their way to make this a great experience. The premier hotels were top notch and the food was delicious
Incredible Trip Experience! 10/10 Would do again!
I hadn't really ever considered a curated, active, adventure trip before. I'm more of a "drop me off, and I'll figure it out" sort of traveler. Backroads may have changed my mind for good! The guides were amazing and personable. There was no judgement concerning hiking ability levels. The company lived up to its name on this trip. We really did visit some out of the way places that were not inundated with crowds. We certainly passed some crowds on our way to beautiful places, but we were never really stuck in a mass of people. The guides got us to the more popular areas before the masses of humanity arrived. It was really a unique experience. We were always prepared for the terrain and conditions on every outing. I couldn't help but to notice that wasn't the case for the massive people mover tours. Our small group was intimate, and we all got to know each other quite well, I think. I will certainly carry the memories I made on this trip with me for the rest of my life. I will also recommend the experience to everyone I talk to about it.
Wonderful Iceland
exceeded our expectations. Though wet and wind blown at times, we are sporting a smile in every picture we took.
Iceland is magical!
Contagious enthusiasm from our leaders, every experience is different (just like Iceland). Hard to believe all that we experienced in six days from waterfall hikes, horseback riding, glacier hike, ice caves to walking lava rocks with warm steam still spilling through the rocks. Just the best!
Iceland left me awestruck!
What an amazing adventure! Iceland is simply stunning, beautiful views and warm people around every corner. Our leaders are what made the trip truly exceptional. They had so much knowledge, passion, and love for the country to share with us. We made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!
Iceland in winter with BackRoads is spectacular
Honestly, a perfect experience even though the weather caused delays and cancellations. The trip leaders kept spirits high and the group bonded playing games indoors when weather precluded the previously planned activities. Iceland is so unique & every hike we did was gorgeous. Snow showing & horseback riding were also special. Food & hotels were top notch & we also enjoyed the hot springs & sauna at most locations.
Winter Experience
I had the chance to see the area in winter that I saw a few summers ago. Iceland in winter is wonderful! Beautiful snow, chilly winds sometimes and pictures that look like bright black & white. The leaders were enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. The variety of terrain and the proper footwear to handle it was always available. The hotels were beautiful and welcoming after a day outside. There is no guarantee but we did get to see the Northern Lights! The activities were so much fun, from climbing up to sliding down, riding a horse and seeing the black sand beaches. An excellent week!
Fantastic adventure, great people
Iceland is beautiful, the leaders are amazing, and the trip really could not have been better. One of the best trips I have taken in a very long time.
Shout out for Yoga
We were told that our Iceland trip was the first Backroads' trip to include Yoga. The inaugural trip! Katrin did an excellent job as yoga instructor for all of us at different levels. Her passion for yoga was contagious to all of us that participated. She made it seem easy. My spouse, who was reluctant to join in on yoga is now convinced that he wants to make it part of his regular fitness routine. Thank you Backroads. PS. Also a shout out to Laura and Cesar who were great trip leaders and all of the Viking glacier guides we met along the way.
Very first experience with adventure travel and we loved it
I am very serious when I say the trip leaders, Carmen and Drew made this the best vacation ever.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
