Iceland Overland | Arctic Winter Edition
- Scandinavia
Durations
13 Days
Difficulty
Challenging, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
The journey begins in Reykjavik with city exploration before embarking on the classic Golden Circle route, visiting Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. The trip continues along the South Coast to majestic waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the glacier region of Skaftafell, including guided glacier hikes. Ice cave exploration and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon highlight the Höfn region.
A buffer day allows flexibility for winter weather, followed by a scenic drive through the Eastfjords and the geothermal Myvatn area with its volcanic craters and mud pots. The route then takes travelers across North to West Iceland, exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The final day includes a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavik for departure. The itinerary balances adventure, photography, and cultural immersion, with multiple opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km (Airport to city)
- Focus: Arrival, car pickup, and city immersion.
- Arrive at Keflavik Airport (KEF), transfer to Reykjavik accommodation. Settle in and spend the day exploring Reykjavik’s iconic church for panoramic city views, walking along the waterfront, and discovering the lively downtown area.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~250 km
- Time Taken: Full day with sightseeing
- Terrain: Well-maintained paved roads.
- Begin the road trip on the essential Golden Circle route. At Þingvellir National Park, see the rift between continents dusted in snow. Witness the steam from Geysir contrast with the cold air, and see the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, likely adorned with spectacular ice formations
- Night Stay: Hella / Selfoss area.
- Distance Covered: ~150 km
- Time Taken: 5-7 hours with stops
- Terrain: Route 1 (Ring Road), paved.
- Journey along the South Coast to see its famous waterfalls in their winter glory. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss may be partially frozen, creating stunning ice sculptures. Visit the iconic Reynisfjara black sand beach, where black sand and white snow create a stark, beautiful contrast.
- Night Stay: Vík area.
- Skaftafell & Glacier Hiking.
- Drive to Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Today’s main activity is a guided glacier hike on an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier. Equipped with crampons and an ice axe, you’ll safely explore the crevasses and formations of the ancient ice, learn about the fragile ecosystem. In the evening, find a dark spot to hunt for the Northern Lights.
- Night Stay: Skaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
- Distance Covered: ~120 km
- Time Taken: 3-4 hours drive, plus activity time
- Terrain: Route 1 (Ring Road), paved.
- This is the prime season for ice caves. Take a guided super jeep tour to explore a natural crystal blue ice cave beneath the Vatnajökull glacier. Afterwards, visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, where the icy scene is often more dramatic in the low winter light (Note: Ice caves are seasonal, typically accessible Oct-Mar).
- Night Stay: Höfn area.
- Distance Covered: Variable
- Focus: Flexibility for weather or deeper exploration.
- This day is a crucial buffer for winter travel. Use it to catch up if weather has caused delays, or if clear skies present a perfect opportunity for daytime photography of the glaciers. It can also be used for a more relaxed drive to Höfn, with plenty of stops to enjoy the icy landscape.
- Night Stay: Höfn area.
- Distance Covered: ~250 km
- Time Taken: 6-8 hours
- Warning: This route is subject to weather closures.
- A challenging but rewarding drive through the snow-dusted Eastfjords. (Note: Road conditions must be checked carefully. In severe weather, this route may be impassable). The raw, isolated beauty of the fjords in winter is unparalleled.
- Night Stay: Egilsstaðir area.
- Distance Covered: ~170 km
Note: Road to Dettifoss is likely closed. - Drive across the highland plateau to the Myvatn region. The contrast between the snow-covered ground and the steam from the Hverir geothermal field’s fumaroles and bubbling mud pots is a fantastic sight. Explore the area’s volcanic craters.
- Night Stay: Myvatn area.
- Distance Covered: ~120 km (optional return trip)
- Focus: Local activities and aurora hunting.
- Explore more of the Myvatn area, visiting the Dimmuborgir lava formations. Whale watching from Húsavík may be possible but is highly weather-dependent. A great winter alternative is a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths. The dark skies of the north offer a prime location for Northern Lights hunting tonight.
- Night Stay: Myvatn area.
- Distance Covered: ~430 km
- Time Taken: 6-8 hours
- Terrain: Route 1, check for icy patches.
- The longest driving day, transiting from North to West Iceland through a vast winter landscape. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall, likely frozen in stunning formations. Continue past Akureyri towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, aiming to arrive before nightfall.
- Night Stay: Grundarfjörður / Stykkishólmur area.
- Distance Covered: ~200 km
- Focus: Exploring the peninsula’s iconic winter sights.
- Explore the snow-covered Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a prime spot for Northern Lights photography. Visit the dramatic cliffs of Arnarstapi and the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur. Winter whale watching tours may also be available from the peninsula.
- Night Stay: Snæfellsnes Peninsula / Borgarnes area.
- Distance Covered: ~200 km
- Focus: Geothermal spa relaxation and final city evening.
- Drive south to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by a winter landscape is a quintessential Icelandic experience (pre-booking is essential). Afterwards, return to Reykjavik for your final night.
- Night Stay: Reykjavik.
- Distance Covered: ~50 km
- Time Taken: ~45 minutes
- Enjoy a final morning in Reykjavik before driving to KEF airport to return your 4×4 and depart.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
