Experience true Nordic winter with these Iceland and Canada tours!

About Tour

Spend a whole week exploring the untouched wilderness and round it out with a day dedicated to the longest ice tunnel in the world. 

You can choose between two packages:

  • Standard Package: Includes all sightseeing and accommodations without additional activities.
  • Adventure Package: Everything in the Standard option, plus a glacier hike or ice cave tour and a whale-watching excursion!

Spend your vacation exploring the landmarks around the famous Ring Road - a sightseeing circle around the country. Explore the Golden Circle's geological formations, the South Coast's natural wonders, the Northern region of Lake Mývatn, and much more! To finish it off with the one-of-a-kind Langjökull ice tunnel.

Highlights

  • The Ring Road
  • Golden Circle
  • Vatnajökull Glacier
  • South Coast
  • Skaftafell National Park
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area
  • Goðafoss Waterfall
  • Langjökull Glacier Ice Tunnel
  • Crystal Ice Cave
  • Wilderness Center
  • Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
  • Whale Watching in Dalvik
  • Mývatn Nature Baths
  • Barnafoss & Hraunfossar Waterfalls
  • Icelandic Horse Farm

Included

  • Hotel room with private bathroom - 6 nights
  • Breakfast each morning at your hotel
  • Guided minibus tour
  • English-speaking guide
  • Free WiFi on the bus
  • Activities in Wilderness Center
  • Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier from April to October *Adventure package only
  • Crystal Ice Cave from October to April *Adventure package only
  • Whale Watching in Dalvík *Adventure package only

What to bring

  • Warm layers
  • Waterproof top layer
  • Headwear
  • Gloves
  • Scarves
  • Hiking boots
  • Camera
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel

Tour Snapshot

Availability All year
Duration 7 days
Departs From Reykjavik
Difficulty Easy Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Minimum age 6 yrs (standard) / 8 yrs (adventure)
Group maximum 18 people
Meet on Location No
Pick Up Yes

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  • Small Group Experience
  • Expert Guides
  • Free Wifi
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • No Booking Fees
  • Fast & secure payment

Activities included in the Adventure Package

  • Glacier hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (Apr-Oct)
  • Crystal Ice Cave visit (Oct-Apr)
  • Whale watching in Dalvík

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Adventure Package

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Itinerary

Pack your sense of adventure because this journey covers it all. Down south, you'll be awed by glaciers, black sand beaches, and thundering waterfalls. To the east, the rugged fjords and wild beauty pull you in. Then it's north, where geothermal hot spots bubble and whale sightings might just make your day. And as you head west, dramatic coastlines and volcanic craters set the scene. 

Buckle up—this is Iceland like you've never seen it before!

We begin in Reykjavik at around 8:00 AM, picking you up from your selected location. Our first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded. Next, we drive to the Geysir Geothermal Area, where Strokkur, the active geyser, shoots boiling water up to 98 ft (30 m) into the air every few minutes.

Completing the Golden Circle, we visit Gullfoss Waterfall, which plunges 104 ft (32 m) into a canyon fed by the meltwaters of Langjökull Glacier. From here, we travel along Iceland's South Coast, stopping at the picturesque Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, unique for its behind-the-water path. Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, follows, known for its powerful 196 ft (60 m) drop and the occasional rainbow arching through its mist.

The day ends with a stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach, famous for its basalt columns and dramatic ocean views near Vik town.

You'll spend the night at a cozy country hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, with the chance to glimpse the Northern Lights during the winter months.

Day Highlights
  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Geysir and Strokkur Geysers
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
Included
  • Guided minibus tour
  • Visits to the Golden Circle highlights
  • Sightseeing on the South Coast
  • Hotel accommodation for the night (Kirkjubæjarklaustur area)
Accommodation
Adventure Hotel Geirland
or similar hotel.
Iceberg in lagoon by huge glacier in Iceland

After breakfast, we head along the stunning South Coast toward Skaftafell Park and Vatnajökull National Park. Get ready to step onto the ice for a glacier hike, available as part of the Adventure Package. Our guide will take you onto one of the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, where you'll explore stunning ice formations and learn about the glacier's constantly shifting nature.

Glacier hikes are offered from April to October, while from mid-October to May, you'll visit a naturally formed glacial ice cave instead. These activities depend on weather and accessibility.

Your glacier adventure continues at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs break off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift across the meltwater. The ice eventually washes up on the nearby Diamond Beach, where it sparkles against the black sand—an unforgettable sight. Your experiences today will be truly one of a kind.

We’ll spend the night in the peaceful region of Southeast Iceland, where your guide can help you spot the Northern Lights in winter.

Day Highlights
  • Vatnajökull National Park
  • Crystal Ice Cave (Oct-Apr)
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • The Diamond Beach
  • Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
Included
  • Breakfast at a hotel
  • Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (Apr - Oct) *Adventure package only
  • Visit to Crystal Ice Cave (Oct - April) *Adventure package only
  • Certified glacier guide
  • Specialized glacier gear
  • Visit to Jökulsarlón and the Diamond Beach
  • One night at a guesthouse or hotel
Accommodation
Adventure Hotel Hof
or similar

As we leave the South Coast behind, we explore the rugged beauty of Iceland’s East Fjords, one of the country's most untouched regions. We travel to the delightful fishing village of Djúpivogur, home to just 500 people. You will see the famous Eggin of Gleðivík sculpture by Sigurður Guðmundsson, known as "The Eggs of Merry Bay." This granite artwork features 34 eggs, representing the bird species that nest in the area.

You'll have some time to explore the village and get a feel for traditional Icelandic life before we continue our journey along the beautiful Berufjörður Fjord and head towards the town of Egilsstaðir. According to legends, the nearby lake of Lagarfljót is home to a giant worm. While sightings are mythical, the surrounding beauty is genuine. 

Later, we’ll spend the rest of the day at the remote Wilderness Center, a historic location on the edge of Iceland’s Highlands. Here, you can enjoy outdoor activities, explore exhibitions on highland living, and learn about Icelandic history at the on-site museum. Afterward, relax in the traditional hot tub or sauna and settle in for the night in cozy historic buildings, enjoying locally sourced meals.

If conditions are favorable, your guide may offer tips on spotting the Northern Lights between September and April.

Day Highlights
  • Djúpivogur Fishing Village
  • The town of Egilsstaðir
  • The Wilderness Center
  • Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
Included
  • Hotel breakfast
  • Guided minibus tour in East Fjords
  • Visit to the fishing village of Djúpvogur
  • Free access to Wilderness Museum
  • One-night hotel accommodation
Accommodation
Wilderness Center
or similar
Studlagil canyon of basalt columns by blue river

We start our day early with a visit to the impressive Stuðlagil Canyon*, aiming to arrive ahead of the crowds for a peaceful experience. Submerged by the Jökla River for decades, the attraction was only discovered a few years ago.

Next, we head to Námaskarð, a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pots, sulfuric steam, and a surreal, lunar-like landscape. The vibrant colors and steamy environment make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

As we continue, we pass through the Lake Mývatn region, with its captivating volcanic scenery filled with craters, lava formations, and hot springs. Here, we’ll stop at the Mývatn Nature Baths, known as the “Blue Lagoon of the North.” If you like, you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, naturally heated by deep volcanic activity (optional extra).

Next, the great lava fields of Dimmuborgir await us. Translated to “Dark City,” the magma formations create an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere that sparked multiple folklore stories. Legend says that giants built them. Fun fact: these unique formations even appeared in the epic Game of Thrones series.

We move on to the mighty falls of Goðafoss Waterfall for one-of-a-kind views. Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” these crescent-shaped falls hold a special place in Icelandic history. Your guide will tell you about the meaning and story behind the name.

In the evening, we will arrive at our accommodations in Akureyri, the capital of the North. If you haven’t yet caught the Northern Lights, be sure to take a walk around town and keep your eyes on the sky!

*Winter weather and road conditions may prevent us from visiting Stuðlagil Canyon, but we'll make sure to plan thrilling alternatives. Safety comes first, and we appreciate your flexibility!

Day Highlights
  • Stuðlagil Canyon
  • Lake Mývatn Region
  • Myvatn Nature Baths (optional extra)
  • Námaskarð Geothermal Area
  • Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
  • Goðafoss Waterfall
  • Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
Included
  • Hotel breakfast
  • Guided minibus tour to all highlights
  • One-night hotel accommodation (Akureyri area)
Accommodation
Berjaya Akureyri Hotel
or similar
Boat tour to watch whales in Iceland

Today’s journey takes us from the streets of Akureyri to the fishing villages along Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. On the way, you’ll notice the peaceful hamlets dotting the shores, each relying on fishing as its primary source of income. 

Our destination is Dalvík, one of the top spots in Iceland for whale watching. Once we arrive in town, it’s time for an exciting whale-watching boat tour (part of the Adventure Package). You’ll board a ship and sail out into the waters around Eyjafjörður, looking for humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins leaping through the endless blue.

After leaving Dalvík, we continue our journey with unmatchable views of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula to the vibrant village of Siglufjörður, Iceland's northernmost town. It once thrived as Iceland's herring capital! The harbor here is stunning, surrounded by colorful, corrugated iron houses and historic wooden buildings from the town’s herring industry days.

We continue our sightseeing journey through the scenic Northwest, eventually arriving in Laugarbakki. You’ll stay at a charming country hotel for the night. From September to April, if the skies are clear, your guide might give some pointers on where to look for the Northern Lights.

Day Highlights
  • Akureyri (Capital of the North)
  • Whale Watching from Dalvík
  • Scenic drive along Trollaskagi Peninsula
  • Siglufjörður Fishing Village
  • Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
Included
  • Breakfast at a hotel
  • 3-hour Whale Watching sail tour *Adventure package only
  • Akureyri & Eyjafjörður Fjord
  • Visit to Siglufjörður Town
  • One night at a hotel
Accommodation
Hotel Laugarbakki
or similar

Today, we’ll explore West Iceland, an area recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top destinations.

We’ll kick off the day with a hike up Grábrók Crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic formation standing 170 meters (558 feet) tall. Afterward, we’ll head to the Borgarfjörður region, where we'll visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The geothermal giant provides heat for homes across the island, with pipelines extending for miles to towns like Borgarnes and Akranes. 

Our journey continues to Reykholt, a historic site where Snorri Sturluson, the famous Icelandic historian, poet, and saga writer, once lived. You can see Snorralaug, the hot spring pool where Snorri is said to have bathed. Next, you will explore Barnafoss (Children’s Waterfall) and the beautiful Hraunfossar, a wide waterfall where the water flows straight from the lava field.

Breaking away from nature, we will stop at Sturlureykir farm, where you can meet, pet, and take photos with Icelandic horses!

Returning to the Ring Road, we’ll spend the night at Borgarnes, a peaceful fishing town that marks the border between the Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes peninsulas. If the skies are clear, you might be lucky to glimpse the green, blue, and purple shades dancing in the sky!

Day Highlights
  • Hiking up Grábrók Volcano Crater
  • Borgarfjörður Fjord
  • Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
  • Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
  • Reykholt Town
  • Icelandic Horse Farm
  • Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
Included
  • Hotel breakfast
  • Guided minibus tour
  • Visits to the highlights of Borgarfjörður
  • Visit to the historic site of Reykholt
  • One night hotel accommodation (Borgarnes)
Accommodation
Hotel Borgarnes
or similar
Woman walking in long ice tunnel under ground

On the final day of our grand adventure, we’ll reach the heart of Iceland’s second-largest glacier! After saying goodbye to the beautiful Borgarnes, we’ll embark on a scenic drive toward Langjökull Glacier. As we get closer, we’ll hop into specially modified glacier vehicles that will take us right to the entrance of this massive ice cap.

Your guide will share the fascinating creation story of the ice tunnel, with insights not just about Langjökull but glaciers in general. Once we arrive, you’ll step into the world’s largest ice tunnel. As you walk through the winding tunnels and various sections, you’ll gain a whole new perspective on these majestic frozen giants. With an expert guide, learn about the glacier's history and how it formed and changed over several decades.

After this eye-opening journey into the world of ice, we’ll board the minibus for a final picturesque drive back to Reykjavík, full of awe from everything we’ve seen. We’ll return to the city in the early evening, dropping you off at your original pick-up point.

Day Highlights
  • Exploring the Langjökull Glacier’s Ice Tunnel
Included
  • Hotel breakfast
  • Guided ice tunnel excursion
  • Ride in the specially modified glacial vehicles
  • Drop-off in Reykjavik
  • We’ll pick you up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavik. Find available pickup locations here. The time of the pickup is 8 a.m. Pickup can last up to 30 minutes, so your patience is much appreciated.

  • On the seventh day of the tour, we’ll drop you off in Reykjavik at your chosen location.
  • Iceland is famous not only for its natural wonders but also for its highly unpredictable weather. You can experience all four seasons in one day! We recommend bringing warm clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. A waterproof jacket and pants will come in handy. 

  • From September to April, you can witness the Northern Lights. Your guide will show you all the best spots to see them.

  • Depending on the season, enjoy different activities. In summer, revel in the Midnight Sun and see spectacular wildlife such as puffins, Icelandic sheep, and even reindeer.
  • Myvatn Nature Baths are not included in any package and must be paid for separately as an optional extra.

  • Solo travelers are required to choose the single room supplement when booking if they want a guaranteed private room. If the single room fee is not paid, they might be roomed with another solo traveler of the same gender.

  • Sometimes, we may need to change glaciers or glacier outlets on this tour due to various reasons, including weather conditions. Glacier outlets used on this tour include Svínafellsjökull, Falljökull, and Sólheimajökull, all amazing and unique glaciers, equally as beautiful. 

  • From October to April, we replace the glacier hike with a journey through the Crystal Ice Cave.

  • Hotels can change during your trip.

  • The itinerary of this tour is subject to change due to weather conditions.

  • During the booking process, you can rent sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and pants. Please note that these items must be ordered in advance, as they are not available for rent on-site.

  • The ice cave’s look cannot be guaranteed to match the photos, as these natural formations change with the seasons, time of day, lighting, and other environmental factors. Thank you for your understanding.

FAQ

The Northern Lights are natural phenomena and we, unfortunately, cannot promise you will see them. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions.

For more information on the Northern Lights, please have a look at our Northern Lights tours.

The Northern Lights season is from late August until mid-April. However, if you want to increase your changes of seeing them, it is best to wait until the clear winter months of mid-September until March.

Iceland is known for unforeseeable weather. It is likely that you can see all 4 seasons in one day.

Dressing for that kind of weather can always be demanding, so we suggest dressing in layers. 3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended, for example, a light t-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment topped off with a waterproof windbreaker.

Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they are not suitable for the weather conditions, they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet.

Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are convenient and wear wind/waterproof pants over them. There is high UV and sunlight reflecting off on the glacier so we highly recommend using sunglasses and sunscreen even if it is cloudy.

You will need sturdy hiking boots that fit crampons for the glacier hiking tours. If you do not own a pair then we rent out suitable hiking boots as well as a waterproof raincoat and trousers.

It is good to bring your own backpack on our full-day or half-day tours. It’s the best carry-on for a small lunch, extra clothes, and other necessary items.

The scenery on the tour is full of stunning, breathtaking views that you’ll almost definitely want to capture forever, so you should definitely bring your camera along. Your tour guide will also be happy to take your photo.

This is surely a personal choice, we do not deny pregnant women on our glacier trips but we highly recommend you to take a closer look at our trip description and difficulty ratings, they will hopefully give you a better idea. We also recommend you to contact your physician, as pregnant women’s health can be quite different. If you have any further questions or concerns then feel free to contact us.

Yes, we have specially trained and certified glacier guides on every glacier tour that we offer. And for our 3rd party tours we only partner with operators that meet our quality and safety standards.

Yes, we provide you with all the necessary glacier gear for our glacier hiking tours. Ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and helmets are provided. This will help you to complete the tour safely. The minimum shoe size to attach crampons is EU 35.

We always recommend booking a multi-day tour starting at least one day after arriving in Iceland. If you’re flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour.

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

When booking with Adventures.com, you are guaranteed accommodation at a nice country hotel and/or a guesthouse. The hotels we have partnered up with are all of the same standards and offer nice rooms with made-up beds. The rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, depending on your booking. The standard room is a twin room but it’s possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge.

If you are traveling solo, you will have to add the single room fee if you wish to have a single room.

All hotels have free Wi-Fi. Towels, a hairdryer, and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels. Hotel breakfast is included!

If your tour includes accommodation, breakfast is always included during the tour at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant.

Meals and beverages are otherwise not included on your tour. (Unless it’s specifically stated in the description of the tour)

On our multiday tours, we will be making stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities.

You should count on spending around 8,000 ISK (80$) on food each day per person. Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are almost always accepted. Having a small amount of cash doesn’t hurt though.

Breakfast is included at all the hotels we stay in during the tour. The breakfast will be a typical breakfast buffet, offering bread, toppings, cereal, yogurt, fruits, coffee, and tea etc.

Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch. We always try to choose places that have a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels we stay at for the night.

We do welcome participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. We have people of ages ranging from 8-99 years joining our multi-day tours.  Our average group usually consists of participants between the age 20-55 years. We do get a lot of solo travellers joining our tours, as well as families and friends.

If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available.

A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

Don’t worry, you can always rent sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and pants in the booking process. We do not rent these items from the location, they must be ordered in advance.

We drive on average around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You will be spending approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. We do of course stop on multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks and lunch stops.

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