North Iceland in winter is renowned for its abundant snowfall and dark nights, perfect for enjoying the Northern Lights. Welcome to a region where, during the winter, time stands still and silence accompanies your travels. Enjoy beautiful days exploring snow-covered landscapes and icy waterfalls before returning to the comfort of cozy hotels and enjoying the pools and hot springs. Your 4×4, a must-have this season, will take you through the various northern villages from Akureyri to the Eyjafjörður fjord, ending in the magical region of Lake Mývatn.
N.B.: This trip to Iceland is an individual tailor-made tour, to be personalized with our Iceland specialist advisors.
The route
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Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a vibrant city known for its unique blend of modern culture and natural beauty. Located on the southwest coast, it offers stunning views of mountains and the sea.
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Step 2
Akureyri
Akureyri is the country's second-largest urban area. Known as the "Capital of the North," it is surrounded by stunning fjords and mountains. Akureyri offers a charming small-town atmosphere with vibrant cultural spots, botanical gardens, and easy access to natural wonders like waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.
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Step 3
Mývatn
Mývatn is a volcanic lake in northern Iceland, surrounded by unique geological formations and hot springs. The area is famous for its rich birdlife and stunning landscapes.
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Step 4
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a vibrant city known for its unique blend of modern culture and natural beauty. Located on the southwest coast, it offers stunning views of mountains and the sea.
Arrive in the morning at Keflavik International Airport, then enjoy a collective transfer to Reykjavík with our transfer service. Once in the city, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace in the world’s northernmost capital.
Observing northern lights is simple for travellers with a car! We will tell you how to read the aurora forecast in your roadbook. You must check the weather forecast and the northern light KP index. If the sky is clear and the KP index high, just step out of your accommodation, far from any light pollution and look up to the sky. There is no specific place in Iceland to admire northern lights but when they appear, you just enjoy the show!
Night in Reykjavík. Breakfast included.
Day 2
Exploring Akureyri and the North
Orange lighthouse near Akureyri
After a short domestic transfer within Reykjavík, board your flight to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and begin your northern adventure.
Nestled at the base of a scenic fjord, Akureyri combines small-town charm with a lively cultural scene. Take time to explore its museums, artisan shops, and cozy cafés — or unwind in its iconic geothermal swimming pool, a local favourite especially on crisp, snowy days.
If you’re eager for nature, head further up the fjord to Hauganes or Dalvik, where sea excursions offer the chance to spot whales in their natural habitat. Or venture eastward to the peaceful village of Grenivik, where horseback riding along rugged coastal paths awaits.
Night in Akureyri area. Breakfast included.
Day 3
The Geothermal Power of Mývatn
Hverfjall crater
From Akureyri, you head further east as you continue onto the Godafoss waterfall before heading to Mývatn. In Mývatn, which is home to some of the most surprising and interesting geological and geothermal manifestations in Iceland, you will find a large variety of bird life and odd lava formations that includes pseudo-craters and explosion craters, recent lava fields and bubbling mud pools … Here, you also can relax in an outdoor geothermal pool.
Night in Mývatn area. Breakfast included.
Day 4
Echoes of Ice and Fire
Myvatn geothermal infrastructure
Explore the Lake Mývatn region, there are many walking paths and activities available in the Lake Mývatn area and don´t forget, the possibility to relax in the geothermal spa.
If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, consider a drive along the “Diamond Circle” to reach Húsavík, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbýrgi canyon, and the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall, if weather conditions allow. In winter, the Mývatn area becomes a playground for snowy excursions: snowmobile rides, snowshoe hikes, dog sledding, or even horseback riding across the frozen lake. For the bold, a super jeep tour to Dettifoss offers a thrilling way to witness Iceland’s raw winter power.
Night in Mývatn area. Breakfast included.
Day 5
The Waterfall of the Gods
Godafoss waterfall
Begin your day with a final exploration of the remarkable Lake Mývatn region, taking in its last bursts of geothermal activity and surreal volcanic landscapes. Then, set off westward once again, with a stop at the iconic Goðafoss waterfall, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods”, whose elegant curtain of water is steeped in legend and beauty.
You’ll then arrive in Akureyri, after a stroll or a warm drink in one of its cosy cafés, it’s time to return your rental car at the airport before boarding your domestic flight back to Reykjavík. Upon arrival, a short transfer brings you back into the city, where your Icelandic journey continues.
Night in Reykjavík. Breakfast included.
Day 6
Last day in Iceland
Puffin
Collective transfer from your accommodation to Keflavik International Airport in time for check-in and your flight home. If you have an afternoon flight, you can enjoy our beautiful capital city of Reykjavik.
For this road trip, we’ve selected charming countryside hotels and traditional farm stays, all with private bathrooms, made-up beds and breakfast included. Many of them also offer dinner on-site, so you can relax after a day on the road without needing to head out again.
In winter, these accommodations are particularly well-suited for northern lights hunters, some even have outdoor hot tubs or offer a night-time wake-up service if the aurora appears.
If you’re after something a bit more upscale, Iceland now boasts a growing range of boutique and luxury hotels. Just let us know during the quote stage and we’ll be happy to tailor your stay.
If a 6-day trip seems too short, one or more extension days won’t go amiss if you’d like to take time to visit regions slightly off the main itinerary, free up time for as many activities and excursions as possible (dog-sledding, whale-watching, hiking, spas and more), or simply inject a healthy dose of idleness into your vacation!
Let’s plan your activities during that stay in the north, to be sure you will not miss on the best of the north.