Jokulsarlon & Auroras
A classic winter tour in Iceland that covers all the major highlights like The Golden Circle, Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Black Sand Beach, The Blue Lagoon, Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, Skaftafell National Park, Waterfalls and Glaciers. On clear winter nights you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Experience more of Iceland, away from the crowds and closer to nature
We adjust this tour a bit to each season, weather and snow conditions – and to your needs and wishes the best we can.
Itinerary for the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Tour
Day 1: Arrival in KEF airport and transfer to Reykjavik
Depending on arrival time, we may have time for some activities, such as a private guided tour around Reykjavik, or go directly from the airport to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak after the flight.
Optional activities: Blue Lagoon
Accommodation: Hotel in Reykjavik
Day 2: Golden Circle + Glacier and Snowmobile Tour
Departure from Reykjavik to Thingvellir where the oldest parliament in world was founded and you can see the tectonic plate boundaries. After Thingvellir we cross the road of Lyngdalsheidi towards Geysir and Gullfoss where we stop for lunch. Seeing the geyser Strokkur spout boiling water 25-30 m high in the air is a fantastic nature experience and the Geysir area has numerous other hot springs. After seeing Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Gullfoss, up close and listening to its roaring thunder as it cascades 32 meters down the mighty glacial river Hvita, we drive a mountain track to Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjokull, where you have the option of renting a snowmobile to blaze across the white plains of the glacier.
On our way the hotel we make a short photo stop at the Crater Lake Kerid.
After dinner, if the weather is on our side, you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights since the hotel is away from the city lights. If not, we will have the next few days to try to see them.
Optional activities: Snowmobile ride on Langjokull glacier, dual ride. You can also upgrade to a single ride.
Accommodation: Hotel in south Iceland near Hvolsvollur
Day 3: South Shore & Glacier Walk
We will start the day by travelling south towards Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano that erupted so memorably in 2010. You visit Seljalandsfoss, one of the taller waterfalls in Iceland, a small path will take you behind the waterfall to enjoy a different view of it. A short drive east is Skogarfoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland which offers a spectacular view. Next we visit Solheimajokull glacier outlet where you have the option of taking a walk with crampons on the glacier with an experience glacier guide, to explore the blue ice and crevices – which is a fun adventure.
We will explore the black sand beach off road and go to Dyrholaey peninsula which forms an arc into the ocean and from where you can view Reynisdrangar, strange lava formations that stand out from the sea, as well as the surrounding countryside and Myrdalsjokull glacier from ground level. After an adventurous day we will drive to our hotel and enjoy a nice dinner. If the there is a clear sky we may be able to see the Northern Lights.
Optional activities: Glacier Walk on Solheimajokull glacier.
Accommodation: Hotel near Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Day 4: Skaftafell & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
From Kirkjubaejarklaustur we travel east along Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe and we will stop at Jokulsarlon (Glacial Lagoon), one of Iceland’s most spectacular destinations. There is a boat ride offered on the lagoon to explore the enormous floating icebergs in the blue water. In winter time there is a chance that there is too much ice in the water for the boat ride. If so, you can still see and photograph the spectacular icebergs in the lagoon from the shore. There’s a small cafeteria by Jokulsarlon where we can enjoy lunch before heading back west to Skaftafell national park which is renowned for its beauty. The driver guides will show you the best places to go, such as Svartifoss (black waterfall) which runs from a black basalt rock, Svinafellsjokull where Game of Thrones and Batman Begins where partly filmed.
Optional activities: Boat ride on Jokulsarlon glacier.
Accommodation: Hotel near Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Day 5: Thorsmork Nature Reserve & Eyjafjallajokull
This day we will explore Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which erupted in 2010 and changed the surrounding landscape forever. We will explore both sides of the volcano and exploring the effects the eruption had on nearby areas, especially the glacier itself.
Our strong and reliable Super Jeep will take you up to Gigjokull glacier and cross unbrigded rivers into Thorsmork valley, to see the ashy Eyjafjallajokull from different perspectives. After an adventurous volcano day we head back to Reykjavik
Accommodation: Hotel in Reykjavik
Day 6: Departure
We can arrange for a private transfer to take you to the airport in time for your flight.
If your departure is in late afternoon, you can either explore the city on your own or with a private city tour. If you didn’t have time for the Blue Lagoon on arrival day, we can make the trip today before the private taxi takes you to the airport.
Highlights on the tour to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) * Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Golden Circle
– Thingvellir National Park
– Geysir
– Gullfoss
Langjokull Glacier
Vatnajokull Glacier
Skaftafell National Park
Svartifoss Waterfall
Reynisdrangar
Dyrholaey
Skogafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Blue Lagoon
Black Sand Beach
Fjallsarlon
Svinafellsjokull
* The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, very dependent upon weather and sightings can never be guaranteed
What to bring and other helpful details
Warm wind & wet proof clothes
Warm sweater (fleece or wool)
Good, waterproof shoes (preferably hiking boots)
Sunglasses – even in winter
Bathing suit
Camera and tripod (we can lend you a light tripod)
If you have a small headlight it can be useful
We don’t recommend jeans for walking in. They easily get very cold and stiff. Better to have something flexible to wear underneath the outermost layer
“Best tour ever!!”
We spent an amazing three days with Nature Explorer tours. Our guide, Halle, was the best! Every detail was taken care of before we arrived. The days were planned out carefully so that we could see everything we were hoping, even though we jammed so many sights into each day. We saw so many different landscapes and so many amazing sights in a short time. Halle was so knowledgeable, easy going, and fun to be around. Recommend nature Explorer without a doubt!!
– Reviewed on Tripadvisor July 8, 2016 by Rosanne Singer – NYC
Tour details
Price: Ask for quote
Depends on season, hotel availability, room types etc
Available: All year upon request
Duration: 5 days
Season: All year
Included:
Hotels w/breakfast
Private Super Jeep and driver guide for 4 days
Not included:
Flights to/from Iceland
Drinks and meals other than breakfast
Book Tour: info@NatureExplorer.is