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Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 Days

A winter self-drive along Iceland's South Coast with a guided ice cave tour at Vatnajökull, two nights near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and five nights outside the towns for the northern lights.

6 days · 5 nightsCar + hotels + breakfastIce cave tour includedOctober to April (ice cave season)Starts and ends at Keflavík Airport

Trip at a glance

Best forWinter visitors who want an ice cave and the northern lights without a long Ring Road drive
HighlightsÞingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach
Total drivingAbout 1,100 km in 6 days
Longest dayDay 5: about 290 km, 3.5–4 hours of driving
Start and endKeflavík Airport, any day of the week

What's included with us

Your own trip map, on web and phoneAfter booking you get a private map of your trip on icelandmap.is: each day's route, your hotels, fuel stations, toilets, places to eat and the extra stops below, ready on your phone before you land.
Lesser-known stops picked by localsEach day includes quieter places that most visitors drive past, chosen by our team and marked on your map.
Northern lights guideAurora forecasts, dark places near each hotel and tips for photographing the lights with your phone.
A local team in IcelandWe are a local travel agency in Iceland. Message or call us before and during your trip; we answer in English and help if plans change on the road.
Day-by-day guideDriving times, road and weather notes, and where to stop for fuel and food each day.
One free date changeChange your travel dates once for free up to 30 days before arrival (subject to availability).
No booking feesThe price you see includes hotels, car, breakfast, taxes and card fees.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Ice cave tour on day 4

Crystal Ice Cave Tour by Super Jeep from Jökulsárlón

On day 4 you meet your glacier guide at Jökulsárlón and ride by super jeep to a natural blue ice cave in Vatnajökull. You spend about an hour in and around the cave. Crampons and a helmet are provided.

  • 2–3 hours in total, about 1 hour at the cave
  • Easy: short walks in crampons
  • Minimum age 6
  • Meet at the Jökulsárlón car park 20 minutes before the start

Weather: Ice cave tours are sometimes cancelled for safety, most often in October and April when it is warmer. If that happens, we try to move you to the next morning; if that is not possible, we refund the tour price.

The northern lights

All five hotels are outside the towns, so on a clear night you can often see the aurora from the hotel door. We send you a short guide with dark spots near each hotel, how to read the aurora forecast and how to photograph the lights with a phone.

  • Check the cloud and aurora forecast on vedur.is after dinner.
  • Drive a few minutes away from the hotel lights, park safely off the road and turn off your headlights.
  • The best time is usually between 22:00 and 02:00.
  • Dress warmly: you may wait outside for an hour.

Day by day

Open a day for stops and tips. Add tours to any day; the price updates in the booking box.
DAY1Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysArrival and the Golden CircleAbout 170 km, 2.5 hours of driving · 1 optional tourOvernightGolden Circle areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Keflavík Airport – Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Golden Circle area

Pick up your 4x4 at Keflavík Airport and drive to Þingvellir National Park, where you walk between the North American and Eurasian plates. Watch Strokkur erupt at the Geysir geothermal area and see Gullfoss, often half frozen in winter. You sleep near Gullfoss, far from city lights: your first chance of the northern lights.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysÞingvellir National ParkWalk through Almannagjá. Parking fee.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysGeysir geothermal areaStrokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysGullfoss waterfallThe lower path can be icy or closed in winter.Guide →
Local tip: If you land early, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir is a warm stop before dinner and is open in the evening.
Local tip: lesser-known stopBrúarhlöð · A narrow canyon where the Hvítá river runs between rock pillars, right beside road 30 between Flúðir and Gullfoss.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
DAY2Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysSouth Coast waterfalls and black sandAbout 220 km, 3 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightVík areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Golden Circle – Kerið – Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Dyrhólaey – Reynisfjara – Vík area

Stop at the red crater of Kerið on your way south. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss if the path is open, look into the gorge of Gljúfrabúi and climb the steps beside Skógafoss. Finish at the sea arch of Dyrhólaey and the basalt columns of Reynisfjara before you check in near Vík.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysKerið craterEntry fee. A short walk around the rim.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysSeljalandsfossThe path behind the waterfall closes when icy. Parking fee.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysSkógafossAbout 500 steps to the top.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysDyrhólaeyThe upper road can be closed in bad weather.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysReynisfjara black sand beachSneaker waves are dangerous: stay well back from the water.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysVík í MýrdalSupermarket, restaurants and fuel.Guide →
Local tip: The beaches near Vík face south over the sea, with no town lights: a good place to look for the aurora.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsKvernufoss · A waterfall in a small gorge about 15 minutes on foot from the Skógar museum. You can walk behind it. The path is icy in winter.Loftsalahellir · A cave in the cliffs between Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, once used for local meetings, with a view along the coast.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
DAY3Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysLava fields, Fjaðrárgljúfur and SkaftafellAbout 210 km, 3 hours of driving · 1 optional tourOvernightÖræfi areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Vík – Eldhraun – Fjaðrárgljúfur – Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Skaftafell – Öræfi

Cross the moss-covered Eldhraun lava field and walk the rim of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Fill up in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, then continue to Skaftafell, where a path leads to Svartifoss and its black basalt columns. You stay two nights in the Öræfi area, between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysEldhraun lava fieldStay on the marked paths: the moss is fragile.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysFjaðrárgljúfur canyonThe rim path can be icy; take care.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysKirkjubæjarklausturFuel and a shop. The last fuel before Öræfi.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysSkaftafell Nature ReserveVisitor centre with toilets and café.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysSvartifossAbout 1.5 hours return on foot. Icy in winter: microspikes help.Guide →
Local tip: Daylight is short: if you arrive at Skaftafell after 14:00 in December or January, save Svartifoss for day 4 or 5.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsKirkjugólf · Flat-topped basalt columns that look like a church floor, a few minutes' walk from the road in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Foss á Síðu · A waterfall dropping from the cliff right beside the Ring Road east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Hofskirkja · The last turf church built in the old style (1884), at the farm Hof in Öræfi, a minute from the Ring Road.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysSkaftafell Glacier Hike+13,763 ISK pp
DAY4Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysIce cave, Jökulsárlón and Diamond BeachAbout 100 km, 1.5 hours of driving (about 260 km with Stokksnes) · 1 optional tourOvernightÖræfi areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Öræfi – Fjallsárlón – Jökulsárlón (ice cave tour) – Diamond Beach – (Stokksnes) – Öræfi

Today is the ice cave day. Meet your guide at Jökulsárlón in the morning and ride by super jeep onto Vatnajökull to a natural blue ice cave. Afterwards, walk along the lagoon where icebergs float out to sea and see the ice lying on the black sand of Diamond Beach. On a clear day with time to spare, drive on to Stokksnes and the Vestrahorn mountain. You sleep at the same hotel as last night.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysFjallsárlónA quieter lagoon 10 minutes before Jökulsárlón.Guide →
Ice cave tour (included)Meets at the Jökulsárlón car park 20 minutes before the start.
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysDiamond BeachKeep away from the waves.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysStokksnes and Vestrahorn (optional)About 80 km east of Jökulsárlón. Entry fee at the Viking Café.Guide →
Local tip: Jökulsárlón after dark, with icebergs under the northern lights, is worth a second visit if the sky is clear.
Included today: Crystal Ice Cave Tour by Super Jeep from Jökulsárlón. About the tour
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysUpgrade: Vatnajökull Ice CaveOctober–April · Replaces the included ice cave tour; we charge the difference.+15,445 ISK pp
DAY5Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysWest along the coast to the Hella areaAbout 290 km, 3.5–4 hours of driving · 3 optional toursOvernightHella areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Öræfi – Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Vík – Skógar – Hvolsvöllur – Hella area

Drive back west along the coast. Stop at the waterfalls of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, then in Vík for lunch and the Lava Show, where real molten lava is poured in front of you. In Hvolsvöllur, the LAVA Centre explains Iceland's volcanoes. You sleep in the Hella area.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysVík í MýrdalLunch stop and the Lava Show.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysSkógafossA second chance for photos if the weather was poor on day 2.Guide →
LAVA Centre, Hvolsvöllur (optional)Volcano exhibition; see the add-ons.
Local tip: The Caves of Hella, man-made caves dug by early settlers, are a short guided visit near the hotel.
Local tip: lesser-known stopSystrafoss · A waterfall right above Kirkjubæjarklaustur. In summer you can walk up beside it to the lake Systravatn.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysLAVA Centre+5,200 ISK pp
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysCaves of Hella+6,950 ISK pp
DAY6Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysA lava tunnel or lagoon, then the airportAbout 140 km, 2 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightEnd of tripDetails ▾Close ▴
Hella – (Raufarhólshellir) – (Blue Lagoon) – Keflavík Airport

With time before your flight, walk into the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel near Hveragerði or relax in the Blue Lagoon, 20 minutes from the airport. Return the car at Keflavík Airport.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysRaufarhólshellir lava tunnel (optional)Guided visits only; see the add-ons.Guide →
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysThe Blue Lagoon (optional)Book a time slot in advance.Guide →
Local tip: Allow at least 2.5 hours at the airport before your flight, plus time to refuel and return the car.
Local tip: lesser-known stopBridge between continents · A footbridge over a fissure between the North American and Eurasian plates, a short detour on the way to the airport.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Northern Lights & Ice Cave on the South Coast in 6 DaysBlue Lagoon: Comfort ticketEntry, silica mud mask, towel and one drink. 20 minutes from the airport; we book a time that fits your flight.+16,990 ISK pp
Driving distances and times are rounded estimates from main-road distances, without stops. Tour prices are per person.

More you can add

These have no fixed price yet. To add one, write it in the wishes box when you book. We add it and confirm the price with you before we charge anything for it.

Silfra Snorkeling TourDay 1 · At Þingvellir. Drysuits keep you warm, even in winter.

Hotels

Hotels as listed or similar. If a listed hotel is full, we book one of the same standard in the same area and tell you before we confirm.

  • Night 1: Hotel near Gullfoss and Geysir or similar
  • Night 2: Hotel in the Vík area or similar
  • Night 3: Hotel between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón or similar
  • Night 4: Same hotel as night 3
  • Night 5: Hotel in the Hella area or similar
Double or twin rooms. 1 traveller: a double room for single use. 3 travellers: a triple room or a double with an extra bed, subject to availability. 4 travellers: two double rooms. Breakfast: included every morning.
BudgetGuesthouses and simple hotels, some with shared bathrooms
Comfort3-star hotels with private bathroom
Superior4-star and boutique hotels where available

Your rental car

  • 1–2 travellers: 4x4 SUV with automatic gearbox (Suzuki Vitara or similar). 3–4 travellers: Kia Sportage 4x4 or similar.
  • Larger 4x4 or a 4x4 in summer at extra cost. 7-seat 4x4 and 9-seat van for groups on request.
  • Picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
  • Unlimited kilometres
  • CDW, super CDW (SCDW), theft protection (TP) and gravel protection (GP)
  • Pick-up and return at Keflavík Airport
  • 24% VAT

Included

  • 5 nights in countryside hotels or guesthouses at your chosen level, with breakfast
  • 4x4 rental car for 6 days, picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
  • Car insurance as described above
  • Guided ice cave tour by super jeep from Jökulsárlón (day 4)
  • Day-by-day route with stops, driving times and local tips
  • Our northern lights guide: forecasts, dark spots near each hotel and phone photography tips
  • Trip map on icelandmap.is with fuel stations, toilets, restaurants and stops along the way
  • Lesser-known stops chosen by our local team, marked on your trip map
  • Help from our local team before and during your trip

Not included

  • Flights
  • Fuel
  • Parking fees at sights (for example Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón)
  • Entry fees (for example Kerið and Stokksnes)
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Other optional tours, unless you add them
  • Travel insurance

How it works

1Choose and bookPick your date, travellers, hotel level, car and tours. You see the full price before you book, and pay a 20% deposit by card.
2We confirmWe book every hotel, the car and your tours, and confirm by email within 24 hours.
3Get your travel packVouchers, your route map and the day-by-day guide, by email and on your phone.
4Drive, with us on callA local is a message away if the weather or your plans change.

Seasons and driving

November to March for the most reliable ice caves and the darkest nights. October and April have longer days and milder weather, but the ice cave tour is more often cancelled in warm or wet spells.

A 4x4 is included. Daylight is 4–6 hours in December and January, so start the longer drives (days 2, 3 and 5) at first light. Storms can close the Ring Road between Vík and Jökulsárlón; check road.is and vedur.is every morning. Check the aurora forecast on vedur.is every evening.

Payment and cancellation

  • Book at least 14 days before arrival
  • 20% deposit when you book
  • Balance due 45 days before arrival. Bookings made less than 45 days before arrival are paid in full.
If you cancelCancellation fee
More than 30 days before arrival10% of the total price (you get half of your deposit back)
30 to 15 days before arrival50% of the total price
14 to 8 days before arrival75% of the total price
7 days or less before arrival, or no-show100% of the total price
  • One free date change up to 30 days before arrival, subject to availability.
  • We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation (illness, flight changes).

Good to know

Is the ice cave tour really included?

Yes. A guided ice cave tour by super jeep from Jökulsárlón is included on day 4, with crampons and a helmet. We book it for you when you book the trip.

What if the ice cave tour is cancelled?

Ice cave tours are sometimes cancelled for safety in storms or heavy rain. We try to move you to the next morning; if that is not possible, we refund the tour price.

Can children come?

Yes, from age 6 for the ice cave tour. For younger children, tell us and we remove the tour and lower the price.

Will we see the northern lights?

Nobody can promise it, because the lights need a dark, clear sky. With five nights in the countryside from October to April, most travellers see them at least once. We show you how to read the forecast and where to look near each hotel.

Is it safe to drive the South Coast in winter?

Yes, with care. You get a 4x4 with winter tyres, the Ring Road is cleared daily, and the longest drive is about 4 hours. Check road.is and vedur.is every morning; we help you change plans if a storm closes the road.

See also

SELF-DRIVE · 10 DAYS · OCTOBER TO APRILWinter Ring Road & Snæfellsnes in 10 DaysFrom 220,100 ISK per person

Want to change something?

Add a night, swap a hotel or fit the trip around your flights. We are a local travel agency in Iceland and plan every self-drive trip by hand.

Ask a local
Price per personFrom 142,600 ISK per person