Iceland Winter Highlights: Vík, Golden Circle & Reykjanes - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Vík & the Katla Ice Cave

Welcome to Iceland! Upon your arrival at Keflavík airport, pick up your rental car and head out on Iceland's Ring Road, otherwise known as Route 1. This is one of Iceland's main roads, and just like the name sounds, it circles the entire country. Your final destination today is the city of Vík, a three-hour drive that takes you along Iceland's South Coast and to some of its amazing waterfalls, landmarks, and surrounding countryside. 

Your first stop will be the waterfall of Urriðafoss, located on the Þjórsá River—an excellent place to rest and take photos. From there, continue to Seljarlandsfoss. This is the only known waterfall of its kind that allows you to walk behind it, making for a very picturesque view. Farther down the highway is Skógafoss, where you'll find the nearly 200-foot high (60 m) falls alongside towering glaciers and frozen landscapes. According to local legend, there's a buried chest of gold under the waterfall, so keep an eye out for possible treasure!

Not far from Vík, take a short diversion via Route 218 to the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, a nearly 400-foot (120 m) promenade that showcases some of the most amazing views of the southern coast. After leaving Dyrhólaey, your last stop before Vík will be Reynisfjara Beach. Ranked among the world's best beaches, this stretch of black sand is home to Reynisdrangar, offshore rocky basalt sea stacks that are the nesting grounds of various seabirds. From here, you'll be right next door to Vík, and you can head to your hotel and get settled.

Later today, you can take a guided tour of Katla Ice Cave, located in Kötlujökull Glacier, which sits atop the Katla Volcano. After donning the provided equipment and going over safety, you'll be taken for a walk on the glacier and then into the cave of "dragon glass" made famous by the television series "Game of Thrones." You'll see the layers of different colors within the ice, and your guide will share the history of the glacier and cave. After the tour, head back to your hotel to relax for the evening.

Day 2: Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

Once you're back on the road, take a quick diversion to the town of Hof and visit the Hof Turf Church, a 700-year-old church that boasts a turf-covered roof. Upon your arrival at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, you'll see the amazing sight of icebergs floating in the sea and beached on the black sand shores of Diamond Beach. You'll also get a chance to see seals, porpoises, or small whales in the lagoon's waters. Afterward, drive back to Vík and rest up for the continuation of your Iceland tour tomorrow. 

Day 3: Drive to the Golden Circle & Hunt the Northern Lights

Today, you'll head along the southern coast and toward Reykjavik, Iceland's capital and largest city. Film buffs can visit Hjörleifshöfði Cave, nicknamed the "Yoda Cave" due to the Yoda-shaped silhouette you can see inside and the fact that the movie "Star Wars Rogue One" was filmed in the area. If you're after more waterfalls, don't miss Urriðafoss and Gljúfrabúi. For more education on Iceland's history, stop in at Skógar and visit the museum there. Afterward, you can take a nearby hiking path to Kvernufoss, a small canyon with incredible views. 

This evening, you'll have the opportunity to see one of Iceland's most amazing phenomena: the aurora borealis or northern lights. Your private guide will take you on an expedition to find the best views of these dancing veils of light in green, white, or red. You can visit geothermal bathing areas, take an evening boat tour or snowcat tour, or hike into some of the more unique sightseeing areas. Created by tiny particles, protons, and electrons that escape into the earth's atmosphere and hit molecules (causing them to glow), this is a magical spectacle to behold! 

Day 4: Drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula, Silfra Snorkeling & Blue Lagoon

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon! Warm up at the end of the day with a relaxing soak in a blend of seawater and geothermally heated water, rich in silica, minerals, and algae, all while surrounded by a lunar lava landscape. Take a dip under the man-made waterfall, or enjoy an iconic white silica mud face mask. The lagoon is said to cure/improve numerous physical ailments and is even internationally recognized as a psoriasis treatment facility. 

Day 5: Drive to Keflavík & Depart 

It's time to depart Iceland today, but if you have time before your flight, visit some of the highlights around the Reykjanes Peninsula during your drive back to Keflavík Airport. Stop at the Krýsuvík geothermal area for a short stroll with views of the steam vents and hot pools, or visit Gunnuhver Hot Springs, where you'll find some bubbling mud pools. Temperatures are extremely hot, so stick to the walkways and viewing areas. While here, continue about five minutes to the cliffs and stop at Reykjanesviti Lighthouse for amazing views of the countryside. 

Walk the Bridge Between Continents (Europe Miðlína), an area that really showcases Icelandic geology. The Reykjanes Peninsula is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which pulls apart a few centimeters every year. You can cross the bridge between the continental plates and look down at the gap below. And just before you reach Keflavík, make your final stop at Garður Lighthouse—the perfect spot to stretch your legs before dropping off your car and boarding your departing flight. Safe travels!