5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour

This Iceland tour is interesting because it mixes a serious Northern Lights game plan with nonstop access to the country’s most famous scenery. You are not just sitting around waiting, you are also moving through geothermal hot springs, major waterfalls, and the ice-harbor look of Jökulsárlón.

Two things I really like: the stop at Friðheimar, where you see tomatoes grown with geothermal heat, and the way the tour uses a spacious full-sized bus for comfort when roads get long. I also appreciate the small-group feel (up to 25 people) and the included Reykjavík and Vík area hotel bases with private bathrooms.

One possible drawback to plan for: the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. The itinerary builds in chances to look up, but if you get cloud cover, you will still have an amazing sightseeing trip, just without the aurora payoff.

Key points worth your attention

• Northern Lights viewing is built into the schedule, with a chance to look from the Vík area when weather permits
• Jökulsárlón plus Diamond Beach in one stretch, with icebergs described as milky white and bright blue
• Golden Circle highlights with guided time at Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss
• Friðheimar includes both the greenhouse and stables, connecting geothermal energy to food and Icelandic horses
• South Coast power stops include Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss, plus a safety reminder at Reynisfjara’s surf
• Blue Lagoon is optional, so you can decide if you want to pay extra for the soak

Northern Lights, but also the big Iceland sights (so you do not waste days)

If you only care about auroras, Iceland can feel like a gamble. This tour treats that gamble honestly, then makes sure the rest of the week stays worth your time.

The schedule is arranged around your best odds of seeing the lights, but it is also stacked with places you would likely visit anyway. That is the value here. Even if the sky plays hard to get, you still get a full rotation of Iceland’s signature sights, including famous waterfalls and glacier-country scenery.

I like that the itinerary does not waste time on minor detours. You are moving through key zones: Central Iceland for the Golden Circle core, the east for Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, then the South Coast for black sand, big falls, and the option of the Blue Lagoon. It feels like a best-of route without feeling like a checklist robot.

The bus, the group size, and why comfort matters on Iceland roads

This is a group tour capped at 25 travelers, using a spacious full-sized bus. On an itinerary like this, comfort is not a luxury, it is practical. Icelandic driving can mean long stretches, lots of daylight shifts in winter months, and weather that changes fast.

A smaller group size helps because you can actually talk to your driver and guide, ask questions, and hear the stories without everyone shouting over wind. The reviews also highlight this human side. Guides like Petur, and drivers like Pall, were praised as friendly and informative, with humor and real explanations about what you are seeing.

There is also no limits on luggage allowance, which is a big deal if you plan to bring layers, boots, camera gear, and backup gloves. And yes, there is a mobile ticket, which keeps your day simple once you are on the move.

If you hate feeling rushed, you will still want to keep your expectations realistic. This route is full, but it is built to give you meaningful time at stops, not just quick photo slaps.

Day 1 in Reykjavik: your included base city, not just a staging area

Day 1 is mostly about getting your bearings. You make your own way to your Reykjavík hotel, and the tour includes accommodation in the city. In other words, you are not arriving late and immediately jumping into a long sightseeing day.

You will be glad for this reset. Reykjavík is compact, walkable in short bursts, and perfect for sorting out gear, grabbing dinner, and doing the practical stuff like filling your thermos. One reviewer arrived late afternoon and still managed to see the Northern Lights right after exploring on arrival, which is a reminder that flexibility helps.

Just remember winter nights can be cold and unpredictable. Use this day to confirm your clothing layers, charge devices, and set up your viewing habits. If your phone battery dies, you cannot take aurora photos, and you cannot navigate. Simple planning on Day 1 pays off later.

Day 2 Golden Circle with Þingvellir, Geysir, Friðheimar, and Gullfoss, plus aurora odds from Vík

Day 2 is where the guided schedule really kicks in. You meet your guide at 08:45 in your hotel lobby, then head into Iceland’s classic Golden Circle run.

Þingvellir National Park: geology with a history angle

You spend about 3 hours at Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage site with both history and geology tied together. This stop is valuable because it helps you understand why Iceland looks the way it does, not just what it looks like.

You are walking through a place where tectonic plates meet, so the ground itself feels like part of the story. Even if you only get part of the explanation, the visuals are strong. This is one of those stops where a guide makes a big difference.

Geysir and Strokkur: the rhythm of hot water and steam

Next is the Geysir hot spring area, including the original geyser and its active neighbor Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every few minutes, so you get repeat chances to witness the spouts. That matters when wind or cloud cover makes one eruption hard to time.

Friðheimar Geothermal Farm: tomatoes grown by geothermal energy

Then you hit Friðheimar, and this is one of my favorite kinds of travel stops. Instead of only looking at nature, you see how people use geothermal energy to grow food year-round.

Friðheimar includes an included greenhouse and stables visit (about 1 hour). The greenhouse part is the practical surprise: you see tomatoes and other plants grown in a climate-controlled setup powered by geothermal heat. You also get the chance to meet Icelandic horses and learn why their gaits matter. It is a short stop, but it gives you a different angle on Iceland than waterfalls and ice.

A big plus here is that it breaks up the day emotionally. After steam and thunderous falls, you get something calm and human-scale.

Gullfoss: the waterfall that hits you in both senses

Gullfoss is next, and you spend about 2 hours there. It is known for powerful cascades and that dramatic “golden waterfall” look.

This is a stop where your time pays off. You will want to look from more than one spot, because the water texture changes with mist and angle. On sunny days you can get rainbows, which makes timing feel lucky.

Vík and a Northern Lights chance

Finally, you reach the Vík area and get about 1 hour there. If weather permits, this is where the tour tries for auroras. This is the key reality check: the viewing window is short, so you need to be ready, bundled, and willing to wait a few minutes for the sky to change.

This part of the day is also why the tour can feel balanced. You do not just drive, sit, and hope. You do real sights, then you take a shot at lights when it fits the route.

Day 3 Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach: the icebergs that look unreal in winter light

Day 3 is the east Iceland day, built around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. It is the most visually distinctive part of the whole trip.

You head east along the southern shore to Jökulsárlón, spending about 3 hours there. The lagoon is formed around Breiðamerkurjökull, and the icebergs come from continuous calving. In the lagoon you see two shades described as milky white and bright blue, which tells you why this place feels so otherworldly.

What makes this stop extra special is that it is not only visual. It is a slow-looking experience. You watch icebergs drift, break apart, and change position as tides influence what shows up.

The lagoon also has wildlife. You might see seals gathering around the mouth of the lagoon in winter to catch fish that drift in with the tides. It is not guaranteed, but the tour’s framing is clear: this is an ecosystem stop, not only an ice-photo stop.

Diamond Beach: black sand and sparkles

Next you go to Diamond Beach for about 2 hours. This is the nearby black sand beach where icebergs wash ashore. The contrast between dark volcanic sand and glittering ice fragments is exactly why the place gets so much attention.

This is also the place to slow down and plan how you take photos. Low winter light means you might rely on steadier hands and patient waiting. If you are chasing the perfect shot, the hours here can fly by fast.

Skaftafell on the way back: waterfalls framed by basalt columns

Before you return to your hotel base, you stop at Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park. You get about 3 hours here, which is enough time to appreciate multiple viewpoints.

Skaftafell is known for glaciers, waterfalls, and trails through varied terrain. The highlight mentioned is Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. Even if you only get to the main viewpoint, the basalt framing is a big “wow” moment.

If you like short hikes, this is the day for you. If your legs are not happy, still do this stop because the scenery does the work for you.

Day 4 South Coast hit list: Reynisfjara surf danger, Skógafoss power, and Seljalandsfoss from behind

Day 4 is a classic South Coast run, with several stops close enough to feel efficient but spaced enough to keep it from feeling like you are sprinting.

Reynisfjara black sand beach: stunning geology, dangerous waves

First up is Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach. You get about 1 hour to see the geological formations and watch the ocean.

Important practical note: the waves here can be dangerous, and the tour calls that out. So do not treat the edge like a scenic balcony. Stay back from the surf line and keep your feet where the ground is firm and predictable.

This stop is still worth it. Reynisfjara looks like a movie set, with volcanic textures and dramatic sea power. Just respect the ocean.

Skógafoss: big drop, big mist, rainbow potential

Then you visit Skógafoss. You get about 1 hour, and it is described as a 60 meter drop and 25 meter wide.

This is a great stop for sunny days because mist can create rainbows. Even when it is gray, the waterfall’s scale is impressive, and the area gives you different angles without needing extreme effort.

There is also a local legend element tied to hidden treasure behind the cascade. Even if legends are not your thing, the story adds texture to the place.

Seljalandsfoss: walking behind the waterfall

Next is Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall. You get about 1 hour.

Because you walk behind it, you need to dress accordingly. Water mist is part of the experience, and if you show up underprepared you will be miserable for the rest of the day. Bring a rain layer, and if you have waterproof gloves, those can help too.

This stop is one of those “feel the weather” moments in Iceland, and it is fun in winter if you have the right clothing.

Blue Lagoon: optional soak with mineral water

The final major stop before returning to Reykjavík is the Blue Lagoon. You get about 3 hours there, and admission is not included, so you would pay extra if you want to go in.

The Blue Lagoon is geothermal, and it is known for mineral-rich water and silica mud. This is a good optional add-on if your muscles are sore and you want a warm reset between all that cold air and walking.

But because it costs extra, you should treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure moment. If you would rather spend that time hiking near your hotel or eating a local dinner, you can.

Day 5: leaving Iceland from Keflavík Airport without added stress

Day 5 is departure. You make your own way to Keflavík Airport. The tour lists about 2 hours for this segment, with admission free.

This is simple, but it still matters. Build extra buffer into your morning so you are not sprinting in winter conditions with wet gloves and heavy bags.

If you have any souvenirs, Day 5 is also the day to double-check what you still need, because once you are on airport time, shopping plans get fragile.

What the price includes, and where you will spend extra

The tour price is $1,059.21 per person. For that money, you are paying for a lot more than a bus ticket.

Included:

• Bus tour for the full itinerary
• Professional local guide
• Accommodation with private bathroom for 4 nights
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Friðheimar greenhouse and stables visit

Not included:

• Blue Lagoon admission (optional)
• Meals other than breakfast

This is generally a solid value setup if you like the idea of one guided route where the big attractions are already accounted for. You get hotels, breakfasts, and access to Friðheimar, which is not just scenery but a real geothermal farming stop.

One detail I’d flag from the experience: meals beyond breakfast are on your own. That means your day budget depends on how you eat. If you keep breakfast simple and plan your lunches or dinners, you will feel in control.

Also, hotel quality seems to vary by location, but recent experiences praised cleanliness and comfort. One reviewer specifically highlighted a hotel in the Vík area, called Hotel Kayla in their notes, as remote but excellent, with a strong dinner buffet.

Guides and smooth operations: what I’d expect from this operator

The most praised aspect in recent feedback is how well the team runs the trip. Reviews called out knowledgeable, friendly guides and drivers, and that the tour delivered what was promised.

You might also appreciate the way the team communicates when plans shift. One group had last minute changes related to strikes in Reykjavík, and they were kept informed throughout. That matters because winter travel can include surprises, and your experience improves a lot when you are not left guessing.

Guide names that came up include Petur and Peter, and a driver named Pall. That matters because when you get the guide right, the stops feel more alive. It is not only about seeing places, it is about understanding why Iceland runs on geothermal energy and why the geology looks the way it does.

Who this tour suits best, and who might want a different style

This is a great fit if you want one organized route that covers a lot of Iceland’s top hits without you planning every day.

You will likely enjoy it if:

• You are prioritizing Northern Lights chances but still want major sightseeing
• You like guided explanation at stops like Þingvellir and Geysir
• You enjoy a mix of nature plus humans and industry, like Friðheimar’s geothermal greenhouse

You might think twice if:

• You want lots of free time in one place to explore at your own pace
• You dislike winter driving days that can feel long
• You are trying to keep expenses super tight, since meals beyond breakfast and optional Blue Lagoon add up

Should you book this 5-day Northern Lights and Glacier Lagoon tour?

Yes, I would seriously consider booking this tour if you want an efficient Iceland week that still feels like you get real moments, not only hurried stops.

The “why book” is simple: you get Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, the classic Golden Circle stops, and a full South Coast day, all with a guide team that has earned solid praise for being helpful and clear. The Northern Lights component adds excitement, and even when the lights do not show, the route still delivers the kind of scenery people dream about.

Just go in with the right expectation: auroras are a bonus, not a guarantee. Pack warm layers, stay flexible, and use the included sightseeing days as your plan A.

FAQ

What is the cost of the 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour?

The price is $1,059.21 per person.

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

The meeting point is Hotel KletturMjolnisholt 12-14, Reykjavik 105 Iceland, with a start time of 9:00 am. On Day 2, the guide meet-up is listed as 08:45 at the hotel lobby.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the bus tour, expert guidance from a professional local guide, accommodation with private bathroom for 4 nights, breakfast at the hotel, and the greenhouse plus stables visit at Friðheimar Geothermal Farm.

Is Blue Lagoon admission included?

No. Blue Lagoon admission is not included, and soaking is listed as an optional extra.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund, and how far in advance?

Yes. You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.