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iceland stunning gullfoss waterfall winter istk

Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls

From £946

Excluding Flights

4 Nights

Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec

Overview

Tucked into a beautiful valley, 90 minutes’ drive north of Reykjavik and close to one of Iceland’s majestic icecaps, Hotel Husafell makes an irresistible bolthole for this winter self-drive holiday. The secluded rural setting is perfect for northern lights hunting. You can also join an exciting Into the Glacier tour, visit the intriguing Hraunfossar (or Lava Falls), go whale watching and relax in an outdoor geothermal pool.

Northern lights watching at Hotel Husafell

This 4-night winter break includes three nights at Hotel Husafell. A rural retreat in West Iceland’s Borgarfjordur, this stylish 48-room hotel is not only ideally located for exploring the Langjokull icecap, but it’s also in a prime spot for northern lights watching – far from artificial light pollution.

Ice Cave tour to Langjokull

Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjokull looms above Borgarfjordur and we can arrange for you to experience this incredible frozen wilderness from the inside! Available as an optional excursion, your Into the Glacier adventure begins with a snow truck ride across Langjokull. You are then guided on foot into the heart of an ice cap glacier, following tunnels carved through brilliant blue ice. It’s a unique experience, full of great photo opportunities and a chance to learn all about the ‘cooler side’ of the Land of Fire & Ice.

Waterfalls and geothermal springs

One of Iceland’s most unusual waterfalls is found near Husafell. Emerging from beneath a lava field, Hraunfossar is a series of cascades pouring over ledges into the Hvita river, creating a striking marbled effect on the basalt rock. Another waterfall, Barnafoss, can be found a short distance upstream. On this holiday, you will also get an opportunity to see iconic waterfalls like Gullfoss on the Golden Circle. Geothermal waters are another highlight. Fed by a natural hot spring, Krauma has hot tubs and aromatic steam baths, while the Secret Lagoon or Fontana Spa can be included in your day touring the Golden Circle.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle

Hotel Husafell is within easy striking distance of West Iceland’s spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We can arrange for you to join a whale watching boat trip in search of orca, or you can spend time touring the dramatic coastline of this volcano-studded finger of land. Heading back south on day four, you have an opportunity to visit Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss – the Golden Circle’s triple whammy of natural wonders.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Keflavik airport, collect your rental car before making your way to Hotel Husafell. The 2½ hr drive will take you past Reykjavik, before heading north through spectacular mountain scenery and the tunnel under Whale Fjord to reach Borgarfjordur. Check into your hotel for your three-night stay. In the evening you can enjoy a dip in the local geothermal baths located next to the hotel, then later that evening keep watch for the northern lights.

west hotel husafell exterior summer driveway

Hotel Husafell

Full of contemporary flair, Husafell nestles in beautiful Borgarfjordur, about 90 minutes’ drive northeast of Reykjavik. The 48-room property is renowned for its seasonal menus, local artwork and enviable reputation for northern lights sightings.

Must-see sites close to Hotel Husafell include the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, as well as Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver. You can also join an exciting optional tour to the Vidgelmir lava cave.

Optional Experiences

iceland snaefellsnes vidgelmir lava cave

Cave Explorer

Formed 1,100 years ago during the Viking Age, Vidgelmir is one of Iceland’s largest caves, measuring 1,600m in length. Led by an expert guide, you’ll descend into an incredible subterranean hall with rainbow-coloured walls and icicles hanging from the ceiling.

Choose between a day exploring an icecap and hot spring near Husafell, or driving west to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The Langjokull icecap is the incredible setting for an optional Into the Glacier tour, during which you’ll explore tunnels carved in the ancient blue ice of the glacier. It’s a complete contrast to Krauma – geothermal baths fed by the Deildartunguhver hot spring – which you can visit later in the day. Alternatively, head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with its rugged shores and ice-capped volcano, for a day of independent touring and an optional whale watching boat trip from Olafsvik (about two hours’ drive from Hotel Husafell).

Optional Experiences

iceland langjokull ice cave into the glacier rg

Into the Glacier - Ice Cave in Langjokull

A four-hour tour from Husafell, this unforgettable experience takes you on foot into the blue heart of the Langjokull glacier. After riding a snow truck onto the ice cap, you’ll follow tunnels hundreds of metres into a frozen subterranean world of 1,000-year-old ice.
iceland orca and glaucous gull off grundarfjordur rth

Whale Watching from Olafsvik 

Embark on a 3hr boat trip from the coastal village of Olafsvik on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Travelling on a modern vessel with plenty of deck space for whale watching, there’s no better place in Iceland to spot orcas.
west iceland krauma geothermal nature baths

Krauma Geothermal Baths

Europe’s most powerful hot spring – Deildartunguhver – has been harnessed at Krauma to create a stunning geothermal retreat with five warm baths and one cold, two saunas, a relaxation room with an open fire and a restaurant serving local farm produce.

After checking out from Hotel Husafell head south towards Reykjavik, exploring the Golden Circle en route. It’s a superb opportunity to see several natural wonders on an easy driving circuit. As well as visiting Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park, ask us about including some chill-out time at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Spend your final night in Hveragerdi, a small geothermal town about 45km east of Reykjavik.

Optional Experiences

iceland south west secret lagoon photographer rth

Secret Lagoon

Definitely one to book in advance, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, built in 1891. Fed by the mineral-rich waters of Litli Geysir, the simple yet serene outdoor lagoon is a constant 38-40°C and is naturally replenished every 24 hours.

Fontana Spa

Natural hot springs simmer directly below the steam rooms at this lakeside spa. It’s a natural and unique wellbeing experience – best followed by sinking into the outdoor hot tubs, taking a sauna and then wading into the cool lake from the warm black-sand beach.

Check out and drive to Keflavik airport for your flight home. If you have an afternoon departure, you might want to visit Reykjavik to browse the city’s museums, galleries and shops. Alternatively, drive to the airport via the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Optional Experiences

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is, quite simply, a rite of passage for anyone visiting Iceland – and with a pre-booked ticket, we’ll get you into those soothing naturally-heated, mineral-rich waters in no time at all. Ask us about adding a super-indulgent spa ritual to your experience.

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Daily breakfast

  • Car rental throughout

  • Unlimited mileage

  • No charge for second driver

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £946 Excluding Flights

4 Nights

Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works for you.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

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We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.

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