Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls
Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls
from £665 excluding flights
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Highlights
Aurora wake up call available if the lights appear overnight
Delve inside Langjokull icecap on an Into the Glacier tour
See the natural treasures of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route
Marvel at spectacular Hraunfossar waterfall
Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula’s stunning coast and volcanoes
Stay at Hotel Husafell, renowned for its fine food
Why this trip...
Nordic Heritage
With over 38 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out
Well-researched route
We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy
Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
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 Ice Cave 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 icecap glacier, following tunnels carved through brilliant blue ice. It's a unique experience, full of great photo opportunities and a chance to learn more about the 'cooler side' of the Land of Ice and Fire.
Waterfalls and geothermal springs
One of Iceland’s most unusual waterfalls is found near Husafell in Borgarfjordur. Emerging from beneath a lava field, Hraunfossar is a series of cascades pouring over ledges into the Hvita river, creating a striking marbled effect against 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 is a hotspot in Borgarfjordur, offering 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
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 arrive in Iceland
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.
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.
Day 2 explore the Husafell area
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 optional tour to the Vidgelmir lava tube cave.
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 optional tour to the Vidgelmir lava tube cave.
Day 3 Langjokull icecap or Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Choose between a day exploring the Langjokull icecap on an optional Into the Glacier tour (approximately four hours) or drive west to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for independent touring and an optional whale watching boat trip. Following the Into The Glacier tour, during which you will explore tunnels carved in the ancient blue ice of the glacier, visit Krauma, the new geothermal baths fed by the Deildartunguhver hot spring.
If you choose instead to visit the Snaefellsness Peninsula and possibly go whale watching, allow two hours to drive from Hotel Husafell to Grundarfjordur, the departure point for whale watching boat trips and the location of the beautiful pyramid-shaped peak Kirkjufell.
Choose between a day exploring the Langjokull icecap on an optional Into the Glacier tour (approximately four hours) or drive west to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for independent touring and an optional whale watching boat trip. Following the Into The Glacier tour, during which you will explore tunnels carved in the ancient blue ice of the glacier, visit Krauma, the new geothermal baths fed by the Deildartunguhver hot spring.
If you choose instead to visit the Snaefellsness Peninsula and possibly go whale watching, allow two hours to drive from Hotel Husafell to Grundarfjordur, the departure point for whale watching boat trips and the location of the beautiful pyramid-shaped peak Kirkjufell.
Day 4 Golden Circle
Check out from Hotel Husafell before returning south towards Reykjavik. Spend the day exploring the Golden Circle, perhaps including some chill-out time at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Overnight in Hveragerdi, a small town built around a hot spring field about 45km east of Reykjavik.
Check out from Hotel Husafell before returning south towards Reykjavik. Spend the day exploring the Golden Circle, perhaps including some chill-out time at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Overnight in Hveragerdi, a small town built around a hot spring field about 45km east of Reykjavik.
Day 5 depart Iceland
Check out and drive to Keflavik airport for your flight home. If you have an afternoon departure, detour to Reykjavik to browse the city’s museums, galleries and shops, or explore the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Check out and drive to Keflavik airport for your flight home. If you have an afternoon departure, detour to Reykjavik to browse the city’s museums, galleries and shops, or explore the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £665 excluding flights
Airfares vary widely and are quoted separately to the holiday price, starting from around £250pp return with Icelandair and British Airways, though may be lower with Play, EasyJet or Wizz Air. We'll provide the best fare available at the time of enquiry, which tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
UK Airports with flights direct to Iceland are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We can also arrange flights from non-UK destinations. Discover more »
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 prices per person
Based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
| Departure | Duration | Car Category* | Twin Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct - Apr | 4 nights | D - Skoda Octavia (4WD) | £665 |
* Choice of Vehicles
We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person per day.- We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.
- Our long-standing relationship with the local Europcar franchise means that our clients enjoy many exclusive benefits, including priority on the newest and best appointed vehicles available.
Offers
Meet our expert
One of our specialists
Meet Eric10 Visits to Iceland
5 Successful whale watching trips
4 Shooting stars with northern lights
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