4-Day Iceland Highlights: Golden Circle, South Coast & Glaciers

Your journey begins with a morning pick-up in Reykjavík and a drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where two tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. You’ll walk through the dramatic rift valley and stand where Iceland’s first parliament was founded over 1,000 years ago. 

Next up is the Geysir geothermal area, where bubbling mud pots and steam hint at the energy beneath your feet. Nearby, Strokkur geyser steals the show—erupting every few minutes in a burst of boiling water up to 20 meters (65 feet) high. The last Golden Circle stop is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Here, glacial water roars over two drops into a deep canyon, often framed by rainbows on sunny days.  

The final stop is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can actually walk behind for a 360° view! Tonight’s accommodation is in the peaceful South Coast region, with a chance to spot the Northern Lights between September and April—weather permitting. 

Day Highlights

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir Hot Springs & Strokkur Geyser
• Gullfoss waterfall
• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Hekla volcano views (weather permitting)
• Northern Lights viewing (September–April, weather permitting)

Included

• Guided Golden Circle minibus tour
• A visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• One night at a hotel

Today’s focus is on Iceland’s glaciers and icy wonders. You’ll begin with a scenic drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs float across clear blue waters—each one uniquely shaped and colored. Just nearby, Diamond Beach awaits, where chunks of glacier ice wash ashore on black sand, sparkling like gems before melting into the sea.

The day continues at Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Vatnajökull National Park. From October to April, you’ll hike on one of the many outlets, navigating crevasses and snowy ridges on a guided walk. When conditions allow, the experience includes a visit to a natural blue ice cave—an unforgettable peek into the glacier’s interior. 

In summer, you’ll explore the Katla ice cave instead—a surreal chamber hidden beneath a volcanic glacier. Your guide will lead you through the icy paths, sharing the story of how these unique formations are created over time. You may also explore Skaftafell’s dramatic landscape on a hike to Svartifoss waterfall, framed by tall basalt columns.

You’ll end the day at Adventure Hotel Geirland, a peaceful countryside hotel—perfect for wintertime Northern Lights viewing.

Day Highlights

• Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Diamond Beach
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve
• Glacier hike & ice cave on Vatnajökull (winter only)
• Katla ice cave experience (summer only)
• Svartifoss waterfall hike (summer only)
• Northern Lights viewing (September–April, weather permitting)

Included

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Guided minibus tour of the South Coast
• Guided glacier hike and ice cave tour (seasonal)
• Hike to Svartifoss waterfall (summer only)
• One night at a countryside hotel

After a good night’s rest, you’ll head toward one of Iceland’s most scenic spots—Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. With its winding shape and moss-covered cliffs towering above the Jökulsá River, this gorge feels straight out of a fairytale.

On the way to the coast, you’ll pass through Eldhraun, a vast lava field covered in soft green moss—a striking reminder of Iceland’s volcanic history. Afterward, you’ll head to Reynisfjara, Iceland’s iconic black-sand beach near the village of Vík. Known for its powerful waves, the beach is lined with towering basalt columns and sea caves. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the Atlantic Ocean—full of local legends.

The final major stop is Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. It drops 60 meters (197 feet) in a thunderous curtain of water, with views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano in the distance—weather permitting, its glacier-capped summit is clearly visible.

In the evening, you’ll return to Reykjavík for a well-earned rest after an eventful day on the South Coast.

Day Highlights

• Eldhraun lava field
• Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (weather permitting)
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Reynisfjara black-sand beach
• Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks
• Eyjafjallajökull volcano views (weather permitting)
• Northern Lights viewing (September–April, weather permitting)

Included

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Guided minibus tour of South Iceland

Today’s adventure brings you deep into Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. You’ll ride in a specially modified 8-wheel truck across the ice to reach the world’s largest man-made ice tunnel. Inside, you’ll spend around an hour exploring icy blue chambers, frozen corridors, and a built-in chapel—an experience that’s available year-round and within easy reach of Reykjavík.

After returning to the surface, you’ll stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Walk along steaming wooden paths as your guide shares how this geothermal wonder helps heat nearby towns.

Before returning to Reykjavík, you’ll visit two contrasting waterfalls. Hraunfossar flows gently through ancient lava fields in delicate ribbons, while Barnafoss charges through a narrow canyon with thundering force. Together, the falls will be a striking end to your day.

Return to Reykjavík is scheduled for the evening, with drop-off at your original pick-up point or hotel.

Day Highlights

• Langjökull glacier ice tunnel tour
• 8-wheel monster truck ride on the glacier
• Deildartunguhver hot spring
• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls

Included

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Guided monster truck ride to Langjökull ice tunnel
• Entrance to the ice tunnel with a guide
• Visit to Deildartunguhver hot spring
• Stop at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
• Drop-off in Reykjavík

Pick-up: Pick-up starts at 9:00 AM from your hotel or a nearby designated meeting point in Reykjavík. Please be ready on time, as collecting all participants can take up to 30 minutes. For the full list of pick-up locations, refer to Arctic Adventures’ official pick-up list.

Ice caves: The cave you visit may not match the photos exactly, as these formations are constantly changing. Their appearance depends on the season, lighting, time of day, and weather conditions.

Equipment & Clothing: Crampons only fit on sturdy hiking boots. If you don’t have a pair, you can add rentals during the online booking process. Waterproof jackets and pants are also available—just make sure to book them at least 48 hours in advance. Crampons and other safety gear are included and handed out on-site.

Northern Lights: The guides aim to give you the full Icelandic experience, but the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. Their appearance depends on weather and atmospheric conditions beyond anyone’s control.