North Iceland Explorer – Winter🌌
Explore the northern wonders of Iceland in winter, starting directly from Akureyri Airport. Over 4, 5, or 8 days, this flexible self-drive adventure takes you to volcanic landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and scenic fjords. Highlights include Lake Mývatn, GeoSea baths, optional dog sledding or whale watching, and the chance to chase the northern lights each night. Perfect for those wanting an immersive Icelandic winter escape — without needing to pass through Reykjavík.
Guided
Self-Guided
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
Optional guided add-ons available
Price
Prices starting from:
£800 - £1,300 per person (3 nights)
£1,000 - £1,500 per person (4 nights)
£1,500 - £2,000 per person (7 nights)
Price Detail
Accommodation with breakfast
Flights
4WD rental vehicle with winter tires
Unlimited mileage & basic insurance
Northern lights wake-up service (in some hotels)
Detailed itinerary, map & local emergency support
Optional: Spa visits, dog sledding, whale watching
Day 1: International flight to Akureyri
Pick up your rental vehicle at Akureyri Airport. On this first day in heart of Icelandic winter, discover Akureyri, the charming “capital of the North”. While staying in Akureyri area, plan a visit to Forest Lagoon, a local spa and wellness center situated only a few minutes away from the city. Alternatively, especially if you travel with children, you can also visit the local swimming-pool in Akureyri, one of the best in Iceland, and with the most exciting slides in the country. A great local experience!
Depending on weather conditions, this first night in Iceland will give you your first best opportunity to observe northern lights, this mesmerizing natural phenomenon also known as aurora borealis (until mid-April). However, sightings can never be guaranteed, and you will have to hope that Nótt, the Norse goddess of the night, and Baldur, the god of light, join their forces for your pleasure and delight! Best of all? Combine an evening geothermal experience with northern lights sighting!
Driving distance / time: approx. 10-50 km / 15-45 minutes
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Forest Lagoon
Day 2: Mývatn & Húsavík
Head towards Lake Mývatn and its many natural wonders, including fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity, and the lake itself. Depending on snow condition and accessibility of sites, take a walk around the pseudo-craters of Skútustadir, or through the labyrinthine lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the “dark citadel.” Next, visit the geothermal area of Námaskard, where numerous solfataras, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots emit strong sulfuric odours. Alternatively, you can head to the village of Húsavík in Skjálfandi Bay. From there, you can go on a winter whale watching cruise (in November or March-April) and/or enjoy GeoSea geothermal baths. Halfway between Akureyri and Mývatn or Húsavík, plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Dog sledding; Mývan Nature Baths;
Whale Watching from Húsavík; GeoSea
Day 3: Eyjafjördur & Tröllaskagi
Drive along the shores of Eyjafjördur and/or around Tröllaskagi, the “Peninsula of the trolls”, with its majestic mountains and deep valleys, sculpted a long time ago by the glaciers of the last ice age. From the harbour of Árskógssandur, you can go on a whale watching tour (except from Dec. 15 until Jan. 31) or soak in a beer bath at the local Beer Spa. In Siglufjördur, you can visit the Herring Era Museum (by appointment in winter: www.sild.is/en/hours/), a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the glorious era of Iceland’s herring fisheries and industry, from the early to mid-1900s. Around the northern tip of Tröllaskagi Peninsula, or on the other side of Öxnadalsheidi mountain pass (depending on road conditions of the day), you can also explore the neighbourhing fjord of Skagafjördur. In the charming village of Hofsós, go for a swim at the local swimming-pool. Overlooking the fjord of Skagafjördur, it is one of the most scenic in Iceland. In Glaumbær, visit a restored traditionnal turf farm from the 19th century (by appointment in winter: www.glaumbaer.is/is/en). Finally, you can also dedicate this day to skiing on the slopes of Hlidarfjall in Akureyri (www.hlidarfjall.is/en), Iceland’s largest ski resort, or further north, in Dalvík (www.skidalvik.is/is/english) or Siglufjördur (www.skardsdalur.is). Check for opening hours and closures before heading to the slopes (depending on weather conditions). Ski rentals are available on site. Ski passes are sold online and/or onsite.
Driving distance / time: max. 290 km for complete tour of Tröllaskagi / 4 hours
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale Watching Cruise from
Árskógssandur; Beer Spa
Day 4: Departure
Drive to Akureyri Airport and return your rental car before your flight home.
Driving distance / time: approx. 10 km / 15 minutes
5-day and 8-day packages
Extra night(s) and day(s) in Akureyri, Mývatn and/or Húsavík? Here’s what you can do (among many other things):
- Go on a whale watching tour.
- Go on a beer spa and/or a more traditional geothermal pool.
- Go skiing in Iceland’s best ski resorts.
- Go on a dog sledding tour.
- Go on a snowmobile tour.
- Go on a snowshoeing guided hike.
This extensive itinerary is perfect for those who want to truly discover Iceland from coast to coast. Designed for flexibility and independence, it’s ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers looking to go at their own pace. The experience includes incredible landscapes, cultural sites, and local experiences that are hard to find on shorter trips.
Overview
Explore the northern wonders of Iceland in winter, starting directly from Akureyri Airport. Over 4, 5, or 8 days, this flexible self-drive adventure takes you to volcanic landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and scenic fjords. Highlights include Lake Mývatn, GeoSea baths, optional dog sledding or whale watching, and the chance to chase the northern lights each night. Perfect for those wanting an immersive Icelandic winter escape — without needing to pass through Reykjavík.
Guided
Self-Guided
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
Optional guided add-ons available
Prices
Price
Prices starting from:
£800 - £1,300 per person (3 nights)
£1,000 - £1,500 per person (4 nights)
£1,500 - £2,000 per person (7 nights)
Price Detail
Accommodation with breakfast Flights, 4WD rental vehicle with winter tires, Unlimited mileage & basic insurance, Northern lights wake-up service (in some hotels), Detailed itinerary, map & local emergency support, Optional: Spa visits, dog sledding, whale watching
Itinerary
Day 1: International flight to Akureyri
Pick up your rental vehicle at Akureyri Airport. On this first day in heart of Icelandic winter, discover Akureyri, the charming “capital of the North”. While staying in Akureyri area, plan a visit to Forest Lagoon, a local spa and wellness center situated only a few minutes away from the city. Alternatively, especially if you travel with children, you can also visit the local swimming-pool in Akureyri, one of the best in Iceland, and with the most exciting slides in the country. A great local experience!
Depending on weather conditions, this first night in Iceland will give you your first best opportunity to observe northern lights, this mesmerizing natural phenomenon also known as aurora borealis (until mid-April). However, sightings can never be guaranteed, and you will have to hope that Nótt, the Norse goddess of the night, and Baldur, the god of light, join their forces for your pleasure and delight! Best of all? Combine an evening geothermal experience with northern lights sighting!
Driving distance / time: approx. 10-50 km / 15-45 minutes
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Forest Lagoon
Day 2: Mývatn & Húsavík
Head towards Lake Mývatn and its many natural wonders, including fantastic volcanic formations, geothermal activity, and the lake itself. Depending on snow condition and accessibility of sites, take a walk around the pseudo-craters of Skútustadir, or through the labyrinthine lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the “dark citadel.” Next, visit the geothermal area of Námaskard, where numerous solfataras, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots emit strong sulfuric odours. Alternatively, you can head to the village of Húsavík in Skjálfandi Bay. From there, you can go on a winter whale watching cruise (in November or March-April) and/or enjoy GeoSea geothermal baths. Halfway between Akureyri and Mývatn or Húsavík, plan a stop at Godafoss waterfall, a beautiful site where the Skjálfandi river has created a magnificent arrangement of cascades.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200 km / 2,5-3 hours
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Dog sledding; Mývan Nature Baths;
Whale Watching from Húsavík; GeoSea
Day 3: Eyjafjördur & Tröllaskagi
Drive along the shores of Eyjafjördur and/or around Tröllaskagi, the “Peninsula of the trolls”, with its majestic mountains and deep valleys, sculpted a long time ago by the glaciers of the last ice age. From the harbour of Árskógssandur, you can go on a whale watching tour (except from Dec. 15 until Jan. 31) or soak in a beer bath at the local Beer Spa. In Siglufjördur, you can visit the Herring Era Museum (by appointment in winter: www.sild.is/en/hours/), a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the glorious era of Iceland’s herring fisheries and industry, from the early to mid-1900s. Around the northern tip of Tröllaskagi Peninsula, or on the other side of Öxnadalsheidi mountain pass (depending on road conditions of the day), you can also explore the neighbourhing fjord of Skagafjördur. In the charming village of Hofsós, go for a swim at the local swimming-pool. Overlooking the fjord of Skagafjördur, it is one of the most scenic in Iceland. In Glaumbær, visit a restored traditionnal turf farm from the 19th century (by appointment in winter: www.glaumbaer.is/is/en). Finally, you can also dedicate this day to skiing on the slopes of Hlidarfjall in Akureyri (www.hlidarfjall.is/en), Iceland’s largest ski resort, or further north, in Dalvík (www.skidalvik.is/is/english) or Siglufjördur (www.skardsdalur.is). Check for opening hours and closures before heading to the slopes (depending on weather conditions). Ski rentals are available on site. Ski passes are sold online and/or onsite.
Driving distance / time: max. 290 km for complete tour of Tröllaskagi / 4 hours
Overnight: in Akureyri area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Whale Watching Cruise from
Árskógssandur; Beer Spa
Day 4: Departure
Drive to Akureyri Airport and return your rental car before your flight home.
Driving distance / time: approx. 10 km / 15 minutes
5-day and 8-day packages
Extra night(s) and day(s) in Akureyri, Mývatn and/or Húsavík? Here’s what you can do (among many other things):
- Go on a whale watching tour.
- Go on a beer spa and/or a more traditional geothermal pool.
- Go skiing in Iceland’s best ski resorts.
- Go on a dog sledding tour.
- Go on a snowmobile tour.
- Go on a snowshoeing guided hike.
Need to Know
This extensive itinerary is perfect for those who want to truly discover Iceland from coast to coast. Designed for flexibility and independence, it’s ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers looking to go at their own pace. The experience includes incredible landscapes, cultural sites, and local experiences that are hard to find on shorter trips.
Enquire Now
Have questions or want to personalise your trip? Our travel experts are ready to help you tailor the perfect itinerary. Get in touch today — no commitment, just friendly advice.
