South Iceland Explorer – Winter🌌
- August 6, 2025
Explore the best of Iceland’s South Coast on this winter self-drive adventure. Beginning in Reykjavík, you’ll journey through the Golden Circle, visit thundering waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss, walk along black sand beaches, and marvel at the iceberg-filled Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Ideal for northern lights viewing, this tour balances nature, adventure, and scenic beauty, finishing with a relaxing return to Reykjavík.
Guided
Explore independently with a rental vehicle, flexible itinerary, and optional add-ons.
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
November - April
Price
Starting from £800 - £1,300 per person
Price Detail
4 nights' accommodation with breakfast
Flights
Rental vehicle (4WD) for 5 days with unlimited mileage
GPS navigation
Detailed itinerary and travel guide
24/7 emergency support
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you will head directly for Reykjavík, the colorful capital city of Iceland. If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon (book online at www.bluelagoon.com) or to the Sky Lagoon, the newest spa and wellness attraction situated just a short drive from Reykjavík. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in either of those spa’s soothing geothermal waters before heading to your hotel.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Sky Lagoon; FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Drive to Thingvellir National Park, one of the geological wonders of the world. Here, you can see the effects of the movements of tectonic plates. Observe various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. Continue to Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Continue along the South Coast for your overnight stay in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. On your way there, or on your way back later in your trip, discover beautifull waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss. Also, explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara. Depending on local weather conditions, this first night in the Icelandic countryside, away from the light pollution of Reykjavík, 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’ll 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!
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-370 km / 4,5-5,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 3: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
In the beautiful region between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive across the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and Eldhraun lava field, a result of the major Laki eruption that occurred in 1783 and was arguably one of the greatest disasters in Iceland’s history.
Further to the east, discover the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m, Skeidarársandur sand plains, and Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this region is surrounded by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other. Explore Vatnajökull Glacier area, observing numerous glacial outlets along your route. At Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the glacier breaks into stunning icebergs that drift peacefully towards the ocean (“Diamond Beach”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 4: South Shore – Reykjavík
Today, in the vicinity of Katla and Eyjafjalajökull volcanoes, south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you have more time to explore the South Shore area around Vík and Skógar. Discover beautiful sites such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara beach. You might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings. Continuing westbound, end your day in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 3-4hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Horseback riding tour in Vík; Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier; Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach; Katla Ice Cave Under the Volcano
Day 5: Departure
Drive to Keflavík International Airport and return your rental car before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík or discover some of its attractions.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
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
Guided
Explore independently with a rental vehicle, flexible itinerary, and optional add-ons.
Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
November - April
Prices
Price
Starting from £800 - £1,300 per person
Price Detail
4 nights' accommodation with breakfast, Flights, Rental vehicle (4WD) for 5 days with unlimited mileage, GPS navigation, Detailed itinerary and travel guide, 24/7 emergency support
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Your memorable adventure in Iceland begins the very moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, you will head directly for Reykjavík, the colorful capital city of Iceland. If your flight arrives early enough, we have a great suggestion for starting your trip off the right way: plan a visit to Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon (book online at www.bluelagoon.com) or to the Sky Lagoon, the newest spa and wellness attraction situated just a short drive from Reykjavík. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, so you can take a relaxing dip in either of those spa’s soothing geothermal waters before heading to your hotel.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Sky Lagoon; FlyOver Iceland
Day 2: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Drive to Thingvellir National Park, one of the geological wonders of the world. Here, you can see the effects of the movements of tectonic plates. Observe various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust. Continue to Geysir geothermal area where the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards you only have a short drive to reach Gullfoss, surely one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Continue along the South Coast for your overnight stay in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area. On your way there, or on your way back later in your trip, discover beautifull waterfalls along your way, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss. Also, explore the famous black sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara. Depending on local weather conditions, this first night in the Icelandic countryside, away from the light pollution of Reykjavík, 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’ll 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!
Driving distance / time: approx. 300-370 km / 4,5-5,5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Secret Lagoon
Day 3: Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur
In the beautiful region between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive across the vast Mýrdalssandur sand plains and Eldhraun lava field, a result of the major Laki eruption that occurred in 1783 and was arguably one of the greatest disasters in Iceland’s history.
Further to the east, discover the towering cliffs of Lómagnúpur, Iceland’s highest at 670m, Skeidarársandur sand plains, and Skaftafell National Park. Under the gaze of Hvannadalshnúkur peak, this region is surrounded by the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on one side and vast volcanic sand plains on the other. Explore Vatnajökull Glacier area, observing numerous glacial outlets along your route. At Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the glacier breaks into stunning icebergs that drift peacefully towards the ocean (“Diamond Beach”). This exceptional site sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Driving distance / time: approx. 250-400 km / 3,5-5 hours
Overnight: in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur area
Suggested add-ons, on request: Glacier walk in Skaftafell National Park
Day 4: South Shore – Reykjavík
Today, in the vicinity of Katla and Eyjafjalajökull volcanoes, south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, you have more time to explore the South Shore area around Vík and Skógar. Discover beautiful sites such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara beach. You might also want to take some time to explore the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and its breathtaking surroundings. Continuing westbound, end your day in Reykjavík where you will spend your last night in Iceland.
Driving distance / time: approx. 200-280 km / 3-4hours
Overnight: in Reykjavík
Suggested add-ons, on request: Horseback riding tour in Vík; Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier; Snwomobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier; ATV tour on black sand beach; Katla Ice Cave Under the Volcano
Day 5: Departure
Drive to Keflavík International Airport and return your rental car before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to enjoy your last day strolling around Reykjavík or discover some of its attractions.
Driving distance / time: approx. 50 km / 45 minutes
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.
