Highlights
About Tour - The 3 Day Iceland tour
Join our 3 Day Iceland Tour Package where you will explore the Golden Circle & South Coast of Iceland and experience the ultimate Iceland winter adventure. This 3-day Iceland itinerary takes you to some of the Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions — including glaciers, glacial lagoons, stunning waterfalls, erupting geysers, breathtaking ice caves, and awe-inspiring national parks. If the weather cooperates, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dancing across the winter sky.
This Golden Circle and South Coast winter tour covers many of Iceland’s top highlights in just three days, offering a perfect balance of adventure, sightseeing, and comfort. You’ll see so much in only 3 days!
So, take my recommendation and book this 3-day winter tour in Iceland and come back home with memories for a lifetime. I promise you will have an unforgettable South Coast Iceland winter trip, exploring the best attractions of Iceland.
Itinerary (Short version)
– We will depart Reykjavík early in the morning and begin the Golden Circle adventure.
– On this day we will visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
– Stop at the Geysir Geothermal Area to see the active Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes.
– We will continue the day to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic and powerful cascades.
– In the evening, we will arrive at our comfortable accommodation in the countryside.
– If the forecast is good we might see the Northern Lights dance above us. It is truly a unique moment.
– Wake up at the hotel in the countryside and have breakfast.
– On this second day of the trip we will explore the South Coast of Iceland (our favorite part of the country) – Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall – walk behind it and view the surrounding area.
– Visit Skógafoss waterfall – one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland.
– Arrive at Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a glacier hike.
– Explore a natural blue ice cave on the glacier.
– We will end the day at another comfortable countryside hotel.
– In the evening we will look at the forecast and hopefully see the northern lights again!
– After breakfast, visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach.
– Continue along the south coast to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (and nearby Dyrhólaey if time allows).
– Return to Reykjavík by evening.
What's included / Not included
Included
- Expert local guide & transport
- Two nights hotel in the countryside
- Breakfast at hotels
- Glacier Hiking Tour
- Crystal Ice Cave tour
- Glacier & Safety Equipment
- Pick up & drop off in Reykjavik
- All Entry / Admission fees
- Small-Groups
- Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board
Not included / Available Extras
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Pick up / Drop off at airport
What to bring
Good to know
Itinerary may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
Luggage limit: one 24” suitcase per person. Extra luggage can be stored at our office for 1,000 ISK (add in booking).
Room setup: single travelers get single rooms; 2 people share a double; 3+ get triple rooms. Contact us for other arrangements.
Remember to add the Single Supplement Fee if traveling alone.
Pick-up available from Reykjavík only (not from Keflavík Airport or outside the capital area).
Northern Lights: sightings are not guaranteed, but hotels are chosen to maximize your chances.
Ice Caves: natural formations that change yearly; accessible from Nov 1 – Mar only. Photos are examples from recent tours.
Meals not included — we stop at local restaurants. Bring light snacks and drinks for the day.
Departure at 9:00 AM.
Suitable for groups, families, and solo travelers.
Comfortable minibus with free Wi-Fi and Icelandic music.
Wear warm clothing, gloves, hat, scarf, and hiking shoes (available for rent).
In case of extreme weather, we’ll rebook or offer a full refund.
Minimum age: 8 years for glacier hike & ice cave. Younger children must stay with an adult during these activities.
Activities
Itinerary
3 Day Iceland tour to the Golden Circle & South Coast
Day 1 - The golden Circle
Pick up in Reykjavik
Your 3 Day Iceland Tour Package adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation or the nearest bus stop in Reykjavík. You’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers as your small group trip sets off toward the world-famous Golden Circle, the first highlight of your Icelandic winter experience.
Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most important historical and geological landmarks. Here, you’ll walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, visible above ground in the dramatic rift valley that defines the landscape. Þingvellir is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also the birthplace of the world’s first parliament, the Alþingi, founded in 930 AD. Surrounded by lava fields, clear spring-fed rivers, and snow-covered peaks in winter, Þingvellir perfectly captures the harmony between Iceland’s natural power and cultural heritage.
Next, you’ll visit the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley, home to Iceland’s famous hot springs. Here, the earth literally comes to life — bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and erupting geysers fill the air with warmth and energy. The star of the show is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, sending boiling water up to 20 meters into the air. This ever-active natural wonder provides endless photo opportunities and a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s geothermal power. Even in winter, when snow blankets the ground, the area’s steam and colors create an otherworldly contrast you’ll never forget.
Your final stop on the Golden Circle route is the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions (and my favorite part of the Golden Circle). Fed by the glacial waters of the Hvítá River, Gullfoss plunges dramatically into a rugged canyon, creating a thunderous roar and mist that fills the air. In winter, parts of the waterfall freeze into sparkling ice formations, adding to its wild beauty. On sunny days, you might even see a rainbow arching over the falls — a truly magical sight. Standing at the viewing platforms, you can feel the raw power of Iceland’s nature and understand why Gullfoss, meaning “the Golden Falls,” is a symbol of Iceland’s untamed spirit.
Day 2 - South Coast waterfalls, Glacier Hike & Ice Cave
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
After leaving Reykjavík, your first stop along the South Coast is the enchanting Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. This elegant cascade drops from a height of 60 meters, creating a misty curtain of water that you can actually walk behind — a one-of-a-kind Icelandic adventure. Make sure to wear waterproof clothing, as the short trail leads into a small cavern-like area behind the waterfall where you can enjoy a truly unique view. In winter, the surrounding cliffs often sparkle with icicles, adding an extra layer of magic to this already spectacular sight.
Skógafoss Waterfall
A short drive from Seljalandsfoss brings you to another Icelandic icon — Skógafoss Waterfall. This massive waterfall, with a 25-meter-wide cascade, thunders down into a black sand basin below. You can admire its power from the base or climb the staircase beside it for a sweeping view of the waterfall and the coastline beyond. During the winter months, the cliffs surrounding Skógafoss are often blanketed in snow, and when the sunlight hits the mist, rainbows frequently appear — making it one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland.
Glacier Hike in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park
Continue your adventure into Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of the vast Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Here, you’ll meet your certified glacier guide, gear up, and step onto the ancient ice for an unforgettable glacier hiking experience. As you make your way across the glacier’s blue ice ridges and deep crevasses, you’ll learn how Iceland’s glaciers are constantly shaped by volcanic activity and time. The stunning contrast of white snow, black volcanic ash, and crystal-blue ice makes this a photographer’s dream and a true highlight of your Icelandic winter journey.
Blue Ice Cave
The next part of your adventure takes you deep inside a natural blue ice cave, a mesmerizing world sculpted by the forces of nature. Each winter, new caves form within the glacier, meaning no two visits are ever the same. Guided by an experienced expert, you’ll enter a shimmering corridor of blue ice — frozen in intricate patterns that reflect the light in extraordinary ways. It’s a surreal experience that offers both beauty and insight into Iceland’s ever-changing glacial landscape.
Northern Lights
After a full day of exploration, you’ll settle into your countryside hotel surrounded by vast open skies — the perfect setting for a potential Northern Lights sighting. Once darkness falls, your guide will check the aurora forecast and weather conditions to find the best viewing spot. With a bit of luck, you’ll witness the mesmerizing green and purple ribbons of the aurora borealis dancing above Iceland’s winter landscape — a once-in-a-lifetime moment you’ll never forget.
Day 3 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & Black Sand Beach
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Your first destination of day 3 is the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, the lagoon is dotted with floating icebergs of all shapes and shades of blue, slowly drifting toward the sea. The peaceful atmosphere and mirror-like water create stunning photo opportunities at every angle.
Diamond Beach
Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacier ice wash ashore and sparkle like diamonds against the jet-black volcanic sand. The contrast between the icy blue tones and dark shore is nothing short of magical — a sight that perfectly captures the raw beauty of Iceland’s winter landscape.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Your final stop before heading back toward Reykjavík is the dramatic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of Iceland’s most famous coastal sights. The beach is lined with towering basalt columns, sculpted by volcanic forces, and faces the roaring waves of the North Atlantic. Offshore, you’ll spot the jagged Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which, according to legend, were once trolls turned to stone. In the distance stands Dyrhólaey, a cliff arch often visited by seabirds in summer. The contrast between the dark volcanic sand, white sea foam, and the ever-changing sky makes Reynisfjara an unforgettable finale to your South Coast adventure.
Return to Reykjavík
After exploring the wonders of Iceland’s South Coast, you’ll begin the scenic journey back to Reykjavík aboard your comfortable minibus. Your expert guide will accompany you the entire way, sharing stories, facts, and local insight to enrich your experience. As you drive through the snow-covered landscapes, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on the unforgettable memories made during your 3 Day Tour — a journey filled with waterfalls, glaciers, ice caves, and the magic of the Northern Lights.
FAQ
About the 3 Day Iceland Tour
You can choose a pick up in Reykjavik or the capital area. Find the designated pick up locations in the drop down menu when booking.
If you don’t know your pick up point for your tour yet, you can let us know later. Note that you need to send us the pick up location for your tour at least 24 hours prior to the departure of the tour. It would also be great if you can give us your phone number so we can call you if we can not find you at the pick up location.
Pick up starts at the scheduled departure time on your voucher ticket. Note that the pick up can take up to 30 minutes. Please be at your listed location so our guide can easily find you.
No, this tour does not include a pick up from Keflavik Airport.
If you are arriving in Iceland early morning on the day of your tour, it would be best to take a taxi or bus from the airport to BSI bus station. Choose your pick up for the tour at BSI bus station and we will pick you up there.
A multi day tour is a tour that includes guided sightseeing and activities for more than one day. Accommodation is usually included in multi day tours.
The multi day tours are ideal if you would like to make the most of your time in Iceland.
- You do not have to worry about finding accommodation that will fit to your day full of sightseeing and activities.
- Most multi day tours are operated in small groups with personal guidance.
- The tours will drive further into the countryside and give you the opportunity to explore locations that you would not be able to do in the day tours from Reykjavik.
You will be staying in a comfort hotel with private bedroom and private bathroom on this tour. We usually stay in a hotel close to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
All hotels that we partner with have private bathrooms.
You will be traveling in a minibus.
Yes, the single supplement fee is mandatory for solo travelers. This is to ensure your private room in the accommodation. There is no way to skip on the single supplement fee if you are a solo traveler.
Since the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, we can not guarantee the sightings of northern lights on the tour. We will do everything that we can to make your chances of seeing the northern lights as high as possible. This includes staying in hotels that are located in prime areas to spot the northern lights. If the forecast is good, you will have high chances of seeing the northern lights outside the hotel.
In the rare case that we will have to cancel the tour because of extreme weather, road conditions or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date or provide a full refund.
The tour can be cancelled up to 48 hours from the departure time with 85% of the total price refunded.
However, we would kindly as you to cancel the tour as soon as you know that you won’t be able to participate in it. The multi day tours require a lot of bookings on our half that needs to be cancelled in time (accommodation, activities, meals and more).
Please send us an email to info@icelandtravelguide.is as soon as you know that you have to cancel the tour.
All cancellations requested less than 48 hours from the departure time are non refundable.
The luggage limit for this tour is one suitcase of 24 inches per person.
If you have more luggage, you can store your extra luggage in our office for a small extra price of ISK 1.000. Add it as an extra at the time of booking. This fee is non refundable upon payment.
Yes, and you definitely should! The setting on the tour is full of amazing, scenic views.
You will also find a tablet in the bus with information about the northern lights and how to photograph them.
For winter tours in Iceland, wear warm clothing as first layer and waterproof outdoor jacket and pants as a second layer. Hiking boots with high ankle protection is ideal for the glacier hike and ice cave experience. You will get crampons to put on your boots before you go to the glacier. If you do not have hiking boots, you have to rent them at the time of booking. A hat and gloves are also ideal for the glacier tours.
Yes, you need sturdy hiking boots for the glacier hike. They have to have hard sole and be tight around the ankle. If you don’t have hiking boots, you can rent them in all sizes when booking the tour. It is also possible to rent the shoes at the glacier hiking location.
The glacier hike is considered to be safe for anyone in good physical condition. You have to be able to walk for about an hour up and down on slopes and uneven surface.
We offer all safety equipment necessary and you will always be hiking with a professional and certified glacier guide.
This is always a personal choice and depends on your physical health at the time of the glacier hike. We have had pregnant women on this glacier hike but not all pregnancies are the same. We recommend that you read the description of the tour to get a good idea and ask your doctor about it.
