3-Day Northern Lights Hunt and Glacier Lagoon Tour in Iceland

Book this three-day adventure now to maximize your odds of catching the aurora and exploring a mix of geothermal wonders and pristine ice on the first day. This itinerary blends comfortable pacing with vivid stops, including a visit to fridheimar, a stop at geysers that spray steam, and time to explore attractions along the route and soak in the scenery after sunset.

On day one, you check in at a welcoming hotel and meet your guide in the front lobby, then take a short drive to geothermal areas where geysers spray steam into the crisp air. You’ll also explore authentic attractions along the route and finish with a warm welcome dinner back at the hotel.

To confirm best viewing, slowly we monitor aurora forecasts and adjust the plan to minimize light pollution under dark skies. If conditions allow, you’ll take photos of ice and sky at the glacier lagoon, with spray catching the moonlight.

Weather can shift; unfortunately, if conditions cancel, you can reschedule or switch to an alternative activity with no penalties and a flexible window for your stay.

Create lasting memories as you chase the aurora and discover glacier lagoons. Take the chance to enjoy authentic Iceland, including a cozy hotel and a warm welcome before departures.

Know before you go

Plan your trip for October through March to maximize the Northern Lights opportunity; guides monitor solar activity and cloud cover, adjusting routes to chase the clearest skies with a professional guide.

Pack a layered wardrobe: base layers, fleece, and a weatherproof outer shell; bring a warm hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots; carry a compact headlamp and spare batteries; include portable snacks like tomatoes and energy bars for short pauses during frosty waits while exploring.

On the glacier lagoon stops, choosing between fjallsárlón and jökulsárlón? If you must choose, prioritize jökulsárlón for dramatic icebergs, but fjallsárlón offers quieter reflections; you will see blue and white ice, calved pieces, and striking sunset reflections; the scenery is captivating and beautifully framed for photos.

Booking details: search tourradar for this package; inclusions include transfers, warm shelter, hot drinks, and a bilingual guide; small-group formats allow more time for shots and a number of stops that suit your pace.

June note: daylight stretches long in June; northern lights are unlikely, so plan exploring along waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glacier experiences; if aurora is a priority, plan a separate winter window.

Photography and safety tips: bring a tripod, set long exposures from 8–20 seconds at ISO 800–1600 and aperture around f/4; request the best lagoon viewpoints from your guide; stay on marked paths and avoid unstable ice; you return home with breathtaking memories and a great collection of images from this journey.

What’s included in the 3-day tour package

Reserve your date now to guarantee a seat on this truly three-day Iceland adventure. The plan blends blue glacier scenes, geysir activity, and aurora hunts into a compact itinerary that suits travelers chasing spectacular landscapes.

Starting in Keflavik, you’ll move to a cozy stay and begin with a glacier lagoon visit, a geysir field stop, and a volcano overlook that reveals blue ice under dramatic skies.

Limited availability makes early booking wise; october departures are popular and dates can fill weeks in advance.

The head guide, english-speaking, leads the group, providing safety briefings and insightful commentary as you travel with a small crew of travelers.

Stay in two well-placed hotels–one near Keflavik on Day 1 and another along the coast on Day 2–plus breakfast each morning.

evening aurora hunts are scheduled when skies cooperate, giving you the best chances for seeing the lights.

esim keeps you connected during city stays and field stops, with maps and trip tips at your fingertips.

welcome addition for wanting a compact, well-rounded trip: a Reykjavik visit near the parliament building offers a cultural contrast to the outdoors.

A comfortable stay is also part of the plan, ensuring quick returns after long days of sightseeing.

Aurora viewing strategy: best locations, timing, and rules

Welcome. Head to seljalandsfoss after sunset on a clear october night for a natural, high-contrast canvas that makes aurora photos pop.

• Best locations
  • seljalandsfoss – stay on the marked path, close to the water for reflections on dark sands and horizon lines.
  • gljúfrabúi – rare vantage, a short walk from the road; floating lights over the canyon create dramatic silhouettes.
  • keflavik – expansive horizon, minimal light, ideal for wide-angle, long-exposure shots.
  • fridheimar – a warm stop with greenhouse glow; note the contrast between natural lights and artificial hues.
  • sands along the south coast – dark shores provide a strong foreground to frame the aurora above the water.
• Timing
  • Best window is 21:00–02:00; monitor the KP index and cloud cover and plan a 60–120 minute block at a single location to maximize opportunity.
  • Sunday sessions often see fewer crowds, which can improve visibility and ease of composition for each photographer.
  • Moon phase matters: aim for a new or thin crescent to keep sights dark and enhance contrast.
• Rules for a safe hunt
  • Follow marked paths, respect private property, and rely on drop-off arrangements with your guide for safe returns.
  • Keep voices low, move slowly, and use red-friendly lighting to avoid blinding others while you scan the sky.
  • Bundle up, protect gear from moisture, and bring spare batteries; plan for returns with the group rather than solo wandering.
• Notes for travelers and reviewers
  • Each experience offers an original view; reviewers value calm pacing and deliberate framing over quick, hurried shots.
  • Every traveler can build a simple route with a couple of anchor sights and a smooth drop-off plan for safe completion.
  • whats next: coordinate with your guide for drop-off options and timing to maximize efficiency on the hunt.
  • Group hunts can split costs and increase safety; coordinate with your guide for a shared drop-off plan.
  • This note also helps coordinate a path that minimizes travel time while maximizing photo opportunities at sights like seljalandsfoss and gljúfrabúi.
  • Option to join a guided hunt increases reliability and safety.
  • What sights matter most? Focus on seljalandsfoss, gljúfrabúi, keflavik, and fridheimar to compose a balanced night.
• Logistics for a smooth experience
  • Bring a tripod, warm clothing, and a remote or timer to capture hands-free photos.
  • Have a plan for each location: path, close shot, and a wide shot to tell a complete story in your photos.
  • Drop-off options with your group ensure easy returns; from seljalandsfoss to keflavik, coordinate the route and times so everyone ends safely.

Glacier Lagoon itinerary: highlights, photography tips, and boat options

Recommendation: Book a dawn departure for Glacier Lagoon on a saturday to catch soft light without crowds. Never miss this window.

Highlights: Floating diamonds of ice drift through the lagoon, while close viewing of bergs between the ice and the coast creates bold compositions. The black-sand beaches along the edge provide contrast with white ice, and the valley head offers long sightlines toward the southern panorama. Each moment yields new sightings and your feeling of awe can grow as the light shifts, revealing amazing colors and whats possible at this site, especially at sunset.

Photography tips: Start with a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture scale, then switch to 70-200mm for close-up ice. Shoot in RAW and expose for the brightest whites to avoid muddy blues, bracket when conditions shift, and review histograms. Wear warm clothes and bring a lightweight tripod or monopod as an outlet for steadier shots; this keeps you comfortable while the light changes, and you can stay focused on viewing your subject. For best effects, shoot from the waterline and vary angles between the shore and lagoon for varied sightings.

Boat options: Three practical choices suit different budgets and energy levels. 1) Open-top RIBs provide the closest sightings with thunderous water spray, ideal for dramatic action shots and guests who want to feel the wind. 2) Enclosed, larger boats deliver steady comfort and warm interiors for a longer viewing window, great when temperatures dip. 3) Private charters let your group tailor timing, route, and between-stops for a more intimate experience. Their guides adapt to conditions and flag prime angles for photography. Typical durations depend on ice conditions and safety considerations, usually ranging from 25 to 45 minutes.

Geography and logistics: From the south drive, the route climbs toward the valley and passes close to mýrdalsjökull, offering a dramatic backdrop before you reach the lagoon. Plan a circular route so you can head toward the head of the glacier and then loop back along the shoreline without wanting extra detours. Between boat time and shore breaks, you have pockets of calm to absorb the scenery and reflect on what you want to capture.

Planning tips: Check tourradar for itineraries, times, and group options; many operators bundle glacier lagoon with a south-coast drive for a full saturday itinerary. Bring a lightweight blanket, extra socks, and a spare layer so you stay comfortable while waiting for light or watching the sky change. Your gear bag should include a microfiber cloth to wipe the water spray from lenses and a larger lens cloth to keep your optics clean. Never forget to bring extra batteries or a power bank to extend your shooting window.

Clothing, gear, and packing list for Icelandic nights

Start with a compact, waterproof shell and a warm mid-layer. Follow their guidance to tailor gear to the conditions of Icelandic nights. A breathable base layer keeps you dry, while a white insulated jacket adds warmth during long waits and windy stretches.

Base layers and footwear: Wear two base tops (include a short-sleeve option) and two base bottoms with merino or synthetic fibers. Avoid cotton for base layers. Add a fleece or wool mid-layer and a waterproof, windproof outer layer. Choose sturdy, waterproof boots with good tread and ankle support; pack two pairs of thick wool socks and one liner for extra cushion. If spray is heavy, use gaiters to keep socks dry.

Outer layers and gloves: A durable, waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof pants shield you from gusts and spray. Keep gloves in a dry pocket and add a liner for dexterity when handling gear or cameras. Include a warm hat and a neck gaiter or balaclava for extra warmth.

Night-gear essentials: Headlamp with a red-light option, spare batteries, a compact power bank, and charging cables. If your itinerary includes a boat ride, wear non-slip boots and carry a dry bag. Store electronics in a dry bag; silica packets help manage condensation in your kit. Keep a spare base layer located in an outer pocket for quick changes. Bring a small microfiber towel for quick dry-off if you get damp near a waterfall.

Waterfall proximity and photography notes: When you stop near a waterfall like skógafoss, spray tumbles onto gear; pack a protective rain cover for your camera and an extra dry layer. The air can drift across the spray, so stay alert and reposition for safe photos. As seen in prep notes, stand at the designated point to time spray and aurora views. Keep a spare pair of socks and a dry bag for changes. A sturdy, waterproof boot is essential for slick paths around stepping stones.

Packing strategy for departures and pickups: Choose a light, modular packing method so you can adjust quickly. Arrange a compact daypack with your essentials for transitions. Note your pickup location and be ready a few minutes early. Your itinerary includes next stops, so keep a lightweight bag with layers that you can swap as needed. Departures are tight; staying organized reduces stress and helps you focus on the moment.

Tips from the field: A knowledgeable guide often points out the best viewing point and helps you position for aurora shots. For protection, keep silica packets in your bag to prevent condensation on lenses, and choose a bright, visible layer for safety during late-night walks. When conditions permit, this approach makes your night experience truly enjoyable and safe.

Practical logistics: transfers, meeting points, and booking changes

Lock your keflavik transfer now to secure a smooth start. We track your flight and align pickup with your arrival; in winter, allow extra time for conditions and drift on the route from the airport to our base in iceland. Private transfers offer door-to-door comfort, while a group coach keeps costs down. Your personal guide will greet you at the vehicle, making the first visit welcoming, with icebergs glinting near the glacier lagoon if weather allows.

• Transfers from keflavik:
  • Private transfer: door-to-door service with space for luggage and a quick briefing by your personal guide.
  • Shared coach: comfortable seating with a short stop at a village or valley overlook; typical travel time from keflavik is 90 minutes, depending on weather and road conditions.
  • Timing: we match pickups to your flight number and arrival time; if your plane lands late, we adjust the window and keep you informed via text or email.
• Meeting points:
  • Primary meeting point is the desk inside the Keflavik arrivals hall or a clearly marked sign near the bus zone; for lodging in a village or valley, we can meet at the hotel lobby or inside the stables area closest to the start point, except when you stay far from the center.
  • In winter, the welcome takes place at night or early morning, with a short walk to the vehicle and a quick safety briefing by your guide.
• Booking changes:
  • Flexible changes: modify dates up to 48 hours before departure for free; after that, changes are subject to availability and a transparent admin fee.
  • How to request changes: reply to your confirmation email or contact our support line; include your booking reference, the new date (e.g., april or saturday), and whether you want to adjust transfers, visits, or hotel drop-offs.
  • Weather exceptions: if conditions are against access to certain sites, we offer an alternate visit on the same day or reschedule to another date; you can choose a refund or a new date depending on the policy.

For snacks on travel days, we can include a tomato and cucumbers snack pack. If you prefer, the guide can provide a light meal inside the vehicle, while you gaze at captivating scenery and think about iconic moments from your ice activity. In april, daytime heat rises, so wear layers and keep a transparent jacket handy to stay comfortable.