2-Day Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast Glacier Hike and Northern Lights
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (Day 1: ~8 hours; Day 2: ~10 hours)
Fitness Level
Good everyday fitness with ability to handle several hours of walking, some uneven terrain, and short climbs; glacier hiking requires stamina for 2–3 hours on ice.
Overview
In 48 hours you’ll chase the Northern Lights, walk between tectonic plates on Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt, and rope into a glacier hike on the South Coast. This two-day circuit condenses Iceland’s geological highlights into an active, guide-led experience.
2-Day Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast Glacier Hike and Northern Lights
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The night opens like an experiment in green light. You step out of the van on a black strip of shoulder, breath visible in the cold, and the Aurora Borealis begins to braid itself across the sky—a moveable ceiling that turns the ordinary farmsteads and lava fields into silhouettes for a private show.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing widely between night aurora hunts and daytime coastal winds—a base layer, insulating midlayer, and waterproof shell are essential.
Footwear for glacier and wet trails
Bring waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support; guides provide crampons for the glacier, but your boots must accept them securely.
Protect electronics
Cold and spray from waterfalls drain batteries fast—carry spare batteries or a power bank in an inner pocket to keep them warm.
Respect safety signs at Reynisfjara
Sneaker waves are deadly—stay well back from the water’s edge and follow guide instructions at the black sand beach.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Puffins (summer months)
- Harbor seals along the South Coast
History
Þingvellir was the site of Iceland’s Alþing from 930 AD, one of the world’s oldest parliaments and a place where law and landscape intersect.
Conservation
Glaciers are retreating; stay on marked paths, heed guide instructions, and avoid removing rocks or organic material to minimize erosion and disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavík
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry and provides ankle support for wet paths and crampon compatibility.
Insulating midlayer (fleece or down)
Useful for cold nights and high-elevation wind on the glacier.
Windproof/waterproof shell
Blocks spray at waterfalls and wind on exposed glacier surfaces.
Headlamp with spare batteries
Handy for aurora hunts or early starts in low-light months.
winter specific