5-Day Land of the Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavík — Blue Lagoon, Glacier Hike & Golden Circle
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic fitness; optional glacier walk requires the ability to walk on uneven terrain for up to 90 minutes on ice.
Overview
Spend five compact days exploring Reykjavík and South Iceland—Blue Lagoon access, Golden Circle highlights, an optional glacier walk and two guided Northern Lights evenings. Ideal for first-time visitors who want maximum exposure to Iceland’s geology and aurora opportunities in a single trip.
5-Day Land of the Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavík — Blue Lagoon, Glacier Hike & Golden Circle
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By night Reykjavík’s sodium lamps shrink into the city’s low-slung grid and the sky takes charge. On this five-day circuit you trade streetlamps for dark horizons and the chance to watch curtains of green and purple weave above the horizon. Mornings begin in Reykjavík with brisk coffee and compact museums; afternoons are spent on coastal headlands, beside thundering falls, or on a black-sand shore where waves dare you to get closer. Two nights are devoted to active Northern Lights searching—short lectures, camera tips and guided drives away from light pollution increase your odds when the sky cooperates.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in insulating layers
Temperatures can swing quickly—base layer, fleece, and a waterproof shell let you adapt between city tours, coastal wind and glacier exposure.
Bring sturdy, waterproof boots
Walks on black sand, icy car parks and the glacier approach require good traction; ice-grippers are provided but proper boots improve comfort.
Charge camera batteries and bring spare memory
Cold drains batteries fast and aurora photography takes time—carry spares and your own tripod if you have one.
Stay flexible with timing
Aurora and weather are unpredictable—allow buffer time for night drives and schedule adjustments on the coach tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Icelandic horse (tame, often found on farm visits)
- Seals along the southern coastline and seabirds near cliffs
History
Thingvellir hosted the Alþingi from 930 AD, making the area both a geological rift and the birthplace of Iceland’s national assembly.
Conservation
Iceland’s lava fields and moss are fragile—stick to paths and avoid trampling vegetation; aurora tours emphasize minimal light and no-trace practices to protect dark-sky values.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavík
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against wind, rain and spray on coastal stops and on the glacier approach.
winter specific
Warm insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during night aurora hunts and cold-weather sightseeing.
winter specific
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
Required for beach walks, waterfall viewpoints and the glacier transfer walk.
Headlamp or flashlight
Useful for night-time aurora viewing and dark transfers; one is provided but a personal light is handy.
winter specific