Hot Pools & Northern Lights: Winter Adventure in the North & West

6 days

What you'll do

This is an off-the beaten path adventure focusing on the more rural areas of Iceland. It features some of the latest additions of high-end hot pools in Iceland as well as natural beauty and cultural experiences. Not many people live in these regions so there is little light pollution - perfect for seeing the Northern Lights.

If you want to see the Aurora, keep an eye on the Aurora forecast.

You can also read my tips and tricks about how to photograph the Northern Lights here.

I HIGHLY recommend renting a 4x4 for winter road conditions and better yet, get a specially modified 4x4 (for example from ÍSAK car rental) for taking your adventure to the next level. It’s a beautiful vehicle and will keep you going even if there’s a lot of snow.

The Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland from mid-August through mid-April and this itinerary is best suited for winter trips (November - March). However, if you are traveling outside of these months, this itinerary is still great to follow for a slower paced, out-in-nature adventure with the chance to soak in Iceland’s geothermal waters at least once every day.

Something important to consider when traveling in Iceland in the winter is the daylight hours. Particularly in December and January, the amount of daylight available for sightseeing and driving comfortably is extremely limited. I’ve recommended departure times each morning but based on your specific travel dates, these times may need to be adjusted and/or you may need to skip some sights. To maximize the limited daylight hours, plan to drive and/or sightsee during Blue Hour, the hour before official sunrise and the hour after sunset. Also know that sunrise and sunset times can be notably different from town to town.

Overall, this itinerary will allow you to explore some of the lesser known gems in Iceland, sometimes all alone, but will also give you a well-rounded Icelandic experience. Have fun exploring!

Day 1

Start the day by visiting one of the newest high end lagoons in Iceland, Hvammsvik Hot Springs. Book your visit in advance for the first available time since you’ve got some ground to cover today. Daylight hours are few, but the light is really beautiful. After your soak, stop in Borgarnes for lunch before driving to the two majestic waterfalls. You may also make a short stop at Snorrastofa cultural center if you’d like (be sure to check opening times). Then, park at Hraunfossar/Barnafossar to enjoy these beautiful and unique waterfalls. If available, book a trip to the very cool and remote Húsafell Canyon Baths for the evening. For the night you will stay at or near Hotel Húsafell which is a great place to experience the Northern Lights since there is very little light pollution. Alternatively, the hotel pool is very lovely as well. There are few restaurants nearby so plan to enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, even if you’re not staying there for the night.

Note: if you are renting a vehicle from ISAK 4x4 and need to get to their rental office, you may either book a shuttle from Keflavik International Airport or from central Reykjavik on ISAK’s website. Or, take a taxi (Hreyfill app) to their office.

Timing Details:

Give yourself enough time to pick-up your rental vehicle, if you haven’t already and take into account that the drive from Reykjavik city center to Hvammsvik Hot Springs is one hour.
Total Driving Time - 3 hours
Estimated Outing Time - 7 hours, 30 minutes

ISAK 4X4 Car Rental (gunnar = 10% OFF)

car_rental

Car rental

Use code gunnar for 10% off

Traveling into the Highlands? Looking for an awesome driving experience? Want the most capable, well-equipped and photogenic vehicle for your road trip? Be sure to rent your iconic white Land Rover Defender from ISAK! Their Super Jeeps are equipped with snorkels, to ensure that the engine doesn't drown in river crossings, and some of their fleet has roof-top tents and an air compressor for a more enjoyable ride on Iceland's most challenging roads, F-Roads.

ISAK's office is located just outside of Reykjavik but they offer pick-up and drop-off from both Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik city center.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Hot Spring

Hot spring

Hot pools and ocean baths located by the beautiful Hvalfjörður fjord (which means the whale fjord). Some of the newest and nicest hot pools in Iceland.

For those without their own transportation, you may also book a trip to Hvammsvik Hot Springs with transfer from and to Reykjavik.

Blómasetrið - Kaffi Kyrrð

cafe

Relaxing Cafe in Borgarnes

The cafe Blómasetrið - Kaffi Kyrrð invites guests to come and nourish their body, soul, and mind. This cozy cafe has a warm atmosphere where everyone who enters should feel better when they leave. Here guests can enjoy light snacks, desserts, quality coffee, and a good connection (wi-fi or inwards). The cafe is also next to Englendingavík bay in the old town of Borgarnes, only a stone's throw away from the Settlement Center and Bjössaróló playground. It's the perfect place for anyone looking to relax and take in the wonderful sights of West Iceland.

Snorrastofa

culture

Cultural center

Cultural center. My mom works here. Look for a tall blond lady - that's my mom. Her name is Sigrun. Make sure to say hi from Gunnar ;-) Go check out the old Snorralaug pool.

Opening Hours:

May through August, everyday, 10 am to 5 pm

September through April, weekdays only, 10 am to 5 pm

Barnafossar

Waterfall