This carbon-neutral combo tour lets you experience two of Iceland’s greatest highlights in one unforgettable day: the dramatic South Coast and the magical Northern Lights.
During the day, travel along Iceland’s most scenic route, passing lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Visit world-famous landmarks including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Sólheimajökull Glacier, and the charming village of Vík. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of glacier-capped volcanoes such as Eyjafjallajökull and Katla.
After returning to Reykjavík in the evening, you’ll have time to relax before heading out again to hunt for the Northern Lights. Led by expert guides, this evening tour takes you away from city lights to maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis. If no lights are seen, you are welcome to rejoin the Northern Lights tour free of charge on another night.
This combo is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see Iceland’s natural wonders responsibly, comfortably, and efficiently.
Northern Lights sightings are weather dependent and not guaranteed
Return times may vary if aurora activity is strong
The Northern Lights tour operates in English
South Coast Wonders tour operates in English daily
Winter conditions can be icy; paths are not salted to protect nature
Your day begins with a convenient pickup in Reykjavík before heading east along the scenic South Coast.
Enjoy views of moss-covered lava fields, mountains, farmlands, and free-range Icelandic horses and sheep. See glacier-capped volcanoes including Eyjafjallajökull and Katla beneath Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and a must-see. The waterfall isn’t large, but it is beautiful nonetheless. What makes this waterfall special is that you can walk behind it, giving great photo opportunities, especially in the twilight.
Nearby is the much larger Skógafoss Waterfall. This beautiful waterfall has been used in a few films, such as Thor: Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This is a much larger and more powerful waterfall, so don’t try to walk behind it. However, you can walk up to it; just don’t go too close.
You can also walk up a few steps and see it from above and the flattest area of Iceland to the south. The steps are the start of the hike over Fimmvörðuháls to Þórsmörk.
There is also an exciting folk museum in the area, Skógar Folk Museum. It’s a cultural heritage collection of 8000 regional artifacts exhibited in 6 historical buildings and 3 museums!
Witness the majestic Sólheimajökull glacier, which has shaped the surrounding terrain. Here, you’ll have the chance to see how Iceland’s glaciers are retreating and forming stunning natural features, like the serene iceberg-filled lake at the glacier’s base.
The beautiful, expansive, and famous Reynisfjara is a place everyone should visit. It is important to keep out of the waves, though, as they can be very dangerous.
The beach is often considered one of Iceland’s best black sand beaches, and National Geographic even put the beach on its top 10 list of non-tropical beaches people should visit.
To one end, you can see Dyrahólaey, and on the other are the Reynisdrangar rock formations, basalt columns, and a small cave. The story goes that Reynisdrangar was made when two trolls tried to drag a three-masted ship to land. The trolls and the ship turned to stone when the sun hit them.
The small town of Vík in Mýrdalur is a great stop. It is possible to check out the black sand beach, with a brilliant view of the Reynisdrangar rock formations, and hike up to the small local church for a great photo opportunity.
Arrival around 19:30.
Enjoy a few hours in the city before the evening tour begins.
Northern Lights Tour (3 hours)
Departure times:
21:00–00:00 (1 Oct – 14 Mar)
22:00–01:00 (25 Aug – 30 Sept & 15 Mar – 15 Apr)
Travel away from city lights to locations chosen based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts. Learn about the science and folklore behind the aurora borealis from your expert guide.
If no northern lights are seen, you may rejoin the tour free of charge on another night.
Experience Iceland’s iconic South Coast by day and chase the Northern Lights by night on this unforgettable carbon-neutral combo tour from Reykjavík.
Get in touch with Your Friend in Reykjavik for all your Iceland travel planning needs. We love to help you plan the perfect trip, making personal recommendations for tours and activities you should check out during your visit. Craft your custom Iceland itinerary with our expert guidance!
