Set off on a 5–day winter getaway in North Iceland, with the charming town of Akureyri as your home base. Each day, you’ll join guided excursions into the snow-dusted countryside to explore the highlights of the region.
Known as the ‘Capital of the North’, Akureyri is full of cool things to see and do. Dive into the local history and culture, eat great food, or hit the slopes at the nearby ski resort. And on the first night, get ready to hunt for the elusive Northern Lights on an evening excursion.
Then, venture outside of town to explore North Iceland’s must-see sights. You’ll stroll black sand beaches on the Arctic coast, see the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn, visit tumbling waterfalls, and so much more.
Plus, you can personalize your trip with optional activities, including whale watching, and geothermal spa experiences.
On this tour you will...
Stay in Akureyri, the ‘Capital of the North’, and join exciting excursions each day
Hunt for the glimmering Northern Lights on an evening adventure
Witness Iceland’s volcanic forces at play at Lake Mývatn
Be awe-struck by the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir
Visit black sand beaches and cute fishing villages along the Arctic coast
Marvel at thundering Goðafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’
Top attractions
Akureyri
Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss
Dimmuborgir
Why book a multi-day trip with Iceland Tours?
Stay at the same place in Akureyri for your whole trip
Travel on comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi
Effortlessly customize your trip with extra activities
24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland
Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
Your 5-day bus itinerary
Shared transfer from Akureyri International Airport to your hotel in Akureyri (included).
Welcome to Akureyri, the unofficial capital of North Iceland! Once you settle in, take the day to explore its charming and historic downtown.
Start with a stroll through the main street, Hafnarstræti. You’ll find lots of restaurants, cafés and shops. The town center is also dotted with traditional wooden buildings from the early 20th century.
For stunning views of the town and the surrounding fjord, climb the ‘stairway to heaven’ to the iconic church Akureyrarkirkja.
In the evening
Spend the evening on an exciting Northern Lights hunt outside of the city. Your expert guides will know the best places to spot this breathtaking phenomenon.
Highlights
Akureyri
Extra activities
IncludedNorthern Lights night from Akureyri
Get ready for an epic adventure in the north! Your journey starts with a scenic drive along the coast of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords.
You’ll then stop by the breathtaking Goðafoss waterfall before making your way to Lake Mývatn. Prepare to be wowed by a landscape full of volcanic wonders. Witness bubbling hot springs at Námaskarð and check out the mesmerizing Grjótagjá lava cave.
Next, experience the area’s geothermal power with a relaxing dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths (optional, not included). This lagoon’s milky-blue waters stay warm even in winter.
On your way back, get lost in the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir, a Game of Thrones filming location. And don’t miss Skútustaðagígar, a series of spectacular pseudocraters.
Your last stop is back by Eyjafjordur, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Akureyri and get the perfect photo op.
Please note that the entry fee to the Mývatn Nature Baths is not included. If you don’t want to join this activity, you can opt for a light lunch at Café Kvika or upgrade to a different version of this day tour below.
Today you’ll explore Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula), a breathtaking region along the Arctic Coast Way route.
Your tour kicks off from Akureyri, leading you through the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord. Imagine rivers running through deep valleys carved by ancient glaciers during the last Ice Age.
As you make your way down the coast, you’ll pass through picturesque fishing villages, such as Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður. Here, locals have thrived on fishing for centuries.
Stop by a striking black sand beach before arriving in Siglufjörður. This historic town was the backdrop for the hit Icelandic TV series, Trapped.
On the way back, you’ll visit Hauganes, a 19th century fishing village with a population of only 90 people or so. Here, you’ll find another black sand beach. Take a dip in the geothermal hot tubs by the shore or brave the Atlantic Ocean for a refreshing swim before you head back to Akureyri.
Today, you can explore more of Akureyri at your own pace. If you want to hit the slopes, head over to Hlíðarfjall, a nearby ski resort that’s popular with the locals.
Or why not join one of our exciting optional excursions? You could see humpbacks in the wild on a whale-watching tour, soak in geothermal waters or whatever takes your fancy.
Please note there is time for only one tour per day.
Transfer from Akureyri to airport (included).
After an exciting winter adventure, it’s time to bid farewell to the Land of Fire and Ice – for now! You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of tumbling waterfalls, hot springs, and frosty mountains.
If your flight isn’t until later in the day, you could add a visit to the nearby Forest Lagoon geothermal spa. What better way to end your Icelandic experience than by soaking in a steamy infinity pool surrounded by nature?
What’s included?
Comfort accommodation every night
Continental breakfast every day
Airport transfer
Northern Lights guided bus tour
Lake Mývatn guided bus tour
Arctic Coastline guided bus tour
24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland
VAT, taxes & service fees
Flights to Iceland
Food & drink, unless otherwise stated
Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
Personal travel insurance
FAQs about our multi-day trips
Throughout your multi-day trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be based in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík or Akureyri the capital of the North. From here, you can join guided tours into the surrounding countryside to soak up the mind-blowing scenery. Your package will include at least one day trip, and depending on the length of your tour package you can opt to add more.
It’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t have the same guide throughout your trip. In fact, on each escorted group day trip from Reykjavík or Akureyri, you’ll get to meet a new guide and new fellow travelers.
What’s more, spending each night in the same accommodation means you don’t need to worry about unpacking and repacking during your trip. It also gives you the chance to experience more of the city’s restaurants, food halls, and bars. And you’ll have time to browse the local shops and visiting the city’s attractions.
When you opt for a multi-day package, you won’t be traveling with the same guide and group throughout your trip. This means that number of fellow travelers you meet on your guided excursions will vary depending on the activity.
For instance, if you’re going on an ice cave tour, your group could include a just a handful people. Meanwhile, a tour of the Golden Circle by bus will often be a larger group as you’ll likely be traveling by coach. And you’ll find evening Northern Lights tours are usually by coach too, although you have the option to upgrade to a small group, super jeep, or boat tour.
Depending on the excursion, your bus could be either a minibus or coach. Most buses will have free onboard Wi-Fi and charging points for your phone. Larger buses also have overhead compartments for stowing your bag and jacket.
It’s good to know that although there’s no restroom on the bus, your guide will make sure to include regular breaks throughout the journey.
On each morning of your trip, you’ll get a tasty continental breakfast at your accommodation. In most places, this is served buffet-style in a communal dining room.
With most packages, lunch and dinner are not included so you’re free to choose from all of the options available. In Reykjavík and Akureyri, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to eat.
Some festive packages include special meals. Check the ‘What’s included?’ section for the individual package to find out exactly what you’ll get.
If your package features longer day tours, you’ll find that the guide will factor in lunch and restroom stops. But it’s still good to come prepared by packing a few snacks and plenty of water. And if you prefer, you could bring a picnic lunch rather than eat out.