The South Coast in Winter: The Magic of Ice
Winter is a fascinating period for discovering Iceland. Explore the iconic sites on the south and west coasts of the country, sprinkled with snow and illuminated by the northern lights, far from the summer crowds.
Duration
9 days
From
€1,900/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, Family, With friends
The spirit of travel
This itinerary is ideally designed for those visiting Iceland for the first time but who don't have enough time to tour the entire island. It condenses for a first trip, the discovery of many must-see sites in Iceland such as the Golden Circle, the black sand beaches of Vik, or the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, this journey will take you to the heart of wild and amazing nature.
The itinerary of this stay is given for information purposes only. We can adjust this self-drive tour according to the time you have available, between 7 (incomplete itinerary) and 10 days.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival and start of the adventure
Aéroport international de Keflavík → Keflavík
Upon arrival at the airport, you collect your rental vehicle and head to Keflavík, which is very close to the airport. You spend your first night by the sea with a first hot bath available at your accommodation if you wish. You may have the chance to catch a glimpse of the northern lights from your arrival.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Journey to the Center of the Earth
You take the road towards the west of the country and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Along the way, you discover the beautiful Búðir church in the middle of lava fields, the amazing sea-carved cliffs at Arnarstapi or the very beautiful pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur.
Each stop is a feast for the senses: feel the briny sea breezes, observe the birds unfazed by your presence, listen to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks, touch the texture of the lava and moss that cover parts of the landscape, taste local specialties...
You spend the night by the sea, on the south coast of the peninsula, in the Arnarstapi region.
Boat trip and whale watching
This day is an opportunity to admire the sumptuous Snæfellsjökull glacier towering majestically at the tip of the peninsula, as well as the beautiful "church-mountain" Kirkjufell.
You then set off on a sea excursion to observe orcas departing from Ólafsvík! It is an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.
You leave the peninsula at the end of the day to return to the Borgarfjörður region.
You sleep at the foot of a small waterfall, at a place equipped with hot springs and an excellent restaurant. This guesthouse is surrounded by small marked trails to discover trolls and reconnect with your inner child. The location is isolated enough to observe the northern lights.
Discovery of the Golden Circle
Today you explore the famous Golden Circle, one of the country's most emblematic places. Don't miss the Almannagjá fault in the Thingvellir National Park, be surprised by the surges of the powerful geyser, the only one in the country, and contemplate the Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the country.
You spend the night in Hella in a small hotel with pleasant hot baths and a very good restaurant, also sufficiently isolated to contemplate the northern lights.
Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches
You travel along the south coast. Stop at the foot of two exceptional waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss where you disappear behind its misty cascade and Skógafoss, stunning in its size and power.
In the afternoon, you reach the region of Vík, known for the immense basalt columns of Reynisfjara and its vast black sand beach.
You then continue driving to the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón.
You stay near the icebergs of Jökulsárlón, in a quiet and peaceful hotel with a superb view of the surroundings.
Discovery of icebergs and ice caves
Today, you approach Europe's largest glacier. The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, known for the unique spectacle of icebergs plunging into the ocean, awaits you. A beautiful walk along the famous Diamond Beach is in store for you. Imagine if you were fortunate enough to see the northern lights illuminating this landscape!
For this day, you have the opportunity to visit an ice cave accompanied by an experienced guide.
You spend the night at the same location as the previous day.
Discovery of Skaftafell Park and Route Along the South Coast
You head back along the road in the opposite direction. The Skaftafell National Park is open year-round. Although some trails are not passable in winter, it is always possible to get close to one of the glacier tongues and, if there is not much snow, to reach the very beautiful Svartifoss waterfall.
At Kirkjubæjarklaustur, other easy hikes are possible, on the Kirkjugólf basalt columns or to the many waterfalls surrounding the small town.
You can also choose to explore the very beautiful Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.
You sleep in the Hella region, between snow-capped mountains and sea.
Reykjavik Visit
In the morning, you take the road to Reykjavik and enjoy the day freely to
discover the capital and its city center.
Stroll through the colorful streets and around the small harbor. Don't miss the Harpa cultural center, a true architectural feat of glass and steel, as well as the beautiful Hallgrimskirkja church. Lively and vibrant, the city is full of small shops and trendy restaurants: you're definitely back to civilization!
At the end of the day, head to the Sky Lagoon for one last magical bath. You spend the evening and night in the capital.
Departure
Reykjavik → Aéroport international de Keflavík
Your stay is coming to an end. You return your car to the airport according to your departure time.
It is possible to sleep near the airport the day before in case of an early departure.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flight
- Personal insurance cancellation-repatriation
Included
- Nights in guesthouse/hotel type accommodation in room with private bathroom
- All-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. Our accommodations sometimes have hot baths on site. Sheets and towels are provided. We try to choose eco-responsible accommodations as much as possible.
- 4x4 rental car with unlimited mileage, taxes and SCDW insurance included, 0 € deductible refund. Vehicle pickup and return at Keflavik airport.
- 1 whale watching sea excursion per person to observe humpback whales and/or orcas. Warm clothing provided and a hot beverage included. Approximate duration 3 hours.
- 1 entry to hot baths: Hvammsvik or Sky Lagoon
- Optional: visit to an ice cave, horseback riding, trekking, kayaking, diving,... Dinners reserved to be paid on site.
- Personalized travel journal. Includes a general presentation of Islande, various tips and day-by-day itinerary including refueling points, visit suggestions, daily timing, advice for walks and hikes, as well as a detailed information sheet for each accommodation. Map 1:600000 and hiking maps.
- Our English-speaking contact and on-site assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Iceland for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport and ID card
Iceland is a member of the Schengen area. Nationals of the EEA and Switzerland may enter Iceland with a valid passport or national ID card.
Canadian nationals must be in possession of a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
The travel document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from freedom of movement within the Schengen area and may stay in Iceland for an unlimited duration for a tourist stay.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the Schengen area. This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
Authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
From the date the system comes into effect, Canadian nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before traveling in the Schengen area, of which Iceland is a member.
This prior electronic authorization must be requested online before departure. It will apply to visa-exempt travelers and will allow certain information to be transmitted to the authorities:
passport information
travel details
personal and health information
We recommend that you check the progress and date of entry into force of ETIAS with the official authorities before your departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or, for EEA and Swiss nationals, national ID card) covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required under the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Iceland in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered for evacuation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, Iceland is part of the Schengen area (outside the EU but associated). French nationals can travel there with a valid ID card or passport. The currency is the Icelandic króna. No special formalities upon arrival.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €300 and €480 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and activities. International flights (€200-500 return) are additional. Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Southern Gold Circle
Contemplative Explorer of Icelandic Lands, based in Akureyri
Iceland naturally invites you to slow down. When you embrace its rhythm, its silences and its spaces, the journey becomes a true inner experience.
— Jean-Marc
