Northern Lights in North Iceland
Northern Lights in North ICELAND
Embark on an Arctic Adventure, spotting the Northern Lights in North Iceland. Explore the unique geothermal area surrounding lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir “the dark forts” the iconic Goðafoss – “the Waterfall of the Gods” and have a lush soak at the outdoor Nature Baths. The small city of Akureyri nicknamed “The Capital of the North” is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is a very important port and fishing centre. It also features a thriving cultural scene with multiple bars, restaurants, and museums.
This holiday includes flights, airport taxi transfers and a 3-star hotel (upgradeable to a 4-star hotel) with breakfast. You can choose to add any available combination of activities below when booking.
London flight departures are daily
Departures from Manchester / Edinburgh are also available on most days
| INCLUDED |
|---|
| Return flights from London airports (other UK airports available) + transfers to hotel |
| 3 overnight stays in a double/twin room at 3-star or 4-star hotel in Akureyri |
| Breakfast included at hotel |
| Specified activities (some are optional add-ons) |
| Required gear and transfers for activities |
Packages with flights include departures from most UK airports. Only holidays booked in conjunction with flights are covered under our ATOL license. Through our membership with The Travel Vault, other packages are also financially protected in accordance with the EU Package Travel Regulations at no extra cost to customers.
Available dates: October 2019 – March 2020.
Suitable for all ages.
Tour Programme
NORTHERN LIGHTS IN North ICELAND
Day 1: Arrive in Akureyri
Arrival akureyri, iceland
(All departures from the UK have a stop-over at Reykjavík before arrival in Akureyri)
Your airport transfer is included and will drop you off at your 3-star hotel where you are able to check-in. (Upgradeable to 4-star hotel). Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to do an Optional Activity, or you can choose to familiarise yourself with the beautiful surroundings and go on a walk.
OPTIONAL: 13:00 Whale Watching (3 hours)
This tour offers you the full whale watching and wildlife experience with professional guides that help to enrich your knowledge and understanding of the fjord‘s ecosystem, geology, history, and folklore.
Humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are commonly spotted during these popular tours. To ensure that the animals are not disturbed by our presence, we sail at a constant speed towards the whales’ habitat. As a result, a variety of species, from humpback whales to tiny porpoises, often surface close to the boat.
Departing from Oddeyrarbót pier right in the heart of Akureyri town this 3-hour tour takes you out cruising through prime whale viewing areas.
OPTIONAL: 10:00 / 14:00 / 17:00 Horseback Riding (3-4 hours)
A trip to Iceland is not complete without connecting with our most gracious animal friends. The beautiful fjord area around Akureyri in the North of Iceland offers a variety of choices for horseback riding – for beginners just as for experienced riders. A wonderful opportunity to both enjoy nature and to learn about the Icelandic horse under expert supervision.
The horseback riding tours start from Skjaldarvík guesthouse, located 5 km north of Akureyri on the western side of the fjord Eyjafjörður. Depending on the weather and the experience level of the group you will follow beautiful trails along the seashore with magnificent views over the fjord and/or ride into the hills surrounding the fjord. After the ride you can relax in the hot tub at the farm, overlooking the sea. Light refreshments will also be included.
OPTIONAL: 21:30 Northern Lights Tour (2-3 hours)
Northern Lights Akureyri is a hunting experience. To go into the dark, frozen winter night and observe an unbelievable display of colours, lights, and texture, is like waking up in a fairy-tale, full of mystery and magic.
For the Northern Lights hunt we drive out to the countryside or up to the mountains, away from electric glow and city sounds, where you will be able to enjoy the beautiful night sky, of course depending on the weather. The Northern Lights are also called Aurora Borealis which is a natural phenomenon visible in the Northern Hemisphere. A unique display of light caused by a particle collision in the magnetic field of the polar caps. Our goal is not only to find the right sights for the best photograph but also to take our time to enjoy this fragile single moment that will never come again but you might remember for the rest of your life.
NB: The Northern Lights Tour comes included with this trip on Day 2. If your Tour Guide confirms that no lights were seen we offer a complimentary tour on the following departure, Day 3.
Overnight stay in a standard room at 3-star hotel (upgradeable to 4-star hotel)
Day 2: Lakes, Waterfalls & The Northern Lights
Day 2: LAKES, WATERFALLS & THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Breakfast 07:00 – 10:00
09:00 Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall day tour (12 hours)
The tour heads off North along the East coast of Eyjafjörður which offers a panoramic view of Akureyri. We make a half-hour stop at the waterfall of Goðafoss, famed not only for its beauty but also as the scene of historical events from the saga times. By noon we arrive at Lake Mývatn, famous for its combination of natural beauty and unique ecology. We begin by driving to the farm of Skútustaðir where you will see a good view of Lake Mývatn and, in clear weather, of some of the mountains in the central highlands.
We progress by driving along the south side of the lake to Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles), a spectacular maze of strange lava structures, covered with surprisingly lush vegetation. Our next stop is at Grjótagjá, a fissure with underground warm water caves. We proceed to the Hverir solfataras (boiling sulphur mud pits) at Námaskarð, A stop is also made at the outdoor Nature Baths near the lake, and here you get enough time to soak in the warm, geothermal waters of the beautiful lagoon. After the stop at Nature Baths, we return to Akureyri.
Arrive back at the hotel & have dinner
21:30 Northern Lights Tour (2-3 hours)
Overnight stay in a standard room at 3-star hotel (upgradeable to 4-star hotel)
Day 3: Create your Perfect Arctic Day
Day 3: create your perfect arctic day
Breakfast 07:00 – 10:00
After breakfast, you will have the freedom to decide if you would like to do an optional daytime activity from three different options. You will also have the option to do a Northern Lights Tour in the evening.
OPTIONAL: 11:00 Combo Tour – Goðafoss, Laufás and the Christmas House (7 hours)
One of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, a glimpse into how Icelanders used to live for centuries and a visit to the house where it´s Christmas all year! All this in just half a day! Goðafoss is one of the waterfalls on the glacial Skjálfandafljót River, the largest and most beautiful of them all. Its location by the ring road gives easy access to this gem of nature. Laufás turf farmhouse museum in Eyjafjörður is located by the estuary of the Fnjóská River.
OPTIONAL: 11:00 Arctic Coastline & Microbrewery
OPTIONAL: 13:00 Whale Watching (3 hours)
This tour offers you the full whale watching and wildlife experience with professional guides that help to enrich your knowledge and understanding of the fjord‘s ecosystem, geology, history, and folklore.
Humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are commonly spotted during these popular tours. To ensure that the animals are not disturbed by our presence, we sail at a constant speed towards the whales’ habitat. As a result, a variety of species, from humpback whales to tiny porpoises, often surface close to the boat.
This 3-hour tour takes you out cruising through prime whale viewing areas. It departs from Oddeyrarbót pier right in the heart of Akureyri town.
OPTIONAL: 21:30 Northern Lights in North Iceland Tour (2-3 hours)
Northern Lights in North Iceland is a hunting experience. Go into the dark, frozen winter night and observe an unbelievable display of colours, lights, and textures. It’s like waking up in a fairy-tale, full of mystery and magic.
For the Northern Lights hunt, we drive out to the countryside or up to the mountains. Away from electric glow and city sounds, where you will be able to enjoy the beautiful night sky. Of course, the destination depends on the weather. The Northern Lights are also called Aurora Borealis which is a natural phenomenon visible in the Northern Hemisphere. A unique display of light caused by a particle collision in the magnetic field of the polar caps. Our goal is to find the best conditions for you to photograph the auroras. Also to enjoy this fragile single moment that you might remember for the rest of your life.
NB: Northern lights sightings cannot be guaranteed due to weather and solar conditions, but we will do our very best! If your Tour Guide confirms that no lights were seen on Day 3 this tour will be offered complimentary.
Overnight stay in a standard room at 3-star hotel (upgradeable to 4-star hotel)
Day 4: Last Goodbyes to Akureyri
Last Goodbyes to AKUREYRI
Enjoy your last breakfast and snow fun before your departure back home. If you have time, have a walk and take in the sights one last time such as Akureyri Church. You can also find some unique souvenirs to take home from your unforgettable arctic adventure.
A transfer will be ready to collect you from your hotel to the airport.
Flight departs from Akureyri include a stop over at Reykjavík
NB: For additional nights and different options, please contact us. For bookings of more than 8 people please contact us via email here.
