This 7-day Iceland winter photography itinerary covers the country's most iconic natural wonders during peak northern lights season in early January 2026. The trip efficiently explores western and southern Iceland in a counter-clockwise loop from Reykjavik, visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (called "Iceland in miniature"), the dramatic South Coast with black sand beaches, the famous Golden Circle route, and multiple waterfall locations including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gullfoss. You'll experience temperatures around 0-2°C during the day with over 20 hours of darkness ideal for aurora photography, though frequent snow is expected.
The itinerary balances guided group experiences with private tours, offering exceptional photography opportunities at locations like Kirkjufell mountain, Reynisfjara's basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the Blue Lagoon's milky-blue geothermal waters. A highlight is the Aurora Igloo accommodation on Days 4-5, featuring heated glass dome rooms with unobstructed views for photographing the northern lights from bed. The trip also includes a scheduled northern lights chase, lava cave exploration at Vidgelmir (Iceland's largest), the Lava Show experience, and a 3-hour Reykjavik walking tour.
Cultural and geological stops include Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site and site of the world's oldest parliament from 930 CE), Deildartunguhver hot spring (Europe's most powerful), Kerid Crater, and seal colonies at Ytri-Tunga Beach. The package includes private airport transfers and multi-city touring with an optional Katla Ice Cave excursion available for an additional 196 EUR per person. Most locations provide 2-3 hours for photography, giving adequate time for proper setup and composition work in challenging winter conditions.
Day 1Arrival in Reykjavik
Reykjavik+
Arrival in Reykjavik
- Arrival KEF airport. Pvt transfer to the hotel.
- Check-in & relax Overnight Reykjavik
Day 2Snæfellnes
Snæfellsnes+
Snæfellnes
- After Breakfast, Meet at the scheduled location nearby the hotel for a scheduled pick up.
- spend a whole day exploring the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula, its craggy cliffs, black pebble beaches, seabirds, and glacier mountains. This region is called “Iceland in miniature” for a reason! Admire the beautiful and photogenic mountain of Kirkjufell. Snæfellsnes is also home to the big seal colony that you will have a chance to see at Ytri-Tunga Beach
- Overnight West Iceland
Day 3FD tour part 2: Silver Circle
Silver Circle+
FD tour part 2: Silver Circle
- Breakfast, Continue tour to Silver Circle. Including the Lava cave excursion.
- Visit Glanni Watefall, Deildartunguhver - the most powerful hot spring in Europe and the Reykholt historic site. The last stop will be at Husafell - the woodland oasis.
- Later, go inside the biggest Lava Cave in Iceland called Vidgelmir
- Evening drive back to Reykjavic.
Day 4South Coast Iceland
South Coast Iceland+
South Coast Iceland
- Breakfast.
- Meet your chauffeur for a pvt multi city tour. Enjoy South Coast Iceland. Black Sand beach, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls.
- we take a scenic drive along the beautiful South Coast, stopping at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Here, you have a unique opportunity to experience the power and wonder of nature. Don't just view these falls from a distance – walk the pathway that takes you right behind the elegantly falling cascade.
- We head onwards to the scenic Skógafoss waterfall. Here, the water crashes over the former sea cliffs, which extend for many kilometers, marking the coastline long ago. Watch out for rainbows—the incredible spray makes Skógafoss an ideal spot to catch single or double ones!
- The day's final stop is Reynisfjara black sand beach, home of the legendary Reynisdrangar peaks, said to be the figures of two trolls who were turned into stone when they faced the morning sun! As you wander along the beach, you will also see the incredible basalt column cave.
- Post the tour Drive to Aurora Igloo. Overnight Aurora Igloo
- Optional Supplement: 3 hr scheduled Katla Ice cave excursion. Included transfers with super jeeps, guide, all necessary gear. Supplement price: 196 Eur per person
Day 5Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon
Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon+
Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon
- No breakfast
- Start your drive to Golden Circle. Visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Kerid Crater and more
- Þingvellir National Park holds a special place in every Icelander’s heart. It’s where the world’s oldest parliament was founded in 930 CE and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and geological wonders.
- Continue your drive to Blue Lagoon. Enjoy 2 hr of Blue Lagoon wellness. Chauffeur waiting time max 2 hrs.
- A visit to Gullfoss waterfall will complete our Golden Circle. Feel the force as the falls thunder through the high, rugged canyon, dropping in two stages.
Day 6Reykjavik sightseeing and northern lights
Reykjavik+
Reykjavik sightseeing and northern lights
- Breakfast.
- Meet your guide for a pvt 3 hr Reykjavik walking tour
- Later enjoy lava show experience (unescorted)
- At night enjoy scheduled northern light chase in a group. (scheduled meeting point 4-6 min walk from the hotel)
- Overnight in Reykjavik
Day 7Departure day
Reykjavik+
Departure day
- Breakfast.
- Pvt transfer to the airport
- Departure.
What is included in the tour
- Daily breakfast, Except during the Aurora igloo stay
- Pvt airport transfer upon arrival and departure to kef airport
- Pvt Multi City 1 night/2 day chauffeur service for the South Coast . Included all costs related to the transport, chauffeur meals, and accommodation.
- SIC : Fully escorted 2 Day Guided tour of West Iceland – Small Group /SIC (Seat in a coach) : Max 19 Pax : Sprinter Vehicle.
- Pick up and drop off within Reykjavik.
- English-speaking Guide.
- Accommodation for 1 nights in a double/ twin room or single with private bathroom
- Daily Breakfast
- Necessary safety equipment for the Lava Cave excursion ( Hiking boots not included, Eur 21 per person is a supplement for the rental).
- Professional tour guide in English in a minibus.
- Pick up and drop off within Reykjavik.
- Entry to the Kerid Volcanic Crater.
- Free Wi-Fi on bus.
- IMP: As the luggage space is limited therefore each guest needs to carry 3 days essential clothing in small luggages.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Air Travel.
- Meals and Beverages unless those specified here.
- Activities unless specified here.
- Sightseeing/Local Transfers (unless specified).
- Porter Service.
- Personal Travel Insurance.
- Tips to Guide and Driver.
- Last minute surprises.
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Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour: Explore "Iceland in miniature" featuring the iconic Kirkjufell mountain with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, black pebble beaches, glacier-capped mountains, and seal colonies at Ytri-Tunga Beach
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Aurora Igloo Glass Dome Stay: Sleep in heated transparent igloos near Hella with unobstructed northern sky views, allowing you to photograph auroras from your bed without braving freezing temperatures
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Northern Lights Chase Experience: Scheduled group tour on Day 6 to maximize chances of witnessing and photographing the aurora borealis during peak January darkness with up to 20 hours of night
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South Coast Black Sand Beaches: Visit Reynisfjara with its dramatic hexagonal basalt columns, sea caves, and legendary Reynisdrangar sea stack formations said to be trolls turned to stone
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Behind-the-Waterfall Walk: Experience Seljalandsfoss from the unique pathway that takes you directly behind the cascading water, plus photograph Skógafoss where spray creates frequent rainbow displays
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Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa: Two-hour wellness experience in Iceland's famous milky-blue mineral-rich waters surrounded by moss-covered lava fields, with photography opportunities from viewing decks
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Golden Circle Route: Complete tour of Iceland's most famous circuit including Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of the world's oldest parliament), Geysir geothermal area, powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and Kerid volcanic crater
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Vidgelmir Lava Cave Exploration: Guided excursion inside Iceland's largest lava tube cave with geological formations, part of the Silver Circle tour including Glanni Waterfall and Deildartunguhver hot spring
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Reykjavik Cultural Immersion: Private 3-hour walking tour of the capital's landmarks plus the unique Lava Show experience demonstrating real flowing lava for understanding volcanic processes
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Optional Katla Ice Cave Adventure: Super jeep glacier excursion with professional guides and equipment to explore crystal ice formations inside the glacier (196 EUR supplement)
