THE MINI WINTER ICELAND EXPERIENCE
WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?
Glaciers, ice caves, the Blue Lagoon, Diamond Beach and thundering waterfalls - Iceland's winter magic, Northern Lights permitting.
AVAILABILITY
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
The Blue Lagoon
Soak in the milky-blue, geothermally heated waters of the Blue Lagoon, the perfect antidote to the crisp Icelandic air and a wonderfully relaxed start (or finish) to your trip.
The Northern Lights
On clear winter nights, the sky above Iceland puts on one of nature's greatest shows - shifting curtains of green, and sometimes purple and pink, dancing overhead. Never guaranteed, always unforgettable when they appear.
Ice Caves
Step inside a living glacier on a guided ice cave excursion, weaving through electric-blue tunnels carved by centuries of meltwater - only accessible, and only safe, in winter.
The Waterfalls
From the walk-behind curtain of Seljalandsfoss to the thunderous power of Skógafoss, Iceland's South Coast waterfalls are dramatic even in the depths of winter, framed by ice, snow and black volcanic rock.
Diamond Beach
Chunks of glacial ice, calved from Jökulsárlón and washed in from the sea, litter the black volcanic sand like scattered diamonds. One of the most photographed, and most surreal, stretches of coastline in Iceland.
The Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most surreal sights in Iceland - icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull drift slowly out to sea, some washing up on the glittering black sand of nearby Diamond Beach.
“An unforgettable four days - ice caves, glaciers, the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights dancing above us on our last night. Small group, brilliant guide, effortless organisation. Already planning our next Untravelled Paths trip!”
Rebecca Gibson
TRIP OVERVIEW
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Iceland in winter is a different world entirely - a landscape of ice, fire and darkness that turns even a short trip into something genuinely unforgettable. Our 4-night Mini Winter Iceland Experience packs in all the highlights, without the long-haul commitment. You'll start by soaking in the geothermal warmth of the Blue Lagoon, the perfect antidote to the crisp Icelandic air, before heading out along the South Coast to chase some of the country's most dramatic waterfalls, thundering curtains of water framed by black volcanic rock. From there, it's on to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs calve slowly into the water and drift out to nearby Diamond Beach, scattering the black sand with glittering fragments of ice. For the truly adventurous, we head inside a glacier itself on a guided ice cave excursion, weaving through electric-blue tunnels carved by centuries of meltwater, a sight few travellers ever get to see up close. And when the sky is clear, there's always the chance of catching the Northern Lights dancing overhead, an experience that, however many photos you've seen beforehand, never quite prepares you for the real thing. Small groups, off the beaten track, and Iceland at its most magical.
YOUR EXPERTS
James
The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James
NEED TO KNOW
| DESTINATION | Iceland |
| DURATION | 4 nights |
| GROUP SIZE | 8 people |
| ASSISTANCE | Hands on |
| AIRPORT(S) | Reykjavik Airport (KEF) |
| FLIGHTS | For details of flights from the UK please see the Trip Details section. |
| VISA | UK, EU & US not required |
| VACCINATIONS | None |
TRIP GALLERY
TRIP ITINERARY
Land at Keflavík and transfer straight to the Blue Lagoon, the perfect way to shake off the flight before settling into your accommodation in Reykjavik. Spend the evening exploring the city's cosy bars and restaurants, or simply resting up for the days of adventure ahead.
INCLUDED
- Airport Pick-up
- Blue Lagoon Entry
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Northern Lights Tour
Explore Iceland's classic Golden Circle: the tectonic rift at Þingvellir National Park, the roaring Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal Geysir area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes. Return to Reykjavik for a final evening, with one last chance to head out and search for the Northern Lights.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Visit Þingvellir National Park
- Visit Gullfoss
- Visit Geysir
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Whale Watching
- Silfra Snorkeling
- Northern Lights Tour
Continue east to the showstopping Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift silently towards the sea, and cross the road to Diamond Beach, where the ice washes up and glitters against the black sand. Later, don a helmet and crampons for a guided excursion into a genuine ice cave, carved deep into a living glacier.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Visit Diamond Beach
- Guided Ice Cave Excursion
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Northern Lights Tour
A full day tracing Iceland's dramatic South Coast. Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, feel the spray of the mighty Skógafoss, and stand on the volcanic black sands of Reynisfjara beach, beneath its basalt sea stacks. Return to Reykjavik in the evening - clear skies permitting, we'll keep an eye out for the Northern Lights.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Visit Seljalandsfoss
- Visit Skógafoss
- Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Visit Sky Lagoon
TRIP ACCOMMODATION
A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.
Reykjavik
Iceland
Centrally located hotels offering easy access to the city's restaurants, bars and top attractions, with comfortable, modern amenities after a long day.
Typical Accommodation: Hotel Exeter or similar
The South
Iceland
Cosy, well-located accommodation close to the South Coast's waterfalls and the black sand beaches, offering a relaxed base between days of adventure.
Typical Accommodation: Hotel Vik i Myrdal or similar
TRIP LOCATION
WHERE YOU'RE GOING
A land of fire and ice sitting just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is never more dramatic than in winter. Glaciers, geysers, black sand beaches and thundering waterfalls sit alongside geothermal lagoons and, on a clear night, the aurora borealis itself. Reykjavik's cosy, colourful streets provide a warm contrast to the raw, elemental landscapes just beyond the city limits - a country that rewards those willing to wrap up and head out into the cold.
DID YOU KNOW
- Iceland has no mosquitoes.
- Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world.
- Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable geothermal and hydroelectric energy.
- There are no railways in Iceland - roads and flights are the only way to get around.
FAST FACTS
| CAPITAL | |
| POPULATION | |
| CURRENCY | |
| TIME DIFFERENCE |
“Iceland's weather can shift in an hour - sun, sleet, wind, all in one afternoon. Pack broadly, layer well, and you'll enjoy every moment whatever the sky throws at you.”
James
TRIP TIPS
Pack Proper Layers
Merino base layers, a windproof outer shell, and waterproof boots are essential - the wind chill off the Atlantic makes a bigger difference than the temperature itself, and Icelandic weather can shift within the hour.
More than the Lights
Don't come for the Northern Lights alone. They're never guaranteed, even in peak season, and the guests who enjoy Iceland most are the ones who come for the glaciers, waterfalls and ice caves first, treating the aurora as a bonus.
Use the Aurora App
The Icelandic Met Office's Aurora Forecast app is surprisingly accurate, giving you a clear read on cloud cover and geomagnetic activity for the night ahead. It means you're not stepping outside every half hour just in case.
Bring a Day Pack
A small day pack makes a real difference - somewhere to stash gloves, a spare layer, camera and snacks as you move between waterfalls, glacier walks and ice caves, without heading back to the coach every time the weather changes.
TRIP DETAILS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ALL TRANSFERS
- ALL ACCOMMODATION
- 2 nights in Reykjavik
- 2 nights in South Coast
- MEALS
- All breakfasts
- ACTIVITIES
- Blue Lagoon Entry
- Visit Seljalandsfoss
- Visit Skógafoss
- Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Visit Diamond Beach
- Guided Ice Cave Excursion
- Visit Þingvellir National Park
- Visit Gullfoss
- Visit Geysir
- THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
- UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE
As a tour operator, we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences, however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the most convenient and best-value flights.
LONDON TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Icelandair (Heathrow)
- British Airways (Heathrow)
- Easyjet (Luton, Gatwick)
BIRMINGHAM TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Easyjet
MANCHESTER TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Iceland Air
- Easyjet
BRISTOL TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Easyjet
LIVERPOOL TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Easyjet
NEWCASTLE TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Easyjet
GLASGOW TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Iceland Air
EDINBURGH TO REYKJAVIK (KEF)
- Easyjet
FURTHER INFORMATION
INSURANCE
In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.
For news & offers
HOW IT WORKS
Book your trip in a few easy steps.
FAQs
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Iceland, including small purchases, so there's rarely a need to carry cash. If you'd like some, cash machines are widely available in Reykjavik.
Yes, Iceland is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world - card payments are accepted virtually everywhere, even for the smallest purchases.
Yes, Iceland is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. As with any travel, it's important to follow your guide's advice, particularly around glaciers, ice caves and coastal areas.
Our digital booklet, which you will receive before travel, contains all the information you need about optional activities. Simply drop us an email letting us know what you'd like to do during your trip.
Yes, Icelandic tap water is among the cleanest and safest in the world, straight from natural springs and glaciers.
