The northern lights are a dream sighting for many of us, and with 2025 expected to be one of the best years to view them I figured it was worth planning a group trip to Iceland in search of them. I’ve put together a 6-day, 5-night itinerary through some of the most magical places in Iceland. We’ll chase waterfalls, glaciers, thermal pools and volcanoes by day and spend our nights in search of the northern lights.

This will be my third trip to land of ice and fire and I’m hoping that you will join me.

About Eat Sleep Breathe Travel Group Trips:

 I started running ESBT Group Trips with the intent of offering fun, adventurous trips to various destinations around the world to readers and followers. The goal is to take the stress out of travel and to connect with like-minded people while exploring and learning.

As such, ESBT group trips tend to be busy itineraries that aim to provide the best value for your money. This might mean things like longer drive days, lots of walking, or back-to-back activities with limited free time. We also may go ‘off-grid’ at times and have little, or no, internet access. These are travel adventures, not laid-back vacations. Please always read through the itinerary to understand the plans, schedule, and level of activity involved. I also strongly recommend that you to do your own destination research to check things like climate, weather, and culture to ensure it is something you are comfortable with.

In addition, ESBT group trips are meant to be inclusive, safe spaces where everyone is welcome. In joining these tours, you are agreeing to continue to promote this theme and to treat all other travellers with kindness and respect. Along these lines, it is up to you to ensure that you are healthy enough to join. Rooms and spaces are often shared so I ask you to be considerate of your fellow travellers and seek medical attention ahead of time if you are feeling unwell.

If you have any concerns or questions about the itinerary or destination based on your personal needs, please reach out to me.

ESBT Iceland 2025: Northern Lights and Waterfalls

 

Dates

This trip will run March 29^th-April 3^rd, 2025. Yes, this is still northern lights season! Our trip begins the evening of March 29^th so feel free to arrive any time before our welcome dinner at 6pm. You can also depart anytime April 3rd as the tour wraps up after breakfast. That being said, you are more than welcome to come early or stay longer if you have the time! There are some easy day trips from Reykjavik that you can book on your own if you’d like to explore further and don’t have to rent a car. I also love to recommend a visit to the Blue Lagoon when you arrive or before you depart as it is close to the airport.

About This Trip

This is a road-trip style itinerary with long drive days and plenty of sight-seeing along the way. We will have a private vehicle and local guide for the duration of the trip to take us to some of the most beautiful and scenic spots around western and southern Iceland. Our hope is to see the northern lights and we have built in four opportunities to do so. However, it is a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed.

We will be spending a lot of time outdoors so please make sure to pack accordingly. We may get some snow, rain, and strong winds so waterproof items and layers are highly recommended. We’ll talk more about packing closer to the travel dates.

Since we have three nights in remote hotels (to better our luck for aurora spotting!) dining options for these nights are limited to the hotel restaurants. Please alert the Intrepid team to any food allergies or intolerances ahead of time so we can ensure there will be something for you.

Finally, Iceland is expensive. We’ve included a lot of sightseeing as activities in this itinerary but meals, except for all breakfasts and our first dinner, are not included. I highly recommend stopping at a local grocery store in Reykajik before we kick off the tour to buy your own snacks-or bring some from home with you to help cut down on overall costs.

Itinerary

March 29: Reykjavik

Welcome to Reykjavík! The northernmost capital in the world has a unique blend of modernity and tradition. With a population of around 130,000, it serves as Iceland’s cultural, economic, and political heart. The city’s architecture is a fascinating mix of old and new, featuring colourful corrugated iron buildings alongside contemporary designs like the iconic Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja Church, which offers panoramic views from its tower. Your journey begins with a welcome meeting at 6 PM— please look for the sign in the lobby. In the evening, we’ll head out of the city for an exciting aurora chase, weather permitting.

Included:

-Welcome meeting and dinner

-Northern lights hunting (weather dependent) 

March 30: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Start your day by driving to Hraunfossarand Barnafoss, where you can enjoy the unique sight of crystal clearwater cascading over a lava field, creating a series of picturesque waterfalls. Next, visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, where you can observe the bubbling waters and steam rising from the ground. Afterward, make your way toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, stopping at Gerðuberg Cliffs along the way to admire the impressive basalt columns that form a striking natural wall.

Continue your journey into the heart of the peninsula, surrounded by stunning coastal views and volcanic landscapes, as you prepare to explore more of this enchanting region. We’ll be spending the night in a remote hotel in the hopes of spotting the northern lights.

Included Activities

• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfals
• Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
  • Gerðuberg Cliffs

March 31: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Spend an exciting day discovering the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, starting at Bjarnarfoss, a tranquil waterfall, followed by the iconic black church at Búðir. Stroll along the coastal path in Arnarstapi, then explore the black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, known for its shipwreck remnants. Visit the stunning Kirkjufell mountain and its adjacent waterfall and if timing allows, the charming town of Stykkishólmur before retuning to our hotel. Fingers crossed we see the northern lights tonight.

Included Activities

• Bjarnarfoss Waterfall
  • Budir Church
  • Arnarstapi Town Visit
  • Djúpalónssandur Beach

April 1: Hvolsvollur Valley

Enjoy a scenic route to Hvolsvollur Valley starting with Gullfoss, to marvel at Iceland’s iconic double-tiered waterfall. Relax at the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, a natural geothermal pool surrounded by steam vents and hot springs, offering a peaceful and authentic Icelandic bathing experience amidst scenic landscapes.

Visit Urriðafoss – a wide, powerful waterfall on the Þjórsá River, known for its impressive water flow and rugged beauty in the southern Icelandic landscape. Finally, reach Hotel Eyjafjallajökull, set beneath the majestic volcano, for a peaceful overnight stay where we can hopefully spot the northern lights.

Included Activities

• Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Urriðafoss Waterfall
  • Secret Lagoon – Entrance (towels included)

April 2: South Coast / Reykjavik

Spend a thrilling day on Iceland’s South Coast, starting with Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and then visit the nearby hidden Gljúfrabúi in its narrow canyon. Next, head to Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, before continuing to Dyrhólaey for stunning coastal views. Visit the iconic Reynisfjara beach with its black sands and basalt columns, then explore the charming village of Vík. If time allows, stop at Sólheimajökull for a short hike or glacier walk before returning to Reykjavik for our final evening together.

Included Activities

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Dyrhólaey Coast Line
• Reynisfjara Black Beach
• Sólheimajökull Waterfall

April 3: Reykjavik

Departure after breakfast.

Note that all breakfasts and one dinner are included, as are the activities listed in the itinerary. Flights, airport transfers, tips for the guide/driver, additional meals, and any extra spending is at your own cost.

Trip Cost & Booking

The cost for this trip is $3350 CAD for a twin share room. Single supplement may be available upon request for an additional $800.00CAD.

In order to secure your space, a non-refundable deposit of $400 CAD will be required at the time of booking. There is a minimum requirement of 8 people for this trip to run. Maximum number of guests will be 12. Most of my group trips are solo women but friends, family, and partners are always welcome. 

Booking for this itinerary will open Tuesday Nov 12^th at 10am EST. Please return to this page then for details on how to book on.

I hope you come chase northern lights and waterfalls with me in Iceland!