Standard
$1,260per person
Small car, campsite pitches, camping kit
Choose StandardSouth Coast Northern Lights Drive
Seven days self-driving the south coast of Iceland, with waterfalls, black beaches and glacier lagoons, and a night watch for northern lights.
What you will walk
- The Ring Road coast with waterfalls at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss
- Black sand beach and basalt columns at Reynisfjara
- Glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon and the ice on Diamond Beach
- A night watch for northern lights on clear nights from September to March
- A car, a route pack and campsite bookings
The south coast of Iceland is one of the best road trips in the country. The Ring Road runs close to the sea and the mountains, and the stops are short enough to fit into a day. Waterfalls, black beaches, lava fields and glacier lagoons all sit within a few hours of each other.
You drive yourself in a small car, with campsite pitches or guesthouse rooms booked ahead. The route pack lists opening hours, the road status and the best times for each stop. On clear winter nights, the team sends a northern lights alert so you can go out after dark.
Iceland’s weather changes quickly. Wind is strong on the coast and the roads can close, so plan a flexible day in the trip. The trip is not an adventure tour. It suits people who want to drive at a steady pace and see the south coast on their own time.
Day by day, up and over
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Pick up the car near Keflavik
Collect the car and drive east to the town of Hvolsvollur. Stop for groceries before the campsite closes.
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Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss
The Ring Road passes the waterfalls, which you can walk behind on the path at Seljalandsfoss. Continue to the village of Vik.
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Reynisfjara and Dyrholaey
Visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara with care, because the sneaker waves are dangerous. The cliff at Dyrholaey gives views along the coast.
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Fjadrargljufur and Skaftafell
A walk into the canyon at Fjadrargljufur, then a short drive to the Skaftafell area for the walk to Svartifoss.
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Glacier walk and lagoon
Walk to a glacier tongue with a local guide if you have booked. Continue to Jokulsarlon, where icebergs drift in the lagoon.
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Diamond Beach and the coast back west
Visit the ice on the black sand at Diamond Beach in the morning. Drive back west for a final night watch for the northern lights.
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Return the car in Keflavik
A long drive back to the airport with a stop at Selfoss for lunch. Allow at least four hours for the return.
Choose how you stay
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Most chosen Comfort
$1,780per person
Guesthouse rooms on most nights, small car
Choose Comfort -
Private
$2,450per person
Private driver-guide for the first two days, guesthouse rooms throughout
Choose Private
Included
- Car hire for seven days with insurance and a route pack
- Campsite pitches or guesthouse rooms as set by the tier
- Northern lights alert by message on clear nights
- Waterfall and beach stops on the route
- Airport pick-up and drop-off information
Not included
- International flights and fuel
- Glacier walk and lagoon boat tickets
- Meals not listed on the itinerary
- Travel insurance with excess waiver
Pick your departure
| Departs | Seats left | Status | Price | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On request | On request | $1,260 | Ask Sat 13 Mar 2027 | |
| 6 seats left | Open | $1,260 | Request Sat 4 Sept 2027 | |
| Only 2 left | Few left | $1,260 | Request Sat 18 Sept 2027 | |
| 3 seats left | Open | $1,260 | Request Sat 2 Oct 2027 | |
| Full | Full | $1,260 | Waitlist Sat 16 Oct 2027 | |
| 5 seats left | Open | $1,260 | Request Sat 6 Nov 2027 |
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What travellers say
2.0
Based on 1 review
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The road closed, and the team handled it well
A storm closed the coast road for two days, which cost us the first night's aurora drive and a planned walk. I was disappointed, and I say so. But the team called us the evening before, moved our accommodation and gave us a clear new plan for the following nights. The aurora came out on the last night, which made up for part of it. I could not find a weather refund rule in the booking terms, and I would have liked one.
Read moreShow less
Liam Fitzgerald
Before you book
Still have a question?
Ask a planner. A person reads every message and replies within one working day.
Can I drive in winter?
The south coast is driven all year, but the road can close in storms. Only drive if you have experience with winter tyres and gravel. The route pack gives the road status and we will tell you if a day must change.
How likely are the northern lights?
Clear dark nights from September to March give the best chance. We cannot promise sightings because cloud cover and light pollution can block them. Each night we check the forecast and send an alert.
Is the car suitable for the gravel roads?
The standard car stays on the sealed Ring Road. Gravel roads such as the ones to Skaftafell or the canyon walks are fine in a small car in summer.
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