This is an off-the beaten path adventure focusing on the more rural areas of Iceland. It features some of the latest additions of high-end hot pools in Iceland as well as natural beauty and cultural experiences. Not many people live in these regions so there is little light pollution - perfect for seeing the Northern Lights.
If you want to see the Aurora, keep an eye on the Aurora forecast.
You can also read my tips and tricks about how to photograph the Northern Lights here.
I HIGHLY recommend renting a 4x4 for winter road conditions and better yet, get a specially modified 4x4 (for example from ÍSAK car rental) for taking your adventure to the next level. It’s a beautiful vehicle and will keep you going even if there’s a lot of snow.
The Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland from mid-August through mid-April and this itinerary is best suited for winter trips (November - March). However, if you are traveling outside of these months, this itinerary is still great to follow for a slower paced, out-in-nature adventure with the chance to soak in Iceland’s geothermal waters at least once every day.
Something important to consider when traveling in Iceland in the winter is the daylight hours. Particularly in December and January, the amount of daylight available for sightseeing and driving comfortably is extremely limited. I’ve recommended departure times each morning but based on your specific travel dates, these times may need to be adjusted and/or you may need to skip some sights. To maximize the limited daylight hours, plan to drive and/or sightsee during Blue Hour, the hour before official sunrise and the hour after sunset. Also know that sunrise and sunset times can be notably different from town to town.
Overall, this itinerary will allow you to explore some of the lesser known gems in Iceland, sometimes all alone, but will also give you a well-rounded Icelandic experience. Have fun exploring!
