Magical northern lights over Iceland - 5 days

To Iceland in winter? Yes, because travelling to the island in the Arctic Ocean at this time of year is a special experience! Lonely landscapes in glistening snow, unusual light moods and the spectacular Northern Lights are what make Icelandic winter so appealing. Thanks to its proximity to the Gulf Stream, it is not as cold as you might think. Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, is sure to please you with its mix of colourful houses, museums and good restaurants. You won't find the hustle and bustle of the big city here in the capital. Icelanders prefer a cosy atmosphere. Just under 400,000 people live on the entire island, around two thirds of whom live in and around Reykjavik. There are only more sheep than human inhabitants on Iceland. From your base in Reykjavik, you can explore some of the most spectacular places on the island, such as the Golden Circle. You won't be able to resist the fascination: the breathtaking waterfalls, the bubbling geyser "Strokkur" and the Thingvellier National Park area. This is where the rift valley is located, where two continental plates drift apart - the American and the Eurasian. And if the Icelandic weather is favourable, you can see the spectacular light formations of the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, after dark.

Day 1: Arrival Keflavik – Reykjavik
Travelling by plane to Iceland (not included). The island in the far north is known for its magnificent landscapes - characterised by active volcanoes, mighty glaciers, geysers and impressive waterfalls. Your base for the next few days is Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital - incidentally the northernmost capital in the world. Here you will find an exciting mix of small, colourful houses and modern buildings, such as the Harpa conference and concert centre or the Perlan water reservoir. The latter has six huge tanks and an impressive glass dome, which houses two restaurants and a viewing platform. The city also offers numerous pubs and cafés, museums, theatres, chic bars and many good restaurants.

Day 2: Reykjavik and Northern Lights excursion – 100 km - F
In the morning, you will get to know Reykjavik on a city tour. Among other things, you will see the Höfdi House, a wooden villa where a summit meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev took place in 1986, the fishing harbour and Hallgrims Church with its unusual façade. In the evening, with a little luck, you can experience the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights on a Northern Lights excursion. Numerous legends surround this spectacular natural phenomenon and 2000 years ago they were thought to be signs of gods and spirits. And even today, although we know how they are created, it is hard to escape their almost magical effect. Far away from the bright lights of the city, there is a very good chance of admiring the Aurora Borealis.

Day 3: Dayexcursion Golden Circle – 250 km - F
The "Golden Circle" tour combines the culture, nature and geology of Iceland. Walk in the footsteps of history in Thingvellir: legislative assemblies were held here as early as 930 AD, which is why Thingvellir is considered one of the oldest parliaments in the world. The trench where the American and Eurasian continental plates drift apart is also located here. The area is protected as a national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then visit the famous "Geysir" and the somewhat smaller "Strokkur", which shoots its water up to 35 metres high several times an hour. Another highlight is Gullfoss: perhaps Iceland's most beautiful waterfall plunges in two stages into an impressive gorge.

Day 4: Optional: Excursion to Reykjanes or Northern Lights Centre - F
Today you can decide for yourself what else you would like to discover. We recommend an excursion to Reykjanes (optional) and the Northern Lights Centre (optional). The day could look like this:
On the way towards the Reykjanes peninsula, you will first see the Bessastadir manor house, which is now the official residence of the President of Iceland. You can admire the beautiful stained glass windows in the church. Then continue to the peninsula. The fascinating landscape of Reykjanes is characterised by numerous volcanic craters, caves, geothermal areas and lava fields. Alternatively, on this day you have the opportunity to learn more about the legendary Northern Lights in Reykjavik. During a visit to the Northern Lights exhibition in the city centre, you will learn interesting facts about this magnificent natural spectacle.

Day 5: Reykjavik - Keflavik - Travelling home - F
Unfortunately, today it's time to say goodbye to the island of fire and ice.

Surcharge for less than 25 pers.

Minimum number of participants: 16

Hotel Klettur
This good mid-range SRG hotel is located close to the city centre and has 145 rooms with furnishings inspired by Iceland's nature. The continental breakfast buffet is attractively presented and in the evening you can round off the evening in the hotel bar.