3 DAY SOUTH COAST WINTER ESCAPE | PRIVATE TOUR | PHOTO PACKAGE INCLUDED

 SOUTH COAST WINTER ESCAPE

3 DAY | PRIVATE TOUR | PHOTO PACKAGE INCLUDED

A cosy winter escape along Iceland’s most magical coastline

This 3-day winter journey is perfect for travellers who want to slow down, soak in the scenery, and experience the very best of the South Coast without feeling rushed. Winter here is pure magic — soft daylight, dramatic weather, and landscapes that change by the minute. With your own private local guide, who also happens to be a photographer, you’ll have the comfort, flexibility, and expert eye needed to capture the trip beautifully as you go.

Over three memorable days, we’ll wander beneath towering waterfalls, walk the windswept black sands of Reynisfjara, explore glacier lagoons, venture into shimmering blue ice caves, and finish with the highlights of the Golden Circle. Along the way, there’s always room for spontaneous photo stops, hidden gems, and the little moments that make winter travel so special.

The journey takes you across the entire South Coast to the edge of Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll watch icebergs drift quietly at Jökulsárlón, see diamonds of glacial ice scattered across the black-sand beach, and step inside the surreal colours and textures of a natural blue ice cave. In the evenings, you’ll stay in hand-picked countryside hotels far from city lights — perfect for cosy nights and, with a bit of luck, unforgettable views of the Northern Lights.

And throughout it all, your guide is right there with you — managing the pace, reading the winter conditions, and helping you experience each place at its best. Whether you’re after memories, moments, or stunning photographs, you’ll be in good hands the whole way.

Day 1 — Complete South Coast Explorer

Your guide picks you up in Reykjavík and you begin the journey along Iceland’s legendary South Coast. We stop at two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls — Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, both around 60 meters tall and incredibly photogenic year-round. Expect dramatic winter colours, misty viewpoints, and maybe even rainbows if we’re lucky.

Next, we head to Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black-sand beach, known for its powerful waves and basalt columns. After exploring the coast, we continue east where the mountains grow taller, glaciers appear on the horizon, and the landscape becomes more dramatic by the kilometre.

By evening, we check into one of our favourite hotels in the south-east — far from city lights and surrounded by nature. If skies are clear, this is one of the best places in the country to watch the Northern Lights right outside your room. Your guide will choose the best night for an aurora hunt based on the weather and forecasts.

Typical accommodation:
Hótel Glacier Lagoon, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Magma Hotel or similar.

Day 2 — Vatnajökull National Park & Ice Caves

After breakfast, we head straight to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of the most breathtaking places in Iceland. Icebergs drift peacefully across the water, seals often play near the shoreline, and the whole area glows beautifully in winter light. Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore onto the black sand — a photographer’s dream.

From here, we join our partners and hop into a super jeep that takes us deep into the Vatnajökull region for the highlight of the day: a natural blue ice cave. These caves form every winter and are an incredible display of colours, textures, and crystal-clear ice. It’s a short, easy walk from the super-jeep drop-off point, and your guide will help capture photos if you like.

After the ice cave adventure, we make our way back toward our accommodation for the evening, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Another great opportunity for Northern Lights if clouds cooperate.

Typical accommodation:
Skálakot Manor, Hotel UMI, or similar.

Day 3 — Golden Circle Classics

Our final day takes us into Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle.

We start at Geysir, home of bubbling geothermal springs and the active geyser Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes. Next, we visit the mighty Gullfoss, one of the country’s most powerful waterfalls — spectacular whether bathed in sunlight or wrapped in winter mist.

For lunch, we make a stop at the beloved Friðheimar greenhouse, where you’ll enjoy a warm meal surrounded by tomato plants growing under geothermal lighting. Their tomato soup and fresh bread are always a hit in winter.

The last highlight is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for both its geological significance and its history as the birthplace of Iceland’s first parliament.

From here, you can choose:
• return to Reykjavík in the afternoon, or
• continue to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing finale and optional overnight stay.