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Winter Iceland

Iceland in winter: it’s been travelled by many, but not like this. Five days of remote adventures, Northern Lights spotting and thundering waterfalls – how could you not?  

What's included

  • All activities mentioned on the itinerary
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
  • Private minibus & Jeeps
  • Arrival airport transfer by Flybus
  • Accommodation in twin rooms
  • Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
  • Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Iceland: it’s been traveled by many, but not like this.

Private super Jeep expeditions across the dramatic Valley of Thor – no other vehicles in sight. A remote hike and exclusive Icelandic lunch on a vast, shimmering glacier. Silica mud masks and geothermal spa healing at the iconic Blue Lagoon and, of course, Northern Lights spotting every single night, often from the warmth of a hot tub beneath the stars.

From your expert local guide who happens to be an expert at seeking the Northern Lights to some of the best, most unique meals that the country has to offer; nothing on this five-day adventure is off-the-shelf.

Yes, it’s definitely still Iceland, but this is Iceland done differently.

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Watch the adventure
Welcome to Reykjavík
  • Check in to your stylish boutique hotel in Reykjavík’s central 101 district; take time to explore the historic waterfront and vibrant streets
  • Get to know your group over a four-course welcome dinner; expect delicious dishes of Icelandic cuisine from seafood to local lamb (veggie options available)
Glacier hiking & a wilderness lodge
  • Hike across the vast Sólheimajökull Glacier using ice axes and crampons, your experienced guide leading you through the labyrinth of ice caves and crevasses
  • Enjoy a spectacular alfresco picnic on the ice, toasting your Flash Pack group with a shot of whisky on the rocks
  • Visit the black-sand Reynisfjara beach, with its spectacular basalt columns, and stand beside the mighty Skógafoss waterfall
Super jeep adventure
  • Embark on an off-road, Super Jeep adventure across the Valley of Thor (the Viking god of Thunder), crossing rivers and highland passes usually unreachable
  • Stop to walk behind a roaring waterfall and explore a dramatic canyon that featured in Game of Thrones
  • Relax at your remote wilderness lodge; the outdoor jacuzzi is the perfect place for spotting the Northern Lights
Golden Circle & the Blue Lagoon
  • Explore the Golden Circle, taking in the famous Geysir waterspout (after which all others are named) and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall with its rainbow-coloured mist
  • Pick your own tomatoes at Fridheimar tomato farm before tasting the most delicious tomato soup in the greenhouse restaurant
  • Soak in the geothermal water of the world-famous Blue Lagoon, before enjoying a farewell dinner at the spectacular Lava Restaurant
A morning on your terms
  • Say goodbye to your Flash Pack group as you make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local transfer
  • Back home, you’ll feel humbled by memories of untameable landscapes, geothermal wonders and a unique culture. Magic does exist, after all

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

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Hotel Vos

Nordic design meets the great outdoors at this modern, family-run retreat. Set on a former horse farm in Iceland’s oldest village, you can soak up the scenery from your steaming outdoor hot tub (ideal for Northern Lights watching).

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Hotel Exeter, Reykjavik

With its loft-style interiors and industrial chic vibe, this contemporary design hotel is right in the heart of District 101. The city’s buzzing nightlife is close at hand, plus the hotel’s lively bar ensures an upbeat ambience.

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Hotel Vos

Nordic design meets the great outdoors at this modern, family-run retreat. Set on a former horse farm in Iceland’s oldest village, you can soak up the scenery from your steaming outdoor hot tub (ideal for Northern Lights watching).

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Hotel Exeter, Reykjavik

With its loft-style interiors and industrial chic vibe, this contemporary design hotel is right in the heart of District 101. The city’s buzzing nightlife is close at hand, plus the hotel’s lively bar ensures an upbeat ambience.

Praise for our Pack Leaders

Meet Orri, a Pack Leader in Iceland

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Reykjavik-Keflavík International Airport (KEF).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please arrive in Reykjavik before 4 pm on Day 1. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 45 minutes away from the airport.

 

What time should my flight depart on the final day?

On your final day, we recommend booking flights in the afternoon as you might want to relax in the morning. You are required to arrive in airport two to three hours before your flight.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Airport transfers from Keflavik Airport (KEF) are by coach. You’ll be provided with a pre-paid ticket for the ‘Flybus’ before travelling.

Once you have collected your baggage and have passed through immigration, please follow the clear signs for the Flybus.

Flybus will take you into the center of Reykjavik and within walking distance of your hotel. In most cases you will need to change to a smaller coach at Reykjavík bus station which is the first stop on the way from the airport. You will be advised by the Flybus staff every step of your journey.

The departure transfer is not included, but your Pack Leader can help you arrange this.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

  • Pack Leader / Driver: 2500 ISK / 18 USD per day
  • Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Will I see the Northern Lights?

You can see the Northern Lights from late August to May, but it’s best to visit between October and April.

The night skies will be much darker, improving your chances but please note that sightings are never guaranteed.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

3. Government travel advice

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting 7,000 ISK, the equivalent of 55 USD per day.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

This adventure is fast-paced and the glacier hike will challenge you. However, no specific level of fitness is required. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above to make sure you are happy partaking in the activities mentioned. Please get in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

What should I pack?

There’s a lot to think about when packing for your Icelandic adventure. You’ll need a range of clothes for the wide variety of activities and the cold weather conditions. The key is to bring plenty of layers to stay warm.

What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Iceland, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.

Baggage

  • Large backpack or suitcase –It’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but either way, a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.
  • Day bag – This needs to be around 20-25 litres to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.

Clothing

  • Layers – Breathable thermal materials are best as a base layer for activities. You will need additional warm layers because the weather can drop very quickly.
  • Warm winter coat – Having a warm coat is essential as the temperatures in Iceland can be freezing.
  • Waterproof jacket – It could rain at any time of the year, so you’ll need to bring a waterproof jacket.
  • Fleeces/sweaters – You’ll need to bring lots of warm sweaters/fleeces with you.
  • Windproof clothing – This is essential as wind chill can make the temperature feel a lot lower than it is.
  • Outdoor trousers – Outdoor trousers that you don’t mind getting dirty will be perfect for hiking.
  • Evening clothes – What you wear in the evening is up to you, but you might want some nicer clothes for going to bars and restaurants.
  • Sunglasses – The sun can reflect brightly off the glacier, so we recommend protecting yourself with sunglasses.
  • Warm scarf/hat/gloves – It can get very cold in Iceland, especially at night, so we suggest bringing a warm scarf and a hat, along with some gloves.
  • Swimwear – For the hotels’ sauna and hot tub as well as your cold water therapy experience.

Shoes

  • Waterproof hiking shoes and warm socks – You’ll need a comfortable pair of waterproof hiking boots for glacier hiking. Thick socks are also essential.
  • Comfortable, breathable shoes (trainers/sneakers) – A pair of trainers/sneakers are perfect for general wear.
  • Evening shoes – Some people might want to bring a pair of shoes to wear out to restaurants and bars.

Accessories

  • Your phone, camera, chargers, etc
  • Plug socket adapters – The standard plug socket in Iceland is type C, which is the standard European plug and has two round prongs.
  • Refillable water bottle – Refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint.
  • Eye mask and earplugs – If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.
  • Pocket warmer – If you feel the cold, a pocket warmer may be useful.

Toiletries/medical

  • Any personal medication you require
  • Personal toiletries
  • Shampoo and conditioner – Most hotels will provide these, but we recommend bringing your own to reduce plastic usage.
  • Painkillers
  • Anti-bacterial gel
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Moisturiser
  • High-factor SPF suncream

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