This break offers you the chance to experience the Icelandic wilderness including exploring a secret ice cave, and taking an exciting guided SuperJeep tour whilst staying at Hotel Ranga, famed for its Northern Lights sightings.
Afterwards have a wonderful relax at the Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel famed for its Spa Treatments and of course the Blue Lagoon!
This break is a great mix of self-exploring and guided adventure SuperJeep Tours.
These superjeep adventure tours can be upgraded to private if you wish. Please advise at time of enquiry.
On arrival in Reykjavik, pick up your pre arranged 4WD hire car and self-drive to Hotel Ranga in South Iceland. This is about a 2 hour trip on Iceland’s main road.
Hotel Ranga has an excellent reputation for Northern Lights sightings due to its location in a rural area with a higher frequency of clear nights, and sitting in one of the hot tubs watching the Northern Lights is a very special experience.
Hotel Ranga has recently built their own observatory and an expert, who is in there every night that the sky is cloud free, can teach you about the stars and the Northern Lights if they are out. Sign up for the Aurora Wake Up Call and if the Northern Lights come out whilst you are asleep the hotel team will wake you so you don’t miss out!.
Overnight at Hotel Ranga.
After breakfast adventure out into the unique landscapes of South Iceland – probably the most dramatic Geography field trip you will ever experience!
We work only with local guides who are both passionate about their country and want to share their insights with you, and who are also trained as part of the mountain rescue team. They have fascinating stories to share about the volcanic eruption that occurred in 2010.
We continually receive fabulous feedback on this day from satisfied clients who enjoy this personalised, relaxed, guided day experience with enthusiastic local guides who are keen that you have an extra special experience.
SuperJeeps take up to 8 people but the norm is for 4 people for a very personal tour. Note this is in sharp contrast to the coach tours that are available through other companies, who also cannot access many of the areas we take you to.
Þórsmörk Valley Tour
Your guide will take you up between the three glaciers; Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallojokull and Tindfjallojokull. In your specially adapted SuperJeep you will have the thrilling drive of fjording glacial rivers and driving across the floodplain to see the lasting effects and landscape changes following Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption.
You will be surrounded by an imposing mountain ridge and see spectacular landscapes. We describe it as like being in a production set from Lord of the Rings when they go to Mordur. You will see dramatic towering black volcanic cliffs.
Stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which you can walk behind and be mesmerised looking back through the falling water. If you wanted to see the “Raw Iceland” this is hard to beat!
Tonight be sure to use one of the outdoor hot tubs if the Northern Lights are out. Lying back in the warm waters, taking in South Iceland’s unique ambience whilst having the Aurora flash above you is one of life’s great experiences!
Alternatively Hotel Ranga has built their own first observatory a short stroll from the hotel in order to minimize light pollution.
On every cloud free night an expert, using 2 high quality 11 inch computerised telescopes, will be on hand to teach you about the stars and the Northern Lights if they are out. View amazing detail on Jupiter, see the rings of Saturn, and details on Mars. During the day you can observe the Sun, including sunspots in great detail and activity such as prominences and filaments.
Overnight at Hotel Ranga and hopefully see the Northern Lights. You may wish to increase your odds by adding on a Northern Lights Hunt tonight as an optional extra.
We want to give you the very best chance possible so tonight you will be picked up for a 3 hour adventure to hunt out the Northern Lights with one of the local mountain guides.
In a specially adapted 4WD super jeep you will be taken inland off-road to the back of the famed Mount Helka to try and see if you can find the Northern Lights. This volcanic area is near Tindfjallajökul Glacier whose cooling effect creates clear skies critical for spotting the Northern Lights. This area also has very few artificial lights to spoil your viewing as many of the farms in the area were abandoned due to a previous volcanic eruption.
The beauty of this tour is that the guide will take you to the best area based on the forecast to see the Northern Lights and so give you the best chance of seeing them.
Stop for a warm up by a campfire and a hot drink in a cave , or on the black volcanic beaches with a campfire and a hot drink whilst your guide tells you about both the Northern Lights Phenomenon and some of the folklore and local superstitions!
Price per person: From £155
This morning self-drive to Vik in south Iceland (about 1¼ hr). From there we will pick up you and drive our heavily modified SuperJeep on a very old track that only SuperJeeps can cross.
The ice cave, known as ‘The Secret Ice Cave’, and the glacier itself, present you with black, white, and blue ice that is over 800 years old! Inside the cave there are high walls of ice that have been sculpted by glacial water throughout the centuries.
The beauty of this cave it that it is not visited by hundreds of people, unlike some of the others, which means this secret ice cave has a magical atmosphere unspoilt by too many people.
This tour takes up to 3 hours. Afterwards enjoy the charming small village of Vik and we would highly recommend the brand new Lava Show in Vik where molten lava is poured over ice right in front of you. It is a thrilling experience!
Afterwards you can visit the Black Beaches and dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar with its famous archway. On the way you will also see the dramatic and thundering Skogar Waterfall – one of the highest in Iceland at 60m and certainly worth a few photos!
On the return self-drive journey, allow time for a stop for an hour at the Lava Centre. They have an interactive exhibition about the volcanoes, eruptions and earthquakes. There certainly is not a shortage of things to do and see!
Overnight at Hotel Ranga and a last look out for the Northern Lights.
Why Hotel Ranga is such a good base for a Iceland Northern Lights Trip
A purebreed descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Whilst small in size they are hardy animals that have an unusual gait called a tolt. As fast as a trot but it is much smoother- indeed there are competitions where people hold full glasses of unspilt beer as they ride the tolt!
You have a choice of a 1hr or 2 hr ride by Irafoss Waterfall, or a 3hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and in front of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory.
Price Per Person: From £75 to £165 (Dependent on tour taken)
You will be picked up and taken to the Snowmobile Meeting Point. Here you will transfer to a Super Jeep to go on rough tracks up to the Snowline of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier to take an exhilarating 1 hour’s snowmobile ride with superb views back down to the Atlantic Coast.
While the south is certainly spectacular from “below” nothing beats experiencing it from “above”! Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience. This snowmobile tour is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over South Iceland in good weather.
After a short safety briefing you will be dressed in the warm arctic thermals and helmet that are provided– but please wear very warm socks and hiking boots. You will snowmobile for about an hour on a shared snowmobile, but don’t worry there will be time to swop so you both get the chance to drive (2 people per Snowmobile).
Price Per Person: From £180
Self drive to join the small group visiting the magnificent frozen glacial tongue Seimajokull and hike on the glacier. Explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges.
You will be on the ice 1 ½ – 2 hrs and the pace is leisurely with plenty of stops to talk about the formation of Glaciers and Global warming etc. The Glacier is a 20 min walk from the starting point.
We will provide all the tools you need: crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto.
Price Per Person: From £95
On this buggy tour you will drive around the area between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010 shutting down Europe’s air-space. Visit waterfalls, drive on a mix of gravel tracks and tundra sand fields, cross small streams and stop at a viewpoint looking over Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Westman Islands in the Atlantic.
This two-hour buggy tour is a unique way to enjoy Icelandic nature. This is a stunning natural playground, as your test out your buggy surrounded by amazing scenery that only Iceland can offer.
Arctic waterproof overalls and a helmet are provided.
These two-seaters, 4×4 ATVs are fully automatic, fully inspected and road legal. They are also bursting with excellent safety and design features, such as the roll cage, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension. You will need to show a drivers license to drive.
Price per person: From £180
Today is an early start so you can explore the “must see” Golden Circle at your own pace using your own 4WD vehicle. The day is packed full of surprising landscapes and Geological marvels.
You will walk in a dramatic mini rift valley created by Tectonic plate movement, gaze at the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall which can totally freeze in winter, and marvel at the Strokkur Geyser which erupts every 5 minutes.
We would also recommend you visit the spot where the first democratic parliament was established in 930 AD overlooking the stunning plains of Pingvellir.
See our Local Insider’s top tips when self driving in Iceland
Continue onto Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel to overnight. There is a separate lagoon reserved just for the hotel and treatment guests which is open until 10 pm so you can have a taster of the wonderful Blue Lagoon experience to come tomorrow.
This morning stroll down to the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s leading attraction and timing it to arrive early to avoid the crowds is a real benefit. Bathe in the warm bright blue waters which are particularly good for your skin, put Silica mud on your face or try out the Sauna and Steam rooms which are carved into the lava.
You can easily while away a couple of hours away and there is also a choice of restaurants with lovely views of the lagoon. We would also recommend the in-water massage treatments which are just heaven!
Onwards drive (20 minutes) to the airport for your flight home.
If this is not the perfect break for you then you might like to consider the Blue Lagoon Northern Lights Escape or give us a ring and we can tailor-make the perfect Aurora Holiday for you.Blue Lagoon Northern Lights Escape
We have an extensive Northern Lights Information Hub if you need further information on anything from What are the Northern Lights? to Where can I see the Northern Lights? and when is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Hotel Ranga offers luxury and relaxation in Iceland's countryside. There are 51 luxurious and cosy rooms in this serene setting without external lighting interference to spoil the Northern Lights. It is Iceland's only member of the "Special Hotels of the World", and is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Its gourmet restaurant has an excellent reputation offering typical Icelandic dishes, as well as a few unusual surprises. We would highly recommend you take a drink and sit in the outdoor hot tubs and watch the skies for the Northern Lights. A splendid way to pass the time.
Although there is never any guarantee, this is one of the best places in Iceland to see the Aurora Borealis. They have also recently built an observatory so you can view the stars and Northern Lights up close. An expert is in there to guide you through the use of the computerised telescope on clear nights.
Hotel Ranga also has the most incredible range of themed suites. Take your choice from 2 levels with the themes being Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Antarctica, Royal Suite
Set in the heart of a stunning lava landscape the Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel is just ten minutes’ walk from the Blue Lagoon, and 1 admission is included in your room price.
The hotel has 35 bright and spacious rooms. All rooms offer a veranda with breath-taking views of the surrounding lava fields.
All rooms are equipped with private bathrooms and a shower and the hotel has its own private bathing lagoon, available only to guests at certain hours of the day.
The Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel has won several design awards as it is built in harmony with the surrounding landscape, offering an oasis of calm, relaxation and healing.
We want to give you the very best chance possible so tonight you will be picked up for a 3 hour adventure to hunt out the Northern Lights with one of the local mountain guides.
In a specially adapted 4WD super jeep you will be taken inland off-road to the back of the famed Mount Helka to try and see if you can find the Northern Lights. This volcanic area is near Tindfjallajökul Glacier whose cooling effect creates clear skies critical for spotting the Northern Lights. This area also has very few artificial lights to spoil your viewing as many of the farms in the area were abandoned due to a previous volcanic eruption.
The beauty of this tour is that the guide will take you to the best area based on the forecast to see the Northern Lights and so give you the best chance of seeing them.
Stop for a warm up by a campfire and a hot drink in a cave , or on the black volcanic beaches with a campfire and a hot drink whilst your guide tells you about both the Northern Lights Phenomenon and some of the folklore and local superstitions!
Price per person: From £155
A purebreed descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Whilst small in size they are hardy animals that have an unusual gait called a tolt. As fast as a trot but it is much smoother- indeed there are competitions where people hold full glasses of unspilt beer as they ride the tolt!
You have a choice of a 1hr or 2 hr ride by Irafoss Waterfall, or a 3hr ride which takes you up steep tracks towards the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Here you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the glacier behind you and in front of you the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory.
Price Per Person: From £75 to £165 (Dependent on tour taken)
You will be picked up and taken to the Snowmobile Meeting Point. Here you will transfer to a Super Jeep to go on rough tracks up to the Snowline of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier to take an exhilarating 1 hour’s snowmobile ride with superb views back down to the Atlantic Coast.
While the south is certainly spectacular from “below” nothing beats experiencing it from “above”! Snowmobiling on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier is an extraordinary experience. This snowmobile tour is the perfect length of time for first-time riders and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier and the breathtaking views over South Iceland in good weather.
After a short safety briefing you will be dressed in the warm arctic thermals and helmet that are provided– but please wear very warm socks and hiking boots. You will snowmobile for about an hour on a shared snowmobile, but don’t worry there will be time to swop so you both get the chance to drive (2 people per Snowmobile).
Price Per Person: From £180
Self drive to join the small group visiting the magnificent frozen glacial tongue Seimajokull and hike on the glacier. Explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges.
You will be on the ice 1 ½ – 2 hrs and the pace is leisurely with plenty of stops to talk about the formation of Glaciers and Global warming etc. The Glacier is a 20 min walk from the starting point.
We will provide all the tools you need: crampons and safety lines but you must wear Hiking Boots for the Crampons to fit onto.
Price Per Person: From £95
On this buggy tour you will drive around the area between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010 shutting down Europe’s air-space. Visit waterfalls, drive on a mix of gravel tracks and tundra sand fields, cross small streams and stop at a viewpoint looking over Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Westman Islands in the Atlantic.
This two-hour buggy tour is a unique way to enjoy Icelandic nature. This is a stunning natural playground, as your test out your buggy surrounded by amazing scenery that only Iceland can offer.
Arctic waterproof overalls and a helmet are provided.
These two-seaters, 4×4 ATVs are fully automatic, fully inspected and road legal. They are also bursting with excellent safety and design features, such as the roll cage, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension. You will need to show a drivers license to drive.
Price per person: From £180
"We have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world and Hotel Ranga is up there with them. The Aurora were visible all 3 nights. Service was extremely friendly and a lovely touch when the owner greets you and chats throughout the stay. The activities were excellent. We would like to commend Magnus who took us to Þórsmörk for his knowledge & cordiality ".
“We had an absolutely amazing time. Seeing the jet black sand at Vik contrasting with the white snow on one side and the white waves on the other was stunning. And of course the waterfalls were frozen which made for some great photography. The Golden Circle was also brilliant because there was snow everywhere and the sunrise up by the mountain lake was breathtaking".