Northern Lights Paradise

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 is there every night that the sky is cloud free, who can teach you about the stars and the aurora borealis. 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 two 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.

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

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.

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

Covering popular topics such as:

• What are the Northern Lights?
• When can I see the Northern Lights?
• Where can I see the Northern Lights?
• Practicalities of Visiting Arctic Regions