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iceland stunning gullfoss waterfall winter istk

Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls

From £781

Excluding Flights

4 Nights

Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec

Overview

Tucked into a beautiful valley, 90 minutes drive north of Reykjavik and close to one of Iceland’s majestic icecaps, Hotel Husafell makes an irresistible bolthole for this winter self-drive holiday. The secluded rural setting is perfect for northern lights hunting. You can also join an exciting Ice Cave tour, visit the intriguing Hraunfossar (or lava falls), go whale watching and relax in an outdoor geothermal pool.

Northern lights watching at Hotel Husafell

This 4-night winter break includes three nights at Hotel Husafell. A rural retreat in West Iceland’s Borgarfjordur, this stylish 48-room hotel is not only ideally located for exploring the Langjokull icecap, but it’s also in a prime spot for northern lights watching – far from artificial light pollution.

Ice Cave tour to Langjokull

Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjokull looms above Borgarfjordur and we can arrange for you to experience this incredible frozen wilderness – from the inside! Available as an optional excursion, your ‘Into the Glacier’ adventure begins with a snow truck ride across Langjokull. You are then guided on foot into the heart of an icecap glacier, following tunnels carved through brilliant blue ice. It’s a unique experience, full of great photo opportunities and a chance to learn more about the ‘cooler side’ of the Land of Ice and Fire.

Waterfalls and geothermal springs

One of Iceland’s most unusual waterfalls is found near Husafell in Borgarfjordur. Emerging from beneath a lava field, Hraunfossar is a series of cascades pouring over ledges into the Hvita river, creating a striking marbled effect against the basalt rock. Another waterfall, Barnafoss, can be found a short distance upstream. On this holiday, you will also get an opportunity to see iconic waterfalls like Gullfoss on the Golden Circle. Geothermal waters are another highlight. Fed by a natural hot spring, Krauma is a hotspot in Borgarfjordur, offering hot tubs and aromatic steam baths, while the Secret Lagoon or Fontana Spa can be included in your day touring the Golden Circle.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle

Hotel Husafell is within easy striking distance of West Iceland’s spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We can arrange for you to join a whale watching boat trip in search of orca, or you can spend time touring the dramatic coastline of this volcano-studded finger of land. Heading back south on day four, you have an opportunity to visit Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss – the Golden Circle’s triple whammy of natural wonders.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Keflavik airport, collect your rental car before making your way to Hotel Husafell. The 2½ hr drive will take you past Reykjavik, before heading north through spectacular mountain scenery and the tunnel under Whale Fjord to reach Borgarfjordur. Check into your hotel for your three-night stay. In the evening you can enjoy a dip in the local geothermal baths located next to the hotel, then later that evening keep watch for the northern lights.

west hotel husafell exterior summer driveway

Hotel Husafell

A stunning property full of contemporary flair, Hotel Husafell nestles in the magnificent landscape of Borgarfjordur, about 90 minutes’ drive northeast of Reykjavik.

Must-see sites close to Hotel Husafell include the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, as well as Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver. You can also join an optional tour to the Vidgelmir lava tube cave.

Optional Experiences

iceland snaefellsnes vidgelmir lava cave

Cave Explorer

Enjoy an exciting guided walk into the mighty Vidgelmir lava cave a short distance from Husafell near to Borgarfjordur.

Choose between a day exploring the Langjokull icecap on an optional Into the Glacier tour (approximately four hours) or drive west to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for independent touring and an optional whale watching boat trip. Following the Into The Glacier tour, during which you will explore tunnels carved in the ancient blue ice of the glacier, visit Krauma, the new geothermal baths fed by the Deildartunguhver hot spring.

If you choose instead to visit the Snaefellsness Peninsula and possibly go whale watching, allow two hours to drive from Hotel Husafell to Olafsvik, the departure point for whale watching boat trips.

Optional Experiences

Into the Glacier at Langjokull - Ice Cave tour

Into the Glacier - Ice Cave in Langjokull

The Langjokull ice cave is a unique and magical glacier experience and is one of Iceland's most innovative attractions located in the south west.

Whale Watching from Olafsvik 

Take a cruise from the coastal village of Olafsvik along the north shore of Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this whale watching excursion. There are opportunities to spot blue, fin, humpback, minke and killer whales as well as numerous seabirds.
west iceland krauma geothermal nature baths

Krauma Geothermal Baths

Experience nature from its core by bathing in the geothermal baths at Krauma .

Check out from Hotel Husafell before returning south towards Reykjavik. Spend the day exploring the Golden Circle, perhaps including some chill-out time at the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Overnight in Hveragerdi, a small town built around a hot spring field about 45km east of Reykjavik.

Optional Experiences

iceland south west secret lagoon photographer rth

Secret Lagoon

The 'Secret Lagoon' was built in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. This outdoor geothermal bathing spot remains at a constant temperature of 36-40°C and is accessible throughout the year.

Fontana Spa

Soak in a natural pool, listen to the bubbling hot spring in the steam rooms, or for the adventurous take a dip in the refreshing lake.

Check out and drive to Keflavik airport for your flight home. If you have an afternoon departure, detour to Reykjavik to browse the city’s museums, galleries and shops, or explore the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Optional Experiences

Blue Lagoon

Take a dip in the naturally heated waters of the award-winning Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s premier attractions.

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Daily breakfast

  • Car rental throughout

  • Unlimited mileage

  • No charge for second driver

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £781 Excluding Flights

4 Nights

Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

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Sea turtles snorkelled with

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Countries visited

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

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