Reykjavík in 7 Days for Couples - Multiple nights based from Hjalteyri for flexible Northern Lights hunting
In Collaboration with Edge of the Arctic. Updated on March 11, 2026.
7-day guided Northern Lights small-group adventure from Reykjavík to the Troll Peninsula and Mývatn region. Combination of scenic drives, geothermal sites, local dinners and multiple nights based from Hjalteyri for flexible aurora hunting. Trip is timed to autumn conditions and new-moon windows to maximise aurora visibility.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Edge of the Arctic, inspired by the tour Aurora Borealis Hunting / Northern Lights Adventure in Autumn. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Multiple nights based from Hjalteyri for flexible Northern Lights hunting
- Golden Circle visit (Geysir & Gullfoss) en route to West/North options
- Mývatn area geological highlights: Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir, Hverir
- Island visit to Hrísey with local food tasting and whale-watching transfer
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Keflavík, transfer to central Reykjavík and introductory city tour after check-in at Hotel Frón.
Arrival, transfer to Hotel Frón and Reykjavík orientation
Pickup from Keflavík International Airport on arrival and private transfer to Hotel Frón (central Laugavegur). After check-in and a short rest the guide leads a relaxed city orientation walk of Reykjavik's central highlights (Laugavegur, Hallgrímskirkja exterior, and the harbour area). Evening at leisure; guide will note aurora forecasts for the first night.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your international flight arrival time with the operator at least 48 hours before arrival so the airport pickup can be timed.
- Hotel check-in in Reykjavík is typically mid-afternoon; if you arrive early you can leave luggage at Hotel Frón and join the orientation walk.
- Dress in layers and bring a warm hat and gloves for the evening harbour walk — coastal winds can feel colder after sunset.
Day 2
Breakfast in Reykjavík then a Golden Circle stretch en route to rural coastal area near Whale Fjord or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for evening aurora possibilities.
Golden Circle highlights and transfer toward Whale Fjord / Snæfellsnes area
Breakfast at the hotel (09:30). Depart Reykjavík by coach to visit classic Golden Circle sights—stops will include Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall—then continue toward rural coastal accommodation near Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula depending on weather and aurora forecast. Evening flexibility to seek clear skies; hotel hot tubs or short evening walks may be used for aurora viewing.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a small daypack with a warm layer, waterproof shell, and water bottle for the Golden Circle stops.
- Footwear: wear grippy, waterproof shoes — paths at Geysir and Gullfoss can be wet and uneven.
- Because aurora viewing is weather-dependent, keep phone charged and the guide's contact details handy for last-minute schedule changes.
Day 3
Drive north toward the Troll Peninsula with a stop at a remote hot spring (Grettislaug when accessible). Check in to Hótel Hjalteyri and evening nature hikes and hot tub options for aurora watching.
North to the Troll Peninsula — hot spring stop and Hótel Hjalteyri
After breakfast depart Reykjavík region and drive north toward the Troll Peninsula area. A noted stop en route is Grettislaug hot spring (where accessible) for a brief soak. Arrive at Hótel Hjalteyri for a multi-night stay. Dinner is a three-course Icelandic sampler at Eyri Restaurant (at or near the hotel). After dinner the guide will lead short nature hikes on the peninsula and may use local hot tubs (Hauganes or Hjalteyri) as aurora vantage points if conditions are favourable.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to use the hot springs, bring a quick-dry swimsuit and towel; carry clothes you can change into quickly after soaking.
- Evening hiking for aurora is on unlit rural trails — bring a headlamp and warm layers for late-night viewing.
- Inform the guide of any mobility needs in advance; some rural paths can be uneven or have loose gravel.
Day 4
Full day visiting Mývatn's geologic areas including Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir, Krafla and Hverir; option to visit Mývatn Nature Baths (extra cost). Return to Hjalteyri with a stop in Akureyri for a walking tour.
Mývatn's geological highlights and Akureyri visit
After breakfast depart for the Mývatn area. First main stop is Goðafoss waterfall, then proceed to Mývatn to explore Dimmuborgir lava formations, Krafla volcanic area and the steaming Hverir geothermal area. There is an option (extra cost) to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths. On the return leg stop in Akureyri for a short walking tour of the town centre and some free time for coffee and shopping. Return to Hjalteyri for dinner at a local restaurant.
Tips from local experts:
- The Mývatn area can be windy and changeable — carry waterproof outerwear and a warm mid-layer.
- If you plan to visit Mývatn Nature Baths, pack swimwear and a towel; inform the guide in the morning so timing can be arranged.
- At Hverir expect sulphur steam and muddy ground; stay on marked paths and supervise children closely.
Day 5
Morning cultural visit to the repurposed Herring Factory and storyteller food tasting, whale-watching transfer to Hrísey island, island hike and natural pool soak, local fish buffet dinner, return ferry to mainland.
Hrísey island visit with whale-watching transfer and local food tasting
Morning tour of the old herring factory in Hjalteyri (now an art space) with a traditional Icelandic food tasting and storyteller. Transfer to the harbour for a whale-watching boat trip that lands on Hrísey island. Afternoon on Hrísey for hiking and exploration; meet at the island natural pool around 16:00 for a swim or soak. Evening local fish buffet dinner on or near the island. Take the last ferry back to the mainland and return to Hótel Hjalteyri for the night. Very low light pollution on the island offers good aurora viewing opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for the island trails — terrain can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring swimwear and a towel for the natural pool soak; changing facilities are basic so plan accordingly.
- Seas can be choppy on whale-watching transfers; if you are prone to seasickness take preventive measures before departure.
Day 6
Early departure back to Reykjavík. Free day in Reykjavík after check-in at Hotel Frón for shopping, museums or optional independent activities. Last night in Reykjavík is at leisure (dinner not included).
Return to Reykjavík and free day
Depart Hjalteyri in the early morning to return south to Reykjavík with an aim to arrive early afternoon. Check in to Hótel Frón. This day is intentionally left free for shopping, museum visits or optional activities of your choice; the guide can provide recommendations. Dinner tonight is not included so you can choose a quiet dinner in town.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve any Reykjavík museum or restaurant bookings in advance if you have specific places in mind (this evening is independent).
- Use Laugavegur and the harbour area for a romantic stroll at sunset — many cafes and small restaurants are concentrated there.
- If you have flight-related questions or onward plans, confirm details with the guide before the evening as transfers to the airport are arranged on the final day.
Day 7
Departure: transfer from Hotel Frón to Keflavík International Airport approximately 3 hours before scheduled international flight.
Departure transfer to Keflavík International Airport
Private transfer from Hotel Frón to Keflavík International Airport. Pickup time will be scheduled to depart the hotel approximately three hours before your international flight departure time to allow check-in and security processing. Driver and guide will confirm exact pickup time the evening before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Your pickup will be arranged for three hours prior to your international flight—confirm your flight number and scheduled departure time with the guide the evening before.
- Pack all travel documents and passports in an accessible place the night before departure to avoid delays at pickup.
- Allow extra time for luggage handling and airport check-in; the transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 7 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Hotel, Experience, Transfer |
