The Northern Lights are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and beautiful of nature’s phenomena. And what better place to view these eerie, silent displays of dancing electrons than on Europe’s largest ice cap, the mesmerising Vatnajökull Glacier in southeast Iceland? Your holiday starts with a night in Reykjavik before you fly to Höfn, a picturesque fishing village on the south-east coast. We recommend a walk to the harbour or an excursion to iceberg-studded Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Included in your two-night stay is a visit to the Glacier Exhibition and two guided walks in search of the Northern Lights. Even if the lights don’t appear on the walk, watchmen will keep an eye out through the night, ready to wake you should the swirling bands materialise. Return to Reykjavik for your final night, perhaps stopping at the Blue Lagoon for a dip en route to the airport.
The Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and beautiful of nature's phenomena. In classic mythology, Aurora was the Roman goddess of the dawn; while "boreal" is a Latin word, meaning "north". What might be greater than viewing these impressive Northern Lights in the realm of Vatnajökull, one of Europe’s largest glaciers?
Although Northern Light sightings cannot be guaranteed, Iceland is very well placed for aurora viewing. Around the poles are so called "Aurora Ovals" which are belts around the geomagnetic poles where auroras are formed. These belts vary in size according to the strenght of the solar winds that cause the auroras. Iceland is in the most active part of the Aurora Oval in the northern hemisphere which means that auroras can almost always be seen as long as there is clear sky.
PRICES & DATES
Price is based on 2 people sharing a room and includes return economy class flights with Icelandair, all airport taxes, return airport transfers by bus (shared), 2 nights at Hotel Reykjavik Natura, including breakfast, 2 nights at Hotel Hofn, including breakfast, return flight Reykjavík-Hofn-Reykjavik, transfer to/from the airport in Hofn, entrance to the Glacier Exhibition and 2 guided Northern Lights walks around Hofn village (1-2 hours).
Departures from London on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays during 1 Oct-17 December 2012 and 5 Jan-31 Mar 2013 (except 18 December 2012 - 04 January 2013).
Departures from Glasgow and Manchester may require extra nights.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival
Fly from the UK to Reykjavik with Icelandair. Transfer to Hotel Loftleidir and check in. Evening at leisure in Reykjavík.
Day 2: Northern Lights magic
Head to Reykjavík domestic airport in the morning, for your flight to Höfn, a small village on the South East coast of Iceland. When you have unpacked your things, there will be an introduction of the program and of the optional activities available. Take a scenic walk through the village or down to the harbour, where you might watch the fishermen land their catch of the day. In the evening, the search is on for the magical Northern Lights.
Day 3: Glacier experience
Today you visit the Glacier Exhibition where you can learn about the secrets of Vatnajökull glacier. We recommend a tour to the magnificent Glacial Lagoon where you might catch the sight of seals as well as the floating icebergs in the lake. In the evening another guided walking tour to hunt for the Northern Lights. If the Northern Lights will not show during the tour but will appear in the night, the night watch is ready to wake you up for this amazing experience.
Day 4: Day at your leisure
Spend the morning enjoying the leisure activities in the area. In the afternoon you fly back to Reykjavík and check in to Loftleidir for 1 night.
Day 5: Departure
If you are returning to the UK on the afternoon flight then you will have time to take a stroll around Reykjavik, do some shopping or why not visit the famous Blue Lagoon en route to the airport? Transfer back to the airport and flight back to the UK.
Hotel, Activity and Local Information
Located in the village of Höfn in South East Iceland. Nicely located in the middle of the town, overlooking Vatnajökull glacier. The hotel offers 68 non smoking rooms with private facilities. The hotel is within walking distance from shops, the golf course and the swimming pool. A restaurant specializing in lobster from the area.
The hotel is located near the domestic airport and is only a 15–20 minute walk to the city centre and has good bus connections to the center of town. Located next to Oskjuhlid area, a popular outdoor area with walking paths and the Pearl, a modern edifice and the best viewing spot in Reykjavik, housing the Historical Museum. The hotel features 220 rooms all equipped with phone, TV and refrigerator (stock-up service available). The restaurant "Lon Restaurant", located on the ground floor. Indoor swimming pool, hair salon, gift shop.