Multi-activities, swimming and the Northern Lights in Iceland
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Iceland
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions165.68 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Forget the clichés of Iceland as a frozen, inaccessible land in winter! This trip is all about comfort, gentle adventure, and disconnecting. With an average temperature around 0°C, winter in Iceland is surprisingly mild and, above all, perfectly accessible for anyone who craves nature, wide open spaces, and wonder.
This trip takes you to the heart of the most spectacular landscapes in the south of the island: giant glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls frozen solid, still-smoking lava fields, bluish ice caves, and lagoons filled with drifting icebergs… all under the ethereal light of the Northern Lights. In a small group, you'll explore a powerful and poetic Iceland, revealed in all its winter splendor.
Between active volcanoes and glacial silence, hot baths in the heart of nature and easy hikes, this week promises a concentration of emotions, discoveries, and striking contrasts.
The highlights
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The spectacular landscapes between ice and volcanoes
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The magic of the Northern Lights from your accommodation
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An authentic small group trip
Photos
Sport
Level
Winter multi-activity
The expert's opinion
Circuit characteristics:
The program includes an average of 3 to 6 hours of activities per day. It has been designed to leave you free time to relax, read, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of Iceland.
Recommended physical preparation:
No need to be a seasoned adventurer: the activities are accessible to all those who like to walk for a few hours, take the time to discover, and marvel at the rhythm of nature.
Physical activity during the stay:
This trip does not present any particular difficulties. However, at this time of year, the weather conditions in Iceland (rain, snow, wind) can make some days more challenging.
Walking time is regularly interspersed with vehicle journeys, thus allowing for better management of physical effort.
Finally, each day ends in the comfort of pleasant accommodation, for a truly restorative break.
Spirit of the stay:
This trip is experienced in a small group, in a participatory and friendly atmosphere. Everyone is invited to lend a hand: helping with meal preparation, loading the vehicle… all these small gestures strengthen group cohesion. Solidarity, mutual support, and good humor are the keys to a successful adventure. It is this collective dynamic that makes the experience so rich and authentic.
Suitable for ages 14 and up.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average daily elevation gain: 120 m
- Average daily descent: 120 m
Management
Based in Iceland for many years, our agency offers you much more than just a trip: an active adventure, led by passionate guides and made possible by perfectly managed local logistics. Throughout your stay, you will be accompanied by a specialist guide, a true all-rounder of adventure: they will manage the group, drive the vehicle, and even prepare meals.
Versatile, available and passionate, our guides are here to help you experience the best of Iceland, safely and in a good mood.
Program
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Heading for Iceland - Arrival in Reykjavik
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 50km
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Nordic adventure begins! Flight to Iceland. If the sky is clear, keep your eyes peeled out of the window: you might just catch a glimpse of the majestic Vatnajökull.
Arrival at Keflavik International Airport, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Transfer across lunar-like lava fields to Reykjavik, the country's capital.
Check-in at accommodation. At the end of the day, initial free exploration of the city.
Day 1 -
Golden Circle and hot spring bathing
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off in a small group along the route of the famous Golden Circle. Thanks to the slight jet lag, an early departure allows us to arrive among the first at the iconic sites of this region, thus avoiding the usual crowds.
We begin with Þingvellir, the "Parliament Valley," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive site is a vast rift valley where, from 930 AD onwards, the Althing, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, met. A short hike takes us between canyons and waterfalls, in the heart of a landscape that is both magnificent and steeped in history.
We continue with the Geysir geothermal area. There, the Strokkur geyser erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, propelling a column of hot water several meters high, a fascinating spectacle, always eagerly awaited.
A few kilometers away, golden spray and rainbows herald Gullfoss, the "Golden Falls". This impressive two-tiered waterfall plunges into a deep canyon lined with basalt columns, offering a breathtaking panorama.
In the mid-afternoon, it's time to relax: we stop at the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring nestled in the heart of nature. It's in this peaceful and authentic atmosphere that we end this day full of discoveries.
Day 2 -
Waterfalls, black sand beach and basalt columns of Vík
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 80 m
- Negative elevation 80 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, after about an hour's drive, we're stopping in Hvolsvöllur for those who wish to visit The Lava Centre (optional: €56). This interactive museum provides a better understanding of the volcanic phenomena that shape Iceland.
We then continued our journey eastward along the south coast. Our first stop: the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, famous for the path that allows you to walk behind its veil of water. But just a short distance away lies another, more secluded gem, nestled in the cliff: Gljúfrabúi, less well-known but just as impressive.
A little further on, we discover Skógafoss, an impressive 60-meter-high curtain of water. A short hike up the steps leads us to its summit, offering a spectacular view of the river and the surrounding plains. The thundering sound of the water, the force of the falls, and the mist hanging in the air clearly demonstrate how water shapes Iceland.
We continue on to the charming village of Vík, famous for its black sand beach and cliffs adorned with basalt columns. On Reynisfjara beach, the powerful waves of the Atlantic crash against petrified lava columns: the Reynisdrangar, which legend describes as trolls turned to stone by the sun's rays.
At the end of the day, we'll settle into our accommodation. As night falls, let's stay alert… If the sky is clear, we might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dancing above us.
Day 3 -
Hiking above the Skaftafell glaciers and viewing the Northern Lights
- Transportation Minibus - 02h50 - 240km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Negative elevation 320 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off for Vatnajökull , the largest glacier in Europe . At Skaftafell, the glacial tongues stretch almost to the road, creating a surprisingly accessible alpine landscape, only a few dozen meters above sea level.
We begin a beautiful hike on a trail that winds through dwarf birch trees and climbs to several spectacular viewpoints overlooking glaciers and, on a clear day, the summit of Iceland. Depending on conditions, the terminal moraine of Svínafellsjökull also offers a lovely alternative for a more leisurely but equally impressive walk.
At the end of the day, we return to our accommodation, where we settle in for the next two nights.
Like every evening, with our eyes turned towards the sky, we hope to see the Northern Lights. If the weather is favorable and solar activity is high, a few moments outside will be enough to experience a magical moment.
Day 4 -
Vatnajökull National Park: ice cave, Jökulsárlón icebergs and Diamond Beach
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 60km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're exploring Vatnajökull , the largest glacier in Europe, above... and below !
With crampons on our feet , we set off on an adventure across the glacier, before entering an ice cave, a veritable cathedral sculpted by natural forces. Inside, the interplay of light and translucent hues offer a magical spectacle.
This glacier walk, led by a local guide, is accessible to all and presents no particular difficulty.
The adventure continues with the discovery of Jökulsárlón , a glacial lagoon where icebergs drift slowly towards the ocean.
A little further on, Fjallsárlón , more intimate, reveals another facet of the landscape, with its glacial front within sight.
Finally, we end the day at Diamond Beach, where shimmering pieces of ice, washed up on the black sand, create a unique and spectacular scene.
An unforgettable day, under the sign of ice.
Day 5 -
Lava tunnel (optional), new lava flows and return to Reykjavik
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 450km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
It is time to leave the glaciers and icebergs and begin the journey back.
As an optional excursion, we will explore Raufarhólshellir , one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland. A unique experience: walking in the wake of lava that flowed more than 5,200 years ago, in a fascinating underground setting (approximately €60).
We then cross the moors and volcanic landscapes of Hveragerði , land of hot springs and solfataras, before continuing towards the Reykjanes peninsula.
Near Reykjavik, we discover the new lava flows , a black and smoking landscape, evidence of the many eruptions, more or less intense, that occur almost every year on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Finally, we return to Reykjavik to check into our accommodation. Dinner is at your leisure, leaving you free for an evening of stargazing: if the sky is clear and solar activity is high, we might even be able to hunt for the Northern Lights!
Day 6 -
Reykjavik – Free day
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, several options are available to you to fully enjoy this last day in Iceland:
You can stroll leisurely through Reykjavík's colorful streets, take a whale-watching excursion, discover the unique world of Icelandic horses on a horseback ride, or relax in the famous Blue Lagoon, with its geothermally heated waters of 39°C – a true haven of peace. And don't forget the opportunity to shop on Laugavegur, the capital's main thoroughfare, lined with boutiques and inviting cafes.
Activities such as whale watching cruises, horseback riding, or entry to the Blue Lagoon are offered as optional extras, subject to availability at the time of booking.
For this last evening, we will share a dinner in the Icelandic capital, our hearts filled with memorable recollections of this fascinating country.
Day 7 -
Back to France
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last moments in Iceland before the transfer to Keflavik International Airport.
One last look at these landscapes shaped by the elements… but it’s only goodbye for now! Why not come back in summer, when the highlands open up and the sun hardly ever sets?
Return flight to France.
Day 8
Note
If you wish to include optional activities in your program, remember to mention it when booking your trip.
For those who do not wish to participate, these times will be devoted to discovering the surroundings in the company of the guide (walk), or to moments of freedom, particularly during day 7.
This itinerary is provided as an indication: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify the day-by-day itinerary for your safety and that of the group or for organizational reasons.
The Northern Lights are spectacular but unpredictable phenomena. They depend primarily on solar activity and are only visible when the sky is sufficiently clear.
The observation of the Northern Lights therefore remains the result of random parameters that we cannot control and for this reason, we cannot guarantee their observation 100%.
Accommodation
Throughout the trip, you will stay in a variety of accommodations, chosen for their location, friendliness and typical Icelandic charm.
In Reykjavik , nights are spent in comfortable guesthouses or hostels located in the city center. Accommodation is offered in double or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. A simple and pleasant option, ideal for fully enjoying the cultural atmosphere of the capital.
Throughout the rest of Iceland , this road trip involves several changes of accommodation. You'll stay in traditional guesthouses or farm inns, often small, family-run establishments located in the countryside or in small villages. Rooms accommodate from 2 to 6 people depending on the location, with bathrooms generally shared. Some accommodations are more rustic but offer a warm, authentic atmosphere and exceptional setting, often in renovated farmhouses that combine traditional charm with modern comforts.
local context
With high tourist traffic and limited infrastructure in remote areas, the level of comfort can vary from one stage to the next. However, the experience is always memorable.
Single room (optional)
Solo travelers are accommodated in single-sex shared rooms. A single room is available in Reykjavik only, upon request and at an additional cost.
Access
Our travel will primarily be in 9-seater vehicles. Some journeys or transfers may also be made by city bus, such as the transfer between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik city.
Go to the starting point
Your flight with us
Your e-ticket will be available in your customer account 8 to 10 days before departure. Your login details and password will be sent to you upon registration.
To reach Iceland, we mainly work with the regular airline: Icelandair.
Included with Icelandair: 1 checked bag of 23 kg + 1 hand bag of 10 kg included per person.
Note: Meals and drinks are not included on board and are available for purchase.
This information is provided for guidance purposes only. The exact details of your flight (airline, schedule, included services) will be confirmed at the time of booking, depending on your departure airport and availability.
Price details
The price includes
- Flights Paris / Reykjavik / Paris
- Air taxes
- Airport transfers
- Travel and activities as described in the program
- The accommodation as described
- The meals mentioned as included in the program
- Loan of crampon equipment when necessary
- The tour is led by a French-speaking tour guide who is a specialist in the destination.
The price does not include
- The contribution to carbon neutrality
- Optional activities to choose from
- Pre-delivery to Paris
- Meals indicated as free in the day-by-day
- Airport transfers if the arrival or departure day differs from that of the rest of the group and the program
Options
- Whale watching cruise (from Reykjavik) : CHF146.37 / person
- Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon (from Reykjavik) : CHF214.98 / person
- Additional night in Reykjavik in a guesthouse in a double or twin room (price per person) : CHF107.03 / person
- Additional night in Reykjavik in a guesthouse with a single room : CHF171.98 / person
- Horseback riding on the lava fields of Hafnarfjörður (from Reykjavik) : CHF155.52 / person
- Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure (from Reykjavik) : CHF315.61 / person
- Single room supplement for the entire duration of your stay : CHF699.82 / person
- The Lava Center, Hvolsvollur : CHF54.89 / person
- Lava Tunnel: Exploring the Center of the Earth : CHF91.48 / person
- Lava Tunnel: Exploring the Center of the Earth (from Reykjavik) : CHF150.94 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
Passport
Passport or national identity card must be valid (check the expiry date now).
From January 15, 2017, a child travelling abroad without being accompanied by one of their parents must present the following 3 documents:
- Valid identity document for the minor: identity card or passport + possible visa depending on the requirements of the destination country (to be checked by consulting the country information sheets on the website diplomatie.gouv.fr)
- Photocopy of the valid identity document of the signing parent: identity card or passport
- Authorization form for leaving the territory signed by one of the parents holding parental authority.
Visa
No visa required for European citizens.
Identity card
Valid identity card required (check expiry date now).
Important: The authorities do not recognize the extension of validity for expired national identity cards. Only strictly valid cards are accepted.
Health recommendations
The health requirements of each country change frequently; it is important and your responsibility to consult them up until the day of your departure on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the "Travel Advice" section.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- A pair of crampons, if necessary, for icy and slippery sections of the terrain.
- During the "Glacier Walking and Ice Cave" activity, a helmet and crampons will be provided by our Icelandic partner.
Equipment to bring
- A towel for the hot springs
- A personal first aid kit
- A lip balm
- A tube of sunscreen
- Vaseline or moisturizing cream
- High-protection sunglasses or ski goggles
- An insulated thermos to keep your drink hot at lunchtime
- A lightweight water bottle with a minimum capacity of 1 liter
- A Tupperware container, cutlery, and a cup
- Plastic bags to keep your belongings dry
- A headlamp, with spare batteries and bulbs
- A specialty from your region to discover and share together
Optional:
- A camera (be careful with batteries as they don't last long in the cold)
- A camera tripod for aurora borealis photography
- An external battery (to be placed in carry-on luggage)
- Earplugs
- A knife (to be put in checked baggage)
- Some hand warmers
- Walking stick(s)
Clothing to bring
Plan for a "3-layer" system:
For clothing, the layering method is best. This involves wearing several layers of clothing, including...
Layers closer to the body allow sweat to escape easily. Other layers retain heat or
protect the body from external conditions.
1/ The base layer (directly against the skin)
Complete warm underwear set (tights and long-sleeved top)
2/ The intermediate layer
A warm sweater or thick fleece.
3/ The outer layer
- It protects you from the wind and snow. We recommend a Gore-Tex type jacket or a warm ski jacket.
- A long waterproof jacket with a hood (Gore-Tex type or ski jacket)
- Waterproof and breathable over-trousers (Gore-Tex type or equivalent)
- A pair of trekking shoes for hiking. They must have three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high-tops), and waterproofing. Choose shoes with non-slip soles, good traction, and a relatively rigid shape; they must grip the terrain well.
- A pair of après-ski boots (optional). These can be used for short, easy walks or at the end of the day, but they are not a substitute for trekking boots as they offer no ankle support.
- Fleece (synthetic fiber). This has the advantage of being resistant, warm, lightweight; it dries quickly and offers a soft feel.
- A down jacket (optional but very practical for staying warm during the lunch break or in the evening while observing the Northern Lights)
- Warm sweaters
- Technical underwear, top and bottom. This is your first layer of insulation, so make sure it's good. Fine technical fibers or wool are very effective, warm, flexible, comfortable, and lightweight. They also dry very quickly.
- Warm hiking pants
- Pairs of warm hiking socks (wool)
- A swimsuit to enjoy the hot springs
- Nightwear
- Clothes for evenings out and for going out in town
- A pair of slippers for use in accommodations
- A beanie
- A pair of warm, windproof gloves or mittens
- A pair of thick (wool) gloves useful for activities
- A pair of glove liners
- A neck warmer or balaclava
- Remember to keep your extremities (hands, feet, nose) well covered as they are very sensitive to the cold. These parts of the body cool down very quickly when inactive.
They traveled with us
The Paulin team
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