Northern Lights and Skiing Adventure

Downhill Skiing Adventure in Northern Iceland

Iceland’s ski resorts are mainly found in the wild, northerly region of the country, home to the city of Akureyri. From here enjoy winter adventures and downhill skiing with the backdrop of glaciers and, with luck, the Northern Lights. This self drive trip can be tailored to encompass your choice of adventures, from husky sledding and snowmobiling to horseback riding and geothermal spas, all of which will complement your days on the slopes.

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Image credit: Hörður Finnbogason

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1:

Arrive in Akureyri, Iceland, via EasyJet flight, and collect your rental car at Akureyri Airport. Akureyri is the capital of North Iceland, serving as the region's administrative, cultural, and educational hub. It's also one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. The downtown area offers a variety of cosy cafés, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and don't the iconic Akureyri Church.

In the afternoon you will visit the Forest Lagoon, located just a 10-minute drive from your hotel. The Forest Lagoon is a unique spa experience set in a serene location surrounded by birch and pine trees, with breath-taking views over Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords. Here, you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the energy of Vaðlaskógur, the forest surrounding the baths.

You will stay for three nights at a 4-star hotel in Akureyri, such as Hotel KEA or a similar establishment, in a Superior Double or Twin room with breakfast included.

Day 2:

After a hearty Icelandic breakfast, it's time to hit the slopes. Hlíðarfjall is located just a 15-minute drive from Akureyri and is Iceland's most popular ski destination. This resort offers a range of experiences for skiers of all levels, from family-friendly nursery slopes to more challenging black runs. With 26 marked pistes and a vertical drop of 455 meters (1492 feet), there is something for everyone. The resort is also equipped with floodlights for skiing during the shorter winter days. At Hlíðarfjall, you can easily rent skis and purchase ski passes. We are here to assist you with the booking process, ensuring everything is arranged in advance so you can fully enjoy your time on the slopes. And as the day turns to night, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights, which often make a stunning appearance, adding a magical touch to your adventure.

Day 3:

Today you can return to the downhill ski slopes, or perhaps upgrade your adventure and adrenaline levels with a heli ski tour or snowmobile adventure. For those wanting to diversify their skiing experience, then cross country skiing on the many trails could be a perfect way to spend the day.

Day 4:

Begin your day by driving east from Akureyri, crossing the Eyjafjörður fjord. As you journey, take in the stunning views of the town, ocean, and surrounding mountains. Your first adventure is a dog sledding tour at 10:00, where you will meet at Vallholt farm, situated between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. At the unchained Siberian Husky Kennel, you will enjoy a private sled experience, with a Musher from Snow Dogs guiding you along a scenic 6-8 km trail. This adventure lasts approximately 40-70 minutes, with stops for pictures along the way. Your Musher will teach you the basics of dog sledding, and you will even have the opportunity to help mush the sled if you wish. Afterward, there will be ample time at the kennel to meet, cuddle, and take photos with the Siberian Huskies. The entire experience, including the kennel visit, lasts around two hours. Following your dog sledding adventure, continue driving east to explore the highlights of the Mývatn area. Begin with the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðagígar, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Over the next few hours, you will visit several natural wonders, including the Hverir Mud Pools, Mt. Námafjall, Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, and Grjótagjá cave, where the rift between the Eurasian and American continents is clearly visible.

At 18:00, unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths. Your visit includes a Comfort package, which covers entrance, a towel, a bathrobe, and a drink of your choice. The baths are nestled in the middle of lava fields, providing a relaxing experience in a geothermal lagoon.

On your return drive from Lake Mývatn to Akureyri, make a stop at Goðafoss Waterfall, where you can admire the view by moonlight before concluding your day (Weather pending!)

Day 5:

After breakfast, drive to the airport where you'll return your rental car and board your flight. If you'd like to extend your stay in Northern Iceland, our team will design an itinerary to cover more winter experiences by day and night.

BUDGET

From £1596 per person based on two sharing including car rental, four nights bed and breakfast accommodation, Myvatn nature baths visit, private husky sledding adventure and Forest Lagoon Spa entry.

This roughly converts to: 1,833 EUR | 2,088 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Between January and April

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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