Today you'll land in Keflavík. Even on your approach, take in the extraordinary Icelandic landscape. Wintertime awaits you, with its unique light, long twilights, snow-covered expanses, crisp air, and that tranquil, almost silent atmosphere that can only be experienced in the colder months. Iceland feels more pristine, more dramatic, and yet cozier – with hot springs, charming cafes, and a striking contrast between the rugged outdoors and the warmth indoors. Take the shuttle bus from the airport to your hotel. Look forward to Reykjavík, the vibrant and modern capital of Iceland, which is also the northernmost capital city in the world. Reykjavík translates to "Smoky Bay" and owes its name to the steam rising from the hot springs in the surrounding area. More than a third of the country's total population lives here. Start preparing yourself for the exciting days ahead. 1 night in the Reykjavík area. (Distance: approx. 50 km; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)

In the morning, your tour guide will greet you, and you'll begin the day with a visit to the Aurora Northern Lights Museum, where you can delve into the fascinating world of the aurora borealis. There, you'll learn in a very engaging way how this natural wonder is formed, why it's only visible in winter, and how best to see it. The museum's interactive exhibits will surely whet your appetite for your own aurora viewing! Afterwards, you'll embark on the Golden Circle tour. Your first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir. This historically significant site is located in the national park of the same name and once served as a Viking meeting place. During a walk, your guide will tell you all about the significance of this place and its importance to Icelanders today. Following the walk, you'll travel to one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, the Golden Waterfall, Gullfoss. The water cascades down the gorge in two tiers, reaching the glacial river Hvítá after a drop of approximately 70 meters. Enjoy the sounds of the rushing water and the unique beauty of this breathtaking natural spectacle. You'll spend the afternoon in the Haukadalur geothermal area, where a short walk will take you to the Strokkur geyser. Here, a jet of water shoots up to 20 meters high at regular intervals, demonstrating the volcanic activity beneath your feet. Your journey continues along the Kerið crater, the result of a volcanic eruption. A unique feature of this extinct crater is the groundwater lake inside, highlighting the region's high water table. Enjoy the drive through the volcanic landscape. In the evening, you'll arrive in Hveragerði and can relax at your hotel. Weather permitting, you can take a short walk on your own to try and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Overnight near Hveragerði. (B) (Distance traveled: approx. 200 km; travel time: approx. 3 hours)

In the morning, you'll set off to see two more impressive waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Both waterfalls are dramatic cliffs that once stood by the sea, but due to rising land, they are now located inland. Walk up a small path with steps and admire Skógafoss from above – a completely different perspective. Your journey continues to the village of Vík, the southernmost point of Iceland, adorned with a small but striking church perched on a hill. Afterwards, you'll visit Dyrhólaey, the southernmost point of Iceland's main island. From here, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the coastline (closed in case of poor road or weather conditions; alternatively, you'll visit the Reynisfjara coastal section). Late in the evening, you'll arrive in the Skaftafell National Park area, where you'll check into your hotel and enjoy a group dinner. Overnight in the Skaftafell area. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 290 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)

Today begins with a drive along Skaftafell National Park, where you can admire the glacier tongue of the region's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnjúkur. The glacier tongues reach almost to the sea. You'll continue along moss-covered lava fields and through the rugged, uninhabited coastal landscape to Europe's largest glacier. After marveling at the Vatnajökull plateau glacier, it's just a short drive to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Here, you can observe the unique natural spectacle from the mainland as the glacier calves large icebergs into the glacial lake (boat tours on the lake are not possible in winter). Of course, you'll also stop for photos at particularly spectacular viewpoints along the way. The scenic drive along the rugged east coast offers unique views of picturesque fjords and traditional fishing villages. According to Icelandic legends, the fantastically shaped lava towers are petrified trolls. Let your guide tell you more about these troll tales. Overnight in Egilsstaðir. (B) (Distance: approx. 320 km; Travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Today, a wealth of breathtaking views awaits you. First, you'll explore the unique fjord landscape in the east of the island, where you'll see how the glacial rivers, up to 30 km long, converge into Lake Lagarfljót. The area boasts many fascinating geological features. Enjoy the stunning panorama. Along the way, your guide will tell you more about the Ormur, the sea monster said to live in the depths of Lake Lagarfljót. You'll also learn more about the role of legends and myths in Iceland. Afterwards, your journey continues through the quiet, remote wilderness to Lake Mývatn. Here, a unique experience awaits you: a bath in the shimmering blue thermal waters of the Earth Lagoon (included). Enjoy the soothing warmth of the thermal waters amidst the frosty winter landscape. In the evening, you'll return to your hotel in the Mývatn area for one night. (B) (Distance: approx. 270 km; Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)

Today you'll set off directly from the hotel and explore the landscape surrounding Lake Mývatn. Enjoy the walk through the volcanic region you'll admire today. Your path will take you past the numerous pseudocraters of Skútustaðir to the Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth. This labyrinth was formed by the last eruption of the Krafla volcano, which created the rock columns from cooled lava. Perhaps you'll spot a mythical creature or even a troll hiding among the rocks. Afterwards, you'll explore the Námaskarð geothermal area, where you'll be surrounded by bubbling mud pools and solfataras, from which steam rises. Marvel at this unique natural spectacle before heading to Iceland's longest fjord and driving towards Akureyri. Along the way, you'll pass another highlight, for which you'll briefly interrupt your journey. The water of Goðafoss, "Waterfall of the Gods," plunges into the gorge in wide cascades, offering an impressive natural wonder. Afterwards, you'll drive through the famous horse-breeding region of Skógafjörður, where with a bit of luck you might spot one of the region's iconic Icelandic horses. In the evening, you'll arrive at your hotel, and if you'd like, you can try your luck at seeing the Northern Lights again. Enjoy a relaxing dinner together at your accommodation. Overnight stay near Miðfjörður. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 100 km; Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours)

Today your journey takes you along the Ring Road until you reach the capital Reykjavík in the evening. You drive across the rugged, uninhabited Holtavörðuheiði plateau. From here, you have a unique view of the breathtaking landscape and the distant fjords. Your tour continues until, in the afternoon – weather permitting – you reach the deserted Glanni waterfall. According to Icelandic legends, this is the home of elves and trolls. A short walk takes you past the three cascades, and you can also admire the salmon ladder. Around midday, you stop in Borgarnes and enjoy a typical Icelandic lunch at a local restaurant. After this final stopover, you'll arrive in Reykjavík in the afternoon. Take some time to reflect on your experiences; you're guaranteed to take home unforgettable memories. Those who wish can join an optional Northern Lights boat tour in the evening (optional, bookable in advance). 1 night in the Reykjavík area. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 390 km; Travel time: approx. 5 hours)

After breakfast, you will take a shuttle bus to Keflavík Airport. Here your journey ends, and you will board your flight back to Germany with many new impressions and memories. (F) (Distance: approx. 50 km; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)