Day trip reviews · GLACIER & NORTHERN LIGHTS DAY TRIPS
Good glacier & northern lights day trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 5 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend 10 hours touring Iceland’s South Coast by bus with an English-speaking guide. Visit Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Sólheimajökull glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, and Vík. Expect changing weather, wet waterfall walks, dramatic scenery, and guides such as Sara, Eva, Barbara, or Andrea bringing local stories to the ride.
“So worth it, would recommend time and time again !!!”
From Tromsø, ride to a Sami reindeer camp for hands-on feeding, a nighttime sled ride, salmon salad, bidos stew, cake, and hot drinks. Hosts such as Anna, Luona, and Thea share personal stories, beliefs, and joik singing. The Northern Lights may appear, but clear skies are never promised.
“A great cultural experience where you get to enjoy the time with the reindeer and also meet other travellers! Strongly recommend!”
Spend about 10 hours touring Iceland’s Golden Circle with a guide, then ride a snowmobile across Langjökull Glacier. Expect a safety briefing, warm protective gear, two people per snowmobile, and commentary on Icelandic culture, geography, and history from guides such as Jón, Ritchie, and Edgar.
“Amazing experience with qualified professionals. The entire process was seamless from pickup to drop off. Tour offered amazing views and memories for a lifetime.”
Travel from Reykjavik in a group of up to 15 with an English-speaking guide such as Michal, Svenni, or Roberto. Visit Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss, and Gljúfrabúi, then spend about 1.5 hours on Sólheimajökull with crampons, helmet, and ice axe provided. Bring hiking boots, warm layers, food, and water.
“This was an incredible experience!! The tour guide Sveini (I know I am spelling this wrong, my sincerest apologies!) was incredible. We were originally told that due to weather we weren’t going to be able to do the glacier hike, but because of our guide’s plan he was able to make it happen for us when the weather turned out to be more mild than forecasted! I was a solo female traveler and this was a great choice as I felt safe the whole time and had a once in a lifetime experience”
Travel from Geneva to Zermatt by comfortable bus and electric shuttle, with time for the old village and an optional ride to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883 meters. Guides such as Babis, David, and Roger may add local stories along the way.
“My trip to Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn was nothing short of unforgettable. The entire experience felt like stepping into a postcard—beautiful, peaceful, and full of awe-inspiring scenery. From the charming car-free village to the panoramic mountain views at every turn, Zermatt truly captures the essence of the Swiss Alps. One of the highlights was getting up close to the Matterhorn. Whether viewing it from the Gornergrat, hiking nearby trails, or simply admiring it from the village, every angle revealed something magical. The weather cooperated, and the clear skies made the mountain look even more majestic. What elevated the trip to an entirely new level, though, was our tour guide…”
A coast, a castle, a cellar or a cave.
