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Five Winter Days for Families, From Vík's Glaciers to Jökulsárlón

A November family road trip with a glacier hike, the Katla ice cave, the Glacier Lagoon and a slow Reykjavik finish.

Editor's pick 5 days · November Families Medium pace Self-drive · 2WD

Winter in Iceland rewards families who plan around short days, and this five-day November route does. It heads from Keflavik to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, adds a Solheimajokull glacier hike and ends the first evening at the Lava Show in Vík.

Day two is the showpiece. A morning tour into the Katla ice cave is followed by Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Foss á Síðu and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, with a night in Hof. Day three is the long drive back west, broken up at Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey and Urriðafoss before Reykjavik.

The last two days slow right down. A Reykjavik day covers Hallgrímskirkja, the Sun Voyager and the National Museum, then an afternoon soak at Hvammsvik Hot Springs. The departure morning crosses the Reykjanes Peninsula to the Bridge Between Continents and Gunnuhver. Long November nights give every base a shot at the northern lights.

Why we picked it: It reaches Jökulsárlón and a real ice cave in five winter days with a standard car, then trades driving for two easy Reykjavik days, a sensible rhythm for families in short daylight.

Trip highlights

  • Katla Ice Cave (October-May)
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
  • Lava Show - Vik
  • Skógafoss

Tips before you go

  • November daylight runs roughly 10 am to 4 pm. Day 3 from Hof starts in the dark, so leave around 7 am and reach Reynisfjara at first light.
  • Glacier hikes and ice cave tours set minimum ages that vary by operator. Check before booking, and reconfirm both a day ahead since winter weather can cancel them.
  • A standard car works here with the winter tires Icelandic rentals carry in season. Check road.is and vedur.is before each drive; the road east of Vík can close in storms.
  • Fill the tank in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur heading east on Day 2. Services between there and Skaftafell are few and far between.

Your route across Iceland

The journey, day by day

Open any day for the full plan — stops, drives, and where to stay.

  1. Arrival, Waterfalls & Glacier HikeDAY 1

    Day 1 · 2026-11-14

    Arrival, Waterfalls & Glacier Hike

    5 stops3 hoursVík
  2. Ice Caving & Diamond BeachDAY 2

    Day 2 · 2026-11-15

    Ice Caving & Diamond Beach

    5 stops4 hours 0 minsHof
  3. Black Sand Coast & Return to ReykjavikDAY 3

    Day 3 · 2026-11-16

    Black Sand Coast & Return to Reykjavik

    3 stops4 hours 50 minsReykjavik
  4. Reykjavik Culture & Coastal Hot SpringsDAY 4

    Day 4 · 2026-11-17

    Reykjavik Culture & Coastal Hot Springs

    5 stops1 hour 50 minsReykjavik
  5. Reykjanes Peninsula & DepartureDAY 5

    Day 5 · 2026-11-18

    Reykjanes Peninsula & Departure

    3 stops2 hoursKeflavik

Questions about this itinerary

Is it safe to drive Iceland's South Coast in November?

Generally yes, with care. The Ring Road along the South Coast is paved and regularly cleared, and rental cars come with winter tires. Wind is the bigger threat, especially around Vík and on the exposed stretches farther east. Check road.is and vedur.is every morning, drive in daylight where you can and be ready to shift a day if a storm warning goes out.

Can kids go into an ice cave in Iceland?

Often, yes. The Katla ice cave near Vík is reached by super jeep and involves short walks on uneven ground, and many tours accept children, though age limits vary by operator. Glacier hikes usually set higher minimum ages than ice cave visits. Bring warm layers and waterproof boots; crampons and helmets are typically provided. Confirm the age policy when you book.

Can you see the northern lights on a 5-day November trip?

There is a fair chance. November nights are long and dark, and this plan's rural bases in Vík and Hof sit far from city light, while Reykjavik has dark spots a short drive out of town. Success depends on clear skies and solar activity, so check the aurora and cloud forecasts on vedur.is each evening and be ready to step outside late.

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