ICELAND WINTER
IN SEARCH OF THE AURORA BOREALIS
IN SEARCH OF THE AURORA BOREALIS
The aurora borealis lighting up the sky, an exciting glacier walk, exploring the highlights of the famous Golden Circle, a visit to Reykjavik, bathing in hot springs - this intensive trip will allow you to experience it all! From October to April, Iceland enchants visitors with beautiful winter landscapes and impresses them with nature and sights not to be seen there in summer. We will discover the island’s most beautiful nooks and crannies, warm up in the geothermal springs and see which waterfall looks most magnificent decorated with winter aura. You may also count on nighttime escapades in search of the aurora borealis and evening
#SoliściTeam
Easy
Expeditions for everyone – good shape and physical fitness not required. Transport by comfortable hired means of transport (with or without a driver).
Traveller
We will sleep in small local hotels or guesthouses, usually in rooms for 2-5. Bathroom in the room or shared on the floor.
Travel & Chill
An active trip full of extraordinary adventures combined with relaxation. Time to “catch your breath” in a paradisiacal surroundings. Transport by hired vans or cars, usually with a private driver.
WHY GO WITH US?
You will discover the Land of Fire and Ice, the true land of the Vikings, immortalised in thousands of sagas.
You will stay in an Icelandic lodge with a wooden hot tub filled with geothermal water.
You will hunt for the aurora borealis watching out for the luminous spectacle up in the sky.
You will breathe the cleanest air in Europe.
You will walk on an outlet glacier in crampons and with an ice axe in hand.
You will visit a black sand beach considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
You will relax in natural hot springs in a wild glade.
You will go shopping in Europe’s smallest capital city which will delight you with its unique atmosphere.
You will stand at the meeting point of two continents in Thingvellir National Park.
Adventure - our DNA is active, responsible travel off the beaten track! Our itineraries are designed to show you, in addition to the top attractions, places others don’t get to.
Atmosphere - an expedition is first and foremost the people who create it. You will feel at home with us regardless of whether you travel solo or as a couple, group of friends or family. Friendships (and more) after these trips often last for years.
Experience - we have been operating since 2013! Over 20,000 travellers have fulfilled their dreams with us on nearly 1,500 expeditions to 6 continents and over 50 countries.
Safety - we have a Travel Guarantee of PLN 4,302,000 and we always provide our participants with first-class insurance in the price of the expedition.
Professionalism - our Leaders are the only ones in the market to undergo a long and demanding training programme at the certified Expedition Leaders Academy™. #SoloistTeam means over 100 unique personalities!
Care - we take care of every detail of the organisation and execution of the expedition, being there with you around the clock. So you can relax and focus on experiencing the world.
ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE
Iceland is a perfect place to stop for a while, take a deep breath and take your mind off everyday matters. The magnificent landsc...
Iceland is a perfect place to stop for a while, take a deep breath and take your mind off everyday matters. The magnificent landscapes and wild, untamed nature are conducive to contemplation and relaxing moments. We will also repose bathing in hot springs or relaxing in a sauna. This trip is a time for you to relax your mind and body and soak up the gifts of Icelandic nature.
Iceland is a fishing powerhouse, with its economy based mainly on the fishery. So get ready for delicious fish dishes like you’ve ...
Put on your crampons, pick up an ice axe and set off to explore the outlet glacier. Use this unique opportunity to see melting gla...
Put on your crampons, pick up an ice axe and set off to explore the outlet glacier. Use this unique opportunity to see melting glaciers and ever-changing landscapes at their most beautiful. Assisted by a guide, you will learn how to move safely on the ice and listen to many interesting stories about the structure, history and future of glaciers. A unique and inimitable experience guaranteed.
A stay in Iceland would be incomplete without a bath in the hot bubbles, so we will take you to a place where you will be able to ...
A stay in Iceland would be incomplete without a bath in the hot bubbles, so we will take you to a place where you will be able to relax in hot springs in the wilderness, amidst beautiful nature. As befits the Soloists, we will find magical nooks and crannies and discover the unknown. A hot spring immersed in Icelandic nature will not only provide you with relaxing sensations, but also leave you stunned by its gorgeous surroundings. At our Soloist Lodge, you will also be able to bask in the geothermal water that fills the wooden hot tub. No better way to repose after an active day!
EXPEDITION PLAN
THE DANCE OF THE LIGHTS - THE AURORA BOREALIS
From October to April, Iceland enchants visitors not only with its beautiful winter landscapes, but also with a sight that can only be experienced at this latitude. The aurora borealis lights up high above the earth’s surface. This is due to the solar wind colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. As a result, a magical, luminous spectacle is created in the sky. The intense, fairytale colours illuminating the dark blue of the night is a sight that will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time.
During our expedition, we will track the aurora borealis on special apps and hunt for it during evening trips to different spots on the island. Who knows, maybe it will also appear over our Soloist Lodge!
THE AURORA BOREALIS - HOW DOES IT FORM?
The aurora is a phenomenon to be observed when solar particles enter Earth’s magnetic field in the higher layers of the atmosphere and ionise them. Its intensity depends on the solar activity and the acceleration speed of these particles. Due to the nature of Earth’s magnetic field, the aurora borealis only occurs at the poles, usually above latitude 60° north and below latitude 60° south. Consequently, Iceland is the perfect place to observe it.
THE AURORA BOREALIS - HOW TO SEE IT?
The best time to observe the aurora borealis is between October and April, when it is darkest. To see the aurora borealis with your own eyes in all its glory, you need patience, luck and a few conducive circumstances – the night must be dark but not cloudy, you should move away from sources of artificial light, and the solar activity must be high enough. There are apps to track the probability of aurora, and the aurora forecast is expressed on a scale from 0-9, where only with a value above 2 you can usually expect to see it.
THE AURORA BOREALIS - WHAT WAS ITS MEANING?
Some indigenous peoples of North America reportedly believed that the auroras represented the spirits of the dead, and that the brighter they shone, the happier the dead would have been. The auroras were also believed to be omens. After Christianisation, in medieval Europe, they were often taken as a warning of dark times to come. The Vikings identified the aurora borealis with the concept of Bivrost. According to Norse mythology, this was the bridge connecting two worlds: Midgard, the world of humans, and Asgard, the world of the gods, where Valhalla was located. When the time was right, the female warriors, Valkyries, illuminated their shields and armour, and from the reflected glow the bridge was formed. The brave Vikings fallen in battle could use it to cross from the world of humans to the land of the gods for an eternal feast.
SÓLHEIMAJOKULL - A VISIT TO A GLACIER
Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the mighty icecap of Mýrdalsjökull. Located on the South Coast of Iceland, it is one of the most easily accessible glaciers. Its surroundings ensure excellent hiking conditions and perfectly illustrate the rugged beauty of Iceland’s nature, full of high ice ridges, chasms, murmuring streams, caves and sinkholes. The mixture of dark volcanic ash with light layers of ice, on the other hand, provides an interesting visual experience. Due to climate change, the ice cover of Sólheimajökull – like that of other outlet glaciers in Iceland – is getting smaller every year. If you are keen to see this peculiar natural wonder, visit Iceland as soon as possible.
GLACIER WALK - A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Glaciers are literally disappearing from the face of Earth before our eyes, shrinking by up to a few percent every year! It is worth seeing them before they melt completely. During our expedition, you will have an incredible opportunity to do so. A walk on the Sólheimajökull glacier is an extraordinary attraction offering a unique experience, a bit of geological and ecological knowledge and a lot of adrenaline. However, no preparation or special fitness is required. All you need is comfortable mid-cut trekking shoes. We will provide you with the necessary equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet), so that you can peacefully enjoy the charms of one of Iceland’s most rugged places.
GOLDEN CIRCLE - ICELAND’S MUST-SEE
Located in the western part of the island, the Golden Circle is a scenic route linking three of Iceland’s remarkable attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall consisting of two perpendicular cascades. They are the quintessence of Iceland’s natural wonders, and look particularly special in winter. A visit to the Land of Fire and Ice could not do without them!
GULLFOSS – THE GOLDEN WATERFALL
If Iceland has its sound, it is undoubtedly that of a huge cascade hitting the surface of the water. You can see (and hear) just such a scene at Gullfoss (which is Icelandic for the Golden Waterfall). It consists of two cascades, one of which has a drop of 11 metres and the other of as much as 21 metres! Several hundred cubic metres of water per second flow through the whole waterfall, creating an extremely majestic panorama. For Icelanders, this is a special place. At the beginning of the 20th century, a huge hydropower plant was to be built here. Thanks to activist Sigriður Tómasdóttir, who threatened to throw herself down the river, today we can admire the waterfall in its natural form. It has thus become a symbol of the fight to preserve Iceland’s wild nature.
GEYSIR - THE DORMANT GIANT
In the geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley a real celebrity among all the geysers of the world can be encountered. Once ejecting water at a height of 80 metres, Geysir is now well-deservedly retired and has been dormant since the 1960s, but nevertheless remains a legend. Its name is the origin of the word “geyser”, used to describe all geothermal springs of this type in the world. The area still boasts of many hot springs and Iceland’s largest active geyser, Strokkur, which ejects a column of water 30 metres high every few minutes.
THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK - WHERE 2 CONTINENTS MEET
Want to be in two places at once? Our expedition will make it possible! We will visit Thingvellir National Park where two tectonic plates meet: the Eurasian and the North-American. So you can have one foot in Europe and the other in America. There are many legends, myths and anecdotes associated with the place. It is also extremely important for the history of Iceland. It was there that the Icelandic parliament Althing, one of the oldest running parliamentary institutions in the world, was convened for the first time in 930. It is also a place where women convicted of witchcraft used to be drowned…
SKOGAFOSS - A WATERFALL WITH HIDDEN TREASURE
Skogafoss is often depicted on postcards from the island. It is not uncommon for double rainbows to appear in its 25-metre wide and 60-metre high water column. Combined with the surrounding greenery in summer or white in winter, they create an extremely picturesque, fairytale landscape! Legend has it that a treasure had been hidden behind the waterfall, but all that was found was a chest handle, which then served as a knocker on the door of the local church.
SELJALANDSFOSS - THE PEARL OF THE SOUTH
One of the most famous waterfalls on the southern part of the island is certainly the majestic 60-metre high Seljalandsfoss. It used to be part of the ancient coastline, falling directly into the ocean. Today, in good weather conditions, you can walk behind the water cascading down with great force and see what lies there. In the evenings, the waterfall is beautifully illuminated, which adds to its charm.
REYNISFJARA – A BLACK SAND BEACH
Our itinerary could not do without a beach! A beach unique and exceptional, as it is made of black volcanic sand. The surrounding picturesque cliffs, caves, rock formations and the unusual basalt columns resembling a church organ add to its charm. A one-of-a-kind place that, not without reason, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. And did you know that Reynisfjara served as the setting for the TV series Game of Thrones?
VÍK Í MÝRDAL - A TOWN WITH A VIEW OF TROLLS
A small but charming, southernmost town on the island. Situated near the black sand beach, it provides an amazing vantage point for viewing the “trolls” that defend it – three rock formations emerging from the ocean waters. When in Vík, be sure to try the delicious lava soup, that is red soup served in black bread, and stop by the IceWear store for some shopping. It is the perfect place to buy souvenirs, from magnets, Icelandic sea moss tea and sea salt chocolate, to the famous lopapeysa – sheep wool sweaters that will work in any weather conditions.
REYKJAVIK - EUROPE’S SMALLEST CAPITAL CITY
The name Reykjavik in Icelandic means “Smoky Bay”. It has nothing to do with smog or air pollution, though. The founder of the settlement that became Iceland’s capital, Ingólfur Arnarson, named it so because of the fumes rising from the hot springs and geysers in the area. Today, Reykjavik is all about quaint streets full of small shops, restaurants and art galleries, a treat for lovers of interesting architecture. We will visit the local philharmonic hall impressing with its modern shape and decor, take a look at a distinctive church modelled on one of Iceland’s waterfalls, and visit the famous Rainbow Street.
HRUNALAUG – NATURAL HOT SPRINGS
Bathing in a natural spring outdoors when everything around you is covered in snow? Only in Iceland! Thanks to the geothermal streams running through the island, natural hot springs can be found in its various corners. We will be visiting Hrunalaug, located near the Soloist Lodge. Not only does it offer bathing amidst the winter landscape, but together with the surrounding hills it creates a true fairytale setting.
ACCOMMODATION - THE SOLOIST LODGE
Overnight stays will be at our cosy Soloist Lodge, about 1.5 h drive from Reykjavik. This is an Icelandic guesthouse overlooking Hekla, located right next to the corral of the Icelandic horses, who are sure to come to say hello more than once. In the morning, you can take a walk in the surrounding fields, and in the evening you may relax in the neighbouring wooden hot tubs and sauna or admire the beautiful aurora borealis, often appearing right above the rooftop.
The lodge has double, triple and quadruple rooms with comfortable beds, clothing racks, bedside tables, washbasin and mirror. All the rooms are provided with bed linen and towels for everyone. There are also five bathrooms (3 showers), a dining room with a large table, a living room with sofas and a spacious fully equipped kitchen. If necessary, you can use a washing machine and a tumble dryer. The rooms come with WiFi, however we advise you to put your phones aside during the trip and enjoy the beauty of nature instead.
RELAXING IN A WOODEN HOT TUB AND ENJOYING THE AURORA BOREALIS
Imagine a wooden hot tub filled with geothermal water pumped directly from the nearby spring. After an intense day of trekking and sightseeing, nothing relaxes like hot water or a hot sauna! Just imagine: the crisp Icelandic air, the lazy setting sun or the aurora borealis in the sky. A total chillout!
ACCOMMODATION - RIVERFRONT BOUTIQUE LODGE OPTION
We present you with a special accommodation option for the new Iceland Winter Boutique dates. We will settle into an atmospheric Icelandic lodge located in the town of Hella, some 94 km east of Reykjavík. The town is considered the most important centre for breeding Icelandic horses. In addition, the Ytri-Rangá river flows past it, offering the gorgeous Aegissidufoss waterfall to admire. Riverfront Boutique Lodge is a comfortable resort located near the river with a beautiful view of the Icelandic hills.
There will be double rooms at your disposal – with twin beds, private bathroom and hairdryer. The rooms are provided with bed linen and towels. Each lodge has a patio overlooking the lake and garden. Each room comes with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV.
There is an equipped kitchen where we will cook delicious dinners together after days full of excitement! Kitchen utensils, an electric kettle and cleaning products will be available. Thanks to the large space, we will be able to eat a meal together in peace, relax and gather energy for the next day!
FOOD
During the trip, we will prepare our meals in the kitchen of the Soloist Lodge. It comes with everything needed to prepare delicious dinners: cooker, oven, two fridges, kettle, pots, pans, dishes. Of course, visits to local diners are also scheduled, where you can taste Icelandic delicacies – fish, mutton, hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, but also tomatoes grown in special geothermal greenhouses, or soups whose refill never ends!
TRANSPORT WYGODNYMI AUTAMI
Podczas wyprawy będziemy przemieszczać się komfortowym vanami oraz autami osobowymi, wynajętymi ze sprawdzonej lokalnej wypożyczalni cieszącej się bardzo dobrą renomą. Pojazdy są w pełni ubezpieczone, wyposażone w cały niezbędny do podróży sprzęt, wygodne i łatwe w prowadzeniu. Wyprawa jest w formule self – drive, co oznacza, że kierowcami jesteście Wy – uczestnicy. Ale bez obaw! Drogi są proste, gładkie i często wręcz puste, a krajobrazy z przedniego miejsca w busie zdają się być jeszcze piękniejsze!
SKUTER ŚNIEŻNY NA LODOWCU I JASKINIA LODOWA
Wskocz na skuter śnieżny, aby odkryć oszałamiający krajobraz lodowca Langjökull i cuda naturalnie uformowanej jaskini lodowej.
Podczas tej wycieczki będziesz mieć niesamowitą okazję przeżyć ekscytującą przygodę i poszukać razem z nami niedawno odkrytej nowej jaskini lodowej. Cena wycieczki zawiera przejażdżkę skuterami śnieżnymi i wstęp groty lodowej oraz cały potrzebny sprzęt (wypożyczenie kombinezonu, kasku, paliwo do skuterów itp.). Całość
trwa ok. 4h w tym ok. 2h jazdy skuterem dwuosobowym. Dodatkowo, podczas jazdy będzie się nami opiekował certyfikowany przewodnik po lodowcu. Wymagane jest minimum 12 osób zapisanych na
atrakcję.
Czas trwania: 4-5h
Koszt: ok. 1300 PLN/os.
SKY LAGOON - GEOTHERMAL SPA
Sky Lagoon, the Icelandic spa, is one of Iceland’s newest attractions. A visit to Sky Lagoon involves not only relaxing in the hot springs, but also a 7-step relaxation ritual derived directly from Icelandic culture. It consists of relaxation in the hot springs, plunge in the icy water, visit to the sauna, refreshing in a cold fog-mist and, finally, body scrub, warming up in the steam room and cooling the body in the shower. Take advantage of the delights of this geothermal spa. A perfect option for those who wish to relax after an intensive sightseeing, and the icing on the cake among the places visited in Iceland. For those over the age of 11.
Price: approx. 95 USD
SEE WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT
Expedition leaders
Dziengo
Ścibor
REGULAR PRICE
Travel cost
4500 pln
Travel cost
Price components
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
stay at the fully equipped Soloist Icelandic lodge with a wooden hot tub and a sauna (the house is for our exclusive use)
3 overnight stays in rooms for 2, 3 or 4
hire of vans or cars (depending on availability) from a reputable rental company in Iceland
full insurance coverage of the cars - no share of the damage caused to be covered by the driver
parking fees
small hand luggage of up to 40x20x25cm (in the case of airline tickets purchased through the Club)
additional luggage as part of the checked luggage purchased for the whole group - 3.5kg/person (for persons purchasing air tickets through the Club)
guided walk on the Sólheimajökull glacier
full equipment for the glacier walk provided: helmet, crampons, ice axe, harness
tour along the Golden Circle
visit to the southern waterfalls and the black sand beach
bath in hot Icelandic springs
guidance by an experienced Polish leader
Soloist package
premium travel insurance: Medical Expenses + Chronic Diseases - KL + CP (EUR 150,000), Civil Liability - OC (EUR 100,000 for personal injury and EUR 50,000 for property damage), Personal Accident - NNW (EUR 10,000), Luggage (EUR 1,000)
contributions to the Travel Guarantee Fund and the Tourist Assistance Fund
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
air ticket with hand luggage (purchase through the Club)
fuel at the destination (ISK 4,000, i.e. approx. PLN 130)
food (about EUR 100-150)
costs of medical examinations, diagnostic tests and other activities required by the laws of the countries covered by the journey
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