Day 1 Shanghai Assembly★ Assembly Day
All day
Since the flight is in the early morning of the next day, we will gather at Shanghai Pudong International Airport tonight to prepare to take the international flight to the distant and pure Iceland.
This is a journey to the aurora borealis and glaciers, an adventure to the edge of the Earth. Volcanoes and snowfields coexist, wind and light play across the sky, waiting for you to capture this "land of ice and fire" with your camera and eyes.
丨 Full refund if visa is rejected:
How to cancel the visa:
After the trip, you will need to collect your passport and round-trip boarding passes and send them to the consulate for visa cancellation. This is expected to take about half a month. Please arrange your itinerary after returning to China.
About the team:
This itinerary is a China-TravelNote independent tour with a maximum of 25 people. A China-TravelNote tour leader will be arranged upon confirmation.
Day 2 Shanghai → Transfer → Reykjavik
All day
We took an international flight in the early morning, transited through Munich, and arrived in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, this afternoon.
Reference flights:
CA827, Shanghai Pudong PVG - Munich MUC, 01:55 - 06:50, flight time 11 hours
The luggage cannot be delivered directly and needs to be re-checked in
FI533, Munich MUC - Reykjavik KEF, 13:00 - 16:00, flight time 3 hours and 30 minutes
Iceland has an 8-hour time difference with Beijing in winter
Nestled on Iceland's west coast, the world's northernmost capital city offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of life, nestled close to nature. Upon landing, you'll be met by a dedicated car and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Along the way, you'll get a first glimpse of the city's unique character: low, colorful rooftops dotted amidst the vast snowy landscape. The sea breeze, carrying the chill of the polar regions, heralds the official start of your northern journey.
Tips | Why is Iceland an ideal destination for aurora hunters?
Iceland, nestled between 64° and 66° north latitude, lies within the "Auroral Belt," the region of intense auroral activity. This makes it one of the most promising regions in the world for observing the aurora borealis. Winter offers long nights, clear skies, and minimal light pollution. Combined with its vast, sparsely populated landscape and expansive views, Iceland offers a high chance of catching auroras from the city's edge, even outside your hotel, without having to venture into the wilderness.
Day 3 Reykjavik → Golden Circle → Vik
·morning
After breakfast, we will set off to Iceland's most classic natural route - the Golden Circle.
We stopped at Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Here, we witnessed the geological wonder of the continental rift. In winter, the fault line, blanketed in snow, was a solemn and serene place, almost like whispering from deep within the earth.
Continuing on, we'll reach the breathtaking Gullfoss. Traversing a snow-covered canyon, the waterfall cascades down, its mist intertwining with sunlight to create a golden glow. The roar of the falling water is particularly powerful in the chilly air. Witness the power of geothermal activity firsthand at the Geysir Geyser Area, where scalding water soars into the air, and wisps of white mist rise on the chilly wind, a breathtaking display of nature's rhythmic movement.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll head to the coastal town of Vik on Iceland's south coast. The journey through rolling snowfields and frozen volcanic landscapes feels like driving through a Northern fantasy film.
Upon arrival, head to Black Sand Beach, one of the world's ten most beautiful beaches, featuring a distinctive black shoreline formed by volcanic lava deposits. Waves crash against the basalt columns, and seabirds circle against the gray sky, creating a breathtaking winter scene.
·night
Stay two consecutive nights at a hotel near Vík, away from the distractions of the city lights. If the weather is fine, you'll have the opportunity to watch for the Aurora Borealis to appear in the area surrounding the hotel tonight. That evening, enjoy a Western-style meal with Vík's signature lamb soup.
If the Aurora Index is high, we will also arrange an out-of-town Aurora Chasing event. If the Aurora Index is low, we will also arrange an Aurora Chasing experience on one night during the itinerary based on the Aurora Index, with at least one Aurora Chasing experience throughout the trip.
Day 4: Vik → Vatnajökull Glacier and Blue Ice Cave → Southern Town
·morning
After breakfast, we will set off for the heart of the glaciers in southern Iceland to start today's stunning natural experience.
First, board a custom-built super jeep and journey into the heart of the glacier to explore the Blue Ice Caves, open only in winter. These crystal-clear ice caves, formed by summer meltwater, solidify as temperatures plummet, opening only to the public during the brief winter months. Inside, you'll be surrounded by shimmering ice walls, domes, and icicles. Light filtering through the ice creates a dreamy hue, creating a vision of a hidden blue palace deep within the polar regions. Each Blue Ice Cave is unique, a masterpiece sculpted by time, temperature, and the natural landscape.
Afterward, under the guidance of a professional guide, we donned crampons and helmets and began our glacier hike. Stepping onto the Vatnajökull glacier, we slowly made our way along naturally formed ridges and crevasses, beneath tens of meters of ancient ice. Surrounded by the rolling glaciers and distant mountain ranges, the chill wind howled, leaving only the echo of footsteps and the ice and snow. This is an immersive experience close to Iceland's pristine landscape, both physically demanding and awe-inspiring.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll travel to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders. Formed by the calving of Vatnajökull glacier, this glacial lake is filled year-round with blue-white icebergs of varying sizes. The waters are cold and clear, and seals can occasionally be seen surfacing. The winter icebergs, set against the backdrop of white snow and gray skies, appear even more serene and majestic. Each iceberg possesses its own unique texture and shape, as if time has stood still.
After the trip, check in to the hotel in a nearby town.
Day 5: Southern Town → Plane Wreckage → Twin Waterfalls → Snæfellsnes Peninsula
·morning
We left the southern town early in the morning and continued westward along the south coast of Iceland, heading to a place full of doomsday feeling and historical imprints - the ["Lucky" plane wreckage].
This US Navy transport plane ran out of fuel and made an emergency landing here in 1973. Fortunately, all crew members survived, and the wreckage has been preserved, lying quietly on a vast expanse of black sand. Years of wind and frost have eroded the wings, leaving only the silver-gray fuselage. This, against the backdrop of the desolate volcanic sand and the gloomy northern sky, creates a cold and mysterious scene. Today, it has become one of Iceland's iconic photography spots, attracting countless tourists.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, continue exploring Iceland's South Coast's natural wonders, visiting two distinct yet equally stunning waterfalls. First, visit Skogafoss, a waterfall that exudes a completely different aura. The waterfall is vast and powerful, its water thundering down the cliffs, creating a deafening roar, while the spray creates a rainbow-like halo in the sunlight. Beneath layers of green moss and damp rock, standing before the falls, you can feel the raw power of nature.
Nearby, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, about 60 meters high, cascades down a sheer cliff face, creating a cascade of water as light as a silk thread. Weather permitting, you can even walk around the falls, gazing out at the vast snowfields and sky from within the curtain of water – a truly magical experience: "seeing the world from the inside of a waterfall."
We ended today's trip in the evening and went to the hotel to check in, gather our thoughts and continue to gather our energy for the next journey.
Western dinner will be arranged at the hotel that evening.
Day 6: Snæfellsnes Circle | Iceland in a nutshell
·morning
Today, we'll travel to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Known as "Iceland in Miniature," this region offers a glimpse into volcanoes, coastline, glaciers, and fishing villages all in one day. The scenery along the way gradually transitions from vast grasslands to volcanic rock formations. From the car window, we'll sometimes see snow-capped mountains, and sometimes the intersecting borders of black lava fields and azure coastlines, like a journey through a Nordic mythological landscape.
First, head to Seal Beach. This hidden golden sand beach is a famous spot for viewing wild seals. On clear days, you can often see groups of seals lazily basking in the sun on the rocks. Their charming appearance, combined with the distant snow-capped mountains, creates a vivid polar landscape.
Continuing west along the coast, we'll reach the Black Church, a renowned landmark on Snæfellsnes. Standing alone amidst golden grasslands and a volcanic backdrop, this solitary church, with its minimalist black wooden exterior, has become one of Iceland's most recognizable photo spots.
·afternoon
Arrive at the coastal town of Arnarstapi on the south coast in the afternoon. You can walk along the cliff path to the natural sea-carved stone bridge and sea cliff pits. In winter, the waves crashing against the rocky shore, and the water mist stirred up by the resonance of the cave creates a mysterious atmosphere.
After leaving the coast, we'll venture deep into the peninsula to visit the vibrantly colored Red Church. Standing tall amidst the open wilderness, the red-roofed, white-walled church is a rare visual landmark in northern Iceland, often nicknamed the "eyesight-testing church" by tourists.
We then traveled to the highlight of the day—Kirchberg. Made famous by the TV series "Game of Thrones," this unique peak is often called "Straw Hat Mountain." A stream flows down its slopes, creating a small waterfall. The waterfall and the peak, set against the backdrop of snow, create a classic winter scene, one of Iceland's most iconic imagery for photographers.
In the evening, we'll arrive at Stykkisholmur, a small port town on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This spot was a filming location for the film "The Snowdrifters." Its colorful houses and tranquil fishing harbor create a quintessential Nordic coastal town, perfect for a short stay to experience the rhythm of Icelandic life and its tranquility.
Today's itinerary is a circle around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The order of the itinerary may be adjusted or postponed to the next day depending on accommodation location and weather conditions.
Day 7 Snæfellsnes Peninsula → Reykjavik
·morning
Today we'll return to the capital, Reykjavik, for a city tour steeped in Nordic charm. This compact yet welcoming city blends Arctic nature with art and culture. Its winter streets, blanketed in snow and illuminated by lights, exude a tranquil and modern atmosphere.
The iconic Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral (with summit ticket included) is easily visible from any vantage point in the city center. Climbing to the top of Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral for a panoramic view of the city center is a must-do in Reykjavík!
Then we strolled along Rainbow Road all the way to Lake Toning in the city center. In winter, the lake will be covered with thick white snow, and if you are lucky, you may even see beautiful white swans.
Arriving at the seaside, start with the Sun Voyager. Inspired by a Viking ship, the sculpture resembles an ark, its upward-reaching canopy imbued with yearning for the sun and the horizon.
Continuing along the coast, we arrived at the Harpa Concert Hall by the old harbor. Its honeycomb-shaped glass facade refracted sunlight into the hall, creating a dazzling and diverse world of light and shadow. Tip: If you want to take great photos, be sure to go inside.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll head to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's iconic geothermal spa. Formed by geothermal eruptions, this diatom-filled hot spring, bubbling with milky white vapor year-round, looks especially magical when surrounded by winter snow.
Immersed in the warm waters, with the black volcanic rocks merging with the sky in the distance, it feels like being transported to another planet. Treat yourself to a skincare treatment with the hot spring's unique silica mud mask, or unwind with a glass of champagne or a fruit drink at the poolside bar.
·night
The trip is about to end, and we have arranged a seafood dinner that night for everyone to reminisce about the little details and beautiful moments of the trip.
Day 8 Reykjavik → Transfer → Shanghai
All day
As our trip draws to a close, we'll arrange a private transfer to Keflavík International Airport today, based on your flight schedule. Please pack your luggage in advance, verify your belongings and travel documents, and meet in the hotel lobby at the agreed time for airport check-in.
In just a few days, we experienced the aurora borealis and volcanoes, glaciers and black sand beaches, and witnessed the tranquil beauty and tension of Iceland, an isolated island, in the wind and snow. Although the journey has come to an end, the memories of the Arctic Circle will quietly emerge in the mornings and evenings of the future.
Reference flights:
FI520, Reykjavik KEF - Frankfurt FRA, 07:25 - 12:05, flight time 3 hours 30 minutes
The luggage cannot be delivered directly and needs to be re-checked in
CA936, Frankfurt FRA - Shanghai Pudong PVG, 19:00 - 13:05+1, flight time: 10 hours 20 minutes
Day 9 Arrival in Shanghai
All day
We expect to arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport around 1:05 PM Beijing time today, concluding our Iceland trip. We look forward to sharing your travelogues!
