Iceland Nine Night SOUTH COAST Itinerary: Planning a Trip in November

Amber in New England
Mar 14, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Ready for an unforgettable adventure?

*Link at the bottom of the page for my downloadable 'Iceland Nine Night Itinerary' PDF*

This is the detailed, nine-night itinerary my husband and I designed for our upcoming trip to Iceland in November. We’ve spent weeks researching the best stops, weather considerations, and why we chose to focus on the South and West Coast instead of tackling the full Ring Road.

Whether you’re planning your own Iceland adventure or just curious what a November itinerary looks like, this guide walks through our full plan, day by day, with stops, sights, and warm spa breaks to balance out the chilly weather.

Why Visit Iceland in November?

November is one of the most magical and underrated times to visit Iceland.Yes, it’s cold (around 35°F / 2°C on average), but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find snow-dusted landscapes, fewer crowds, and long dark nights that make it perfect for Northern Lights viewing.

Pack the right layers, waterproof gear, and insulated boots, and you’ll be ready for anything Iceland throws your way. (If you need layering help, check out my post on How to Layer for a Day Hike in Cold Weather.)

Chasing the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of the main reasons we chose to visit in November.The nights are long, the skies are dark, and you don’t have to stay up until 2 a.m. to catch them.

Our plan?Head away from city lights, find clear skies, and stay flexible. Even if the aurora forecast isn’t perfect, Iceland’s ever-changing weather can surprise you, sometimes the best shows happen when you least expect them.

The Nine-Night South Coast Route

We designed this route to balance sightseeing, driving time, and enough downtime. Each leg focuses on iconic spots and some underrated stops that deserve more love.

Day 1–2: Selfoss & The Golden Circle

Base: Selfoss

Highlights: Kerid Crater • Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River • Hveradalir Geothermal Area • Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Selfoss makes the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle without rushing. You can hike through geothermal steam valleys, dip in natural hot rivers, and explore otherworldly lava formations, all before warming up in a local guesthouse.

Day 3–4: Vik & The Black Sand Coast

Base: Vik

Highlights: Reynisfjara Beach • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks • Katla Ice Caves • Dyrhólaey Cliffs

Vik is small, moody, and breathtakingly beautiful. We’ll explore the black sand beaches, take a guided tour into the Katla Ice Caves, and watch the waves crash against volcanic cliffs. These ice caves are only open in winter, a true “bucket list” experience for November travelers.

Day 5–6: Laugarvatn Geothermal Area

Base: Laugarvatn

Highlights: Fontana Spa • Geysir Geothermal Field • Rye Bread Baked in the Hot Springs

After long hikes and coastal drives, a couple of spa days sound perfect. The Fontana Spa is famous for its geothermal baths and for baking traditional Icelandic rye bread directly in the hot earth. We’ll also visit Geysir, one of the most powerful geothermal areas in the world.

Day 7–8: Husafell Highlands Base

Base: Husafell

Highlights: Langjökull Glacier • Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls • Lava Fields & Local Farms

This is one of Iceland’s underrated regions, quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by wild beauty. Husafell is the base for exploring the Langjökull Glacier and the twin waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where icy water tumbles through moss-covered lava.

Day 9: Reykjavik & Departure Prep

Base: Reykjavik

Highlights: City Strolls • Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon • Local Food Scene

We’ll wrap up the trip with a final soak in the Blue Lagoon (or the Secret Lagoon if we want something more low-key). Reykjavik is full of colorful streets, local art, and great food, from Icelandic hot dogs to fresh seafood and Skyr-based desserts.

What to Eat in Iceland

November is perfect for hearty, comforting food. We’re planning to try:

Icelandic hot dogs (they really are famous for a reason)
Smoked lamb and local fish soups
Skyr for breakfast (or dessert)
A shot of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature schnapps, when in Iceland, right?

Want a PDF version?

Click for the downloadable Iceland Nine Night Itinerary

It’s an easy-to-follow guide if you’re planning a similar South Coast trip in November.

What’s Next? (Coming Soon!)

This itinerary is my current plan, and I can’t wait to share the real experience once we return. In December, I’ll publish the final trip report, a photo-heavy guide that includes: