Iceland's South Coast: Winter road trip to the northern lights

The moment has finally arrived: your plane lands with a gentle bump, and you realise that you're actually in Iceland! Your wanderlust for volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls will soon be satisfied. First, you grab the keys to your hire car, then you're ready to go. As soon as you leave Keflavik behind, the full beauty of the country unfolds before you – pristine nature, endless expanses and jaw-dropping scenery. And the best part is, it's only just the beginning! First stop: somewhere between the volcanic earth, the sea and pure freedom! Your home away from home welcomes you with huge windows, wide-open views and the sound of the waves. Immersed in the natural wilderness, you instantly feel calm here – and can already tell that Iceland's got you hooked! 

The icy air whirls around you, the snow glitters like an Insta filter and it's adventure mode ON! You hop behind the wheel of your hire car and cruise towards the South Coast. The wild, frozen landscape instantly captivates you, and then the first highlight comes into view: Seljalandsfoss! The mighty waterfall cascades 197 feet into a plunge pool full of ice floes, and the coolest part is that you can even walk behind it! But be careful, it's slippery! And keep your camera at the ready, because this moment is one that's almost too good to be true. Afterwards, it's on to the absolute eye-catcher that is Skogafoss. Rushing water, snow, ice – it's totally film worthy! Finally, if you haven't visited the plane wreck at Sólheimasandur yet, it's high time you do. Whether at golden hour or under the northern lights, the sight of it is simply unbeatable.

Clear the stage for the Golden Circle! Grab the wheel and speed off towards Kerid Crater (optional, entrance payable on site). A spectacular play of colours awaits! The bright-blue crater lake meets red lava rock, and the morning sun gives the colours that extra little glow. Then continue your journey accompanied by an epic soundtrack: the thunderous water of the Gullfoss. Its wintery dress is bound to dazzle you! Next stop: geysers. Strokkur, Stóri and the Great Geyser shoot their fiery fountains into the sky as if from nowhere – just wow! Snap selfie after selfie before heading off to Thingvellir National Park, where two continental plates meet. The result: the rugged Allmännerschlucht gorge and, on top of that, Öxarárfoss, which is the second waterfall to make it onto your Insta story today! And as if that weren't enough, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are waiting for you to round off your day.

It's road trip time! The day's first rays accompany you on your way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is set to stun with its dramatic landscapes. Your first stop is Ytri-Tunga Beach, where a whole gang of seals is chilling in the sun – cuteness overload! Next up: Bjarnafoss, a cascading waterfall that plunges over 260 feet into the depths below. And then it's on to the lonely, mysterious and seriously impressive Black Church of Búðir. After cruising past mossy lava fields and through the Raudfeldsgjá gorge, you'll eventually reach the wild coast. Cliffs braced against the surf, a jet-black sandy beach at Djúpalónssandur and a rusty shipwreck create proper film-like vibes. And if you take a short hike to the Saxhóll crater, you'll be captivated by the view of the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier. It's pure Icelandic magic! For the finale, it's off to Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss – a sight straight out of Game of Thrones.

As soon as the sun sets, you can hardly draw your eyes away from the window. You eagerly wait for the moment when the northern lights begin their dance in the night sky.