Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice

Search the skies for the elusive Northern Lights this winter in Reykjavik, Iceland.

This Veteran's Day, join Army Outdoor Recreation on a journey to Iceland, where otherworldly landscapes and mythic adventures await. Our comprehensive package removes the usual travel headaches; we provide everything you need to get from your choice of departure locations at either Smith or Pulaski Barracks all the way to a perfectly located hotel in downtown Reykjavik, including your airfare and airport shuttles. From there, your Icelandic saga unfolds with a scenic conquest of the Golden Circle's volcanic marvels and a guided exploration of the world's northernmost capital.

The highlight of your journey begins as night falls. After preparing for the hunt with the experts at the Aurora Center, you will board a vessel and cruise into the dark waters of Faxafloi Bay, far from the city's glow, to search the heavens for the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights. You will also be able to make your weekend truly your own with a full day to design your own adventure, be it by snowmobiling on a glacier, exploring a lava tube, or soaking in a world-famous geothermal spa.

Previous trips to Iceland have filled up quickly, and this Veteran's Day adventure will be no exception. Seats on the flight are limited and the best prices go to those who reserve one of them early. Secure your place on this journey to the Land of Fire and Ice with Army Outdoor Recreation today.

Price, Seats 1-19:

• Double Occupancy: $1999 per person
• Single Occupancy: $2699

Price, Seats 20-36:

• Double Occupancy: $2199 p.p.
• Single Occupancy: $2899

Reservations made on or after Tuesday, September 8 - or after the 36th seat is sold - may be subject to airline fare increases based on the current individual ticket rate.

• 1 child aged 2-11 sharing triple room with 2 paid adults: $1799 per child
• 1 child under 2 on existing bedding with 1 or 2 paid adults: $349

Trip Includes:

• Round trip air transportation to Reykjavik 
• Airport shuttle to Frankfurt from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• 4 nights lodging at Centerhotels Plaza*** (or equivalent)
• Daily breakfast
• Guided tour of Reykjavik
• Admission to Aurora Center
• Admission to Wonders of Iceland
• Admission to Perlan Observation Deck
• Northern Lights Boat trip*
• Guided “Golden Circle” sightseeing trip
   
• Pay in US Dollars
• Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit card or Icelandic Crowns
• Military ID and Passport

Departure:

• 8 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
• 9 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Around 2:30 p.m. 

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each traveler. 

Estimated Itinerary

Wednesday: Welcome to the Land of Fire and Ice

Your Icelandic saga begins the moment you step onto our dedicated airport shuttle at Pulaski or Smith Barracks, leaving the hassles and costs of airport parking and transport behind. Just a few hours after takeoff, you'll be checking into your modern and comfortable hotel on the oldest public square in Reykjavik. As evening falls, the city comes alive. You won't have to go far to find dinner, Reykjavik's main pedestrianized street, Laugavegur, and its lively nightlife literally starts at the front door of your hotel. Will you chase down the perfect steak or burger, discover some of Iceland's more interesting or intimidating local delicacies like rye bread ice cream or the notorious fermented shark, or enjoy a legendarily fresh fish and chips in the bustling old harbor? The choice is yours.

Thursday: Reykjavik's Wonders & the Hunt for the Aurora

Today, you'll experience the world's northernmost capital. As the Arctic sun slowly illuminates Reykjavik, you will see unique buildings like the Harpa performing arts center and Reykjavik's town hall and duck pond, the Sun Voyager statue, and Reykjavik's historic old town before the slowly rising morning sun eventually  illuminates the magnificent Hallgrims Church and the statue of Viking explorer Leif Erikson. You will also visit the Perlan, which houses an interactive museum documenting the geological and biological "Wonders of Iceland". Inside this unique exhibit, you'll walk through a real indoor Ice Cave, then descend into a cinematic hellscape in a 4-D volcano simulation. Inside an immersive, IMAX-style dome, you’ll feel the motion and even smell the sulfur as you explore the bubbling heart of an active volcano and from its panoramic observation deck, you can capture the entire stunning city in a single photo. In the afternoon, you’re not just learning about the Northern Lights; you’re preparing for the hunt. The experts at the Aurora Center will arm you with the science and camera skills to capture professional-quality photos of the celestial dance. Tonight, we take to the sea, cruising into the darkness of Faxafloi bay, far from the city lights, searching the skies for the incredible Aurora Borealis.*

Friday: The Legendary Golden Circle

Dress warm for your journey into the epic, untamed heart of Iceland. Today you complete the Golden Circle, exploring a unique landscape carved by fire and ice where you will witness the raw power of the planet firsthand. You will stand in the rift valley of Thingvellir National Park, a land so mythic it served as a backdrop for Game of Thrones, and literally walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. Next, you will feel the spray on your face from the mighty Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall," as it thunders into a deep canyon in two massive stages. Finally, you’ll watch in anticipation as the ground trembles before the great Strokkur geyser erupts, launching a tower of superheated water and steam high into the sky. This is the Iceland you've dreamed of seeing.

Saturday: Your Icelandic Adventure

This day is yours to design. Will you answer the call of adventure by snowmobiling across a glacier, exploring an ancient lava tube, or riding the famous Icelandic horse? Or will you surrender to ultimate relaxation, securing a coveted reservation at the world-famous Blue Lagoon or the stunning Sky Lagoon? Reykjavik is a gateway to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but you can’t wait until the last minute. The most popular tours, activities, and geothermal spas sell out months in advance. Your perfect day in Iceland requires a plan, so book your chosen adventure early.

Sunday: Return to Germany

Your morning flight will have you back in Germany before dinner, but the story of your Icelandic adventure is just beginning. During your Veteran's Day Weekend, you walked between continents, witnessed the raw power of the planet, and hunted for the Aurora Borealis in the Land of Fire and Ice. You'll be ready to share the memories that will make everyone you know say, "I want to do that!"

*Dates/times for Northern Lights Boat Trip, Golden Circle Tour and Free Day are subject to change due to weather. Please note: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and their visibility is not guaranteed.