Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice

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

This Valentine's Weekend, escape the ordinary and join Army Outdoor Recreation on an unforgettable journey to Iceland, where otherworldly landscapes and mythic adventures await. Our highly sought-after Iceland expeditions regularly fill up months in advance. We eliminate all your travel headaches by providing a complete, hassle-free package: round-trip transportation from your choice of Smith or Pulaski Barracks, your airfare, airport shuttles, and a perfectly located hotel in downtown Reykjavik. 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. February offers the peak dark-sky conditions of the year for this once-in-a-lifetime natural spectacle. You will also have a full day to design your own adventure, whether that means high-octane snowmobiling on a glacier, exploring a volcanic lava tube, or sharing a romantic soak in one of Iceland's many luxuriously world-famous geothermal spas.

Don't get left out in the cold! Iceland is a bucket-list destination, and this Valentines Weekend will be no exception. Seats in our ticket blocks are strictly capped by the airline, and the best prices will go to those who reserve early. Adults who secure a seats in the first block will enjoy a $200 Early Bird Discount, but once both blocks of our initial seating allotment are filled, any new reservations will be subject to both the daily dynamically priced individual ticket rate and hotel room availability! Lock in your place on this epic journey to the Land of Fire and Ice with Army Outdoor Recreation today.

Price, Seats 1-20:

• Double Occupancy: $1999 per person
• Single Occupancy: $2499

Price, Seats 21-36:

• Double Occupancy: $2199 p.p.
• Single Occupancy: $2699

Reservations made on or after Tuesday, December 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: $1599 per child
1 child under 2 on existing bedding with 1 or 2 paid adults: $249    

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
   
• The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and visibility is not guaranteed. For your safety and comfort, dates and times of all scheduled activities remain subject to change based on local weather and environmental conditions.
   
• Pay in US Dollars
• Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and winter clothing
• Credit/Debit card or Icelandic Crowns
• Military ID and Passport
   
• Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each traveler. 

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. 

Estimated Itinerary

Thursday: 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 your logistical cares behind. Just a few hours after takeoff, you'll check into your modern, comfortable hotel located on the oldest public square in Reykjavik.

As evening falls, the city comes alive. You won't have to travel far for dinner! Reykjavik's main pedestrianized street, Laugavegur, and its legendary nightlife start right at your hotel's front door. Will you chase down the perfect steak, discover unique local delicacies like rye bread ice cream and notorious fermented shark, or will you enjoy the freshest possible fish and chips in the bustling Old Harbor? The choice is entirely yours.

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

Today, experience the world's northernmost capital. As the Arctic sun slowly illuminates the city, you will discover Reykjavik's iconic landmarks: the architectural marvel of the Harpa Performing Arts Center, the historic Town Hall, the duck pond, and the striking Sun Voyager statue. As the morning sun rises higher, it will beautifully frame the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of Viking explorer Leif Erikson.

Next, visit the Perlan, a world-class interactive museum documenting the "Wonders of Iceland." Here, you’ll walk through a real, sub-zero Ice Cave and descend into a cinematic, 4-D volcano simulation where you’ll feel the rumble and smell the sulfur of an active eruption. You will also capture stunning, wide-angle photos of the capital and the surrounding wilderness from the 360-degree panoramic observation deck. On a clear day, you can see the peak of the Snæfellsnes Volcano rising from the water 75 miles away.

In the afternoon, prepare for the ultimate quest. The experts at the Aurora Center will arm you with the science and camera settings needed to capture high-quality photos of the celestial dance. Tonight, we take to the sea, cruising into the ink-black waters of Faxafloi Bay far from city lights as we search the skies for the incredible Aurora Borealis.

(Note: Northern Lights sightings are subject to weather and solar activity).

Saturday: The Legendary Golden Circle

Dress warmly for a journey into the epic, untamed heart of Iceland. Today, you will complete the famous Golden Circle, exploring a unique landscape carved by fire and ice.

• Thingvellir National Park: Stand in the historic rift valley (a land so mythic it served as a backdrop for Game of Thrones) where you will literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Gullfoss Waterfall: Feel the mist on your face from the mighty "Golden Waterfall" as it thunders down two massive stages into a rugged canyon.
• Strokkur Geyser: Watch in anticipation as the ground trembles before this great geyser erupts, launching a tower of superheated water high into the sky.

This is the raw, powerful Iceland you have always dreamed of seeing.

Sunday: Your Personal Icelandic Experience

Today is your day to design. Will you answer the call of adventure by snowmobiling across a glacier, exploring an ancient volcanic lava tube, or riding the famous Icelandic horse? Or will you surrender to ultimate relaxation by securing a coveted reservation at the world-famous Blue Lagoon or the stunning, oceanfront Sky Lagoon with its infinity pool?

Reykjavik is your gateway to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but don't wait until the last minute. The most popular tours, adventure activities, and geothermal spas sell out months in advance. Lock in your plans early to create your perfect day.

Monday: Return to Germany

Your morning flight will have you back in Germany before dinner, but the story of your Icelandic adventure is just beginning. Over this unforgettable Valentine's Day Weekend, you walked between continents, witnessed the raw power of the planet, and hunted the Aurora Borealis in the Land of Fire and Ice. You'll return home not just with incredible photos, but with a true Icelandic saga of your own.