Golden Circle Classic & Northern Lights

Description

Two unforgettable Icelandic experiences in one day — explore the Golden Circle by day, and chase the Northern Lights by night. Golden Circle & Northern Lights Private Tour is designed for travelers who want to make the most of a single day in Iceland without feeling rushed. You’ll begin with a relaxed journey around the Golden Circle, visiting Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks with your private guide. The route includes Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area, with stops at Friðheimar tomato greenhouse and the colorful Kerið volcanic crater. You’ll travel in comfort with plenty of time for photos, questions, and simply enjoying the views.

After a break back in Reykjavík to rest or dine, your second adventure begins: a guided hunt for the elusive aurora borealis. Your guide will select the route based on the evening’s weather and aurora forecasts, taking you away from the city lights for the best possible viewing conditions.

Highlights

Thingvellir National Park

Geysir Geothermal Area

Gullfoss Waterfall

Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Kerið Volcano Crater

Northern Lights Hunt

Included

Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik

English speaking guide

Transportation in private vehicle

Entry fees

What to Bring

Warm, layered clothing

Waterproof outerwear

Comfortable walking shoes

Camera or smartphone

Itinerary

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park
Venture into a UNESCO World Heritage Site where history and geology meet. In the heart of winter, Þingvellir becomes even more atmospheric — with snow-dusted lava fields and the rift valley blanketed in white. Walk between continents and rift valley’s, explore the historic first parliment site, and take in the nature of Iceland’s most symbolic landscape.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Geysir Geothermal Area
At the Geysir geothermal field, winter steam rises thick into the cold air, giving the area an almost mystical feel. Watch Strokkur erupt dramatically every few minutes, sending scalding water into the sky — a striking contrast to the icy surroundings.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall
Witness the power of Gullfoss as icy glacial waters thunder into the canyon below. In winter, the waterfall often freezes along the edges, creating stunning icicle formations that add to its beauty. The sound of rushing water surrounded by snow-covered cliffs is a true sensory highlight of the season.

Friðheimar Greenhouse

Friðheimar Greenhouse
Enjoy a warm, greenhouse lunch among thriving tomato plants — even in the middle of winter. At Friðheimar, you’ll dine on fresh Icelandic produce grown sustainably using geothermal energy, offering a unique and cozy mid-day break from the cold.

Kerið Volcanic Crater

Kerið Volcanic Crater
The red slopes of this ancient crater take on a moody hue under Iceland’s low winter light. If not covered by snow, the crater lake glows in striking contrast to its surroundings. It’s a quiet, photogenic stop — and a great way to appreciate Iceland’s volcanic past.

Northern Lights Hunt

Northern Lights Hunt (Evening)
After dinner and a bit of rest, your journey continues into the darkness for a chance to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays: the Northern Lights. Your private guide will track the latest aurora forecasts and weather conditions to maximize your chances of a sighting. Far from city lights, you’ll have the best possible setting to observe the shimmering greens — and occasionally pinks or purples — dancing across the arctic sky.

Overview

Duration: 12 hours

Difficulty:
Easy

Pick up: Reykjavik

Age Limit: None

Availability: September 1st to March 31st

Travel Style: Private Guided

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of night is best for seeing the Northern Lights?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is generally between 9 PM and 1 AM. Your guide will plan the evening departure based on weather and aurora forecasts to maximize your chances of a sighting.

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings can never be guaranteed. However, we closely monitor the latest forecasts and choose the best time and location each night to give you the highest possible chance of seeing them. If conditions make a Northern Lights tour unlikely to succeed, we will offer you the option to reschedule or receive a full refund for this portion of the tour.

How long is this tour?

The full-day experience lasts approximately 12 hours, including up to 8 hours exploring the Golden Circle and around 4 hours on a Northern Lights hunt in the evening. The daytime portion finishes in the afternoon, followed by a short break before your evening departure.

What is the maximum group size for this tour?

Our private tours typically accommodate up to 6 passengers per vehicle. Larger groups can be arranged upon request

What should I wear?

We recommend warm, waterproof outerwear, insulated layers, winter boots, a hat, scarf, and gloves. It can get very cold, especially during the evening portion of the tour while waiting outdoors for the auroras.

How does pick up work?

We offer pick-up and drop-off from any location within Reykjavík, including hotels, guesthouses, airbnb apartments, and select bus stops. Please specify your preferred pick-up location when booking

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included.

Can you book any extra activities for this tour?

This is a private tour, so adjustments are possible with advance notice. However, the Golden Circle and Northern Lights hunt, is a very long day, so we recommend planning other activities for another day — though for those who don’t mind an intense schedule, extra activities can be added.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Absolutely. Families are welcome, and we can provide booster or child seats upon request.

Do you offer guiding in other languages?

Our standard language is English, but other languages might be available upon request. Please inquire when booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

We pride ourselves in offering one of the most traveler-friendly cancellation policies in the industry. If conditions are unfavorable for seeing the Northern Lights, we’ll give you the choice to reschedule or receive a full refund for that part of the tour.

• Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure are fully refundable.
• Cancellations made between 48 and 24 hours prior to departure will receive an 80% refund.
• Cancellations requested less than 24 hours before the tour starts are not eligible for a refund.
• If we need to cancel the tour due to severe weather, unsafe road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to reschedule your tour or help you book a different activity. If neither option is possible, a full refund will be provided.

We Are Here for You

If you have questions, would like to modify this tour, or create a new one, we’re here to help.