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. This tour runs seasonally from September 1st to March 31st, when the dark evening skies make aurora sightings possible.
Highlights
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Kerið Volcano Crater
Northern Lights Hunt
Itinerary
We pick you up from your accommodation in Reykjavík to begin your day exploring the Golden Circle.
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 valleys, explore the historic first parliament site, and take in the nature of Iceland’s most symbolic landscape.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After a full day exploring the Golden Circle, we return to Reykjavík for a short break to rest, freshen up, or grab dinner before heading back out in search of the Northern Lights.
As darkness falls, your journey continues 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.
As the Northern Lights hunt comes to an end, we make our way back to Reykjavík, bringing an unforgettable day and night in Iceland to a close.
Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik
English speaking guide
Transportation in private vehicle
Entry fees
Warm, layered clothing
Waterproof outerwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera or smartphone
Route map
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Our private tours typically accommodate up to 6 passengers per vehicle. Larger groups can be arranged upon request.
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.
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.
Food and drinks are not included.
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.
Absolutely. Families are welcome, and we can provide booster or child seats upon request.
Our standard language is English, but other languages might be available upon request. Please inquire when booking.
Yes — look for the Pay in Installments button next to the booking widget on this page. You can secure your spot with at least 25% and split the remaining balance into 2, 3, or 4 payments, with the final payment due at least 14 days before your tour date.
Standard bookings and Flexible Payment Plan bookings are both 90% refundable if cancelled at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure. The payment plan service fee is non-refundable. Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure, or no-shows, 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, including any payment plan fee.
Best price guaranteeNo booking markups
Local expertsGuides who love Iceland
Sustainable toursSupporting local communities
Safe & secureYour booking is protected
Tours you might like
More experiences selected to complement your trip.
