Tours & experiences

Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour

About this experience

Explore spectacular sights on this 11-hour adventure combo tour from Reykjavik. Learn about Thingvellir National Park,a UNESCO World Heritage site, see spouting geysers at Geysir Hot Spring area and stop by the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall for great photo opportunities. When darkness falls, hunt for the magical Northern Lights.

At a glance

  • Duration: 11 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Standard rate
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour11 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Set aside 11 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age requirement for this tour is 6 years old.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Wear Warm layers, weatherproof top layer, headwear, gloves, scarves, and hiking or sturdy shoes. Spikes which fit on your boots are useful in icy conditions if you have them.

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Transport minibus
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels)

Not included

  • Food & drinks
  • Gratuities

Itinerary and highlights

Your Golden Circle full-day tour kicks off with a convenient pick-up in Reykjavik. From the capital, you'll explore the classic Golden Circle attractions: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and the Kerið volcanic crater. Plus, enjoy additional fascinating stops at nearby sites, making this an unforgettable journey through Iceland's most iconic landscapes.

Our first stop is a mere 40 minutes from Reykjavík city centre. Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a place where nature's wonders blend seamlessly with rich history, making it one of Iceland's most captivating attractions. Upon entering Þingvellir, you'll find yourself in a rift valley, a powerful reminder of the Earth's dynamic crust. The dramatic landscape, shaped by the separation of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, tells a geological story millions of years in the making.
But there's more to Þingvellir than its geological marvels. Here, you'll discover Althing, Iceland's first national parliament, alongside the enchanting Silfra Fissure, the impressive Almannagjá rift, and stunning views of Þingvallavatn lake. Prepare to immerse yourself in nature's wonders and uncover the secrets of this extraordinary place.

Our adventure will then lead us to the breathtaking Gullfoss, aptly named the "golden waterfall," situated at the very edge of the Icelandic Highlands. Cascading gracefully within the canyon of the Hvíta River, Gullfoss is fed by the Langjökull glacier to the north, lending it a majestic aura.

As a two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss seems to vanish into the depths below, with its waters plunging an impressive 32 meters. The waterfall offers a mesmerizing display of nature's power, showcasing the raw forces of Icelandic landscapes.

Regardless of the season, Gullfoss captivates with its awe-inspiring beauty, making it a must-see destination on our journey through Iceland's natural wonders.

Our next destination is the Geysir geothermal field, home to one of the world's most renowned geysers—the very namesake of these incredible natural wonders! Here, you'll have the chance to wander amidst bubbling water pools, crystal-clear geothermal springs, and steam vents. Keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular sight of a geyser erupting before you.

Although now dormant, Geysir once held the title of the tallest geyser in history, towering an impressive 122 meters (400 ft) into the sky. But fear not, for Geysir's little brother, Strokkur, has stepped into the limelight. As the most active geyser in Iceland, Strokkur puts on a mesmerizing show, erupting every 4 to 10 minutes, ensuring you'll have plenty of opportunities to witness its breath-taking eruptions.

After your golden Circle tour, you'll be dropped off in Reykjavík for some time to grab dinner and enjoy the city before being picked up later in the evening for the northern lights hunt!

Once you've been collected again from a designated pick up spot, we'll take you to some of the best hidden spots in the countryside to see the aurora borealis in the night sky. Spotting their shimmering, jewel-bright colors is always an awe-inspiring and magical moment. You'll often see green and yellow, sometimes white and blue, and occasionally violet, purple, and rose. While we can't guarantee you'll see the lights, as they're a natural phenomenon, our guides keep a close eye on the aurora and weather forecasts to give you the best chance.

Your guide will evaluate weather conditions and KPI data to find the optimal spot for viewing the northern lights. Once arrived at the best location, you'll have the opportunity to have your photo taken with the northern lights, enjoy hot chocolate and some chocolate treats, stay warm with wool blankets and enjoy the spectacle above you.

The tour gets back to Reykjavík around midnight, where you’ll be dropped off at or very near your hotel.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Please note that we only serve the pick-up locations specified in our pick-up list below. Due to traffic restrictions, we are not allowed to pick up from hotels in the city center nor from private Air BnBs. If your pick-up location is not on our pick-up list then we kindly ask you to find the closest pick-up point to your accommodation from our list: 22 Hill Hótel – Brautarholt 22-24. Arctic Comfort Hótel – Síðumúli 19. BSÍ Bus Terminal – Vatnsmýrarvegi 10. Bus Hostel Reykjavík – Skógarhlíð 10. Bus pick up/drop off nr.1 – City Hall, Vonarstræti Bus pick up/drop off nr.4 – Miðbakki Bus pick up/drop off nr.6 – Safnahúsið (The Culture House) Bus pick up/drop off nr.8 – Hallgrímskirkja Church Bus pick up/drop off nr.9 – Snorrabraut Bus pick up/drop off nr.12 – Höfðatorg Bus pick up/drop off nr.15 – Vesturbugt Cabin Hótel – Borgartún 32. Eyja Guldsmen Hotel – Brautarholt 10. Grand Hótel Reykjavík – Sigtún 38. Grayline – Main bus terminal - Klettagarðar 4. Hilton Reykjavík Nordica – Suðurlandsbraut 2. Hótel Ísland – Ármúla 9. Hotel Ørkin – Brautarholti 29. Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura – við Hlíðarfót, Nauthólsvegur 52. Klettur Hótel – Mjölnisholt 12-14. N1 Gas Station – Ártúnshöfði Radisson Blu Hótel Saga – við Hagatorg. Reykjavík City Hostel – Sundlaugavegur 34. Reykjavík Lights Hotel – Suðurlandsbraut 12. Skarfabakki – Cruise Ship, Reykjavik Harbor, 105 Reykjavik

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Arctic Adventures

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note that this is a combo tour. After the Golden Circle tour we will drop you off at your original pickup point. You will have free time to get some dinner, and then we will pick you up again from your original pickup point for the Northern Lights adventure.
  • From 1st of October to 28th of February, the pickup for the Northern Lights portion is at 20:30 PM
  • From 1st of September to 30th of September, and from 1st of March to 15th of April, the pickup for the Northern Lights portion is at 21:30 PM
  • Minimum age requirement for this tour is 6 years old.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Wear Warm layers, weatherproof top layer, headwear, gloves, scarves, and hiking or sturdy shoes. Spikes which fit on your boots are useful in icy conditions if you have them.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 11 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Please note that we only serve the pick-up locations specified in our pick-up list below. Due to traffic restrictions, we are not allowed to pick up from hotels in the city center nor from private Air BnBs. If your pick-up location is not on our pick-up list then we kindly ask you to find the closest pick-up point to your accommodation from our list:

22 Hill Hótel – Brautarholt 22-24.
Arctic Comfort Hótel – Síðumúli 19.
BSÍ Bus Terminal – Vatnsmýrarvegi 10.
Bus Hostel Reykjavík – Skógarhlíð 10.
Bus pick up/drop off nr.1 – City Hall, Vonarstræti
Bus pick up/drop off nr.4 – Miðbakki
Bus pick up/drop off nr.6 – Safnahúsið (The Culture House)
Bus pick up/drop off nr.8 – Hallgrímskirkja Church
Bus pick up/drop off nr.9 – Snorrabraut
Bus pick up/drop off nr.12 – Höfðatorg
Bus pick up/drop off nr.15 – Vesturbugt
Cabin Hótel – Borgartún 32.
Eyja Guldsmen Hotel – Brautarholt 10.
Grand Hótel Reykjavík – Sigtún 38.
Grayline – Main bus terminal - Klettagarðar 4.
Hilton Reykjavík Nordica – Suðurlandsbraut 2.
Hótel Ísland – Ármúla 9.
Hotel Ørkin – Brautarholti 29.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura – við Hlíðarfót, Nauthólsvegur 52.
Klettur Hótel – Mjölnisholt 12-14.
N1 Gas Station – Ártúnshöfði
Radisson Blu Hótel Saga – við Hagatorg.
Reykjavík City Hostel – Sundlaugavegur 34.
Reykjavík Lights Hotel – Suðurlandsbraut 12.
Skarfabakki – Cruise Ship, Reykjavik Harbor, 105 Reykjavik
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 6–15; Adult tickets: age 16+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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