Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tours

Experience Iceland's dramatic geological wonders by day and chase the elusive Aurora Borealis by night on our most popular combo adventures.

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9 to 14 Hours
1 Languages
Small group & Private options
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Iceland's Ultimate Day and Night Adventure

Combining the Golden Circle with a Northern Lights hunt is the quintessential Icelandic experience. During the daylight hours, you will explore the 'Big Three': Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart; the Geysir geothermal area, home to the reliably erupting Strokkur; and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. As evening falls, the focus shifts to the heavens. Our partner operators employ expert guides who analyze cloud cover and solar activity in real-time to lead you away from city lights to the best possible viewing locations for the Aurora Borealis. Whether you prefer the rugged capabilities of a Superjeep, the relaxation of a geothermal bath combo, or the intimacy of a small-group van, we offer a curated selection of the highest-rated tours from trusted providers like Viator.

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Trusted Tour Partners

We exclusively partner with verified operators like Viator, ensuring every experience meets the highest safety and quality standards

Verified Traveler Reviews

Browse thousands of authentic reviews and high ratings from real travelers who have experienced these tours first-hand

Secure & Instant Booking

Save time with our streamlined booking process and receive instant confirmation for your selected date and time

Curated Selection

Don't spend hours searching; we've hand-picked the best-performing tours based on guide expertise and itinerary quality

Diverse Tour Options

From luxury private Superjeeps to budget-friendly bus combos, find the perfect fit for your travel style and group size

Flexible Cancellation

Most of our partner tours offer a 24-hour full refund policy, giving you peace of mind if your travel plans change

Thingvellir National Park
Geysir and Strokkur
Gullfoss Waterfall
Northern Lights Hunt
Superjeep Travel

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

What to Expect
Extensive walking on uneven terrain
Sub-zero temperatures during night hunts
Unpredictable weather changes
Spectacular photography opportunities
Logistics & Timing
Total duration 9-14 hours
Standard pickup between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Aurora hunts typically start after 8:00 PM
Return to hotel around midnight or later
Booking Policies
Instant mobile tickets accepted
Free cancellation 24h in advance for most tours
Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather
Optional Northern Lights 'retry' if not seen

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 2-3 months in advance for peak winter dates
  • Schedule your tour for the first night of your trip to allow for 'retry' opportunities if the lights aren't visible
  • Check if your tour includes entrance fees to sites like the Kerið Crater

What to Bring

  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Warm, waterproof layers
  • Camera with manual settings
  • Tripod for Aurora photos
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses for the low winter sun

Best Seasons to Visit

Winter (October to March) is best for Aurora viewing; Summer (June to August) offers 24-hour daylight for the Golden Circle.

What to Wear

Thermal base layers (merino wool)|Waterproof hiking boots|Windproof parka|Wool hat and waterproof gloves|Hand and toe warmers

Planning

Historical Context

Thingvellir National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004 for its cultural and geological importance.

Photography Tips

  • Use a wide-angle lens (14mm-24mm)
  • Set your ISO between 1600-3200
  • Use a long exposure of 5-15 seconds for the lights
  • Keep your spare batteries inside your coat to keep them warm

Insider Tips

  • Bring a portable power bank as the cold drains phone batteries quickly
  • Download an Aurora forecast app like 'Hello Aurora' to track activity yourself
  • Use a tripod for the best Northern Lights photos

Our Partners

  • All tours are booked and fulfilled by our trusted partner, Viator, a TripAdvisor company.

Fun Facts

  • The Strokkur geyser erupts every 6-10 minutes, reaching heights of up to 40 meters!
  • Thingvellir is the only place on earth where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American plates above sea level.

Cancellation Policy

Most partner tours offer a full refund if cancelled 24 hours prior to the start time. Multi-day tours may require 7 days' notice.

Social Media

Share your experience: #GoldenCircle #NorthernLightsIceland #AuroraBorealis #VisitIceland #IcelandTravel #Gullfoss #Geysir

Explore More

More Things to Do in Reykjavik

Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

M
Mark T.
United Kingdom • 2024-02-12

Bucket List Checked!

The Superjeep tour was worth every penny. We saw the Golden Circle in the morning and our guide found a gap in the clouds for a 2-hour Aurora show!

E
Elena R.
Italy • 2024-01-20

Incredible Landscapes

Gullfoss was stunning even in the cold. The booking was easy and the pickup was right on time. Highly recommend the Secret Lagoon combo.

S
Samantha W.
USA • 2024-03-05

Long but Rewarding

It is a very long day, about 13 hours total. We didn't see the lights the first night, but the operator let us rebook for free the next night and it was magic!

H
Hiroshi N.
Japan • 2024-02-15

Professional Guides

The guide's knowledge of geology at Thingvellir was impressive. The Aurora hunt was very technical; they used satellite maps to find clear skies.

C
Chloe D.
France • 2024-01-10

Perfect Combo

Booking through this site was seamless. The small group tour felt very personal and we had plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed.

D
David L.
Australia • 2023-12-28

A Winter Wonderland

Make sure you wear thermal layers! The Golden Circle sites are windy. The Northern Lights search was exciting like a treasure hunt.

S
Sarah J.
Canada • 2024-02-22

Excellent Value

The 3-day tour option we found here was the highlight of our Iceland trip. Seeing the ice caves and the lights in one trip was amazing.

J
Johannes M.
Germany • 2024-01-05

Stunning Photography

Our guide helped me set up my camera for the Northern Lights. I got photos that I will treasure forever. Great organization by the team.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

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