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      Location
      Öxará River in Almannagjá fissure, Thingvellir National Park
      Gullfoss waterfall cascading into canyon at golden sunset, Iceland
      Strokkur geyser erupting at sunset in Iceland's Golden Circle geothermal area during winter
      Red volcanic rock at Kerid Crater Lake
      Wooden boardwalk path along dramatic volcanic rock cliffs at Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
      Guide giving a geology lesson at Thingvellir National Park
      BusTravel Iceland coach bus parked near ocean at golden sunset with passenger boarding
      Gullfoss waterfall frozen in winter with dramatic sunset sky on Iceland's Golden Circle route
      Öxará River in Almannagjá fissure, Thingvellir National Park
      Gullfoss waterfall in winter with snow-covered canyon and golden sunset sky, Iceland Golden Circle
      Couple embracing at geothermal hot spring in snowy Iceland on Golden Circle tour
      Snow-covered Kerid volcanic crater with frozen lake at sunset, two silhouettes on rim, Iceland winter
      Tourists walking through snow-covered Þingvellir canyon rift valley in winter, Iceland
      Couple silhouetted under vibrant green northern lights in snowy Iceland night sky

      Reykjavik, Iceland

      Golden Circle & Northern Lights Day Trip from Reykjavik

      12 hours and 30 minutesMin 1 guests
      Golden Circle & Northern Lights Day Trip from Reykjavik
      From €62.81
      Listing ID : 20109
      Duration12 hours 30 minutes
      Group SizeStandard Group
      Starts AtReykjavik
      LanguagesEnglish
      Iceland Day Tour

      Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

      Iceland's most celebrated route by day, crowned by aurora after dark
      Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour combines Iceland's most iconic daytime landmarks with a dedicated evening search for the aurora borealis, delivering two of the country's greatest natural spectacles in a single full-day itinerary.

      Departing from Reykjavik, the route takes travellers through Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly diverge and where Iceland's first parliament was established over a thousand years ago.

      The journey continues to the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, before reaching Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall that channels the Hvita River into a rugged canyon. A stop at Kerid volcanic crater adds geological variety to the day.

      As night falls, the group heads to darker terrain away from city light pollution in search of the northern lights. Clear skies and solar activity determine visibility, but the extended duration of this tour maximises the opportunity for a sighting.

      Tour Highlights

      Walk the rift valley of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with deep historical and geological significance.

      Watch Strokkur erupt at the Geysir geothermal area, one of Iceland's most active and photogenic natural phenomena.

      Stand at the edge of Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, and feel the force of glacial meltwater plunging into a canyon.

      Explore Kerid, a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake that adds a striking splash of colour to the itinerary.

      Venture out after dark in search of the northern lights, with the tour extending into the evening for the best aurora opportunity.

      Cover the complete Golden Circle loop with additional stops, offering more variety than a standard sightseeing run.

      Itinerary

      1
      Departure from Reykjavik

      The tour departs from central Reykjavik, heading east toward the Golden Circle route. The drive itself offers views of Iceland's lava fields and open terrain.

      2
      Thingvellir National Park

      The first stop is Thingvellir, where visitors can walk along the Almannagjá rift and learn about the site's dual identity as a tectonic boundary and the birthplace of Icelandic democracy.

      3
      Geysir Geothermal Area

      At the Haukadalur valley, the Strokkur geyser puts on a regular show, erupting to heights of 15 to 30 metres. The surrounding area features bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.

      4
      Gullfoss Waterfall

      Gullfoss descends in two cascades before disappearing into a narrow canyon, creating a dramatic and powerful scene. Viewing platforms allow safe and close observation.

      5
      Kerid Volcanic Crater

      This extra stop features a red and black volcanic caldera with a vivid turquoise lake at its base. A path circles the rim and leads down to the water's edge.

      6
      Northern Lights Search

      After dark, the guide drives to locations with minimal light pollution to maximise the chance of seeing the aurora borealis. The group returns to Reykjavik once the search concludes.

      What Is Included

      Included

      • Return transport from Reykjavik by coach
      • Professional guide throughout the tour
      • Entry to Kerid volcanic crater
      • Evening northern lights excursion
      • Stops at Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss

      Not Included

      • Food and beverages
      • Personal travel insurance
      • Gratuities for the guide
      • Thingvellir National Park parking fee if applicable

      Important Information

      This tour runs regardless of weather conditions. Northern lights sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed.
      Duration
      The full tour lasts approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes, covering both the daytime Golden Circle route and an evening northern lights search.
      Meeting Point
      Pickup is from designated stops in central Reykjavik. Confirm your exact pickup location at the time of booking.
      What to Bring
      Wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain. Bring snacks, water, and a camera with extra battery capacity for the evening portion.
      Cancellation
      Cancellation policies vary. Review the terms provided at booking. The tour operates in most weather conditions and is not cancelled due to rain or cloud cover alone.
      Accessibility
      Some locations involve walking on uneven or gravel surfaces. Travellers with mobility requirements should contact the operator in advance to discuss suitability.
      Age Range
      This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome, and the easy difficulty rating means no strenuous physical activity is required.

      Reserve Your Spot

      Secure your place on the Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour and experience Iceland's most celebrated natural landmarks, from tectonic rifts to dancing auroras, in a single unforgettable day.

      Book Now

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Is the northern lights sighting guaranteed on this tour?▼
      No aurora sighting can be guaranteed, as visibility depends on clear skies and solar activity. The tour is designed to maximise the opportunity by heading to low-light-pollution areas after dark.
      What is the difficulty level of this tour?▼
      The tour is rated easy. Walking at each stop is optional and generally on well-maintained paths, though some areas such as Thingvellir and Kerid involve uneven or gravel surfaces.
      Does the tour run in winter and in bad weather?▼
      Yes, the tour operates year-round and continues in most weather conditions. Participants should dress for cold and potentially wet conditions regardless of the season.
      Is entry to Kerid volcanic crater included in the tour?▼
      Yes, the entry fee for Kerid volcanic crater is included in the tour price.
      Are food and drinks provided during the tour?▼
      Food and beverages are not included. There are cafes and facilities at the Geysir and Gullfoss stops where participants can purchase refreshments.
      What is included in addition to the standard Golden Circle stops?▼
      In addition to Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, this tour includes a stop at Kerid volcanic crater and an evening northern lights excursion, offering more content than a standard Golden Circle day tour.
      Golden Circle IcelandNorthern Lights TourReykjavik Day TourThingvellir National ParkGeysir Geothermal AreaGullfoss WaterfallKerid CraterAurora Borealis IcelandIceland Bus TourEasy Day Tour IcelandIceland SightseeingBusTravel Iceland
      Last updated: 2025-01-01 | Product ID: golden-circle-northern-lights-bustraveliceland

      Activity

      Availability

      You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

      Additional Information

      Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

      Duration

      12 hours and 30 minutes

      Languages

      English - Speaking Guide

      Additional Information

      Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

      Cancellation Policy

      Select Date

      Meeting Point

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

      Activity Site

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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