Unveil Iceland's wonders: Golden Circle and northern lights Tour. Witness natural beauty by day, aurora magic by night.
Want to see the sites of the Golden Circle and hunt for the northern lights but have a limited amount of time? Consider this express Golden Circle/Northern Lights tour! Experience the landmarks of the classic Golden Circle in South Iceland on this unforgettable day tour. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Thingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. After your return to Reykjavík, a guide will lead you on a search for the elusive northern lights!
If you ask a local which tour you should take if you want a taste of Iceland near Reykjavík, they will most likely recommend the Golden Circle. Comprising the three most visited sights in South Iceland, the Golden Circle gives you a slice of Icelandic history at Thingvellir National Park, a view of Iceland’s geothermal activity at Geysir, and a peek at a roaring, powerful waterfall at Gullfoss. This tour is tailored for those that want to see the landmarks but are short on time, as this leg of the tour is just 6 hours long.
Departing from Reykjavík, guests will visit the geothermal region of Geysir, a powerful reminder that Iceland is very much alive, with steam and water erupting meters into the air from the Strokkur geyser every few minutes. This is where the word geyser comes from! The tour continues to Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall, where two tiers of water crash and tumble meters below. Be sure to walk down the ladder to see a different view of the waterfall!
The final Golden Circle stop is at Thingvellir National Park, known for its exceptional beauty, geological significance, and historical relevance. Þingvellier is where Icelandic democracy was born, as it’s the site of the island’s first parliament. Additionally, guests can visit where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet in Thingvellir, a unique Iceland experience.
You will return to Reykjavík around 19:00 and will have a few hours to spend in the city before the northern lights tour starts.
In Iceland, the aurora borealis attracts everyone from professional photographers to travellers with the phenomenon on their list of things they must experience. You’ll have the best chance of seeing the night lights when it’s cold and dark outside, and the aurora activity is high. The cold isn’t a factor, but the sky has to be clear, which is usually on extremely cold nights.
The phenomenon is caused by solar winds, which push electronic particles to collide with molecules of atmospheric gases that cause the emission of bright light. The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from September to March.
The 3-hour northern lights tour will take you out of the city for the best possible view of the lights.
The locations visited during the northern lights tour vary from day to day, depending on weather conditions and solar activity. Because this tour is weather-dependent, sightings are not guaranteed. However, if you do not see any northern lights during this tour, you are welcome to join the tour again, free of charge. Indicated return times may vary if the activity is good.
- Availability
- Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Meeting Point
- BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center
TourID: CRE10
Activity provider: Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia
BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center
Need to know
The Northern Lights Tour depends on weather and sightings are not guaranteed. Indicated return times can vary.
Iceland’s winter beauty comes with icy paths—be safe! We recommend using crampons, available for example at BSÍ bus station, for secure footing. Enjoy the adventure responsibly!
- Flexible Cancellation
- No Booking Fees
Tour itinerary
What’s included and what to bring on this tour
It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip
Included
- Bus fare
- Free Wi-Fi
- Professional local tour guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
Tour highlights
Are you wondering about something?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip
We understand that your travel plans might change. You can easily change the dates for your booked tours with only one phone call: (+354) 580 5400 by stopping by one of our sales offices, or by sending us an email to main@re.is. You will need to quote your confirmation number to change your dates and give us all the necessary information.
Please remember: Your date change must be requested at least a day before the scheduled departure.
You can book for a group of people using our online booking system. Each booking must contain at least one adult.
Reykjavik Excursions Kynnisferðir takes pride in tailor-making and organising tours for private groups, from short trips within Reykjavik to full-circle programs. Our fleet of modern coaches consists of 80 vehicles, ranging from 6 to 70 seats and 4x4 coaches suitable for crossing un-bridged glacier rivers, reaching almost any destination in the highlands. For a tailor-made tour for groups, please send us an email to main@re.is.
Icelandia operates a sales office at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík and a sales office at Keflavik Airport.
Reykjavik Excursions reserves the rights to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for losses, theft or expenses due to delay of any agent, hotel, coach, operator, airline, guide, restaurant or any other persons or companies, however caused. Reykjavik Excursions is not responsible for losses in the event of Force Major, such as natural catastrophes, strikes, weather, war or other causes outside of the control of Reykjavik Excursions. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveller. We advice all clients to have a travel insurance, as they travel at their own responsibility on tours and transfers.
All cancellations should be in writing and notified at least 24 hours* prior to departure. Cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to departure will be charged full price. (*Except for Blue Lagoon bookings where cancellations must be received with at least 48 hours notice.)
*Cancellation for 3rd party tours depends on the cancellation policy from the tour operator
To request a refund please fill out a refund request.
If a tour is displayed online you can book it and hence guarantee your seat on the tour.
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