Golden Circle & Northern lights in Iceland

Comprehensive Review of the Golden Circle & Northern Lights Tour in Iceland

Exploring Iceland’s natural beauty in one day sounds ambitious—but with this tour, it’s entirely doable. Combining the iconic Golden Circle sights with an evening Northern Lights chase, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to maximize their short stay, especially given the competitive price point of around $145 per person, which includes guided tours, transportation, and the chance to see the elusive Aurora Borealis.

What really draws us in is the organized itinerary, covering top sights like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss, along with a dedicated Northern Lights hunt in the evening. We love how this tour is designed to balance sightseeing, comfort, and a bit of adventure. However, a potential consideration is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights—they’re not guaranteed, as weather and solar activity play a big role. Still, if you’re visiting Iceland during winter and want a hassle-free way to see some of its most famous sights along with the possibility of the Aurora, this tour might just be perfect for you.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a guided, all-in-one day trip that manages logistics for them, especially those short on time or new to Iceland. It’s also great for those who love combining cultural history, geological marvels, and natural phenomena into one seamless journey.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines the Golden Circle with a Northern Lights hunt, offering good value and convenience.
• Expert Guidance: Tour guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and share local stories enhancing the experience.
• Comfort and Technology: Wi-fi and USB chargers at each seat make travel more enjoyable.
• Flexible Location for Aurora Viewing: The Northern Lights hunt varies based on weather, aiming for the best possible sightings.
• Hassle-Free Pickups: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, saving you the hassle of arranging transport.
• No Guarantee of Aurora: The Northern Lights are weather-dependent, so sightings aren’t guaranteed but the effort is there.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Reykjavik Terminal, located conveniently at Skógarhlíð 10. From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable vehicle equipped with modern amenities—Wi-fi, USB charging ports, and an audio guide available in multiple languages. With a maximum group size of 49, it’s a good balance between social atmosphere and personal space.

Visiting Þingvellir National Park

The first stop is Þingvellir (Thingvellir), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Iceland’s history. Here, you’ll get a quick but meaningful introduction to Iceland’s past and geology, as you walk along the Almannagjá canyon, where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia visibly drift apart. Travelers appreciate this stop for its scenic beauty and historical significance, with one reviewer calling it “the national pride of Iceland.” The 45-minute visit allows ample time for photos and a breath of fresh air.

Exploring Geysir Hot Spring Area

Next is Geysir, home to the legendary Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes, sending boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. Although the original Geysir itself is now mostly steam, the nearby Strokkur remains lively and engaging. The newly opened Geysir Center offers a chance to relax, grab a snack, or use the restroom. This stop is about 45 minutes, giving enough time to appreciate the geothermal activity and take some memorable shots. As one reviewer noted, this area has been active for over a thousand years, so standing here, you can feel the power of nature.

Gullfoss Waterfall

The third highlight is Gullfoss, possibly Iceland’s most famous waterfall. Rushing in two tiers into a deep canyon, Gullfoss offers dramatic scenery, especially with clear weather that reveals views of Langjökull glacier in the distance. The duration here is about an hour, providing time for photos, a quick snack, or just soaking in the thunderous roar of the water. A reviewer praised the “magnificent” and “breathtaking” views, mentioning that the walk around the area is accessible and rewarding.

Northern Lights Hunt

After a day of sightseeing, the tour heads out of Reykjavik to find the optimal spot for Aurora viewing. The exact location shifts based on weather conditions, but the goal remains the same: to escape light pollution and increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The journey lasts around three hours, and while sightings are not guaranteed, the effort to find a clear, dark sky makes it worthwhile. Travelers who’ve experienced it describe the Northern Lights as “unforgettable,” especially when the sky dances with green and sometimes other colors. One reviewer appreciated that their guide took them to a “great spot” and was attentive to the conditions, enhancing the overall experience.

Deep Dive: Why This Tour Offers Value

At around $145, this tour packs in a lot. Not only do you visit several of Iceland’s most iconic natural sites in one day, but you also get modern amenities like free Wi-fi and USB chargers—ideal for sharing photos or staying connected. The guided approach means you’ll learn about the geology, history, and folklore behind each site, enriching your understanding beyond just looking at pretty scenery.

The small to medium group size makes it easier to interact with guides and hear stories, which might be lost in larger tours. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off service reduces stress, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

The Guides and Reviews

Guides like Kristina and Martin have been praised for their storytelling and friendliness, making the experience more engaging. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was “incredible” with excellent storytelling, which highlights how much personality and knowledge can elevate a tour.

Others appreciated the value for money, especially given the inclusion of transportation, guiding, and the Northern Lights hunt. Even with the possibility of weather conditions affecting the Aurora sighting, travelers found the effort and organization worth it.

Considerations

The main caveat is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights. They can be elusive, especially if the weather is cloudy or if there’s increased light pollution near the viewing site. Travelers should be prepared for a bit of patience and possibly a late night.

Plus, the tour doesn’t include meals, so packing snacks or eating before departure is a good idea. The stops at Geysir and Gullfoss have facilities for quick refreshments, but it’s not a full dining experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day that covers Iceland’s top natural attractions without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to see both the famous sightseeing spots and have the chance to witness the Northern Lights.

Adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate historical context will find this tour engaging. Plus, it offers great value, especially considering the included transportation, guiding, and the Aurora search.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a balanced mix of Icelandic landmarks and natural phenomena in one day, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking efficiency and depth. The guided format, modern amenities, and hotel pickup make it convenient and comfortable. While the Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed—what in Iceland is?—the effort to chase them adds a sense of adventure.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to see Iceland’s most iconic sites, learn about the geology and history, and maybe catch the Aurora, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a taste of Iceland’s wild beauty and cultural richness.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, this tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík, which adds to the convenience, especially after a long day.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts about 10 hours, with roughly 45-minute stops at Þingvellir and Geysir, a 1-hour visit at Gullfoss, and about 3 hours dedicated to the Northern Lights hunt.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No, the Northern Lights are weather-dependent. The tour aims to find the best viewing conditions, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What amenities are available on the bus?
Each seat comes equipped with Wi-fi, USB chargers, and a touchscreen audio guide available in 10 languages.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by an adult, but keep in mind the long day and outdoor conditions.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. However, Geysir Center offers snacks and refreshments, and you might want to bring your own.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly—layering is key, especially for the evening Northern Lights hunt, when temperatures can drop.

How large are the groups?
The tour can have up to 49 travelers, but it generally feels manageable, especially with guided attention.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, on average, this tour is booked about 31 days ahead, so securing your spot early is advisable, especially in winter months.

This tour provides a practical way to experience Iceland’s natural wonders while offering the comfort and guidance needed to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or marveling at Gullfoss, it’s a well-rounded day that captures Iceland’s essence.