Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

This well-rounded tour from Reykjavik offers a full day packed with some of Iceland’s most iconic sights—the Golden Circle, geothermal hot springs, and the chance to see the elusive Northern Lights. It’s a carefully curated experience for travelers who want to maximize their time and see some of Iceland’s best without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its value for money—you not only get entrance tickets to popular attractions like Kerið and the Secret Lagoon but also the comfort of leaving the navigation and driving to the guides. A potential downside? The long day means some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight, especially if they prefer more leisurely explorations.

This tour is ideal for those with a limited schedule who still want a taste of Iceland’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided trips, enjoy stunning scenery, and are eager to hunt for the Northern Lights in the evening.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines Golden Circle, geothermal pools, and Northern Lights in one day
• Expert guides: Well-reviewed guides like Daniel and Joanna add a lot of value with their local knowledge
• Included tickets: Entrance to Kerið crater and Secret Lagoon are covered, saving you money
• Full-day adventure: Approximately 13.5 hours, so be prepared for a long but rewarding trip
• Comfort and convenience: Pickup service and WiFi onboard make the day smooth and connected
• Variable Northern Lights success: Weather plays a big role in Aurora visibility; some nights are more spectacular than others

Exploring the Itinerary in Depth

The Golden Circle Route: Iceland’s Classic Must-See

Starting bright and early at 8:00 am, the journey kicks off with the Golden Circle, a tour that hits three of Iceland’s most famous attractions. First up, Gullfoss waterfall offers a spectacle of rushing water cascading down a multi-tiered fall. Reviewers repeatedly emphasize the power and beauty of Gullfoss, with some noting it even freezes in winter—though less frequently these days, it remains a jaw-dropping sight. As one reviewer said, “the spray from Gullfoss is so intense, you can feel it on your face.”

Next, the Geysir geothermal area is a highlight, especially for those wanting to see Strokkur erupt every 10 minutes, shooting water up to 40 meters high. The thermal pools and steaming vents offer a charged landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. The guide’s commentary often enriches this stop, explaining the geothermal activity that fuels those spectacular eruptions.

Finally, Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its historic assembly grounds and extraordinary geology. Standing on the mid-Atlantic ridge visible on land—that’s where the European and North American tectonic plates meet—is a surreal experience. Reviewers love the opportunity to walk between two continents and learn about Iceland’s volcanic activity and history.

Kerið Crater: A Volcanic Wonderland

After roughly an hour of driving, you’ll arrive at Kerið, an ancient volcanic crater filled with turquoise water. Walking down into the crater, you get close to its vibrant red volcanic rock, which contrasts beautifully with the water and sky. One reviewer mentioned how the winding trail into the crater offers excellent photo opportunities, making it a favorite stop for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Geysir’s Eruptions and Geothermal Drama

Spending about 75 minutes here, you’ll get ample chance to witness Strokkur’s eruptions and appreciate the geothermal activity that gave the feature its name. Walking past steaming pools and bubbling streams, many describe it as walking through a bubbling, fiery landscape. Guides tend to share fun facts, like how Strokkur’s eruptions can be unpredictable, so patience is rewarded.

Gullfoss: Iceland’s Powerhouse

The next stop, Gullfoss, is often described as “impressive” and “powerful.” Standing on the viewing platforms, you’ll feel the spray and hear the roar of the rushing water. For some, it’s a highlight of the day—an unmissable Icelandic icon. The falls sometimes freeze in winter, but even in milder seasons, the sheer force is breathtaking.

Thingvellir: Land of Tectonics and History

A longer stop (about 40 minutes on site), this national park offers not only natural beauty but also a chance to walk through Iceland’s historical political site—the site of the oldest parliament, Alþingi. As one reviewer noted, “The edges of the tectonic plates are clearly visible, making it feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world.” It’s a vivid reminder of Iceland’s volcanic nature and its role in shaping the nation’s identity.

Secret Lagoon: Iceland’s Oldest Geothermal Pool

The highlight for many is the Secret Lagoon, where you can unwind in the warm, mineral-rich waters. The lagoon’s natural setting—surrounded by mossy hills and steaming vents—is often described as cozy and authentic. Tour tickets include entry, and reviewers rave about the water’s warmth and cleanliness, calling it “amazing” and “the perfect refuge after a day of sightseeing.” Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel, or rent them on-site for a small fee.

Catching the Northern Lights

The evening segment of the tour is a different bus, heading into the countryside to hunt for the Northern Lights. While some reviews mention that the Aurora can be elusive, guides like Daniel and Thlear do their best to find clear skies. One reviewer described the experience as “spectacular,” while others noted that cloud cover or light pollution can dampen the chances. Still, the thrill of potentially witnessing the dancing aurora makes it worth the effort.

What We Love About This Tour

One of the biggest perks is the expert guidance. Guides like Daniel and Joanna are praised for their enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge, making the stops more engaging. They also handle logistics smoothly, freeing you to focus on the sights and sounds.

The value for money is another strong point. Entrance tickets to the main attractions are included, which cuts down on costs and hassle. The tour also offers WiFi on board, so you can share photos and stay connected during the long day, which is a nice touch.

On top of that, the diverse itinerary covers geological wonders, waterfalls, historic sites, geothermal pools, and the Northern Lights—all in one trip. This makes it perfect for those on a tight schedule but craving a broad Iceland experience.

The Downside? Timing and Weather

The main consideration is the long duration—about 13.5 hours—which might be tiring for some travelers. If you’re not used to full days of sightseeing, it could feel overwhelming. Also, the Northern Lights are highly dependent on weather conditions, and some reviews mention disappointment when clouds or light pollution block the view. It’s important to keep expectations flexible here.

Practicalities

The tour starts at 8:00 am from Reykjavík, with pickup available at designated points. It’s suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 60. Remember, lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or buy at stops along the way. The tour is best booked well in advance—about 45 days on average—showing its popularity.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour fits travelers who want a comprehensive Iceland experience without having to arrange multiple separate trips. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided excursions, are eager to see the Golden Circle, soak in geothermal waters, and chase the Northern Lights—all in a single, convenient package. It’s also perfect for solo travelers or small groups who appreciate the lively, knowledgeable guides that make each stop more interesting.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a very relaxed pace or has specific interests like photography or hiking, you might find the schedule a little rushed. Also, those with strict schedules should note the long hours involved.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for the entire tour? Yes, transportation is included and comfortable, with WiFi onboard to keep you connected throughout the day.

Are entrance tickets to attractions included? Yes, tickets for Kerið crater and the Secret Lagoon are covered in the price, saving time and extra costs.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights? The tour aims to find clear skies for the Aurora, but sightings depend on weather conditions. Some nights are more successful than others.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included. It’s recommended to bring snacks or plan to purchase food during stops.

What should I wear? Dress warmly with layers, especially since you’ll be outdoors at multiple stops. Waterproof clothing is advisable for the waterfalls and geothermal areas.

How long is the tour? About 13.5 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues? Most travelers can participate, but consider the long duration and walking at various sites.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Northern Lights tour offers tremendous value for travelers wanting to tick off Iceland’s highlights in one go. Guides like Daniel and Joanna boost the experience with their enthusiasm and local insights, making each stop more meaningful. The included tickets and WiFi onboard make the day convenient and connected.

While the Northern Lights can’t be guaranteed every night, the combination of geological wonders, historic sites, and geothermal relaxation make this a well-rounded trip. It’s especially well-suited for those with limited time in Iceland who want to see a broad swath of the country’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

If you’re after a full-day adventure that balances natural beauty, cultural history, and a dash of magic in the night sky, this tour is a solid choice. Just be sure to pack your patience and warm clothes—because Iceland’s wonders are worth every minute.