The Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo tour

Imagine spending a full day exploring some of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights and ending the evening wrapped in the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights. That’s exactly what this Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo tour offers. For around $147 per person, you get approximately 9 hours of guided adventure, starting from Reykjavik, with a mix of sightseeing and evening magic. The journey includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area, topped off with a nighttime hunt for the aurora borealis.

What we really like about this tour is how seamless it is—round-trip transportation from central Reykjavik makes it easy to relax and enjoy without worrying about logistics. Plus, the guides are often praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, helping you understand Iceland’s geological wonders and cultural significance. Another highlight is the chance to see the Northern Lights—a highlight that many travelers cherish.

A possible consideration is that Northern Lights sightings depend heavily on weather conditions, meaning there’s no absolute guarantee of a sighting on any given night. This is common for aurora tours, so it’s worth being prepared for a bit of patience or flexibility.

If you’re someone who enjoys stunning scenery, learning from passionate guides, and doesn’t mind a full day on the move, this tour could be a fantastic choice. It suits travelers who want a well-rounded experience of Iceland’s natural beauty combined with the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering top Golden Circle sights and Northern Lights hunting.
• Expert guides praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Hassle-free round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.
• Weather-dependent Northern Lights sightings mean flexibility is key.
• Value for money considering the inclusion of multiple attractions and guide service.
• Ideal for first-time visitors who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and aurora chasing.

Exploring the Golden Circle & Northern Lights Tour in Depth

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour begins at 12:30 pm at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. The day unfolds with visits to three main stops, each offering a different facet of Iceland’s landscape and history. Then, after a few hours of sightseeing, you’ll head out under the night sky to hunt for the Northern Lights.

Stop 1: Þingvellir National Park

First up is Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we loved the way the guide explained the significance—not just a beautiful landscape but the site of the world’s oldest parliament, Alþingi, dating back over a thousand years. It’s also fascinating because you can see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above ground, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart.

One reviewer mentioned, “Seeing where the North American plate splits from the Euro-Asian plate was very interesting,” highlighting how this stop offers both geological spectacle and historical importance. With just about 30 minutes here, it’s enough time to walk around, take photos, and soak in the history and scenery.

Stop 2: Geysir Geothermal Area

Next, the tour visits the Geysir geothermal area—home of Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. During our visit, we loved the anticipation of waiting for Strokkur to erupt every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. It’s a dynamic display of Iceland’s volcanic activity that’s both fun and educational.

One traveler noted, “The Geysir area boasts spouting springs, including Strokkur, which erupts regularly,” making it a favorite for photo opportunities. The one-hour stop allows plenty of time to watch multiple eruptions and explore the steaming landscape.

Stop 3: Gullfoss Waterfall

The final main sightseeing stop is the Gullfoss Waterfall, renowned for its dramatic two-tiered cascade plunging into a deep canyon. We found it awe-inspiring—seeing the glacial river Hvítá tumble down 62 meters into a misty, thunderous basin.

A reviewer praised Gullfoss as “one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland,” and many agree it’s a sight that truly captures Iceland’s raw power. The 45-minute stop provides ample opportunity for photos and a walk around the viewing areas.

The Northern Lights Experience

After a day of exploration, the tour shifts focus to the night sky. The guides take you out into the countryside to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis. Since this is weather-dependent and sightings aren’t guaranteed, the guides are proactive in giving tips to enhance your viewing chances.

One guest described the experience as “fantastic,” noting that the guides were “very solicitous” and offered helpful advice. Another pointed out that if you don’t see the lights, you can join a free re-ride to try again, which adds a reassuring layer of confidence for travelers.

Transportation & Comfort

The tour uses comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi, making the long day more pleasant. The small size—usually up to 99 travelers—keeps things manageable, and most reviews mention punctuality and smooth logistics. Some reviews noted issues like non-working outlets, but overall, the transportation is functional and reliable.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

With round-trip transportation, expert guides, and visits to Iceland’s most popular sights, this tour packs a lot into one day. The fact that it includes both daytime sightseeing and evening aurora hunting means you don’t have to book separate trips or worry about transportation logistics.

However, the price of $147 might seem high compared to self-guided options, but when you consider the guided expertise, convenience, and inclusion of multiple stops, it’s a solid deal. Plus, the carbon-neutral aspect shows a commitment to sustainable tourism, which many eco-conscious travelers appreciate.

Practical Tips

• Arrive on time at the meeting point—most reviews emphasize punctuality.
• Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves for the Northern Lights hunt, as evenings can get chilly.
• Keep your camera ready; the landscapes and the aurora are highly photogenic.
• Note that food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase outside the tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see Iceland’s most famous natural attractions in a single day without the hassle of planning individual visits. It’s also well-suited for nature lovers and history buffs who appreciate the significance of Þingvellir and Gullfoss. Those looking for a romantic or awe-inspiring experience of the Northern Lights will find it a solid option, especially if they’re okay with the weather being a factor. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of educational, scenic, and evening adventure.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo Tour offers a well-rounded Iceland experience, blending geological marvels, powerful waterfalls, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most enchanting displays. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. While the Northern Lights’ visibility isn’t guaranteed, the effort to find them is genuine, and many travelers leave with unforgettable memories.

If you value convenience, expert guidance, and a rundown of Iceland’s natural beauty, this tour is a worthwhile investment—especially if you’re short on time but want to see the best of what this incredible country has to offer.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, starting at 12:30 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers bus fare, expert guides on both the daytime and nighttime excursions, free Wi-Fi, and the carbon-neutral initiative. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to worry about weather?
The Northern Lights tour is weather-dependent. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but guides will give tips and, if missed, you can often join a free re-ride.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik and concludes there as well, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city center.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the weather and comfort levels, especially during the cold night hunt for the aurora.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 53 days in advance on average, so early planning ensures availability.

Is there any age restriction?
Most travelers can join, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned. It’s a full day that involves walking and waiting outdoors.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
If the lights aren’t visible, the tour provider offers you the chance to join again for free, providing some peace of mind in case of cloudy skies.

In sum, this tour balances scenic highlights, educational value, and the excitement of chasing the Northern Lights—all wrapped in a comfortable, guided experience that makes Iceland approachable and unforgettable.