Day trip

Explore the dramatic landscapes of Iceland's "Golden Circle" in the morning and see the Northern Lights in the evening on a 2-part tour from Reykjavik. Visit the Þingvellir National Park and admire the Arctic tundra, go to Gullfoss Waterfall and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 10 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Audio guide included: Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean
Pickup optional: Pickup begins 30 minutes prior to the departure time. Please be ready and on the lookout for a green Smartbus. As each driver sometimes has a few stops prior to yours, there is no need to worry if the bus is not there exactly on time. Pickup is available from most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. In the city center, some areas are restricted for buses, and therefore pickup will only be available from certain bus stops. If you need directions to the nearest bus stop, visit the city's website: www.busstop.is Pickup is not available from Airbnbs or private residences; if this applies to you, it is recommended to select the hotel address or bus stop nearest to you and request pickup from there.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Prue – United Kingdom

Both tours were excellent and well-organised, tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. Loved learning about Iceland’s rich history and how the Northern Lights were created. Would highly recommend ☺️

Prue – United Kingdom

Irmina – United Kingdom

We met our driver at the bus hostel nearby to where we were staying, and the coach departed on time. The tour guide was very interesting and friendly, she broke down what will happen during the day and during our journey she gave us information on the areas around Iceland which we travelled past. Coach left every stop on time and we were offered to be dropped off at our nearest bus stop/ hotel on the way back which was really helpful as it was chucking it down by the time we go back. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to see the northern lights, but the team gave us enough notice beforehand to be able to plan for the evening, which we had no problem with doing. The team sent emails offering to reschedule which we did, however due to the weather conditions each day we were there the tour was cancelled. Luckily we saw the northern lights on our flight home 😍 We really enjoyed our trip and definitely would consider booking other tours in the future.

Irmina – United Kingdom

Itinerary

Starting/pickup location
Depends on the selected option
Bus/coach
(45 minutes)
Thingvellir National Park
Photo stop, Sightseeing (45 minutes)
Bus/coach
(1 hour)
Geysir
Break time, Photo stop, Sightseeing (1 hour)
Bus/coach
(15 minutes)
Gullfoss Waterfall
Photo stop, Sightseeing (1 hour)
Bus/coach
(2.5 hours)
Reykjavik
Free time
Reykjavik
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (3 hours)
Bus/coach
(30 minutes)
46 drop-off locations:
Downtown Reykjavík Apartments, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Bus Stop #13 Rauðarárstígur, Skarfabakki Harbour, ODDSSON hotel, Bus stop #4 Miðbakki, Hótel Klettur, Guesthouse Pavi, Fosshotel Rauðará, B18 Apartments, Bus Stop #3 Lækjargata, Hotel Lotus, Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, Skógarhlíð 10, Kex Hostel Reykjavik, B14 Hostel, Hotel Cabin, Atlantic Apartments & Rooms, 22 Hill Hotel, Bus stop #5 Harpa, Northern Comfort Apartments, Reykjavík Hotel Center, Hotel Orkin, BSÍ Parking, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura, Dalur - HI Hostel & Cafe, Bus Stop#15 - Vesturbugt, Student Hostel (Gamli Garður), Reykjavík Airport, Hótel Ísland, 105 - A Townhouse Hotel, REK Inn, Laugabjarg Guesthouse, Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg, Fosshotel Baron, Bus Stop #9 Snorrabraut, Bus stop #1 - Ráðhúsið - City Hall, Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels, Bus Stop #2 Tjörnin The Pond, Fosshotel Reykjavík, Bus stop #11 Austurbær, Bus Stop #14 - Skúlagata, Bus Stop #6 - Safnahúsið The Culture House, Hótel Múli, Norðurey Hotel City Garden, Grand Hótel Reykjavík

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

See a hot spring erupt before your eyes
Admire the cascades of the Gullfoss Waterfall
Walk through history in Þingvellir National Park
Hunt for the elusive Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Full description

Witness the wonders of the Golden Circle and marvel at the Northern Lights on a combo tour from Reykjavik. See the Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools at Geysir, and the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park. When night falls, go hunting for the Northern Lights in the countryside with a specially trained Northern Lights guide. Experience the dramatic scenery and natural phenomena of Iceland on a 2-part combination tour, starting with a morning tour of the legendary "Golden Circle." Depart Reykjavik to visit Iceland's 3 iconic natural treasures, including the Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall. Discover where the earth's North American and Eurasian plates are being pulled apart at Þingvellir, and watch the geothermal waters and steam spout skywards from the geyser at Geysir geothermal area. Admire the cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall, where a glacial river thunders 32 meters into a canyon. Then, take a 3 to 6-hour break and grab dinner before your evening Northern Lights tour. When night falls, search for the elusive Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Icelandic wilderness, depending on the weather forecast and visibility conditions. Only visible during the winter months, the spectacular phenomenon is one of Iceland's biggest and most magical draws.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option is selected)
Local guide for Golden Circle
Specially-trained Northern Lights guide
Instructions on how to set up your camera to capture the Northern Lights and the night sky
Wi-Fi and USB charger for each seat
In-bus audio guide (in 10 different languages)

Food and drinks
Headphones for the audio guide

Meeting point

Your tour starts from Reykjavík Terminal, centrally located at Skógarhlíð 10, 105 Reykjavík. please be at the terminal 15 minutes before your departure time.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Know before you go

The Northern lights are only visible during the winter months
Children aged 12-15 are entitled to a 50% discount. Children aged 0-11 can travel for free
From August 15th - August 24th & April 15th to April 25th at 22:30.
From August 25th to October 15th & 15th of March to 14th of April at 21:30.
From October 16th - March 14th at 20:30
Departures are dependent on the weather
There is no minimum number for this activity and no age limit
Please wear warm and waterproof clothes as the weather can change suddenly. Expect the unexpected. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, and headwear and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended
The total travel time is around 10 hours, including a minimum 30-minute stop at Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park and an approximate 3-hour Northern Lights tour
Please bring your own headphones for the audio guide as they will fit you best and it's better for the environment

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour