Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour with Northern Lights

Summary

Geysers, waterfalls and secret lagoon then northern lights hunt from reykjavik

You’ll walk volcanic craters near Reykjavik, feel mist on your face at Gullfoss waterfall, soak in Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool at Secret Lagoon, and end your day chasing Northern Lights with homemade hot chocolate—all with a local guide who makes every stop feel personal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Northern Lights

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Drive to Kerið volcanic crater
• Explore Kerið crater walking trails
• Visit Geysir geothermal area
• Watch Strokkur Geysir erupt
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall viewpoints
• Relax at Secret Lagoon hot spring
• Return to Reykjavík for free time
• Evening Northern Lights hunting tour
• Enjoy homemade hot chocolate

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour?

The full day includes morning Golden Circle stops plus evening Northern Lights hunting; expect to be out most of the day with a break in Reykjavik between tours.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is included from designated spots in Reykjavik for both parts of the tour.

Do I need to bring my own swimsuit for Secret Lagoon?

You can bring your own swimsuit and towel or rent them at Secret Lagoon for an extra fee.

Are entrance fees covered in this combo tour?

Yes, entry tickets to Kerið crater and Secret Lagoon are included in your booking price.

Will we definitely see the Northern Lights?

Sightings are not guaranteed since they depend on weather and solar activity; guides will do their best to find clear skies.

How much free time is there between tours?

You’ll have a few hours back in Reykjavik between the Golden Circle/Secret Lagoon part and evening Northern Lights hunt.

What should I wear for this Iceland day trip?

Dress warmly in layers; waterproof shoes are helpful especially near waterfalls or if paths are muddy.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided; you’ll have time to eat during your break in Reykjavik before heading out again.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Reykjavik, entrance tickets to both Kerið crater and Secret Lagoon (no need to worry about extra fees), WiFi on board for posting those geyser videos right away, plus two guided bus tours—the classic Golden Circle route by day and a nighttime drive out beyond city lights searching for aurora with homemade hot chocolate along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sulfur smell—like boiled eggs but sharper—curling up from the ground near Geysir. Our guide, Jón, grinned when I wrinkled my nose. “That’s how you know it’s real,” he said. We’d started early from Reykjavik, still half-asleep on the bus, but by the time Strokkur shot boiling water into the sky (it startled me every time), I was wide awake. The Golden Circle day trip really does pack in so much: Kerið crater with its rusty-red slopes (I slipped a bit on the path—nothing dramatic, just a muddy shoe), Gullfoss roaring so loud you feel it in your chest, and Thingvellir where Jón told us about Iceland’s first parliament while wind tugged at his scarf.

I didn’t expect to love the Secret Lagoon as much as I did. It’s not fancy—just steam rising over old stones and locals chatting in Icelandic while we floated around like sleepy seals. My skin felt different after, sort of tingly and soft. We had a couple hours back in Reykjavik before heading out again for the Northern Lights tour. Honestly, I was tired and almost skipped it (don’t do that). But then we were out past the city lights, bundled up with hot chocolate that tasted sweeter than usual—maybe just because of the cold—and waiting for something to happen.

When the aurora finally showed up—just a faint green shimmer at first—I felt everyone around me go quiet all at once. It wasn’t some giant light show like you see on postcards; it was softer, more private somehow. Jón pointed out shapes in the sky and someone tried to take photos but mostly we just watched. I still think about that hush—the way everyone stood together not saying anything, just looking up.