Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights

Three of Iceland's biggest sights in one long day, plus the aurora if the sky cooperates

You get hotel pickup, all three Golden Circle stops with a guide, entry to Kerið, a couple of hours soaking in the Blue Lagoon with a complimentary drink and face mask, a 90-minute dinner break in the city, and an evening Northern Lights hunt. The whole thing wraps around midnight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Golden Circle1h
2. Thingvellir National Park40m
3. Gullfoss40m
4. Blue Lagoon2h · entry included

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights

• Drive to Thingvellir National Park
• Explore Thingvellir National Park
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• Drive to Geysir geothermal area
• Watch Strokkur geyser eruptions
• Visit Kerið Volcanic Crater
• Relax at Blue Lagoon spa
• Return to Reykjavik for free time
• Go Northern Lights tour with hot chocolate
• Return to Reykjavik city

The experience

You're going to pack a lot into this one. The day starts with a 60-minute drive out to Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian plates actually meet. Your guide will walk you through what that means and why the Icelanders held their first parliament right there. Then it's 15 minutes to Gullfoss, one of those waterfalls that's so loud and powerful you feel it in your chest, fed by meltwater from the Langjökull glacier. The water just keeps coming.

After Gullfoss you head to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every ten minutes or so: enough time to see it blow several times and actually get your camera ready. An hour's drive takes you to Kerið, a volcanic crater lake where you can either walk down to the water or stay up top if you prefer. By this point you've done the whole Golden Circle route, which is why it's called that. Then comes the Blue Lagoon, the thermal spa everyone knows about. Your ticket includes a towel, a silica mud mask, and your first drink, so you can float around in the milky-blue water for a couple of hours without worrying about what comes next. It's warm and strange and exactly what you need after a morning of hiking between waterfalls.

Around 6 p.m. you get dropped back in Reykjavik with 90 minutes to yourself: enough to grab dinner, walk around, or just sit down. Then the guides pick you up again and drive out into the countryside looking for clear skies and the Northern Lights. There's no guarantee you'll see them, that's the honest part, but your guide knows the spots where locals go, and you'll have hot chocolate while you wait. If the aurora shows, it shows. If not, you've still had a full day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Reykjavik.
• Golden Circle route with stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Kerið volcanic crater.
• Blue Lagoon Comfort entrance ticket with towel, silica mud mask, and one complimentary drink.
• 90-minute free time in Reykjavik for dinner.
• Northern Lights hunt with hot chocolate.
• WiFi on the coach.
• all fees and taxes.
• return drop-off to your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by BusTravel Iceland

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Iceland's three most famous Golden Circle stops, soak in the Blue Lagoon, and hunt for the Northern Lights all in one day without arranging separate transport, tickets, or timing: the fixed itinerary and included pickups mean you just show up and let the day unfold.

Traveler reviews

4.79★★★★★★★★★★

76 verified traveler reviews

5 ★68

4 ★4

3 ★1

2 ★2

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the full day?

From pickup to drop-off after the Northern Lights hunt, expect around 12 to 14 hours depending on aurora activity and traffic.

Is the Blue Lagoon entry really included?

Yes. Your Comfort ticket covers entry, towel rental, a silica mud mask, and one drink of your choice. Additional drinks and food cost extra.

What if the Northern Lights don't appear?

The tour still runs. Clear skies are required, and the aurora is never guaranteed, but your guide will drive to the best viewing locations and wait. If conditions are poor, some operators offer a return visit on another night.

How far is Thingvellir from Reykjavik?

About 60 minutes by car from the city center.

Can I do this tour if I'm not very fit?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Walking between stops is moderate. You can view Kerið crater from above if you don't want to descend the steps.

Is there time to eat dinner?

Yes. You get 90 minutes free time in Reykjavik between the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights hunt, which is enough to grab a meal.

What should I bring?

Warm layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and a swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon. The weather in Iceland changes fast, even in one day.

Does the tour include meals?

No meals are included, but your first drink at the Blue Lagoon is covered. You have a dinner break in Reykjavik to eat on your own.