Reykjavik Golden Circle & Northern Lights Day Trip

Gullfoss spray on your face, geysers bursting and northern lights chasing from Reykjavik

You’ll trace ancient rifts at Thingvellir, feel Gullfoss’s spray on your cheeks, and stand under Iceland’s northern lights with a local guide leading every step. Expect earthy smells near Geysir, city pickup, and a few hours’ rest before heading out again, plus maybe a little mud on your jeans or hot chocolate in your mittens.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Golden Circle1h
2. Thingvellir National Park40m
3. Gullfoss40m
4. Reykjanes Peninsula4h

Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• See Gullfoss waterfall
• Visit Kerið volcanic crater
• Take a short refreshment break
• Return to Reykjavik to rest and dine
• Join evening northern lights hunt
• Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate

The experience

“You can smell the earth here,” our guide Jón said, squinting at the steam rising from Geysir. He was right. I hadn’t expected that sulfur tang to hit so sharp, almost like boiled eggs but wilder. We’d set off from Reykjavik early, still yawning, and by the time we reached Thingvellir I was wide awake. The ground felt different under my boots: spongy in some places, then suddenly rocky. Jón pointed out where the continents meet. I tried to imagine tectonic plates shifting beneath us but mostly just felt small next to all that history.

At Gullfoss, I got sprayed in the face by mist before I even saw the falls: wind carried it up and over the path. It was loud enough to drown out our chatter for a minute. My friend tried to take a selfie but her hair whipped straight up (she’ll never post that one). We stopped at Kerið crater too. Red rocks everywhere, water so blue it looked fake. I touched the edge and got mud on my jeans: worth it for that view down into the old volcano.

After a quick dinner back in Reykjavik (fish stew, still thinking about it), we bundled up again for the northern lights tour. Our aurora guide scanned weather maps on his phone, muttering about cloud cover like he was bargaining with it. We drove out past streetlights until everything went quiet except for our boots crunching on icy gravel. When green ribbons finally flickered overhead, nobody said much. We just stood there grinning like fools with hot chocolate warming our hands. I’m not sure how long we watched. Time got weird out there.

What’s included

Your day includes city pickup in Reykjavik, transport with WiFi onboard an air-conditioned vehicle (restroom included), entry to Kerid Crater, guidance from an experienced local expert throughout both tours, and yes, there’s time for dinner before chasing those northern lights outside town.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour with a meeting point at Bus Stop 12Guide in English · 09:00 and 10:30

Tour that includes pickupGuide in English · 09:00 and 10:30Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 59

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 40 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessible

Operated by BusTravel Iceland

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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 24 h before the start.

How long is the Golden Circle & Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik?

The full day includes sightseeing plus an evening aurora hunt. Total duration covers driving time and rest breaks.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes city pickup in Reykjavik before departure.

What are the main stops on this day trip?

You visit Thingvellir, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, Kerið crater, and search for northern lights near Reykjavik.

Is there time to rest or eat between tours?

Yes, after returning to Reykjavik from the Golden Circle you have several hours to freshen up and get dinner before heading out again.

Are guides local experts?

The tour is led by experienced local guides familiar with Icelandic history and weather conditions.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible.

Will I see Strokkur erupt during this trip?

Yes, Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes at Geysir geothermal area during your visit.