Pair Iceland’s essential day sights with a night chase for the aurora on this 11-hour combo tour from Reykjavík. Visit Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Kerið by day, then head into dark countryside for a guided northern lights hunt.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The minibus pulls out of Reykjavík under a low, iron sky and the city’s hum slides away. In an hour the asphalt gives up to gravel, and the land begins to speak in tectonic lines — the rift valley at Þingvellir yawning open like a seam in the earth. Guides move with practiced economy, directing attention to rock faces, parliament ruins, and the lake that catches the pale Icelandic light.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking on mostly level ground with short paved or gravel paths; suitable for most fitness levels but expect standing in cold for extended periods at night
Wildlife
History
Þingvellir hosted Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest parliaments, founded in 930 AD and tied to the nation’s early legal tradition.
Conservation
Stay on marked paths to protect fragile moss and geothermal features; guides prioritize dark-sky locations and minimize light pollution during aurora viewing.
Reserve your spot on the From Reykjavík: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing from mild bus rides to exposed viewpoints and freezing night waits — insulating layers plus a waterproof shell are a must.
Bring traction in winter
Microspikes make short hikes to viewpoints far safer on ice-covered paths around Gullfoss and Kerið.
Charge camera batteries
Long-exposure aurora photography drains batteries quickly; bring spares and keep them warm in an inner pocket.
Plan for a late return
The tour returns around midnight; arrange evening childcare or late check-in if needed.
Insulating base and mid layers
Traps heat and allows you to shed or add layers quickly between bus and viewpoint.
Waterproof, windproof shell
Protects against spray at waterfalls and blustery nights during the aurora hunt.
Microspikes or traction devices
Useful on icy trails leading to viewpoints in winter and early spring.
winter
Tripod and spare camera batteries
Essential for steady long exposures of the northern lights and low-light waterfalls.