Golden Circle to Northern Lights: Private Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes short walks up to 1–2 km and some uneven ground
Overview
Spend a single day moving from tectonic rifts and steaming geysers to thunderous waterfalls and a greenhouse lunch—then hunt the northern lights with an experienced driver-guide. This private tour bundles Golden Circle icons with aurora-chasing, transport, photos and local treats.
Golden Circle to Northern Lights: Private Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
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A low, cold light sits over the moss and basalt the moment the van pulls out of Reykjavik—daylight here feels deliberate. You cross black lava fields and quiet farms en route to Thingvellir, where tectonic plates take a visible breath: a rift valley cleaves the landscape and a glassy lake mirrors the sky. The tour moves at the rhythm of the land: short walks, long views, then the sudden hiss of steam from a geothermal field and the thunder of Gullfoss.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for variable weather
Weather changes quickly—base layer, insulating mid-layer and a waterproof outer shell will keep you comfortable during walks and the evening aurora hunt.
Bring a tripod for aurora photos
A small, sturdy tripod plus spare batteries will help you capture the Northern Lights during long exposures.
Wear grippy footwear
Paths at Gullfoss and Kerið can be slick; waterproof shoes with good tread reduce slips and keep feet dry.
Charge devices and download maps
Wi‑Fi is onboard but signal in rural areas is limited—download maps and bring power banks to keep phones and cameras running.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Icelandic horse — often seen grazing along the route
- Eider ducks and coastal seabirds around lakes and wetlands
History
Thingvellir served as the site of Iceland’s Alþingi beginning in 930 AD, where law assemblies were held in the open air on the plains.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails—moss and lichens are fragile and take decades to recover; limit light use during aurora viewing to protect night sky visibility.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavik
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against wind-driven rain and spray from waterfalls during any season
Insulating mid-layer
Lightweight fleece or down for warmth during cold evenings and aurora watching
winter specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Good tread and waterproofing help on muddy or icy paths at viewpoints
Compact tripod
Useful for long-exposure northern lights photography and low-light shots at Gullfoss