See Iceland’s Golden Circle by private tour in the afternoon then join a guided Northern Lights chase from Reykjavík at night. This coordinated day-to-night combo pairs local storytelling with aurora expertise—great for travelers who want big scenery and a professional aurora hunt in one day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Late afternoon light slides across rift valleys as the Sunny Valkyrie welcomes you into a private Golden Circle tour—by evening the same driver and a new team are scanning the Arctic sky for the Northern Lights. The day moves at an easy pace: a walk through the rift at Þingvellir, a farm stop at Efstidalur for dairy and views, the boiling drama of Strokkur, the rush of Gullfoss, and the blue-red contrast of Kerið’s crater lake.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; involves short, accessible walks and vehicle transfers but some standing on uneven ground.
Wildlife
History
Þingvellir hosted the Alþingi from 930 AD and remains a political and cultural landmark where law and assembly shaped early Icelandic society.
Conservation
Operators emphasize staying on marked paths at geothermal sites and avoiding trampling vegetation; Icelandic tourism supports local conservation through regulated access and waste management.
Reserve your spot on the Aurora and Golden Circle Combo Tour with Vikings and Valkyries today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for long shifts of temperature
Bring a warm base, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer—temperatures can swing from sheltered farm lunch to windy canyon rims and frigid night stops.
Charge camera batteries
Cold drains batteries fast; keep spares warm in an inner pocket and bring a small tripod for aurora shots.
Expect moderate walking
Stops include short walks on uneven ground (Þingvellir paths, Gullfoss viewpoints and Kerið rim); wear sturdy shoes with grip.
Be flexible about sightings
Auroras require clear skies and solar activity—operators chase the best conditions, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Insulated, waterproof jacket
Protects from wind and rain during canyon viewpoints and evening stops.
winter
Sturdy hiking shoes with traction
Useful for short walks on uneven, potentially wet or muddy terrain.
Camera with tripod or phone with long-exposure app
Essential for photographing the aurora; tripod stabilizes long exposures.
winter
Warm hat, gloves, and thermal base layers
Keeps you comfortable during evening aurora hunts when temperatures drop.
fall