Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour worth booking?
Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour is a 11-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $200 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (18)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $200 per person
Explore spectacular sights on this 11-hour adventure combo tour from Reykjavik. Learn about Thingvellir National Park,a UNESCO World Heritage site, see spouting geysers at Geysir Hot Spring area and stop by the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall for great photo opportunities. When darkness falls, hunt for the magical Northern Lights.
What you get
About this experience
Explore spectacular sights on this 11-hour adventure combo tour from Reykjavik. Learn about Thingvellir National Park,a UNESCO World Heritage site, see spouting geysers at Geysir Hot Spring area and stop by the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall for great photo opportunities. When darkness falls, hunt for the magical Northern Lights.
What's included
Included
- Transport minibus
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels)
Not included
- Food & drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Reykjavik
Your Golden Circle full-day tour kicks off with a convenient pick-up in Reykjavik. From the capital, you'll explore the classic Golden Circle attractions: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and the Kerið volcanic crater. Plus, enjoy additional fascinating stops at nearby sites, making this an unforgettable journey through Iceland's most iconic landscapes.
30 minutes here
Thingvellir National Park
Our first stop is a mere 40 minutes from Reykjavík city centre. Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a place where nature's wonders blend seamlessly with rich history, making it one of Iceland's most captivating attractions. Upon entering Þingvellir, you'll find yourself in a rift valley, a powerful reminder of the Earth's dynamic crust. The dramatic landscape, shaped by the separation of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, tells a geological story millions of years in the making. But there's more to Þingvellir than its geological marvels. Here, you'll discover Althing, Iceland's first national parliament, alongside the enchanting Silfra Fissure, the impressive Almannagjá rift, and stunning views of Þingvallavatn lake. Prepare to immerse yourself in nature's wonders and uncover the secrets of this extraordinary place.
45 minutes here
Gullfoss Falls
Our adventure will then lead us to the breathtaking Gullfoss, aptly named the "golden waterfall," situated at the very edge of the Icelandic Highlands. Cascading gracefully within the canyon of the Hvíta River, Gullfoss is fed by the Langjökull glacier to the north, lending it a majestic aura. As a two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss seems to vanish into the depths below, with its waters plunging an impressive 32 meters. The waterfall offers a mesmerizing display of nature's power, showcasing the raw forces of Icelandic landscapes. Regardless of the season, Gullfoss captivates with its awe-inspiring beauty, making it a must-see destination on our journey through Iceland's natural wonders.
45 minutes here
Geysir
Our next destination is the Geysir geothermal field, home to one of the world's most renowned geysers—the very namesake of these incredible natural wonders! Here, you'll have the chance to wander amidst bubbling water pools, crystal-clear geothermal springs, and steam vents. Keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular sight of a geyser erupting before you. Although now dormant, Geysir once held the title of the tallest geyser in history, towering an impressive 122 meters (400 ft) into the sky. But fear not, for Geysir's little brother, Strokkur, has stepped into the limelight. As the most active geyser in Iceland, Strokkur puts on a mesmerizing show, erupting every 4 to 10 minutes, ensuring you'll have plenty of opportunities to witness its breath-taking eruptions.
60 minutes here
Reykjavik
After your golden Circle tour, you'll be dropped off in Reykjavík for some time to grab dinner and enjoy the city before being picked up later in the evening for the northern lights hunt!
120 minutes here
Iceland
Once you've been collected again from a designated pick up spot, we'll take you to some of the best hidden spots in the countryside to see the aurora borealis in the night sky. Spotting their shimmering, jewel-bright colors is always an awe-inspiring and magical moment. You'll often see green and yellow, sometimes white and blue, and occasionally violet, purple, and rose. While we can't guarantee you'll see the lights, as they're a natural phenomenon, our guides keep a close eye on the aurora and weather forecasts to give you the best chance. Your guide will evaluate weather conditions and KPI data to find the optimal spot for viewing the northern lights. Once arrived at the best location, you'll have the opportunity to have your photo taken with the northern lights, enjoy hot chocolate and some chocolate treats, stay warm with wool blankets and enjoy the spectacle above you. The tour gets back to Reykjavík around midnight, where you’ll be dropped off at or very near your hotel.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Arctic Adventures
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that this is a combo tour. After the Golden Circle tour we will drop you off at your original pickup point. You will have free time to get some dinner, and then we will pick you up again from your original pickup point for the Northern Lights adventure.
- From 1st of October to 28th of February, the pickup for the Northern Lights portion is at 20:30 PM
- From 1st of September to 30th of September, and from 1st of March to 15th of April, the pickup for the Northern Lights portion is at 21:30 PM
- Minimum age requirement for this tour is 6 years old.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Wear Warm layers, weatherproof top layer, headwear, gloves, scarves, and hiking or sturdy shoes. Spikes which fit on your boots are useful in icy conditions if you have them.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent!
Spent 8 days touring Iceland and searching for Northern Lights. While the organized lights tours (2) didn't offer any rewards, we saw a great display of lights on our 2nd night out. The tour guide (Vjeran) was knowledgable and informative and very fun. He kept us all on track at a good pace. Accommodations and restaurant choices were also excellent.
Response from the operator: Dear Traveler, thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are thrilled to hear that Vjeran helped make your Northern Lights and Golden Circle adventure so enjoyable, and that you loved other aspects of the tour as well. We would love to welcome you back to Iceland for more amazing experiences! — Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Golden circle and aurora tour
Golden circle tour very nice. Silvana the guide very professional... Good explanations. Aurora tour disappointing... The guide made only one stop. No attempts to search for best spots... We left at 20h30 were back at hotel at 22h30. I saw more aurora from downtown reykiawick Tuesday night.
Response from the operator: Dear Traveler, Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! It is good to hear that you enjoyed the Golden Circle with Silvana. We also appreciate your feedback on the Aurora tour as we’re always looking for ways to make the experience even better for everyone chasing the Northern Lights. Hope to see you back on another adventure soon! – Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Poor communication and poor service
Never got picked up for the Golden Circle touring even while waiting at the designated pick up point for over an hour. Poor communication from the travel agent despite calling 12 times before, during and after pick up times.
Response from the operator: Dear Traveller, we sincerely apologize for the experience you had with the Golden Circle tour. This situation is completely unacceptable and it is not the level of service we aim to provide. Should you wish to discuss this matter or if there is anything we can do to address your concerns, please feel free to reach out to us via email at info@adventures.is.
via Tripadvisor
Northern lights with a smile
Amazing trip out with a fantastic guide . It was a long freezing night but the guide kept our spirits up with laughter and spirits 😀😀he went out of his way to make sure we saw the lights
via Tripadvisor
Northern Lights Circle Tour
We had an amazing time on this tour! The scenery was breathtaking. Our guide, Boga was outstanding. She was the tour guide, driver and luggage handler. Like the Viking queen she is! She made sure we didn't miss a thing. We even had a snow storm one day and she was a pro driving through it. I never once felt unsafe. She came up with little extra stops for pictures or just to see something she thought we would like. And we always did! Our contact at Nordic Visitor, Clarence, was amazingly helpful. Especially with a payment error, booking excursions, and any question we had. He was very prompt in responding to emails. All in all a fantastic trip and I would definitely do a tour with them again.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $200 to $219
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Arctic Adventures, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6.
See everything Arctic Adventures runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour cost?
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Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour?
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Included: Transport minibus; Professional guide; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels). Not included: Food & drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 23 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik.
What languages is Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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