A Guide to Reykjavik’s Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

Are you planning a trip to Reykjavik and looking to get the most out of your journey? If so, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss out on one of the most thrilling attractions in the city – a guided tour of both the Golden Circle and Northern Lights. Combining two of the most iconic sights around Reykjavik, this tour will give you ample opportunity to appreciate the remarkable beauty of Iceland’s most fascinating sights.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at exactly what can be expected from such an excursion and provide you with all the details you’ll need to take full advantage of this unique and awe-inspiring experience. From important information about the cost of the tour to what you can expect to see on your journey, this guide will ensure that you get the most out of your trip to Reykjavík. Let’s get started!

What Is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle refers to a popular touring route located in southwest Iceland, which encompasses three magnificent natural attractions. These attractions include the Gullfoss Waterfall, the Þingvellir National Park, and the powerful geysers of Haukadalur.

The Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most popular and beautiful sights to behold in Iceland. At 105 feet in height and 244 feet in width, it is a tremendous display of nature’s power and grandeur.

The silica-rich waters of the waterfall plunge into a deep valley which leads sharply into the Þingvallavatn Lake. This renowned lake is known for its clarity and unparalleled beauty, not to mention its role as a breeding ground for both European and Arctic char.

The Þingvellir National Park is located next to the Gullfoss Waterfall and is highly regarded both by citizens of Iceland and tourists alike. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site ringed by huge lava formations and covering an area of more than 50 square miles. This area features some of the world’s most impressive geological features, as well as fish-filled streams, which often contain salmon and brown trout.

The final attraction along the Golden Circle route is the Haukadalur geysers. This area contains a number of pools and pools which build up immense pressure before violently releasing a spectacular fountain of hot water. Two of the geysers in this area are particularly popular, the powerful Strokkur geyser and its neighbor, Geysir.

What Is the Northern Lights Tour?

The Northern Lights are an iconic phenomenon that have captivated viewers from around the world since ancient times. These spectacular auroras form when electrically charged particles from the sun enter our atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The result is a magnificent display of color flickering across the night sky.

Some stands of this natural light show appear to be as close as Norway, but are far more common in Reykjavik, where they can sometimes cover up to 80 percent of the night sky during peak seasons. During one trip to Reykjavik my wife was able to witness this incredible phenomenon in all its glory!

For those looking to make the most of their time in Reykjavik, a Northern Lights Tour can make all the difference. Whether this is your first time witnessing the phenomenon or you’ve already seen it elsewhere, these tours will provide you with a perfect opportunity to make your trip unforgettable.

What Should I Expect on a Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour?

Usually lasting for around seven hours, this exciting tour will begin with your guide collecting you from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík before heading out to visit all three stops along the Golden Circle route – Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National park and Haukadalur geysers – before heading out to look for those amazing Northern Lights away from urban lights after 8 p.m.

Your guide will then take you to some of their favorite Northern Lights spots – usually places with some kind of shelter, such as cabins or huts – in order to minimize any potential distractions so that you can enjoy the spectacle as much as possible.

If you want, your guide can also mark out points of interest that are beyond Reykjavík too, such as waterfalls or glacial lagoons that you can explore during your tour. This is an especially great idea for those who want to get a comprehensive yet comprehensive view of what Iceland has to offer before their time in Reykjavík comes to an end.

How Much Will it Cost?

The price of a Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour will vary slightly depending on exactly what’s included in your package, although you’re likely going to pay something in the region of ISK 19 – 21 for adults and ISK 14 – 17 for children aged 5-15, although these prices may vary depending on who you book with.GetYourGuide offers some great discounts throughout the year that can help to make these prices easier on your wallet too. Remember too that these tours usually include pick up and drop off at either your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík too, meaning you won’t be left stranded wherever your tour pays its final stop!

Should I Consider Taking Such a Tour?

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience during your time in Reykjavík, then there’s no better option than a Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour. Not only will it allow you to enjoy some of Iceland’s most iconic sites first-hand, but you’ll also have ample opportunity to appreciate one of Mother Nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomenon at much closer quarters than would otherwise be possible. Add that all to great benefits such as pick up/drop off at various locations around Reykjavík; plenty of background information provided by experienced guides; and top-of-the-range 4×4 vehicles all designed for off-road driving, then it’s very difficult to deny how much value such a tour provides. So what are you waiting for? Book your Golden Circle and Northern Light tour today and make your trip one you won’t soon forget!

Conclusion

There’s no better way to experience all that Reykjavík has to offer than a combined Golden Circle & Northern Lights Tour. Not only do they give you an up close look at some of Iceland’s most beloved sights, but you can also have the unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles firsthand! Be sure to book your tour today for a Reykjavík experience that’s sure to be one that won’t soon be forgotten! For special seasonal discounts on various tours throughout Iceland, check out GetYourGuide.