Golden Circle & Northern Lights Winter Small Group Tour

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle and Northern Lights: A Practical & Honest Review

If you’re considering a tour that combines the must-see sights of Iceland’s Golden Circle with an exciting chase for the Northern Lights, this small-group experience might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, I’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have, and I can tell you it’s a solid option for those wanting a well-rounded winter adventure.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is how it offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and aurora hunting. The Golden Circle highlights, including Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir hot spring area, and Thingvellir National Park, are all iconic and give you a real taste of Iceland’s natural beauty and history. Then, shifting gears to chase the Northern Lights in the evening adds that magical, once-in-a-lifetime element.

A potential consideration is the dependence on weather conditions for the Northern Lights. Since the aurora is a natural phenomenon, there’s no guarantee you’ll catch the lights every night, but the guides do their best to find the best spots and increase your chances. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day and night experience but are flexible with the unpredictability of the Northern Lights.

If you enjoy guided tours that cover the highlights but also value some free time for dinner and exploration, this tour fits well. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and are comfortable with a full day’s worth of sightseeing and waiting for natural wonders to appear.

Key Points

• Iconic Golden Circle sights like Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir are included, offering a classic Iceland experience.
• The Northern Lights hunt is a highlight, though it’s weather-dependent.
• Small group size allows for a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
• The tour provides WiFi on board, making sharing your experience easier.
• It’s a long day at about 11 hours—perfect if you’re ready for an adventure but may be tiring for some.
• Price at $212 per person offers good value for the full day, including expert guiding and transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting from Reykjavik, the tour kicks off around 1:00 PM, which means you’ll get an afternoon of exploration that’s just enough time to absorb Iceland’s highlights without feeling rushed. The minibus transport is comfortable, and with WiFi onboard, you can even share your favorite moments in real-time.

The first major stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Those of us who love a bit of geology and history will find this spot truly fascinating. The site is also home to Althingi, one of the world’s oldest still-functioning parliaments, which adds a layer of cultural significance to your visit.

Next up is the Geysir hot spring area, where the bubbling geothermal activity is both smell and sight impressive. The highlight here is Strokkur, which spouts water every 6-10 minutes, sometimes reaching up to 40 meters. It’s a great photo op and a reminder of Iceland’s geothermal power.

Then, you’ll visit Gullfoss Waterfall, arguably Iceland’s most famous waterfall. The sight of water cascading down a wide, curved staircase is breathtaking, especially in winter when the surrounding landscape is often dusted with snow. As one reviewer mentioned, “Gullfoss is the perfect photo opportunity,” and we agree — it’s a must-see.

After the Golden Circle, you’ll return to Reykjavik for some free time to grab dinner. This is a smart move, giving you the chance to relax and refuel before heading out at night for the Northern Lights hunt. The guides are attentive, checking weather conditions and Aurora forecasts to pick the best possible spots.

The Northern Lights tour usually departs around 9:30 PM, with the guide taking you to countryside locations away from city lights. While spotting the aurora isn’t guaranteed, the guides work hard to maximize your chances, and if unsuccessful, you get to reschedule at no extra cost (subject to availability). Travelers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and careful check of conditions, with one reviewer noting, “He told us when we were able to see, and took our pictures with pro cameras.”

The entire experience wraps up around midnight, a long but memorable day packed with natural beauty and cultural insights.

What the Tour Includes & Excludes

The price of $212 per person covers pick-up and drop-off from authorized Reykjavik points, minibus transport, the Golden Circle sightseeing, and the Northern Lights hunt. Guides are certified and the vehicle is equipped with WiFi, which is handy for sharing photos or staying connected.

However, food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan for dinner either before or after the Golden Circle part of the day. The tour’s flexibility allows you to explore downtown Reykjavik for a quick meal during your free time.

The Real Deal — What Travelers Are Saying

From honest reviews, some key strengths shine through. People love knowledgeable guides who are attentive and enthusiastic, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. For instance, one reviewer said, “Both guides were really knowledgeable! I enjoyed a day tour with a guide who loved punk/metal music, and his narratives were very informative.”

Another reviewer praised the overall experience, noting “The guides were fantastic and the whole experience was perfect.” This speaks to the quality of guiding and the well-organized nature of the tour.

On the flip side, the main variable is weather. Since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, the success depends heavily on atmospheric conditions. The operator reserves the right to cancel the Northern Lights portion if conditions aren’t favorable, making it important for travelers to be flexible.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a comprehensive Iceland day trip that covers the top Golden Circle sights and offers a real chance to see the Northern Lights. If you’re okay with a full day of sightseeing and potential weather unpredictability, it’s a great choice. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided commentary and small group intimacy.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s focus on natural beauty and cultural sites makes it suitable for older children and teenagers with an interest in geology and landscapes. However, keep in mind that it’s a long day, so younger kids might find it tiring.

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FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 11 hours, starting around 1:00 PM and returning around midnight.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You have some free time after the Golden Circle to find dinner in Reykjavik.

What if we don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since the aurora is weather-dependent, there’s no guarantee. If conditions aren’t favorable, you’ll be offered a free rescheduling, subject to availability.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently mention the guides’ expertise and attentiveness, especially in checking Aurora forecasts and helping with photos.

Is WiFi available during the trip?
Yes, WiFi is provided on the minibus, which can be useful for sharing photos or staying connected.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it can be good for older children interested in natural sights and landscapes. Be mindful of the long hours.

What is the price?
The tour costs $212 per person, which includes all transport, guiding, and the Golden Circle and Northern Lights experiences.

What if the weather isn’t clear?
The Northern Lights part depends heavily on weather. The operator may cancel it if conditions aren’t suitable, but they will try to reschedule if possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a guided, well-organized tour that hits the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle while giving you a shot at seeing the Northern Lights, this experience offers a solid balance of adventure, education, and natural beauty. The guides’ knowledge and proactive approach to Aurora spotting are clear plus points that can make or break the night.

While the unpredictability of the Northern Lights means no guarantees, the tour’s flexibility and the effort guides put in are worth considering. It’s a nice option for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a genuine chance to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays.

This tour is likely best suited for travelers who appreciate a structured day with expert insights, and who are comfortable with the possibility of weather affecting the aurora chance. If that sounds like you, it could be a memorable part of your Iceland trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: