Solar Eclipse: Golden Circle & Reykjanes – Also for Cruises

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle & Reykjanes During a Solar Eclipse: An Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of combining Iceland’s iconic sights with witnessing a celestial event that’s truly once-in-a-lifetime, then this tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of adventure, scenic beauty, and a spectacular solar eclipse, all wrapped into one. We haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, but based on detailed descriptions and reviews, it’s clear this experience offers a lot to adventurous travelers who appreciate natural wonders and stunning landscapes.

What we really like about it? First, the way it blends Iceland’s famous Golden Circle sights—Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið—with the unique chance to watch a total solar eclipse in a carefully chosen spot. Second, the comfort of a small-group setting and expert guidance ensures you get a personalized, informative experience. One potential downside? The tour’s length and timing mean you need to be prepared for a full day of travel and sightseeing, which might be tiring for some.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, geology, and the thrill of witnessing a rare celestial event. If you’re looking for a well-organized day out that combines Iceland’s must-see attractions with something extraordinary, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Unforgettable celestial event: Witness a total solar eclipse in Iceland’s striking landscapes.
• Comprehensive Golden Circle: Explore Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið, each offering unique natural beauty.
• Reykjanes Peninsula: Discover lava fields and geothermal features in a dramatic volcanic landscape.
• Expert guidance and flexibility: Guides help optimize viewing conditions and share insightful stories.
• Comfortable travel: Small-group bus ensures a relaxed and personal experience.
• Timing considerations: The full-day schedule requires good stamina but maximizes seeing the eclipse and sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point: Reykjavík and the Golden Circle

The adventure kicks off with a scenic drive from Reykjavík, where you’ll board a comfortable bus that whisks you away to some of Iceland’s most renowned attractions. The Golden Circle is a natural choice, offering a well-rounded taste of the country’s geological marvels. We loved the way the itinerary hits the highlights without feeling rushed.

Þingvellir National Park is first, and it’s a spectacular place that’s both historically and geographically significant. Walking between the tectonic plates—literally standing on the boundary of North American and Eurasian crust—is an awe-inspiring experience. Guides tend to share engaging stories about Iceland’s history and geology here, making the visit both fun and educational. The scenery is vast, open, and dramatic, with rugged cliffs and clear waters.

Next, the tour moves to Geysir Geothermal Area. Watching Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes is exciting, especially knowing that these boiling vents have been shaping the landscape for centuries. It’s a lively, energetic spot that usually draws a crowd, but the tour’s small-group format helps keep things intimate and relaxed.

Gullfoss, the Golden Falls, is a thunderous cascade that’s hard to capture in photos without feeling a little overwhelmed. The sheer power of the water plunging into the canyon below is striking, and the viewing platforms allow for close-up views. As some reviews highlight, the site’s raw energy makes it one of Iceland’s most memorable waterfalls.

Kerið Crater caps off the Golden Circle with its vivid red slopes and blue lake, offering fantastic photo opportunities. It’s a colorful reminder of Iceland’s volcanic roots—perfect for those Instagram shots or just soaking in volcanic beauty.

Moving to Reykjanes Peninsula

After the Golden Circle, the tour heads southwest toward Reykjanes Peninsula, a landscape that’s equally captivating but more volcanic and raw. Lava fields stretch endlessly, with steaming vents and rugged formations standing as evidence of ongoing volcanic activity. We appreciated the way guides shared stories about Iceland’s volcanic past and ongoing eruptions, giving context to the mesmerizing landscape.

This part of the tour is less about structures and more about nature’s power and unpredictability. It’s a landscape that feels otherworldly—an ideal setting for the highlight of the day.

The Solar Eclipse: The Main Event

The moment everyone’s been waiting for. The tour’s carefully chosen viewing spot ensures that you get a clear, unobstructed view of the total solar eclipse. Your guide will help you set up with your personal eclipse glasses, which are included, so you can watch the darkening sky safely.

From the moment the moon begins to cover the sun, the atmosphere shifts. The light dims, and a sense of awe takes over. Many reviews mention that witnessing totality—when the sun is completely obscured—is a surreal, almost spiritual experience. The guide’s commentary can help deepen your understanding of what’s happening, making the moment even more meaningful.

A light picnic accompanies the viewing, allowing you to relax and take in the scene. For those on standard bookings, a toast to the event is offered afterward, adding a celebratory touch. For cruise passengers, the experience is just as full, though the toast is omitted to keep the schedule tight for ship departures.

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Return Journey and Reflection

After the eclipse, the bus heads back to Reykjavík, giving everyone time to reflect on the day’s sights and the awe of witnessing the eclipse. Many reviews emphasize the comfortable transportation and the guide’s flexibility in adjusting the itinerary for the best viewing conditions.

What Does the Tour Feel Like?

This tour offers a smooth balance of sightseeing, education, and awe-inspiring moments. The small-group setup makes it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention. The bus ride is comfortable, and guides are experienced, sharing stories that enrich each stop.

The landscape views are consistently stunning, from the rugged cliffs of Þingvellir to the erupting geysers and thundering waterfalls. The Reykjanes landscape is more volcanic and less accessible, but equally compelling.

The highlight—the eclipse—is a moment that sticks with many travelers. The guided setup, with your own eclipse glasses and a carefully selected viewing site, means you’re well-prepared to witness this natural wonder safely and comfortably.

Practicalities and Considerations

The full-day nature of this tour means you should be prepared for a long day on your feet and in the bus. Early mornings are typical, and the schedule may shift slightly to optimize visibility, which is common for eclipse viewing tours. The group size remains small, which helps create a more intimate experience, but it also means you’ll want to stay attentive and flexible.

Price-wise, this tour offers good value considering it covers a lot of ground, combines major sightseeing with a celestial event, and includes guidance and eclipse glasses. It’s a practical choice if you want a comprehensive, guided experience that maximizes your chances of seeing the eclipse clearly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and want to witness a rare eclipse without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It suits those who are comfortable with a full day of travel and sightseeing and appreciate expert guidance and small-group intimacy. It’s also well-suited for anyone wanting a stress-free way to see some of Iceland’s finest sights while soaking in a once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the eclipse clearly if I join this tour?
Yes, the tour is designed to take you to a carefully chosen viewing spot, with guidance on the best spots for clear skies. You’ll also receive your own eclipse glasses for safe viewing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify, this is a full-day tour with some walking and bus travel, which could be tiring for very young children. It’s best for older kids who can sit comfortably for hours.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring warm layers, as Iceland’s weather can change quickly. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and your camera are also recommended. And don’t forget your eclipse glasses!

How long is the drive between stops?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but the tour is 11 hours in total, so expect some long bus rides interspersed with sightseeing.

Is there a lunch included?
The tour features a light picnic during the eclipse viewing, but no full meal is mentioned. You might want to bring extra snacks or a more substantial meal if you’re hungry.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Guides will try to optimize your viewing conditions, but weather can always be a factor. Iceland’s unpredictable weather means that a clear sky isn’t guaranteed, so keep your expectations flexible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind if your plans are uncertain.

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?
Absolutely. Cruise travelers on AIDAbella or AIDAluna will experience the full eclipse, though the toast is omitted to ensure timely return to the ship.

To sum it up, this tour stands out by offering a rich experience of Iceland’s geological marvels combined with the thrill of witnessing a total solar eclipse. It’s a memorable way to connect with the natural world, especially if you’re keen on combining sightseeing with a rare celestial event. With expert guidance, comfortable transport, and a focus on safety, it’s a solid choice for those who want a well-rounded, awe-inspiring day in Iceland.

For anyone who loves dramatic landscapes and extraordinary moments in nature, this trip will leave plenty of stories to tell long after the day is over.

You can check availability for your dates here: