Golden Circle and Northern Lights Superjeep Tour from Reykjavik

The Golden Circle and Northern Lights Superjeep Tour from Reykjavik offers a compelling way to explore some of Iceland’s most iconic sights while increasing your chances of spotting the elusive Northern Lights. Priced at $229.47 per person, this 10-hour adventure departs from Reykjavik and is limited to six people, ensuring a personalized experience. Designed for travelers who appreciate small-group tours and expert guidance, this outing combines sightseeing, geology, geothermal wonders, and a thrilling chase for the Aurora Borealis—weather permitting.

What makes this tour stand out is the use of a rugged 4×4 Super Jeep, specially built to navigate Iceland’s challenging terrain. This vehicle allows access to remote sites beyond the reach of regular buses, especially crucial when hunting for clear skies for the Northern Lights. With an emphasis on flexibility and comfort, the guide can adjust the schedule based on weather conditions or your interests, making for a tailored day out. The tour also includes WiFi and hot drinks onboard, adding a touch of convenience and warmth to the long day.

While the tour’s strength lies in the intimate group size and the expertise of the guides, it’s worth noting that Northern Lights sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity. However, the team’s dedication and use of advanced technology have earned high praise for their efforts to maximize the chances of a sighting. This tour suits those eager to combine some of Iceland’s top natural attractions with a thrilling aurora hunt, in a comfortable and small-group setting.

Key Points

• 10-hour small-group tour from Reykjavik limited to 6 people for a personalized experience.
• Includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal field, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
• Uses a rugged 4×4 Super Jeep capable of reaching remote sites and overcoming Iceland’s rugged terrain.
• Flexible itinerary allows guides to adapt time at each attraction based on weather or group preferences.
• Expert guides use advanced tech to help search for the Northern Lights, with many memorable attempts.
• Hotel pickup, WiFi, and hot drinks onboard for added comfort during the long day.

Exploring the Golden Circle in a Superjeep

This tour begins with a hotel pickup in Reykjavik, after which a comfortable Super Jeep takes you inland. The vehicle’s design allows access to Iceland’s most famous geological sites with ease. The guide leads you through each stop, explaining the formation of landscapes and Icelandic history, emphasizing the significance of each location.

Visiting Thingvellir National Park

The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The park showcases stunning ancient geological formations and Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. Here, the old Althing parliament site stands as a reminder of Iceland’s long history. The guide shares insights into the landscape’s formation over millennia, providing context that enriches the experience.

Geysir Geothermal Field and Strokkur Geyser

Next, the tour stops at the Geysir geothermal area, famous for its bubbling hot springs and steam vents. The highlight is Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water high into the air. Visitors can walk around boiling mud pools and enjoy the geothermal activity that underscores Iceland’s volcanic nature.

Gullfoss Waterfall’s Multi-Colored Mists

The journey continues to Gullfoss Waterfall, meaning Golden Falls, renowned for its shimmering, multi-colored mists that appear when sunlight hits the spray. The water plunges into a deep canyon, creating a dramatic scene. On clear days, visitors can get close to the cascades, feeling the power of Iceland’s iconic waterfall.

Aurora Hunting: The Pursuit of the Northern Lights

As darkness falls, the focus shifts to seeking the Northern Lights. The Super Jeep’s off-road capabilities enable access to darker sites with minimal light pollution, increasing the probability of a sighting. The guide employs advanced technology to identify the best viewing spots and forecast the auroras. With patience and luck, the sky bursts into pulsating green and blue colors, sometimes brighter than the moon.

Flexibility in the Itinerary and Site Selection

One of the tour’s key strengths is its flexible schedule. The guide can adjust the time spent at each iconic site based on weather conditions or group preferences, allowing for a more personalized experience. For example, if the weather is clear earlier in the day, additional time can be allocated to photogenic stops or scenic walks.

Comfort and Convenience Onboard

The tour includes WiFi access and hot drinks during the drive, making the long day more comfortable. The small group size fosters an intimate atmosphere, enabling easier interaction with the guide and fellow travelers. The vehicle itself is praised for its cleanliness and comfort, making the extensive hours manageable.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic

Reviews consistently highlight the expertise of the guides, especially someone named Adam, who is frequently praised for his knowledge, friendliness, and persistence when searching for the Northern Lights. Many mention he shares interesting stories and photography tips, turning the tour into a learning experience as well as a sightseeing adventure.

Expectation Management and Weather Considerations

While the tour is designed to maximize the chance of Northern Lights sightings, nature’s unpredictability means sightings are not guaranteed. The guide’s efforts and technology improve the odds, but cloudy weather and solar activity still influence the outcome. Some reviews note they did not see the lights, but appreciated the effort and the other highlights of the trip.

The Evening Finale and Return

The tour concludes with a hotel drop-off in Reykjavik, usually after a full day of exploration and Northern Lights chasing. Despite the long hours, guests often leave with memories of stunning waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and a thrilling aurora hunt, along with new insights into Iceland’s geology.

Value and Booking Tips

This tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive day that combines sightseeing, cultural insights, and the aurora chase, all in a small group for more personalized attention. The price of $229.47 is competitive given the inclusions, the vehicle type, and the guide expertise.

Most bookings are made 67 days in advance, indicating popularity. Travelers should plan ahead and be prepared for the possibility that the Northern Lights may not appear on every night, regardless of tour effort.

The Best Choice for Small-Group Adventure in Iceland

This tour is particularly well-suited for those who want a more intimate, flexible experience compared to big bus tours. The small group of six allows for better interaction with the guide and spontaneous adjustments to the schedule. Its focus on iconic Golden Circle sites combined with a dedicated Northern Lights hunt makes it ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded Icelandic adventure.

Limitations and Considerations

The main limitation is that Northern Lights sightings depend on weather and solar activity, which can’t be guaranteed. Also, the long hours and outdoor conditions might be tiring for some, but the comfort of the vehicle and onboard amenities help mitigate this. It’s advisable to dress warmly and be ready for late-night sky gazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, WiFi onboard, and hot drinks. Food and additional drinks are not included unless specified.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 12:00 pm with hotel pickup and concluding with a return to the hotel in Reykjavik.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guide uses technology and expertise to maximize chances but cannot guarantee a sighting.

What locations will I visit during the day?
Stops include Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal field, and Gullfoss Waterfall. The itinerary is flexible based on weather and group interests.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, especially for the Northern Lights hunt, as it takes place outdoors at night. The tour provides hot drinks, but bringing additional snacks or camera gear is recommended.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, most travelers book 67 days in advance due to its popularity. The booking can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What makes this tour different from others?
The use of a Super Jeep allows access to remote sites, and the small group size creates a more personal experience. The guides’ dedication to hunting the Northern Lights and sharing Iceland’s geological stories adds unique value.

How does the tour handle bad weather?
If weather conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent, especially for the aurora viewing.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-limited individuals?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the rugged terrain and outdoor activities suggest it’s better suited for those comfortable with outdoor conditions and moderate walking.

How do I prepare for the Northern Lights search?
Dress warmly and be patient. The guide’s advanced technology increases the likelihood of a sighting, but patience is essential as natural phenomena are unpredictable.

This Golden Circle and Northern Lights Superjeep Tour from Reykjavik combines iconic Icelandic sights with the thrill of aurora hunting, all in a small-group setting with expert guidance. Perfect for those who want an engaging, flexible, and more personal experience of Iceland’s natural wonders.