Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

Discover the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Northern Lights in a Single Day

This $169 tour offers an efficient way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic sights within 13.5 hours from Reykjavik. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a comprehensive experience that combines volcanic wonders, geothermal relaxation, and the aurora borealis in one package. The tour includes pickup, entrance tickets to Kerið Crater and the Secret Lagoon, as well as a second bus dedicated to chasing the Northern Lights. Expect a full day of sightseeing, relaxing, and potential nighttime magic, with guides and drivers making it smooth and enjoyable.

While the itinerary packs in a lot, it’s best suited for those happy with a busy schedule and a bit of an adventure. The long hours and walking at stops are balanced by the convenience of transport and guiding, making it a good choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a hassle-free Iceland experience.

Key Points

• All-in-one Iceland adventure with visits to the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Northern Lights
• Includes tickets to Kerið Crater and Secret Lagoon, saving you time and money
• Expert guides and comfortable transport for a guided experience
• Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik at Höfðatorg
• Tour duration of 13.5 hours, ideal for maximizing a short trip
• Most reviews rate it 4.4 to 4.5 stars for value and experience

From Reykjavik to the Golden Circle’s Most Famous Stops

The tour starts early at 8:00 am from Höfðatorg Bus Stop #12 in Reykjavik. It then kicks off with the classic Golden Circle route, which includes Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. This segment covers Iceland’s volcanic activity, waterfalls, and tectonic plates in about 4 hours. The Geysir area is where Strokkur Geysir erupts hot water every 10 minutes, reaching heights of up to 40 meters.

Next, the bus heads to Kerið Crater, a volcanic lake with a winding trail leading into the volcano’s mouth. This ancient crater is known for its striking red volcanic rock and blue lake, providing excellent photo opportunities. The 1.5-hour stop includes entry tickets, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

Exploring Iceland’s Geysers and Waterfalls

The journey continues to Geysir, Iceland’s most famous geothermal area. Here, visitors walk past steaming pools toward Strokkur, which erupts high into the air in regular intervals. The 75-minute stop allows enough time to witness these eruptions, take photos, and enjoy the geothermal steam rising from the pools.

Following Geysir, the tour visits Gullfoss, a powerful multi-tiered waterfall. It’s known for its impressive volume of glacial meltwater and the rainbows often visible in its spray. Several viewing platforms offer different perspectives, and the 40-minute stop ensures you experience the sheer force of this natural wonder.

Discovering the UNESCO Heritage Site at Thingvellir

The next highlight is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s renowned for its geological significance, sitting on the mid-Atlantic ridge where the European and American tectonic plates meet visibly on land. The historical importance is also key; it was the site of the first Icelandic parliament in the late 10th century.

This 2-hour stop includes entry tickets and allows visitors to explore the silfra fissure, the Althing site, and scenic walks along the rift valley. It’s a place where geology and history combine in a striking landscape.

Relaxing in Iceland’s Oldest Geothermal Pool

After a full morning of sightseeing, the tour proceeds to Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin), Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. The admission ticket is included, and the two-hour visit provides a warm, natural hot spring experience. The lagoon’s thermal waters are ideal for relaxing after a busy morning, especially in winter months.

Bring your swimsuit and towel—rentals are available on-site if needed. The steam and mineral-rich waters promise a soothing break from the cold and a chance to unwind before the evening’s Northern Lights hunt.

Evening Northern Lights Chase with a Dedicated Bus

The second part of the tour is a 3-hour night excursion with a separate bus dedicated solely to hunting for the Northern Lights. Guides take you away from Reykjavik’s city lights, into the countryside where clear skies and dark conditions improve the chances of seeing the auroras.

The guides do their best to find good viewing spots, moving multiple times if needed. The search depends heavily on weather conditions, but if the auroras appear, they’re often described as dancing and spectacular—a highlight for many visitors. The tour also offers hot chocolate during the hunt, adding a cozy touch to the late-night outing.

Practical Details and Convenience

This tour includes WiFi on board, making it easy to share moments or check weather updates. The pickup from Höfðatorg simplifies logistics, and the max group size of 60 travelers keeps the experience manageable. The tour operates most days, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

The duration of 13.5 hours means you should prepare for a long but rewarding day, with many stops and walking involved. The lunch break is at Geysir park, where options are available for purchase, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch can be useful.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of Golden Circle sightseeing, geothermal relaxation, and Northern Lights hunting makes this a comprehensive Iceland experience. The tickets to Kerið and Secret Lagoon are included, offering good value. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, help make the long day enjoyable and informative.

Many reviews highlight the passion and expertise of the guides, as well as the good pacing at each stop. The Secret Lagoon receives particular praise for its authenticity and relaxing waters, while the Northern Lights tour offers the thrill of potential aurora sightings, although it depends on weather conditions.

Limitations and Considerations

While most appreciate the long hours and packed schedule, some reviews mention disappointments with the Northern Lights, especially if cloudy or in light-polluted areas. The Northern Lights chase is weather-dependent, and sightings are not guaranteed. The lunch is not included, so budget accordingly.

The seating arrangement during the second bus may not suit everyone, especially families with young children or those wanting to sit together, which could impact the experience. Plus, the walks around stops may involve uneven terrain or cold weather, so appropriate clothing is essential.

Ideal for Who and What to Expect

This tour is great for first-time visitors to Iceland seeking a balanced day of sightseeing, relaxation, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. It suits adventurous travelers comfortable with long hours and bus travel. The guided format makes it accessible for those who prefer not to drive or plan logistics themselves.

While the Northern Lights are an occasional bonus, the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon are guaranteed highlights, offering stunning scenery and memorable experiences. The value for money and comprehensive itinerary make it a popular choice for those wanting a full Iceland experience in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include lunch? No, lunch is not included, but there are options available at Geysir park, or you can bring snacks.

What is the weather cancellation policy? The tour is dependent on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night? No, sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity. The guide will do their best, but aurora visibility is not guaranteed.

Are entrance tickets included? Yes, tickets to Kerið Crater and the Secret Lagoon are included in the price.

What should I bring for the Secret Lagoon? Bring a swimsuit and towel; rentals are available at the lagoon.

How long is each stop? Stops range from 25 minutes at Geysir to 2 hours 25 minutes at Thingvellir, allowing enough time to explore.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers find it suitable, but consider the long hours and walking involved. Check specific vehicle accommodations if needed.

How can I find out if I’ll see the Northern Lights? The guide will assess the weather conditions and sky visibility; however, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What makes this tour good value? It combines multiple key attractions, tickets, guiding, and transport for $169, making it a cost-effective way to see Iceland’s highlights.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, with options for rescheduling if needed.

This Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Northern Lights Tour offers a well-rounded Iceland experience, blending spectacular natural wonders, geothermal relaxation, and the chance to witness the aurora borealis—all in a carefully organized and guided package.