Reykjavik: Private Golden Circle with Northern Lights

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle and Northern Lights in One Private Day Trip

Planning to visit Iceland and want a hassle-free way to see its most iconic sights along with the elusive Northern Lights? This Private Golden Circle with Northern Lights tour offers a smooth, personalized experience that covers all the essentials without feeling rushed. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, this tour’s intimate group setting and inclusive approach make it a compelling choice.

What truly makes this experience stand out are three features: the comfort of a private van, a thoughtfully curated itinerary, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in one seamless day. You’ll get to tick off top attractions like Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss with ease, plus enjoy some Icelandic delicacies. The evening Northern Lights tour adds a magical finale, often a highlight for travelers chasing the auroras. A potential consideration is the weather dependency of the Northern Lights; clear skies are essential, but the tour organizers advise flexibility, which is a smart approach given Iceland’s unpredictable nature.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing, comfort, and authentic local experiences. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a private, stress-free day with all logistics handled — ideal whether you’re visiting for a short stay or want an efficient way to see the highlights without sacrificing quality.

Good To Know

• All-in-one experience: Combines classic Golden Circle sights with Northern Lights viewing.
• Private group: Up to 7 people for a more personalized experience.
• Inclusive pricing: Admission fees, tomato soup at Fridheimar, snacks, and WiFi are all covered.
• Comfortable transportation: Hassle-free pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
• Expert guide: A licensed driver/guide enhances the storytelling and logistics.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Details of the Itinerary

What you’ll see and do during the day

This tour kicks off with convenient pickup from your Reykjavík accommodation, a great benefit for those wanting to skip the hassle of navigating Iceland’s often tricky roads. The private van, with WiFi, snacks, and hot tea on board, ensures you’ll stay comfortable and entertained throughout the roughly 40-minute drive to your first stop.

Thingvellir National Park

The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its geological formations and historical significance. Here, you’ll spend about 45 minutes exploring the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. This spot isn’t just pretty; it’s where the Icelandic parliament was founded over a thousand years ago, giving it huge cultural relevance. Visitors often comment on the stunning vistas and the chance to walk between continents.

Kerid Crater

Next, you’ll visit Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic crater lake, with a colorful caldera that’s perfect for sightseeing and photos. You’ll stay about 40 minutes here, giving you enough time to walk around and take the perfect shot of the vivid reds, greens, and blues that make this site so photogenic. Reviewers frequently mention how impressive the vivid hues are and appreciate the accessibility of this stop.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Fridheimar Tomato Farm

One of the tour’s surprises is a visit to Fridheimar Tomato Farm, where you’ll enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of delicious tomato soup. This farm is famous for its greenhouse cultivation methods, and the experience offers a taste of Icelandic ingenuity. It’s a cozy, authentic moment that many travelers find memorable, adding a culinary dimension to the tour. The inclusion of this meal helps break up the sightseeing and provides a genuine local flavor.

Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir

While not explicitly detailed in the itinerary, the Golden Circle usually includes stops at Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall — given their iconic status. The geysers erupt periodically, and Gullfoss offers powerful views of cascading water, making them must-see highlights. The tour’s 45-minute stop at Thingvellir is balanced with time to appreciate these natural marvels, though exact durations may vary based on conditions.

Additional Stops and Flexibility

Since the tour mentions visiting six attractions, it’s likely to include other notable sites such as a local horse farm or a volcanic crater like Kerid, depending on timing and weather. The tour’s flexibility means the guide might adapt the stops if cloud cover blocks Northern Lights viewing or if certain sites are more accessible on any given day.

Evening Northern Lights Experience

As evening falls, the tour transitions into its most enchanting part — the Northern Lights tour. Your driver-guide will take you to optimal viewing spots based on current weather conditions. Since this is a private tour, the experience is personalized, and your guide will try to find the clearest sky possible.

Reviewers highlight that the Northern Lights can be unpredictable, but the tour’s flexibility and local knowledge increase your chances of seeing a display. Some nights, the auroras are visible to the naked eye, while others may require a longer wait or camera assistance. You’ll be provided with pro photos during the tour, a thoughtful touch for capturing memories.

Transportation and Comfort

The private van seats up to 7 passengers, making it ideal for small groups or families who want a more intimate experience. The WiFi on board is a bonus, allowing you to share your trip in real time or check out Icelandic landscapes as you go. The ride itself is smooth and comfortable, with a professional driver who’s also knowledgeable about Iceland’s geography and culture.

Price and Value

At $1,475 for up to 7 people, the cost breaks down to roughly $211 per person, which is quite reasonable for a full-day private tour that includes multiple major sights, admission fees, and the tomato soup. The convenience of round-trip pickup, all logistics covered, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in one package add significant value for busy travelers.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring warm, layered clothing and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk around sites like Kerid or Thingvellir.
• Check the weather forecast before the tour, especially for the Northern Lights; clear skies increase your chances.
• The tour is dependent on weather and cloud cover for aurora viewing, so patience and flexibility are key.
• Since lunch isn’t included, consider bringing some snacks or plan for a meal before or after the tour.
• Reserve in advance, especially during peak seasons, as the tour’s private nature makes it popular.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers craving a personalized, hassle-free way to explore Iceland’s Golden Circle and chase the Northern Lights. If you value comfort, want a small group setting, and appreciate having admission fees and meals included, this tour hits the mark. It also suits those who prefer flexible scheduling, as the guide adjusts based on weather conditions to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras.

For travelers with limited time or those who want to avoid the complexities of arranging transport and logistics on their own, this tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized package. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a broad overview of Iceland’s natural beauty coupled with the magic of the Northern Lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?
The tour includes private transportation with WiFi, bottled water, snacks, hot tea, and all admission fees for the Golden Circle attractions. You’ll also enjoy a hearty tomato soup at Fridheimar Tomato Farm and an evening Northern Lights tour.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours, starting with pick-up from your accommodation and ending with the Northern Lights experience in the evening.

Is the Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?
Not exactly. The auroras depend entirely on weather and cloud conditions, so the guide will do their best to find a clear spot, but sightings can’t be promised.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for changes in plans or weather.

What should I bring?
Pack warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and a hat. It’s best to dress in layers to stay comfortable during outdoor stops and aurora viewing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the private, relaxed setting and short stops suggest it’s suitable for families with children, especially those comfortable with Icelandic weather.

Are meal options included?
Only the tomato soup at Fridheimar is included. Lunch or additional meals are not covered, so plan accordingly.

How does the guide enhance the experience?
The licensed driver/guide enhances the trip with local insights, helps with photo-taking, and adapts the Aurora chase based on conditions, making your experience more personal and engaging.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the van is well-equipped and seats up to 7 passengers, ensuring a cozy yet spacious ride with amenities like WiFi.

In The Sum Up

This private Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, authentic Icelandic experiences, and comfort. Its all-inclusive approach means you won’t have to worry about extra costs or logistics, freeing you to focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and the night sky. The flexibility and personalized service make it a strong choice for travelers wanting a private, hassle-free Iceland adventure.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the highlights or a seasoned traveler chasing the Northern Lights, this tour caters to those who value comfort, convenience, and memorable moments. It captures the essence of Iceland in one thoughtfully curated day, with the added magic of the auroras as the perfect nightcap.

You can check if your dates are available here: