Send Query

Northern Lights plus Golden Circle Iceland

PACKAGES

24x7 Customer Support
Quality Assured
Stress Free Experience
Easy and Secure Booking

Few travel experiences can compare to combining the dazzling beauty of the Northern Lights with the natural wonders of Iceland’s Golden Circle. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, paint the Arctic night sky with ribbons of green, purple, and pink, creating unforgettable memories for travelers who journey north in search of this celestial spectacle. Meanwhile, the Golden Circle showcases some of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, including geysers, powerful waterfalls, and the rift valley where two continents meet. Together, these two highlights offer an extraordinary adventure that captures the very essence of Iceland’s magic.

Why Combine the Northern Lights with the Golden Circle ?

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, while the Northern Lights are one of the most coveted natural wonders on earth. By booking a Northern Lights plus Golden Circle Iceland tour, you maximize your time and ensure you experience both daytime and nighttime wonders. During the day, you’ll explore unique landscapes shaped by geothermal energy and glacial rivers. By night, you’ll head into the countryside, far away from city lights, to hunt for aurora dancing in the sky. It’s the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and natural beauty in one package. ..

Read More

What Is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer loop starting from Reykjavik and covering three main attractions:

  • Thingvellir National Park : A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart. It’s rich in history, being the site of Iceland’s first parliament, Alþingi.
  • Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and Strokkur, the geyser that erupts every few minutes, sending boiling water into the sky.
  • Gullfoss Waterfall: One of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic waterfalls, cascading dramatically into a rugged canyon.

Many Golden Circle tours also include optional stops at Kerid Crater, Fontana Geothermal Baths, or secret hot springs along the route.

The Magic of the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights occur when charged solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles. In Iceland, this phenomenon is visible between late September and mid-April when long, dark nights create ideal conditions. While sightings are never guaranteed, guided tours maximize your chances by monitoring weather forecasts, cloud cover, and solar activity. Whether seen from a countryside lodge, a Super Jeep tour, or even during a boat ride from Reykjavik, the Northern Lights remain one of the world’s most breathtaking natural displays.

What’s Included in Northern Lights plus Golden Circle Tours?

These combined packages vary by provider, but they often include:

  • Golden Circle Day Tour: A full-day guided excursion covering Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
  • Northern Lights Tour: Evening aurora hunting with expert guides by bus, Super Jeep, or boat.
  • Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik hotels or central meeting points.
  • Guides: Experienced English-speaking guides who share geology, culture, and aurora insights.
  • Optional Add-ons: Blue Lagoon entry, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, or ice cave visits for a complete Icelandic experience.

Types of Tours Available

  • Day and Night Combo Tours: Explore the Golden Circle during the day and join an evening Northern Lights hunt the same night.
  • Multi-Day Packages: Combine 2–4 days of sightseeing with nightly aurora hunting for higher chances of success.
  • Luxury Private Tours: Travel in comfort with a private guide, luxury SUV, and personalized itineraries.
  • Small Group Tours: Ideal for travelers who prefer more intimate groups, often capped at 8–12 participants.
  • Adventure Combos: Add glacier hiking, snowmobiling, or hot spring visits to your itinerary for added thrill.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for a Northern Lights and Golden Circle package is between September and April. Winter months (November to February) offer the darkest skies and highest aurora activity but also colder conditions. Autumn and early spring provide slightly warmer temperatures, fewer crowds, and still excellent aurora visibility. For those hoping to enjoy snowy landscapes, January and February are particularly stunning, though travelers should be prepared for shorter daylight hours.

Where You’ll Stay

Accommodation depends on the package you choose. Many tours are day trips from Reykjavik, allowing you to stay in the city while exploring nearby attractions. However, some packages include countryside lodges or hotels, strategically located away from light pollution, providing the best chance of seeing the aurora right outside your window. Luxury options may even include glass igloos or boutique lodges designed for stargazing.

Highlights of the Experience

  • Thingvellir National Park: Stand between two tectonic plates and walk through a rift valley steeped in history.
  • Geysir Geothermal Area: Watch Strokkur erupt into the sky while the ground steams beneath your feet.
  • Gullfoss Waterfall: Marvel at Iceland’s most photographed waterfall, especially beautiful when framed by winter snow.
  • Aurora Hunting: Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland’s pristine countryside with expert guidance.
  • Optional Spa Visits: Unwind in geothermal waters like the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon after a day of adventure.

Who Should Book This Tour?

The Northern Lights plus Golden Circle Iceland tour is perfect for:

  • First-Time Visitors: It covers Iceland’s most iconic sights in a single trip.
  • Couples: Ideal for a romantic getaway under the aurora with stunning daytime explorations.
  • Families: Kid-friendly tours make it easy to combine sightseeing with magical aurora experiences.
  • Adventure Travelers: Add glacier activities or snowmobiling for extra excitement.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Capture daylight landscapes and nighttime auroras for a diverse portfolio.

Tips for a Successful Trip

  • Dress Warmly: Temperatures can be very cold, especially at night. Layer clothing, wear thermal gear, and pack gloves and hats.
  • Bring a Camera: DSLR or mirrorless cameras with tripods capture the aurora best. Some tours even help with photography settings.
  • Be Flexible: Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Multiple-night tours increase your chances.
  • Book Early: Golden Circle and Northern Lights tours are among the most popular in Iceland and sell out quickly in winter.
  • Choose Small Groups: If you value personal attention, small group tours or private options are worth considering.
Read Less

 

Popular Package in Iceland

faqs

Combining the Northern Lights with the Golden Circle in Iceland is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country’s natural wonders. From geysers and waterfalls by day to shimmering auroras by night, this tour offers a balanced blend of adventure and beauty. Whether you choose a quick day-and-night combo, a luxury private tour, or a multi-day package, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. For those seeking both the earthly and celestial highlights of Iceland, this package is the perfect choice.

Conclusion

Combining the Northern Lights with the Golden Circle in Iceland is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country’s natural wonders. From geysers and waterfalls by day to shimmering auroras by night, this tour offers a balanced blend of adventure and beauty. Whether you choose a quick day-and-night combo, a luxury private tour, or a multi-day package, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. For those seeking both the earthly and celestial highlights of Iceland, this package is the perfect choice.

ICELAND SPECIAL OFFERS

SAVE UP TO 10% ON SELECTED TRAVELS EXPERIENCE IN 2025.

OUR ICELAND TOUR REVIEWS

See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.

John & Marian
Australia

A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.

John Legend
United States

A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.

Jeff Daniels
United States

A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".

Mel Gibson
Ireland

Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.