Golden Circle Day Tours

The Golden Circle | Iceland’s best packed in a day

The Golden Circle is a whirlwind adventure through the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, showcasing Iceland’s most iconic wonders in just one day. Walk between tectonic plates locked in an ancient tug-of-war, feel the power of an erupting geyser, and marvel at a roaring waterfall that seems dipped in gold. Add to this the fiery reds of a volcanic crater and the mineral-rich waters of a geothermal lagoon, and you’ve got yourself a front-row seat to Iceland’s most diverse natural landscapes!

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Journey through Iceland's changing scenery

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, taking you through some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders in just one day. Explore Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss Falls. Best of all, the route offers flexible options, allowing you to personalize your experience.

Things to know before booking Golden Circle day tours

All Golden Circle tours include transfers from Reykjavik, usually starting at the Skogarhlio Terminal. If you are looking for something extra special, opt for the Secret Lagoon tour or the Langjokull snowmobile adventure. They offer direct pick-up and drop-off services at your accommodation, making your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.

No matter when you visit, there’s a Golden Circle package perfectly tailored to the season. The long daylight hours between June and August are ideal for exploring Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, while late August to mid-April offers the best aurora sightings. For those visiting in winter, look for Golden Circle tours paired with a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon. The warm waters and snowy surroundings make for the perfect combination, and you might even catch the Northern Lights while you unwind.

Take your Icelandic adventure to the next level with the Golden Circle and Langjokull Glacier combo. Feel the adrenaline rush as you zoom past rugged, snow-covered mountains in a massive Super Truck on your way to the snowmobile base camp at Langjokull. Take a leisurely walk to the Gullfoss waterfall and watch as the Hvalta River dramatically rushes into a canyon.

Experience the best of Iceland with the ultimate Iceland super combo. This all-in-one ticket takes you through the country’s most stunning landscapes, from the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park to the erupting Geysir Springs and the iconic ‘Golden’ Gullfoss Waterfall. You’ll also visit the vibrant Kerid Crater Lake and enjoy a relaxing soak at the Blue Lagoon. To top it all off, end your day with a thrilling Northern Lights chase. It’s perfect for anyone looking to see and do it all in one go!

Our Northern Lights tours are thoughtfully designed to give you the best chance of witnessing this magical phenomenon. An expert aurora team carefully surveys the KP index and weather conditions, only heading out when there’s a promising forecast of clear skies. The destination changes each night, depending on where the clearest skies are expected.

While tour guides do their best to choose the best locations each night, nature has the final say, and there’s always a chance that the aurora may not appear. But don’t worry, if you miss out, you can join another tour for free on the next available night and continue your Northern Lights adventure.

Most tours including stops at Kerid Crater and Blue Lagoon are suitable for travelers aged 5 and above. While parts of the Golden Circle route are accessible to wheelchair users, some trails leading to the fissures and waterfalls may be uneven or tricky to navigate. The Blue Lagoon, however, is fully equipped with ramps and accessible changing rooms, making sure everyone can enjoy a relaxing soak in its warm, mineral-rich waters.

Frequently asked questions about Golden Circle day tours

Are transfers included in all Golden Circle tours?

All Golden Circle day tours include hassle-free transfers from Reykjavik, with a few select options also offering pick-up and drop-off services from your accommodation. For Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon tours, pick-up begins 30 minutes before departure. The vehicles are equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers at each seat, so you can stay connected throughout the journey.

What languages are the tours conducted in?

All tours are conducted in English, with GPS-synced audio guides available in multiple languages: English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Finnish. The local guides offer expert insights into Iceland’s unique landscapes, history, and culture, making them a perfect addition to your Golden Circle itinerary.

Are there age restrictions for these tours?

Golden Circle day tours have specific age requirements. Children as young as 5 can visit the Blue Lagoon, while a Kerid Lake tour is suitable for visitors above 14 years of age. And, Northern Lights tours are only open to those 8 years and older.

What should I bring on my Golden Circle tour?

No matter which activities you choose, warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended for all Golden Circle tours, especially for outdoor activities like snowmobiling or Northern Lights chasing. If you plan to soak in the thermal waters, bring along a swimsuit and towels.

What if the Northern Lights are not visible during the tour?

While expert tour guides monitor real-time aurora forecasts and choose remote locations with clear skies and minimal light pollution, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. In case you do not see them, you can go on the next available tour with no extra charges.

Are meals included? Can I buy food during the tour?

Meals are not included in any of the Golden Circle tours. However, most itineraries have scheduled stops at places like Geysir and Gullfoss, where you can sample regional specialties like Icelandic lamb soup, fish and chips, and local beers. If you opt for the premium Blue Lagoon tours, you can enjoy complimentary drinks of your choice, enhancing your spa experience.

What is the difference between the Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon experiences?

The Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool, offering a more rustic, natural bathing experience in a quiet geothermal setting. The Blue Lagoon is a man-made spa known for its milky-blue, silica-rich waters set amidst a lava field. It offers a luxurious experience with modern facilities, including saunas, steam baths, and in-water massages.

How physically demanding are the tours?

The Golden Circle tours are generally not very physically demanding and are suitable for most fitness levels. You will mostly travel by bus or car to various sites, with short walks in and around attractions like Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerid Lake. Riding on a snowmobile truck at Langjokull might cause some physical discomfort, however, the Northern Lights chase and Blue Lagoon visits are comparatively more relaxed.