Discover Iceland's wonders with the Golden Circle tour and Northern Lights Combo! Today, you can experience Iceland's iconic sites and magical auroras.
Iceland. The name alone conjures up images of surreal landscapes, waterfalls tumbling from frozen cliffs, volcanoes spewing lava, and the dreamlike glow of the northern lights dancing across the sky. But for my cousin Vittoria and me, Iceland was more than just a fantasy destination—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the raw, untamed beauty of nature, all in one incredible day.
Our adventure beyond the city’s borders began with Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia and their Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo Deal, and let me tell you, it was everything we had imagined and more. Truly, it was the epitome of what to do in Reykjavik in the winter (even though, technically, it occurred beyond the city’s borders).
From the moment we set foot in this nation, we knew we were in for something special. The vibrant charm, modern Icelandic culture, and proximity to some of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the world made it the perfect base for our journey. But what really made this tour stand out was its perfect blend of iconic sights, local expertise, and the thrill of chasing the elusive northern lights.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to witness nature’s majesty firsthand, this is the tour that will leave you speechless.
The Golden Circle Tour: Iceland’s Best in a Day
If you only have one day in Iceland, you can’t leave without seeing the Golden Circle. Consider it a crash course in Icelandic wonders—minus the homework. The Golden Circle encompasses three of the country’s most famous natural attractions: Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park. And while we were fortunate to visit them all, it wasn’t just the breathtaking landscapes that made this experience unforgettable—it was the way each stop connected us to the very heart of Iceland itself.
Our journey began with a bus ride from Reykjavik, which was surprisingly comfy—complete with free Wi-Fi so we could share our excitement with the world. As we set off toward our first stop, I couldn’t help but feel that sense of anticipation. What would these legendary sites really look like in person?
Geysir: Iceland’s geothermal wonderland greeted us first, and it was just as captivating as I had imagined. Geysir is the birthplace of the term ‘geyser,’ and for good reason. This geothermal region is alive with activity, with steam rising from the earth and geysers erupting every few minutes. The most famous of these is Strokkur, a mighty force that sends water shooting into the air every 5 to 10 minutes.
Eruption of the geyser Strokkur. Video by Emily Fata.
Vittoria and I couldn’t help but stand there in awe as we watched the powerful eruptions. It was as if the earth itself was putting on a show just for us. The smell of sulphur was a reminder that we were standing on top of one of the most active geothermal areas in the world, but it only added to the experience.
Gullfoss: Next, we made our way to Gullfoss, Iceland’s crown jewel of waterfalls. As we approached, we could hear the thunderous roar of the water crashing down into the canyon below. Standing at the edge of the falls, you can feel the power of the water as it tumbles in two majestic stages. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that makes you appreciate the untamed beauty of Iceland.
The weather was crisp, and as we made our way down a staircase to get a different view of the falls, we were treated to a misty, rainbow-filled scene. It was almost like the waterfall was putting on its own dazzling display, just for us. Trust me, if you visit Gullfoss, be sure to make the climb to get that different angle—it’s worth it.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park: Our last stop on the Golden Circle was Thingvellir National Park, and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been more in awe of a place. Thingvellir is not just a stunning natural wonder; it’s the birthplace of Icelandic democracy. It’s where the island’s first parliament was established in 930 AD, making it a site of immense historical importance.
As we hiked through the park, we couldn’t help but marvel at its beauty. The area sits between two tectonic plates—the North American and Eurasian plates—and you can actually walk between them. That’s right: you’re standing on the boundary between two continents! The landscape was dotted with crystal-clear lakes, dramatic cliffs, and lush greenery, making it a true geological wonder. Vittoria and I had a blast taking in the sights and reflecting on the park’s historical significance.
The Aurora Borealis: Nature’s Light Show
After our Golden Circle tour, we had some time to recharge in Reykjavik before heading out for the evening’s most anticipated experience: the Northern Lights. Seeing the aurora borealis has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and I was hoping that tonight would be the night. As we gathered at the BSÍ Bus Terminal, our excitement was palpable. Would we get to see the northern lights? Or would we be left in the cold, hoping for a glimpse of the mysterious phenomenon?
The Northern Lights tour is not something you just sign up for and hope it happens. No, this tour is led by local experts who have mastered the art of aurora chasing. They monitor weather conditions and solar activity to find the best possible spots for a viewing. We left Reykjavik, venturing into the dark Icelandic countryside, away from the city lights, where the auroras would have the best chance to shine.
When the lights finally appeared—swirling green, purple, and pink—they were nothing short of magical. I could barely find the words to describe it. The sky was alive, as if nature was dancing to its own rhythm, and we were lucky enough to witness it. Vittoria and I stood there, mouths agape, for what felt like hours, mesmerized by the beauty unfolding above us. The colours shifted and rippled, creating a scene that felt almost otherworldly. It was a moment that made all the travel hassles, the long journey, and the cold temperatures worth it.
And the best part? If you don’t see the Northern Lights on your first tour, Reykjavik Excursions lets you join another tour free of charge. How’s that for service?
Why the Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo is Worth It
There are plenty of tours in Iceland, but the Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo is something truly special. It gives you the best of both worlds: a daytime exploration of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, followed by an evening adventure to chase the Northern Lights. You’ll experience the stunning beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders during the day, and at night, you’ll be treated to a celestial light show that most people only dream of.
What I love most about this combo tour is that it’s designed for those who are short on time but still want to experience Iceland’s highlights. With a total duration of about 9 hours, you get to see some of Iceland’s most famous sights and still have the chance to experience the elusive aurora borealis. It’s the ultimate Icelandic experience in one incredible day.
What to Expect on the Tour
The Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo is accessible to travellers of all ages and fitness levels. The tour is easygoing and doesn’t require any strenuous hiking, but it’s still packed with excitement. You’ll spend most of the day on the bus, but don’t worry—it’s comfortable, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Plus, the free Wi-Fi on the bus means you can share your adventure with friends in real-time (because it's nice to keep people in the loop).
For those worried about the weather (and let’s be real, Iceland is known for its unpredictable conditions), the tour is prepared for all kinds of weather. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is dressing in layers, as the Icelandic winter can be chilly. But don’t let that stop you from exploring! Bring a good pair of shoes for walking on icy paths, and consider grabbing some crampons for added traction. Better safe than sorry, right?
Iceland’s Natural Beauty Awaits You
Iceland is a country that captures the imagination like no other. Its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and powerful natural forces will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a dream. But there’s only one way to truly understand Iceland’s magic—and that’s to experience it for yourself.
Vittoria and I are already planning our next adventure in Iceland, and I can’t wait to go back. If you’ve been debating whether Iceland should be on your bucket list, the Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo tour will show you why it should be at the top. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Iceland’s best sights in a short amount of time, and the chance to see the Northern Lights is the cherry on top.
All in All
If Iceland has been on your bucket list, it’s time to make that dream a reality. Book the Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo Tour with Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia, and prepare to be amazed by Iceland’s natural wonders. From the geothermal power of Geysir to the majestic beauty of Gullfoss, and finally, the mesmerizing northern lights, Iceland is waiting for you. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and let Iceland work its magic on you. The adventure of a lifetime is just a click away!
Iceland looks like a really cool place to visit. I would really like to see Geysir and see a geyser for real, but your video was awesome to watch.
What a beautiful place. I was in Iceland once, but never left the airport. Now I wish I did!!
The Golden Circle- I need to be there! Your description had me totally enthralled! I am all about nature’s little gems like this, and Iceland clearly has a lot! Thanks for sharing!
Both of them are amazing places to visit and that is such a great deal to get. I would love to have a staycation with the family in Iceland someday!