From Reykjavík
From Reykjavík
Golden Circle & Magical Nights
The famous Golden Circle, a refreshing bath in a geothermal spa, delicious food and a hunt for the Northern Lights on a day tour from Reykjavík.
Tour code: CRE10
A Golden Circle & Northern Lights Combo Tour That Delights All of Your Senses
On our popular carbon neutral day tour from Reykjavík, we combine the famous Golden Circle route with stops at local farms for some traditional tastes, a visit to a local spa, and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Heading out of Reykjavík, we set our course through Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the local greenhouse, Friðheimar. There, we get a taste of their delicious and home grown tomato soup and freshly baked bread for lunch. Next, we visit the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall and the great Geysir geothermal area, where the reliable Strokkur geyser spouts hot water up to 30 m. After enjoying these jewels of Icelandic nature, we turn our attention back to the taste buds with a visit to the farm Efstidalur. There, we get a few samples of their local products, such as farm-produced Skyr and delicious ice cream. For those who are ready for some relaxation at the geothermal spa Fontana, guests can choose the spa as an extra activity, or relax in the roomy reception of Fontana spa. Next up is a 2-course dinner at the local restaurant Lindin, renowned for using local ingredients and its cozy atmosphere. After a nice meal, we head out to explore the mysterious nights of Iceland while we search for the magical Northern Lights.
If no northern lights are seen you have a change to re-book a Northern Lights tour with one of our partners subject to availability. Please contact our Sales and Service department.
Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, therefore sights cannot be guaranteed.
Tour Overview
- Pickup
- 30 min before departure
- Group Size
- Up to 15 per guide
- Active
- 4 - 5 hrs
- Language
- English
- Minimum age
- 10 years
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
10
Customer Reviews
Lots of companies offer tours of the GoldenCircle and you could drive through on your own, but you would be missing a lot. The "MagicalNights" tour from Icelandic Mountain Guides takes you to all of the GoldenCircle sites and enough less well known stops that the Golden Circle seems almost secondary. You'll see a centuries-old farm where you try authentic skyr (not like the stuff in grocery stores) and homemade ice cream. You'll stop at an amazing geothermal greenhouse with fantastic tomato soup. And you get dinner at a terrific restaurant at Laugarvartn (other tours take you to the cafeteria adjoining the hot springs at Laugarvartn which isn't bad but it has nothing on this restaurant).
Tour Highlights
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Transport in minibus
- Local tastes at Friðheimar (lunch)
- Local tastes at Efstidalur dairy farm
- Today’s special (dinner) and chocolate mousse dessert at Lindin Restaurant
- Change to re-book a Northern Lights Tour
Not included
- Rain gear
- Good shoes
- Warm clothing
- Drinks
- Towel & Bathing suit for Fontana
Optional extras
- Entrance Laugarvatn Fontana Spa
- Rain gear (jacket or pants)
- Hiking boots
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itineraryMap & Itinerary
Golden Circle & Magical Nights
A Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Tour That Delights All of Your Senses
Day Tour
Your fun-filled winter adventure begins with your professional driver guide picking you up in Reykjavík and whisking you off to some of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders.
The first stop along the Golden Circle is the historic Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following that, you will stop at Friðheimar for a delicious lunch. At this greenhouse and restaurant, you will taste delectable tomato soup and homemade bread.
After a filling lunch, you will head back out along the Golden Circle to visit the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall and the bubbling Geysir hot spring.
After viewing these stunning places, you will go to local farm to sample skyr, Icelandic yogurt, and ice cream. Following that, you can choose as an extra activity to take a dip in the luxurious Fontana spa before heading to Lindin for a fabulous two-course meal. Those who prefer not to go into the spa can relax in the the reception and restaurant area of Fontana. Guides sometimes do switch the order of Fontana and Lindin.
The rest of the evening is spent searching for the alluring Northern Lights.
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Practical Information
FAQ
Equipment List
How long in advance do I need to book?
We always recommend booking as soon as you are ready, especially if you have a strict travel schedule or a large group. It is easy to change or cancel 24 hours before departure by emailing us info (at) mountainguides.is. Tours can also be purchased on the day of the activity if any spots are available.
What if my hotel is not listed in the PU selection?
You can find the nearest pick-up location. You are welcome to email info (at) mountainguides.is to get help with finding an alternative pick-up location
When does the pick up start?
The pick ups starts 30 min before your tour's departure time. Please be ready at your bus stop in time.
What happens if we don't see the Northern Lights on the tour?
Because the northern lights are a natural phenomenon we can never guarantee seeing them. We have designed our tours so that you will have a fun and fulfilling day regardless of the northern lights. The northern lights hunting takes place at the very end of the tour and if we see lights that will be great but if not, you will still have had a fantastic day. But if we don't see the northern lights we will try to book you on other Northern Lights Tour the following days. These tours will only be focusing on the search for Northern Lights. Please contact our Sales and Service representatives in order to book such a tour .
What can I do if I choose not to go into Fontana?
At Fontana there is a roomy reception space where our guests can sit down and relax. They sell light refreshments, beer, tea and more. This can be the perfect time to catch up with family members and or share pictures on line. You can ask your guide for more information.
