Golden Circle, Glacier Snowmobiling & Northern Lights

Your adventure begins at a pick-up location in downtown Reykjavik. Joining other adventurers, you’ll board a minibus and drive off to explore the wonders of the Golden Circle.

You’ll first stop and explore the Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. It’s a historical site where the Icelandic parliament was created, making it one of the oldest in the world. Geologically, it’s a world wonder like no other. Here, two tectonic plates pull away from each other very slowly. This allows you to walk between them and see how massive the cracks are up close.

Next, you’ll travel to enjoy the views at Geysir Hot Springs. But remember, you’ll be observing the sight from a safe distance. The erupting water is boiling, making it dangerous to touch but incredibly beautiful to watch. Snap photos of the blasts, and as you wait, examine the multiple fumaroles that dot the area.

Upon arrival at the Langjökull Glacier base camp, you’ll gear up to tackle the snow. Trained glacier guides will thoroughly explain safety protocols and practice procedures for snowmobile driving.

For approximately one hour, you will explore the vast, snowy landscape of the glacier. Witness ice formations and volcanic craters. If the weather is just right, you might see mountains dotting the horizon in front of you.

Round up the Golden Circle with a visit to Gullfoss Waterfall, which means the ‘Golden Falls’ in Icelandic. Comprising two tiers, the first plunges 36 feet (11 meters), while the second drops 68 feet (21 meters). Together, the 104-foot (32-meter) cascade of water is as powerful as it is picturesque. Be careful on the pathways, as it gets slippery during the colder months.

On the drive back to Reykjavík, you’ll stop at Kerið, a volcanic crater with a lake at the bottom and some of the boldest colors on the Golden Circle. From the rim, you can look straight down into the bowl-shaped caldera—red slopes, dark lava rock, and bright water that changes tone with the light.

What makes Kerið more than just a pretty view is the story in its shape. It formed when magma drained from beneath the volcano, and the ground above sank inward to create the bowl-shaped crater. In colder months, the paths can be icy, so take your time and watch your footing.

Leaving the glacier behind us, you’ll get a moment to relax in Reykjavik. You’ll recharge your battery with food and conversation. And trust us, you’ll need that energy for the last part of the tour - Northern Lights hunting.

As the night draws near, we’ll leave the capital, looking for the Aurora Borealis. Where will we end up? It depends on the weather and recent aurora activity forecasts. But rest assured, we’ll steer clear of bright city areas. We may explore Þingvellir, Reykjanes, or other peaceful spots in South Iceland, where winter nights are as dark as they get.

If luck is on our side, you'll have a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular phenomena on Earth. Your guide will take pictures of you with the aurora in the sky, ensuring the experience stays long after you leave Iceland.

After the evening drive, you'll be dropped off in Reykjavik at your chosen location.

• All glacier and adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of their participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk. 

• As the success of the Northern Lights tour is heavily dependent on weather conditions, it may be possible that the Aurora Borealis will not be visible on your trip. If the lights are not seen, we offer clients the chance to join a minibus Northern Lights tour free of charge upon availability. Note that you need to contact us to re-book. 

• We might shake things up a bit depending on weather, road, and glacier conditions. Therefore, we reserve the right to change your tour – but fear not, your safety is our top priority! Your epic journey is in good hands! 

• If you don’t have a valid driver's license, it’s not a problem. You can request an extra guide with additional cost via email, and they will take the reins. 

• You’re welcome to bring your own packed lunch, or you can buy food during a short lunch break around midday.