Private Winter Golden Circle Tour with Northern Lights

Our day begins in a place where Iceland’s natural forces and national roots intersect — Þingvellir. Here, the ground is slowly pulled apart by two massive tectonic plates: the North American and Eurasian. This ongoing separation has shaped the surrounding terrain into a dramatic rift zone, marked by visible faults and rocky fissures stretching across the landscape. The region is geologically active, with subtle shifts still sculpting it today.

Þingvellir is also deeply tied to the story of Iceland as a nation. In the year 930, it became the meeting point for the Althingi, one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions. Historic decisions were made here, including the island’s conversion to Christianity in the year 1000 and its official break from Danish rule in 1944. The ancient meeting site, including the Lögberg (law rock), still stands as a symbol of this legacy.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir also draws visitors for its natural beauty. It borders Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvallavatn, and during winter, it’s a popular spot for watching the aurora borealis dance across the sky.

Destination Highlights

• A walk between two tectonic plates
• Almannagjá Canyon
• Lögberg Law Rock
• Öxárfoss Waterfall
• Silfra fissure where two tectonic plates meet
• The historical Drowning Pool
• The coin-sparkling Peningagjá

Heading east through the rift valley, we reach Haukadalur — home to one of Iceland’s most active geothermal zones. This is one of the rare places where you can witness geothermal power right at the surface. Strokkur, the area's star attraction, blasts columns of hot water skyward every few minutes for visitors to see. Nearby lies the Great Geysir — now mostly dormant apart from the occasional eruption every few years. It's the first recorded geyser and where the word 'geyser' originates from.

You can enjoy a walk along marked routes and view geysers, mud pools and hot springs and catch an aerial view of the grounds by following the hillside path.

Always, stay on the marked path for your safety and watch your step.

Destination Highlights

• Strokkur erupting
• Geysir the oldest documented geyser
• Steaming hot springs
• Colorful bubbling mud pools

We arrive at Gullfoss, where the Hvítá river — fed by the Langjökull glacier — drops in two dramatic stages into a narrow canyon. The water falls a total of 32 meters, crashing into the gorge below. It’s one of Iceland’s most visited natural landmarks, known for both its force and its beauty.

In the early 20th century, there were plans to harness the falls for hydroelectric power. The idea was met with fierce resistance, and one local woman famously vowed to throw herself into the canyon if construction began. The project was eventually dropped, leaving Gullfoss untouched and a monument dedicated to the defender of the falls.

Destination Highlights

• Getting up close to the waterfall

After visiting the Golden Circle attractions your driver will have a good idea of where the best conditions are for a Northern Light viewing.

Where that place is remains a mystery until the day of and you're on the road. 

Here are just a few things to consider taking with you on your day out:

• Warm layers - Places inland tend to be colder than Reykjavík
• Winter Coat - For keeping warm under the Northern Lights
• Water & Windproof layers - The weather changes fast in Iceland
• Food and Drinks - We'll make sure to also stop along the way
• Hiking boots - Sturdy shoes are better in these landscapes
• Fully charged Camera