2-Day Golden Circle & South Coast Tour with Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Chase from Reykjavik

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2-Day Golden Circle & South Coast Tour with Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Chase from Reykjavik

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Starting time

at 08:50

Duration

2 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Languages

English

Difficulty

Easy

Available

All year

Minimum age

None

3,123 reviews

Description

Explore the Golden Circle and the South Coast like never before on an exciting 2-day tour of Iceland. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to chase the northern lights, hike glaciers, and discover Iceland's top attractions and hidden gems with an expert guide.

Over two days, you won't need to worry about anything. From navigating the roads and planning an itinerary to purchasing tickets for every attraction, everything is arranged so you can focus on the adventure.

This tour is designed with expert local knowledge, ensuring an unforgettable experience while saving you time and money. You'll travel with an English-speaking guide who brings Iceland's history, geology, and folklore to life through fascinating stories.

This fully guided tour in Iceland offers a stress-free two-day trip to the Golden Circle and the South Coast, two of the most popular regions in the country near Reykjavik. With a small group size, you’ll enjoy a more personal and immersive journey from start to finish.

The Golden Circle welcomes you to some of Iceland's most famous natural landmarks. Witness the erupting geysers of the Geysir Geothermal Area, the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, and the rift valley of the Thingvellir National Park.

At the South Coast, you'll see Iceland's most dramatic natural wonders. Discover the thundering cascades of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, the hidden canyon waterfall of Gljufrabui, and the striking black sand beach of Reynisfjara.

One of the highlights of your guided tour in Iceland is glacier hiking at Solheimajokull. Like many glaciers, Solheimajokull is shrinking rapidly. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness a natural wonder that may soon be gone.

If you're visiting in late autumn or winter, the tour includes a chance to chase the northern lights from Reykjavik. At night, your guide will take you into Iceland's countryside, where dark skies offer the best viewing conditions to spot the aurora borealis.

Although the northern lights steal the spotlight in the colder months, Iceland's summer has its own charm. With nearly endless daylight, you get more time to explore. Waterfalls gleam in the soft glow of the midnight sun, moss-covered lava fields stretch endlessly, and coastal cliffs bustle with seabirds returning to nest.

While the tour does not offer accommodation, your experience is made convenient with a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle and pick-up and drop-off from designated locations in Reykjavik.

Make your adventure in Iceland unforgettable with this 2-day Golden Circle and South Coast tour. Check availability now by choosing a date.

Included

English-speaking guide

Guided tour of the Golden Circle

Guided tour of the South Coast

Glacier hiking with safety equipment

Northern lights hunt (available from September to April under favorable conditions)

Activities

Glacier Hiking

Sightseeing

Northern lights hunting

Map

Attractions

Thingvellir National Park

Geysir

Gullfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Gljufrabui

Skogafoss

Solheimajokull Glacier

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

South Coast

Öxarárfoss

Strokkur

Almannagjá

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

Day one of your 2-day tour in Iceland takes you on a Golden Circle adventure, where three of Iceland's top attractions await.

Your day begins in the morning with a seamless pick-up from Reykjavik in a comfortable minibus. As you set off, your guide will share fascinating insights about the adventure ahead. The minibus has Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected as you travel along the Golden Circle.

Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-listed site and the only place in the world where you can stand between two tectonic plates. Walk through the dramatic Almannagja Gorge, where rugged cliffs frame the icy Oxararfoss Waterfall, creating a picture-perfect scene.

Continue your Iceland tour at the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to the first named geyser in the world. Follow winding trails past bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and geysers that erupt with boiling water.

While Geysir is now dormant, its neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every 5-10 minutes, sending 98 feet (30 meters) of hot water and steam soaring into the air. Keep your camera ready for an incredible shot!

A short drive takes you to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous sights. As you approach, the roar of the two-tiered icy cascade crashing into the Hvita River gets louder. In winter, cold mist swirls around frozen cliffs, transforming the falls into a breathtaking spectacle. The viewing platforms at Gullfoss are open year-round, letting you get up close to the roaring falls.

After your Golden Circle tour, you'll return to Reykjavik for an exciting northern lights adventure in Iceland. With your guide, you'll head into the countryside, where the clear, dark skies offer the perfect spot to see the aurora borealis.

With some luck and favorable weather conditions, you'll witness the northern lights dancing in green, pink, or even violet streaks across the Arctic sky.

Please note that the northern lights can only be observed from September to April due to the longer and darker nights.

Afterwards, you'll return to downtown Reykjavik, filled with memories of Iceland's awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders. Rest up, as tomorrow brings even more adventures.

Day 2

Day 2 - South Coast and Glacier Hiking

On day two of this multi-day tour in Iceland, you'll journey along the South Coast, a region famous for its dramatic natural wonders. From frozen waterfalls and black sand beaches to snow-dusted glaciers, each stop will captivate you with its icy charm.

Your first stop is the majestic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most popular sights. The 197-foot (60-meter) drop is lovely any time of year, but in winter, snow blankets the ground and icicles hang from the concave cliffs. Wear waterproof clothing to enjoy this epic view.

Just a five-minute trek from Seljalandsfoss is Gljufrabui, a secret waterfall tucked inside a canyon. You'll follow a small trail to access the narrow gap in the cliff where the waterfall is hidden. It's quiet, dramatic, and often missed by the crowds.

Next up is Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls. At 197 feet (60 meters) tall and 80 feet (25 meters) wide, its sheer size will take your breath away. Hear the thunderous roar of the falls as they crash into the river, echoing through a frozen landscape of snow and glistening icicles.

After exploring three waterfalls, it's time for an exciting glacier hike at Solheimajokull, an outlet glacier of Myrdalsjokull. Your guide will gear you up with crampons and helmets before leading you across Iceland’s vast frozen landscape.

Along the way, you'll witness the raw power of nature as you walk over blue ice, explore deep crevasses, and see jagged formations that shift with the season. Your guide will highlight the unique ice formations and explain how climate change rapidly shrinks the glacier.

From the icy terrain, your South Coast tour continues to the world-famous Reynisfjara Beach. Admire the towering basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks rising from the ocean. The contrast between the jet-black sand, crashing waves, and the ever-changing coastal light creates an unforgettable scene.

After a day of breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences, you'll return to Reykjavik. The dramatic landscape slowly fades as you near the city, but the memories of Iceland's natural wonders will stay with you long after.

What to bring

Warm, waterproof clothing

Sturdy hiking boots

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Camera

Snacks and water

Good to know

Since the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. For the best chance to see the northern lights in Iceland, plan your visit between September and April. During these months, longer nights and clearer skies create the perfect conditions for witnessing this spectacular display.