Most reviewed
From Reykjavik
Full day by coach, with Kerið
For a first trip: the most reviewed tour here by far, with the three main stops and Kerið.
The Golden Circle in winter
Open all year, with far less daylight: what changes on the road and at the stops.
- From
- €70
- Duration
- 6 to 11 h
- Tours compared
- 28
Is the Golden Circle open in winter?
Yes: the route stays open and its main roads are serviced.
Gullfoss and Þingvellir are open at all hours, and the Geysir area all year. What changes is the light and the ice.
At Gullfoss, the paths to the lower platforms sometimes close. At Kerið, snow can cover the red walls and the lake can freeze entirely. Its own site says it is open while the sun is up.
How many hours of daylight are there?
From about 6 hours in mid-November to about 4 at the solstice.
Measured in Reykjavik. Start early: on the shortest days, the sun rises after 11:00.
15 November
09:56 to 16:27, about 6 h 30.
21 December
11:22 to 15:29, about 4 h 07.
15 January
10:55 to 16:19, about 5 h 24.
15 February
09:23 to 18:01, about 8 h 37.
15 March
07:47 to 19:27, about 11 h 40.
What are the best Golden Circle tours in winter?
A classic day leaves the driving to someone else.
The northern lights and the glacier fill the rest of a winter day.
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The route alone
From €70.
Small group
Pickup in Reykjavik
Full day in a small group, with Kerið
For a full day in a group of 19 at most, with pickup included.
With the northern lights
From €145. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Second try free
From Reykjavik
Golden Circle and northern lights, second try free
For a second chance: if you see no lights, you can join again for free.
Late night
From Reykjavik
Golden Circle by day, northern lights at night
For a single day with both: the route first, then a guide for the northern lights.
With a snowmobile
From €295. The weather can cancel the ride.
Most reviewed snowmobile
From Reykjavik
Golden Circle and 1 hour by snowmobile on Langjökull
For an hour on the glacier, in the most reviewed of these tours.
16 people at most
Pickup in Reykjavik
Snowmobile day with Kerið, 16 people at most
For the same hour on the glacier in a small group, reaching it by super jeep, with Kerið.
Compare in detail
Prices and ratings are read from GetYourGuide. Prices are rounded up. Last checked on 4 Nov.
Every tour here is free to cancel up to 24 hours before it starts.
| Tour | Duration | Starts | Min. age | Rating | From | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The route alone | ||||||
Most reviewedFull day by coach, with KeriðBusTravel IcelandGroup size: Up to 65 peopleStops and time there: Kerið 20 min, Gullfoss 45 min, Geysir 80 min, Þingvellir 45 minKeep in mind: Departures at noon or later skip Kerið. Allow 7 to 8.5 hours, and it can carry up to 65 people. What's includedIncluded
Not included
| 7 h | Bus Stop 12, Reykjavik, or pickup as an option | 2 years | €83 | See dates: Full day by coach, with Kerið | |
Full day in a small group, with KeriðNicetravelGroup size: Up to 19 peopleKeep in mind: Lunch is not included. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 8 h | Pickup in Reykjavik | 5 years | €109 | See dates: Full day in a small group, with Kerið | |
| With the northern lights | ||||||
Golden Circle and northern lights, second try freeIcelandiaKeep in mind: Sightings are not guaranteed. Pickup is not included in the base price. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 9 h | BSÍ bus terminal, Reykjavik, or pickup as an option | €140 | See dates: Golden Circle and northern lights, second try free | ||
Golden Circle by day, northern lights at nightGray Line IcelandGroup size: Up to 59 peopleStops and time there: Þingvellir 45 min, Geysir 1 h, Gullfoss 1 hKeep in mind: Rated 4.1, the lowest here. From 1 October to 14 March the lights part runs from 21:00 to midnight. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 9 h | BSÍ bus terminal, Reykjavik, or pickup as an option | €145 | See dates: Golden Circle by day, northern lights at night | ||
| With a snowmobile | ||||||
Golden Circle and 1 hour by snowmobile on LangjökullIcelandiaStops and time there: Þingvellir, Geysir 1 h, Gullfoss, LangjökullKeep in mind: Two people share a snowmobile, and the driver needs a licence. Weather can cancel the ride. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 10 h | BSÍ bus terminal, Reykjavik, or pickup as an option | 5 years | €295 | See dates: Golden Circle and 1 hour by snowmobile on Langjökull | |
Snowmobile day with Kerið, 16 people at mostSnowmobile.isGroup size: Up to 16 peopleStops and time there: Þingvellir 30 min, Geysir 1 h, Langjökull 1 h, Gullfoss 35 min, Kerið 15 minKeep in mind: Minimum age 8. Weather can cancel the ride, and the driver needs a licence. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 10 h | Pickup in Reykjavik | 8 years | €315 | See dates: Snowmobile day with Kerið, 16 people at most | |
What should you settle before going in winter?
The road, your departure and your clothes.
The road
Route 35 can be icy, so check road.is before you leave. Gullfoss's own site says the same for the weather.
Your departure
With so little daylight, a morning departure sees more. Note that on the most reviewed tour, departures at noon or later skip Kerið.
Your clothes
Tours advise warm, waterproof clothes, a hat and gloves, and good shoes. At Gullfoss, add a raincoat for the spray.
Is the Golden Circle worth it in winter?
Yes, if you accept short days: the waterfall and the crater look different under snow.
Can you see the northern lights on the Golden Circle?
Sometimes, but nothing guarantees it. Two tours add a night outing: Golden Circle by day, northern lights at night from 1 October to 14 March runs it from 21:00 to midnight, and Golden Circle and northern lights, second try free lets you join again for free if you see nothing.
How long does the Golden Circle take in winter?
Tours keep their length: 6 h 30 to 7 h for a classic day. On your own, plan the drive around the daylight, which can be as short as about 4 hours.
The itineraryCan you drive the Golden Circle in winter?
Yes, no 4x4 is needed to reach Gullfoss, and the main roads are serviced. But Route 35 can be icy, so check road.is first.
Is the visitor centre at Þingvellir open?
From November to March, it opens from 09:00 to 17:00.
Can you go on a snowmobile in winter?
Tours run on Langjökull, but the operator can cancel for the weather, and the driver needs a licence. Golden Circle and 1 hour by snowmobile on Langjökull gives a full refund if it is cancelled.
Coming in summer instead?
The route is the same, with about 21 hours of light in June.