My 26 year old son and I are headed to Iceland the last week of January for 5 full days/4 nights. We’ll be based in Reykjavik at the IcelandAir Marina Residences, and we’re booked on a full day trip tour on day 2 of the trip by Reykjavik Excursions to the Golden Circle, plus snowmobiling on the Langjökull glacier.

Of course, we also want to see the aurora so we’re keeping our nights open for that. Given our set up, what other day trip should we book? What tour organizers are recommended for that, as well as best Northern Lights tours?

We’re skipping the blue lagoon. Too touristy. I’ve heard about the Fontana thermal pool. Anyone have a positive recommendation on that? Thanks!

I preferred the Blue Lagoon. We had a private guide so can't help on day trip/tours but know there are a number of good options. The northern lights can be very fickle no guarantee that you'll see them so don't know if anyone would actually have a specific tour for them.

If you have an aversion to tourists then cancel your trip. Most of the sites in Iceland are swamped with tour parties and in using your time to participate in tours you are contributing to the problem.

No idea why you are skipping the Blue Lagoon. It is a corporate experience not a rustic termal pool, they have a professional set up and in the dark, with their lighting and while we were there, with The Aurora it is a good experience.

If you are looking for a wilderness experience then you will be disappointed, all the F roads are closed in winter which leaves hoards of tourists heading for the usuall suspect sites on the Golden Cirlce, Glaciers and waterfalls.

Thanks and understood about seeing the northern lights. Who was your private guide? I much prefer private guides myself.

The company is Gateway to Iceland www.gtice.is Our guides name was Andre.
British is right about crowds. There are IMO two definitions of touristy. One means the visiting site is probably not that special so there are lots of cheap souvenir shops, places selling ice cream, overpriced teashops etc. The other definition of touristy simply means the site is popular enough to attract large crowds of fellow tourists. If you don't want any place too touristy you will eliminate some of the world's greatest sites. Think of Edinburgh Castle, the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis the Collosium in Rome etc. All worth seeing but all crowded with tourists.

Would love to see your report when you get back as my husband and I are going Feb 8-16. We’ve booked all our tours through When In Iceland, and just dealing with them has been a wonderful experience (in case you are still looking to book anything). If you are, one tour we are doing that is more adventurous that we are so excited for is Snorkeling Silfra, which is the tectonic rift between the Eurasian plate and the North American plate. Regarding the northern lights, from what I’ve researched many tour companies do provide guided tours to get you out of the city and to the best viewing spots, and if you do not see the lights they offer a free opportunity to go again until you see them or your trip is over. We actually have two nights booked with the tour company (one is a combo with Jokulsarlon and the other with the South Coast Waterfalls).