Grand Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle day tour is one of the most popular trips in Iceland, as it covers the most iconic and diverse attractions that the land of fire and ice has to offer. The Golden Circle in Iceland refers to the three primary sights along a 300 kilometer (186.4 miles) route, with many other delightful, smaller-scale attractions scattered in between.
On our day tour, we will visit all of the main sights, and if time allows, we will make a few extra stops along the way, so you can see even more of Iceland.
First, we’ll visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a living testament to Iceland’s rich history and geological significance. Here, you’ll stroll through the very rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart, a mesmerizing sight that highlights the dynamic forces shaping our planet.
Next, prepare to be awestruck by the mesmerizing display of nature’s power at Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur. Marvel at the explosive eruptions of Strokkur, a geyser that shoots scalding hot water high into the air with impressive regularity, creating an otherworldly spectacle against Iceland’s rugged terrain.
Continuing our journey, we’ll encounter the golden cascade of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Feel the mist on your skin as you stand in awe of this roaring testament to the raw beauty of nature, where glacial meltwaters plunge dramatically into a deep canyon, leaving visitors spellbound by its sheer grandeur.
And last but certainly not least, we’ll make a stop at the breathtaking Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake (*A friendly reminder: We won’t be stopping at the Kerid volcanic crater lake for any departures at 12:00 pm and later). Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of this volcanic crater, filled with stunning turquoise waters that contrast against the rugged volcanic rock formations. Whether you’re admiring the colors of the lake or exploring its depths, Kerið is a place you’ll always remember.
Get ready for a day full of excitement as we explore these amazing natural sights in Iceland’s Golden Circle!
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Professional guide
- Free Wifi on board
- Entrance fee to Kerið Crater (Kerið not included on 12:00 or later departures)
- Pickup and drop off
- Food or drink
- Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always useful in Iceland.
- All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out
- The tour allows time for a lunch stop at Geysir Visitor Center
- Disclaimer: Duration of tour is 8,5 hrs. Please be aware that the tour could run longer if affected by bad weather or other delays.
- For 12:00 and later departures, tour duration is 7 hours, and Kerið crater is not featured
- Cancellation Policy: Cancellation fee of 100% if cancelled 1 day or less before departure
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Pick-upReykjavíkPlease allow up to 30 minutes for the bus to reach your location. We are collecting people from various places across the city which can take time.
1 Kerið Volcanic CraterWe will first make a stop at the Kerid Crater in the Golden Circle, a volcanic crater lake. It’s famous for the stark contrast in colors – maroon mineral sediment, dark lava rocks, and blueish lake water – forming a naturally eye-pleasing sight.
The origin of Kerið began almost 6500 years ago during an eruption that was said to be grand, but when the magma emptied, the chamber collapsed in on itself, leaving the crater as the shape we see today.
You can also take a walk along the crater rim or follow the paved path down to the bottom of the crater to get a better view. In winter, the lake often freezes over.
Please note that we only stop at Kerið on our morning departures.
2 Gullfoss WaterfallGullfoss Waterfall, aka the Golden Falls, is a must-visit attraction of the Golden Circle tours in Iceland. It is an astonishing waterfall originating from Iceland’s second-largest glacier Langjökull. Its roaring cascade first runs down a gradual slope for 11 meters (36.01 ft) then tumbles down deep into the canyon with a 21 meter (68.9 ft) magnificent, wide drop, creating impressive, beautiful mist to splash up in the air, reflecting a giant rainbow in the sunlight.
Well-paved pathways are available with different viewpoints to admire the Gullfoss waterfall. The first viewpoint is the upper deck next to the visitor center, from which you have a panoramic view of the waterfall in its entirety.
Following the path, you can walk down to the lower deck, to view another side of the thunderous drop that vanishes into the depth of the earth. Then you can see the first plunge of the waterfall in a closer distance on the lower deck. Please be aware that the path can be closed if it’s icy and conditions are not ideal.
3 Geysir Geothermal AreaNext up, we head out to the dynamic geothermal area Geysir, which is named after the original geyser, the Great Geysir, which is no longer active. The area is filled with steam vents, bubbling pits, and sizzling ponds, with multicolored patches dotted here and there. The main show of the site is the active Strokkur Geyser that gushes 20 meters up in the air every 5 to 10 minutes. The spectacular, lively sight is the highlight of the Geysir geothermal field.
Another feature of the area is the bubbling hot springs and the steamy muddy fields, creating a sulfuric smell. The geysers create a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland’s wonder.
There’s a visitor center close by, selling souvenirs, and local products, and offering many lunch options.
4 Thingvellir National ParkAs one of the most famous sites and must-visits in Iceland, Thingvellir National Park has great significance in both the history and geology of Iceland. In 930 AD, the world’s first parliament was established here in Thingvellir by Vikings, making it the oldest parliament. Most surprisingly the parliament is still active and fully functioning!
Thingvellir sits right on the only visible section of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is mostly submerged in the ocean. As you walk along the pathway, you are walking in between the rift valley between two diverging tectonic plates that are home to North America and Eurasia, respectively.
Thingvellir National Park is home to a diverse range of scenery which includes the Öxaráfoss waterfall, Almannagjá gorge, Hakið panoramic viewpoint, Silfra Fissure and the Þingvallakirkja Church. The water is crystal clear at Thingvellir as the meltwater from Langjökull glacier seeps through the underground lava field, considered to be the best natural filter in the world.
A national treasure, Þingvellir is a great place to learn about Iceland’s history and heritage, especially if you are interested in Vikings, and how the laws of the land came about. In 2004, Þingvellir National Park was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Drop-offReykjavík
After Thingvellir, we drive back to Reykjavík.
Drop off will be at the same spot you were collected from earlier in the day.
Please allow up to 30 minutes for the bus to reach your location. We are collecting people from various places across the city which can take time.
We will first make a stop at the Kerid Crater in the Golden Circle, a volcanic crater lake. It’s famous for the stark contrast in colors – maroon mineral sediment, dark lava rocks, and blueish lake water – forming a naturally eye-pleasing sight.
The origin of Kerið began almost 6500 years ago during an eruption that was said to be grand, but when the magma emptied, the chamber collapsed in on itself, leaving the crater as the shape we see today.
You can also take a walk along the crater rim or follow the paved path down to the bottom of the crater to get a better view. In winter, the lake often freezes over.
Please note that we only stop at Kerið on our morning departures.
Gullfoss Waterfall, aka the Golden Falls, is a must-visit attraction of the Golden Circle tours in Iceland. It is an astonishing waterfall originating from Iceland’s second-largest glacier Langjökull. Its roaring cascade first runs down a gradual slope for 11 meters (36.01 ft) then tumbles down deep into the canyon with a 21 meter (68.9 ft) magnificent, wide drop, creating impressive, beautiful mist to splash up in the air, reflecting a giant rainbow in the sunlight.
Well-paved pathways are available with different viewpoints to admire the Gullfoss waterfall. The first viewpoint is the upper deck next to the visitor center, from which you have a panoramic view of the waterfall in its entirety.
Following the path, you can walk down to the lower deck, to view another side of the thunderous drop that vanishes into the depth of the earth. Then you can see the first plunge of the waterfall in a closer distance on the lower deck. Please be aware that the path can be closed if it’s icy and conditions are not ideal.
Next up, we head out to the dynamic geothermal area Geysir, which is named after the original geyser, the Great Geysir, which is no longer active. The area is filled with steam vents, bubbling pits, and sizzling ponds, with multicolored patches dotted here and there. The main show of the site is the active Strokkur Geyser that gushes 20 meters up in the air every 5 to 10 minutes. The spectacular, lively sight is the highlight of the Geysir geothermal field.
Another feature of the area is the bubbling hot springs and the steamy muddy fields, creating a sulfuric smell. The geysers create a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland’s wonder.
There’s a visitor center close by, selling souvenirs, and local products, and offering many lunch options.
As one of the most famous sites and must-visits in Iceland, Thingvellir National Park has great significance in both the history and geology of Iceland. In 930 AD, the world’s first parliament was established here in Thingvellir by Vikings, making it the oldest parliament. Most surprisingly the parliament is still active and fully functioning!
Thingvellir sits right on the only visible section of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is mostly submerged in the ocean. As you walk along the pathway, you are walking in between the rift valley between two diverging tectonic plates that are home to North America and Eurasia, respectively.
Thingvellir National Park is home to a diverse range of scenery which includes the Öxaráfoss waterfall, Almannagjá gorge, Hakið panoramic viewpoint, Silfra Fissure and the Þingvallakirkja Church. The water is crystal clear at Thingvellir as the meltwater from Langjökull glacier seeps through the underground lava field, considered to be the best natural filter in the world.
A national treasure, Þingvellir is a great place to learn about Iceland’s history and heritage, especially if you are interested in Vikings, and how the laws of the land came about. In 2004, Þingvellir National Park was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
After Thingvellir, we drive back to Reykjavík.
Drop off will be at the same spot you were collected from earlier in the day.