The Grand Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle day tour is one of Iceland’s most popular trips, offering a chance to see the country’s most iconic and diverse attractions. The Golden Circle covers a 300-kilometer (186.4 miles) route, with several smaller, delightful stops along the way.
On our tour, we’ll visit all the main sights, and if time allows, we’ll make a few extra stops so you can enjoy even more of Iceland’s natural beauty.
Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not only significant for its historical value but also for its geological importance. Here, you’ll walk through the rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and drift apart, a fascinating sight that shows the incredible forces shaping the planet.
Next, we’ll head to the Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur. This area is famous for the regular eruptions of Strokkur, a geyser that sends hot water high into the air, creating an amazing spectacle against Iceland’s rugged landscape.
We’ll then visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Standing near the golden cascade, you’ll feel the mist as the glacial meltwater plunges into a deep canyon, a breathtaking sight that showcases the raw beauty of nature.
Finally, we’ll stop at the Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake (Please note: if your tour departs at 12:00 pm or later, we won’t be stopping here). This stunning volcanic crater lake, with its striking turquoise waters, offers a unique contrast against the surrounding volcanic rocks. Whether you’re admiring the view from above or walking down to explore the lake, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Get ready for a day full of natural wonders as we explore the incredible sights of Iceland’s Golden Circle!
Details
What's included
- Professional guide
- Free Wifi on board
- Entrance fee to Kerið Crater (Kerið not included on 12:00 or later departures)
- Pickup and drop off
Please allow up to 30 minutes for the bus to arrive at your location. We are picking up guests from various parts of the city, so it may take a little time to reach everyone.
Our first stop is the Kerið Crater, a volcanic crater lake in the Golden Circle. Known for its stunning color contrasts, the vibrant maroon mineral sediment, dark lava rocks, and blueish lake water create a naturally beautiful sight.
Kerið was formed nearly 6,500 years ago during a massive eruption. When the magma emptied, the chamber collapsed, leaving behind the crater we see today.
You can take a walk along the crater rim or follow a paved path down to the bottom for a closer view. In winter, the lake often freezes over.
Please note that we only stop at Kerið on our morning departures.
Next, we’ll visit Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls, one of the top attractions on the Golden Circle tour. This magnificent waterfall originates from Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. The water cascades down in two stages: first, a gentle 11-meter (36 ft) slope, followed by a dramatic 21-meter (69 ft) drop into a canyon, creating a mist that often reflects a rainbow in the sunlight.
There are well-maintained paths with several viewpoints to enjoy Gullfoss. From the upper deck near the visitor center, you’ll have a panoramic view of the entire waterfall. You can also walk down to the lower deck to get a closer look at the waterfall’s first plunge. Be aware that the path to the lower deck may be closed if conditions are icy.
After Gullfoss, we’ll head to the Geysir Geothermal Area. The area is named after the original Great Geysir, which is no longer active. Here, you’ll see steam vents, bubbling pits, and colorful patches of minerals. The main attraction is Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts hot water up to 20 meters into the air every 5 to 10 minutes.
You’ll also see bubbling hot springs and steaming muddy fields, filling the air with a distinct sulfuric smell. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s geothermal power. Nearby, there’s a visitor center with souvenirs, local products, and food options.
Our last stop is Thingvellir National Park, a site of great historical and geological significance. In 930 AD, the world’s first parliament was established here by the Vikings, making it the oldest parliament in the world. Remarkably, it is still in operation today!
Thingvellir sits on the only visible part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia are drifting apart. As you walk along the path, you’ll be walking between these two diverging plates.
Thingvellir is also home to stunning natural features, including the Öxaráfoss waterfall, Almannagjá gorge, the Hakið panoramic viewpoint, the Silfra Fissure, and the Þingvallakirkja Church. The clear water here comes from Langjökull Glacier, filtering through the lava field, which is considered to be the best natural filter in the world.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fantastic place to learn about Iceland’s history, especially Viking culture and the country’s laws.After visiting Thingvellir, we’ll head back to Reykjavík.
You’ll be dropped off at the same location where we picked you up earlier in the day.
