Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon with Kerid Crater

Five Icelandic landmarks in one day, ending with a warm soak

You visit Thingvellir's tectonic plates, watch Strokkur erupt on schedule, stand under Gullfoss's spray, walk into Kerid crater, and finish in the Blue Lagoon's warm water. Pickup from Reykjavik is included, the group stays under 24 people, and you're back by evening. No car needed, no separate bookings for Kerid entry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour

• Depart from Reykjavik
• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Explore Strokkur geyser area
• See Gullfoss waterfall
• Visit Kerid volcanic crater
• Relax at Blue Lagoon
• Return to Reykjavik

The Experience

The geyser erupts every seven to ten minutes, which sounds predictable until you're standing there and it actually does it. Strokkur shoots water into the air on schedule, and somehow that reliability makes it more impressive, not less. You'll see it as part of the Golden Circle route from Reykjavik—a full day that moves through five stops without feeling rushed, because the minibus keeps the group small (no more than 24 people) and the timing is built around what actually takes time to see. Thingvellir comes first, where you can stand between the North American and European tectonic plates, a visible rift in the ground that the guide will explain as you walk. It's also where Iceland's first parliament met in the late 900s, so there's history layered under the geology.

After Strokkur and its geothermal area, you head to Gullfoss, a two-stage waterfall that drops 11 meters, then 21 meters, with over 100 cubic meters of water flowing through every second. The sound hits you before you see it. Then there's Kerid, a 6,500-year-old volcanic crater 55 meters deep with a lake inside—the kind of place that makes you understand why Iceland looks the way it does. The minibus has WiFi and air conditioning, which matters on a day this long, and your guide is there to answer questions about what you're seeing, not to perform. Admission to Kerid is included, so one less thing to sort out at the gate.

The day ends at the Blue Lagoon, where you get time to soak in the geothermal water before heading back to Reykjavik around 7pm. It's not a rushed dip—it's built into the schedule as the cool-down after hours of walking and looking. Pickup and drop-off happen at a designated meeting point in the city, so you don't need a rental car or to figure out how to get to the start. The whole thing is one arc: geology, history, water, heat, and back to town.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel or meeting point pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, an expert guide, an air-conditioned minibus, WiFi on board, and admission to Kerid Crater.
• You visit Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, and Kerid crater, then finish at the Blue Lagoon before returning to the city around 7pm.
• Food is available at Strokkur; bring cash or confirm payment options.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by BusTravel Iceland

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see the Golden Circle and Kerid in one day without renting a car or coordinating separate transport and entry tickets. The full-day pace means you're out from morning to evening, which is what lets you hit five stops and end with time in the lagoon.

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Top questions

How long is the full day?

The tour runs from morning pickup to around 7pm drop-off in Reykjavik—roughly a full day with five stops and travel time between them.

Is the Blue Lagoon entry included?

The tour includes pickup, the guide, the minibus, and admission to Kerid Crater. Blue Lagoon entry is not listed as included; confirm with the operator if it's part of your booking.

What's the group size?

Maximum 24 guests per minibus, which keeps it smaller than larger coach tours.

Do I need to be fit to do this?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. There's walking at each stop, but no climbing or strenuous hiking required.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not listed as included. You can buy food at Strokkur's geothermal area, or bring your own.

What if the weather is bad?

Iceland's weather changes fast. Bring layers and waterproof clothing. The tour runs in most conditions, but confirm cancellation policy with the operator.

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon separately?

Yes, if you want to enter the lagoon, arrange that separately or confirm it's part of your package when booking the tour.

Is there WiFi on the minibus?

Yes, WiFi is available on board during the drive between stops.