Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon with Kerid Crater

One Day, Two Tectonic Plates & a Hot Spring That Erupts Every Few Minutes

You visit four major Golden Circle stops (Thingvellir's tectonic rift, Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, and Kerid crater), then drive through the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields before soaking in the Blue Lagoon. Entry to all sites, a towel, and one drink are included. Hotel pickup and full-day transport mean you don't arrange anything after booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Golden Circle1h
2. Thingvellir National Park45m
3. Gullfoss40m
4. Reykjanes Peninsulapass by
5. Blue Lagoon2h · entry included

Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See Laugarvatn geothermal area
• Watch Geysir and Strokkur eruptions
• Buy lunch at Geysir stop
• Explore Gullfoss Waterfall
• Visit Kerid Volcanic Crater
• Drive through Reykjanes Peninsula
• Relax at Blue Lagoon with ticket

The experience

"You stand between two worlds here," our guide said as we stepped into the rift at Thingvellir, and that's exactly what happens: one foot on the American plate, one on the Eurasian, with the ground literally pulling apart beneath you. It's the UNESCO-listed site where Iceland's old parliament once met, and the geology is what makes it stick with you. From there the route moves fast: Laugarvatn's geothermal area (where locals still bake rye bread in the ground heat), then Strokkur, the geyser that shoots 30 meters high every few minutes. You watch it build, pause, then explode. It's not subtle. Lunch happens at this stop if you want it: food and drinks are sold on-site, so you're not locked into a set meal.

Gullfoss comes next, and the waterfall hits different when you're standing in front of it after hours in the van. The raw power of the water dropping into that canyon is the kind of thing photos don't quite capture. Then Kerid, a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater 55 meters deep with a lake at the bottom, sits quiet and strange against the Icelandic landscape. By this point you've seen the Golden Circle's main stops, and the day could end there, but it doesn't. The route pushes on through the Reykjanes Peninsula, past lava fields and cone volcanoes, before arriving at the Blue Lagoon for the final hours.

The Blue Lagoon is the part that feels like a reset. The water is warm, the facilities are solid, and the Comfort ticket (which is what's included) covers entry, a towel, one silica mud mask, and a non-alcoholic drink. You float there as the afternoon winds down, and the contrast between the raw geology of the morning and the spa-like calm of the lagoon is deliberate. It's why this tour works. The van is air-conditioned, WiFi is on board, and pickup happens from your hotel or a meeting point in Reykjavik, so logistics are handled before you leave.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, air-conditioned transport, WiFi on board, entry to Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser viewing, Gullfoss waterfall, Kerid volcanic crater, drive through Reykjanes Peninsula, and Blue Lagoon Comfort admission (which includes towel, silica mud mask, and one non-alcoholic drink).

Options for this experience

4 options

Pickup with Comfort Blue Lagoon admissionGuide in English · 09:00

Morning pickup, Comfort Blue Lagoon admissionGuide in English · 10:00Pickup is included, and the Comfort Blue Lagoon admission comes with a first face mask and a welcome drink.

Pickup with Premium Blue Lagoon admissionGuide in English · 09:00Premium admission adds two extra masks at the mask bar, one drink of your choice and bathrobe rental, with pickup included.

Morning pickup, Premium Blue Lagoon admissionGuide in English · 10:00Includes pickup, plus two extra masks at the mask bar, one drink of choice and bathrobe rental.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Nicetravel ehf

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Golden Circle's main four stops plus the Blue Lagoon in one day without renting a car or planning stops yourself: the small-group format and fixed itinerary mean you see everything that matters and end relaxed, not rushed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the full day?

The tour runs the full day, starting with hotel pickup in Reykjavik and ending with return drop-off after the Blue Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

No, but food and drinks are available for purchase at the Geysir stop. You can buy a full lunch there if you want.

What's included in the Blue Lagoon ticket?

The Comfort ticket covers entry, towel, one silica mud mask, and one non-alcoholic drink. A Premium option is available at higher cost.

What if I don't want to swim at the Blue Lagoon?

The tour includes the lagoon as the final stop, but you're not forced to enter the water: some people just relax at the facilities.

Is the van comfortable for a long day?

Yes, it's air-conditioned and has WiFi on board. The group is kept small, which helps with comfort during the drive.

What's the Kerid Crater like?

It's a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater, 55 meters deep, with a lake inside. It's a quick stop but visually striking.

Do I need to book lunch in advance?

No, food is sold on-site at the Geysir stop. You buy what you want when you get there.