Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Day Trip with Kerid Crater

Summary

Gullfoss spray on your face then warm blue waters and volcanic colors

You’ll stand where continents meet at Thingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir, feel Gullfoss’ icy spray, peer into Kerid crater’s colored depths, and finally sink into the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon—all with entry tickets included and someone else handling the driving. It’s a day full of moments that just stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold air hitting my cheeks as we stepped out at Thingvellir. Our guide, Einar, showed us the spot where you can literally stand between two tectonic plates—he joked it’s where he tells his kids they’re “in two places at once.” The ground was still a bit crunchy with frost, but you could smell that clean Icelandic air, almost metallic. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do the place justice. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet for a second. Maybe it was jet lag or maybe it was just that kind of place.

We rolled on through Laugarvatn (Einar pointed out where locals bake bread underground—didn’t get to try it but now I wish I had). Then Geysir: you hear Strokkur before you see it. The ground gurgles and then suddenly there’s this whoosh—30 meters of steaming water flying up. It smells faintly like eggs (sulfur, I guess), but not in a bad way. We grabbed some soup inside because the wind was picking up. Gullfoss came next—the waterfall sort of sneaks up on you, loud and wild and throwing spray everywhere. My gloves got soaked but I didn’t care.

Kerid crater surprised me most—it’s this deep bowl of red rock filled with icy blue water. Einar told us it’s about 3,000 years old, which made me feel tiny for a second. The colors are unreal; even my phone camera couldn’t mess them up too badly. After that we drove across Reykjanes Peninsula—miles of black lava fields and weird little cones poking up everywhere. It felt like driving across another planet.

The Blue Lagoon was our last stop, right as the light started to fade (which happens early here). That first step into the hot water—I swear I could feel my bones thawing out. They give you a silica mud mask and a drink (I picked something fizzy). People were floating around quietly or laughing in little groups; nobody seemed in any rush to leave. I kept thinking about how wild it is that all these places fit into one day trip from Reykjavik—and how tired but happy I felt heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Pass by Laugarvatn area
• See Great Geysir and Strokkur erupt
• Buy lunch at Geysir stop
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• Pass through small town with greenhouses
• Visit Kerid Volcanic Crater
• Drive through Reykjanes Peninsula
• Relax at Blue Lagoon with admission

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels or designated meeting points within Reykjavik are included.

Are entry fees to Blue Lagoon and Kerid Crater covered?

Yes, comfort admission to Blue Lagoon (with towel, mud mask & drink) and entry fee to Kerid Crater are both included.

How long does the day trip from Reykjavik take?

The tour is designed as a full-day trip covering all main stops before returning in the evening.

Can I buy lunch during the tour?

Yes, there is time to buy food and drinks at Geysir during one of the stops.

Is this Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon tour suitable for families?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and infants/small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What should I bring for swimming at Blue Lagoon?

A swimsuit is needed; towels are provided with your Comfort admission ticket.

Does the tour include WiFi on board?

Yes, WiFi is available on board the vehicle during your journey.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard, comfort admission tickets for the Blue Lagoon (towel, mud mask & drink), entry fee to Kerid Volcanic Crater—all arranged so you can focus on soaking up every moment instead of worrying about logistics.