Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Volcano Crater Day Trip

Summary

Gullfoss spray, volcanic craters and the glow of Blue Lagoon waters

You’ll touch two continents at Thingvellir, feel Gullfoss’s icy spray on your skin, and watch Strokkur erupt right in front of you. End by soaking in the warm Blue Lagoon with a drink in hand—tired but grinning—before heading back to Reykjavik with stories you didn’t expect to tell.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Thingvellir before I realized how different Iceland feels through a minibus window — like you’re inside a moving postcard, but the glass keeps fogging up from everyone’s breath. Our guide, Einar (he joked his name means “one warrior,” which I still can’t say right), was pointing out where the old parliament met. The wind outside was sharp enough to sting your ears if you stepped out too fast. I remember touching the ground between those tectonic plates — it’s rougher than I thought, almost gritty with bits of black sand stuck to my gloves.

The Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik is packed but somehow never rushed. Strokkur geyser caught me off guard — we were all mid-sentence when it shot up, and this older German lady next to me actually squealed. You could smell sulfur on the air, not strong but always there, mixing with something like wet moss. There was time for a quick snack (lamb soup if you want to warm up) before Gullfoss. That waterfall is loud — not just noise but a kind of vibration in your chest. I tried taking a photo but ended up just watching it for a while because honestly, no phone can catch that cold mist on your face.

Icelandic weather does its own thing; by the time we reached Kerið crater the clouds had shifted again and sunlight hit the red slopes so they looked almost painted. Einar told us people sometimes sing into the crater for fun because of the echo — he wouldn’t do it himself though (“too many tourists with cameras,” he said). My boots crunched over frozen mud as we walked around it. Then finally: Blue Lagoon. The steam rising off that milky water was unreal after a day in wind and rain. You get a towel and that silica mask (which feels both slimy and oddly satisfying), plus one drink — I went for something neon blue just because why not? Floating there at dusk felt weirdly peaceful, like everything else had sort of faded out except for our little group bobbing quietly under the sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See Strokkur geyser erupt
• Explore Gullfoss waterfall
• View Kerið volcanic crater
• Relax at Blue Lagoon Spa

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon tour?

This is a one-day trip from Reykjavik with multiple stops including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included.

What do I need to bring for Blue Lagoon?

A towel is provided with your admission ticket; bring swimwear.

Are meals included on this tour?

No meals are included but food can be purchased at some stops like Strokkur.

What’s special about Kerið crater?

Kerið is an iconic volcanic crater about 55 meters deep with colorful slopes.

Is this tour suitable for teenagers?

The minimum age is 14 years old; suitable for all fitness levels.

How often does Strokkur erupt?

Strokkur erupts every 7–10 minutes during your stop there.

Does the order of stops change?

The order may vary depending on conditions or scheduling each day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik meeting points, travel by minibus with a local guide sharing stories along every stretch of road, comfort admission to the Blue Lagoon (with towel, silica mud mask, and your first drink), plus time at Thingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser area where food is available to buy, Kerið volcanic crater, and plenty of space for small surprises along the way.