Golden Circle Day Trip: Gullfoss, Geysir & Kerið Crater

Summary

Gullfoss power geysers erupting and ancient rifts on a classic Iceland route

You’ll feel Iceland’s wild energy on this Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik—hear Gullfoss thundering close by, watch Strokkur erupt near your feet, and walk through ancient rifts at Thingvellir with a local guide. Includes hotel pickup and time for lunch along the way. Expect weather mood swings—and some moments you’ll want to remember later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the bus windows fogging up as we left Reykjavik—someone cracked a joke about “Icelandic summer.” We stopped in Hveragerði for coffee and pastries; the air smelled faintly of sulfur and cinnamon. There was a little earthquake exhibit by the restrooms (oddly fascinating), and our guide Sigrún told us how locals bake bread using geothermal heat. I tried to say “hverabrauð” but she just grinned. The drive after that felt like crossing into another world—mossy lava fields, sheep everywhere, sky always shifting.

At Gullfoss, you hear it before you see it. The roar is constant, even with wind whipping your hood around. We shuffled down to one of the viewing spots—mist on my face, boots slipping a bit on wet stone. Sigrún pointed out where the glacier river drops in two steps; I kept thinking how wild it must look in winter when the path closes off. Then Geysir—the ground steaming underfoot, Strokkur sending up boiling water every few minutes (I missed the first eruption because I was staring at a raven). Lunch was at Geysir Center—soup and thick rye bread that tasted sweeter than I expected.

Thingvellir felt quieter somehow, even with other groups around. You walk right between tectonic plates here—the earth split open, moss clinging to black rock. Sigrún talked about Viking parliaments and how Icelanders still come here for big moments; it made me think about all the layers under our feet. Last stop was Kerið crater—red rocks against blue-green water, wind cold enough to sting your ears if you forgot a hat (which I did). Not everyone hiked down to the lake but honestly, standing up top looking into that color mix was enough for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik

• Drive to Hveragerði for restroom stop
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall viewing platforms
• Explore Geysir hot springs and watch Strokkur erupt
• Lunch break at Geysir center
• Walk around Þingvellir National Park rift valley
• Stop at Kerið volcanic crater lake

Top questions

How long does the Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik take?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik hotels are included.

What sites are visited on this Golden Circle tour?

The tour visits Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs area (including Strokkur), Thingvellir (Þingvellir), Kerið crater, and Hveragerði town.

Are meals included on the tour?

No meals are included but there is time for lunch at Geysir Center where you can buy food suitable for any diet.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult and minimum age is 6 years old.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, there are restrooms at most stops including Hveragerði, Gullfoss Center, Geysir Center, and Thingvellir area.

Can cruise ship passengers join this Golden Circle day trip?

Cruise ship passengers can join but must provide ship details when booking.

Is public transportation nearby if I don’t use hotel pickup?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Reykjavik.

What’s included

Your day includes minibus transport with free WiFi onboard plus hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik. You’ll have an English-speaking local guide throughout and plenty of time to explore each stop—including entry to Kerið crater—and breaks for food or coffee along the way before returning to town in the evening.