Golden Circle & Fridheimar Farm: Small Group Tour with Horses

Summary

Golden circle geysers waterfalls horses and greenhouse flavors

You’ll feel Iceland’s wild edges on this small group Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik: stand between continents at Thingvellir, taste tomatoes at Fridheimar Farm, meet Icelandic horses up close, and watch Strokkur erupt while mist hits your face. There’s warmth in both the greenhouse and local stories — it lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought the Golden Circle would feel crowded or rushed — but our small group tour from Reykjavik surprised me. We started out early (pickup was easy, no stress), and it wasn’t long before we were winding through these wide, mossy fields with steam curling up in the distance. Our guide, Sigrún, had this dry sense of humor that made even the geology bits stick. She pointed out where the Eurasian and North American plates actually pull apart at Thingvellir. I could feel the wind snap colder there — it’s wild to stand on ground that’s literally splitting.

Strokkur geyser was next. I’d seen photos but didn’t expect the sound — kind of a deep gulp before water shot up, almost catching a guy’s hat (he laughed it off). The air smelled faintly like eggs, which Sigrún said is just “Icelandic perfume.” We had time to grab a coffee and watch a few eruptions before heading on. Gullfoss waterfall felt louder than I imagined; spray on my face, sun catching in the mist for just a second. I still think about that view.

Fridheimar Farm was honestly my favorite part of this Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik. It’s warm inside the greenhouse even when it’s chilly outside — tomato vines everywhere, bees buzzing lazily overhead. We tasted fresh tomato soup (never thought I’d crave tomatoes in Iceland), and Li laughed when I tried to say “takk fyrir” to thank her for the bread. After that came the Icelandic horses: smaller than I expected but proud-looking, with shaggy manes. There was a short show where they showed off their tölt gait — one horse nuzzled my jacket pocket for snacks (didn’t have any, sorry buddy). The whole thing felt relaxed; no one hurried us along.

We stopped at Kerið crater too — red earth against blue water, quiet except for crunching gravel under our boots. By late afternoon we headed back toward Reykjavik, tired but kind of content in that way you get after being outside all day. If you’re after something gentle but real, with time to look around and taste things (literally), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Golden Circle and local farms

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See Strokkur geyser erupt
• Explore Gullfoss waterfall
• Visit Kerið volcanic crater
• Tour Fridheimar Farm and see horses

Top questions

How long does the Golden Circle & Fridheimar Farm tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Reykjavik with several stops including Thingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, Kerið crater, Fridheimar Farm and horse show.

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels or official bus stops in central Reykjavik.

What food is included at Fridheimar Farm?

The visit includes tasting fresh tomatoes at the greenhouse; other food can be purchased if you’re hungry.

Are Icelandic horses part of this day trip?

Yes, there is a horse show at the farm where you can see Icelandic horses up close.

Does this Golden Circle tour operate year-round?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; dressing appropriately is recommended.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Cruise passengers can join by providing ship details when booking: name, docking time and re-boarding time.

Is this small group Golden Circle tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided information.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, entry to all main sites along the Golden Circle route including Thingvellir and Gullfoss waterfall, a visit to Fridheimar Greenhouse with tomato tasting, and an Icelandic horse show at the farm before returning comfortably in the afternoon.