Golden Circle, Gullfoss & Kerid Crater Small-Group Day Trip

Summary

Gullfoss spray, Thingvellir silence, Kerid’s colors—one wild day

You’ll stand between continents at Thingvellir, taste geothermal rye bread near Laugarvatn’s steaming lakeside, feel Gullfoss’s icy spray on your face, and peer into Kerid’s deep volcanic crater—all with a local guide handling every detail. This Golden Circle day trip leaves you with more than photos; it gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the quiet—like real, Icelandic quiet. We’d just stepped out at Thingvellir and there was this weird feeling, standing between two continents. Our guide, Jón, joked about having one foot in America and one in Europe (I tried it—felt silly but had to). The wind was sharp enough to wake you up for good. There were a few other travelers with us, swapping stories over the sound of gravel under boots. I didn’t expect the air to smell so clean—almost metallic? Hard to describe. Jón pointed out where parliament used to gather, which felt wild considering how empty it looks now.

After that we rolled through Laugarvatn—steam everywhere, curling out of the ground like something alive. I watched a local pull bread from a pit by the lake; he grinned and said something I didn’t catch (my Icelandic is basically nonexistent). That bread was dense and sweet and still warm when we tried it. At Geysir, Strokkur kept everyone guessing—erupting every few minutes, sometimes catching people mid-photo. The whole place smelled faintly of eggs but in a not-bad way? Lunch was quick—soup and coffee while watching steam drift by outside.

I still think about Gullfoss—the sound just swallows you up. You get close enough for spray to stick in your hair and on your jacket. Jón told us about winter floods here; hard to imagine when you’re just staring at all that water crashing down. On the way back we stopped at Kerid Crater—the colors were unreal: red earth, blue-green water at the bottom. Some of us walked around the rim; I nearly slipped on loose stones (careful there). The sun came out for maybe five minutes and everything looked different for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Tour

• Drive from Reykjavik to Þingvellir National Park
• Explore Þingvellir and tectonic plates
• Pass by Laugarvatn geothermal area
• Visit Geysir and watch Strokkur erupt
• Buy lunch or snacks at Geysir area
• See Gullfoss waterfall
• Pass through small town with greenhouses
• Visit Kerid Volcanic Crater
• Pass by Hveragerði geothermal area and greenhouses
• Drive past Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle & Kerid Crater tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included from Reykjavik?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included.

What sites are visited on this Golden Circle day trip?

The tour visits Thingvellir, Geysir area (including Strokkur), Gullfoss waterfall, Laugarvatn geothermal area, and Kerid Volcanic Crater.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there’s time to buy lunch or snacks at Geysir area.

Can children join this small-group tour?

Yes, children aged 5+ can join if accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear for this Golden Circle trip?

Dress warmly in layers and bring waterproof clothing as weather changes quickly.

Is walking involved at each stop?

There’s some walking at each site but nothing too strenuous; suitable for most fitness levels.

Are public transportation options nearby if needed?

Yes, public transport options are available near pickup points in Reykjavik.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík with a friendly driver-guide leading a small group through Thingvellir, Geysir hot springs area (with time for lunch), Gullfoss waterfall, Laugarvatn’s geothermal bakery experience if you want it, and entry to Kerid Volcanic Crater before returning you comfortably back to town.