Golden Circle Iceland: Gullfoss, Geysir & Thingvellir Afternoon Tour

Summary

Gullfoss roar, Strokkur erupts, Thingvellir’s ancient silence—afternoon from Reykjavik

You’ll wander through mossy lava fields outside Reykjavik, feel the spray at Gullfoss waterfall, watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, and stand where continents meet at Thingvellir—all with a local guide who knows every story. This Golden Circle afternoon tour lets you sleep in and still catch Iceland’s wildest sights before heading back to town.

What’s the experience like?

Hands shoved deep in my pockets, I watched our guide Jón tap the bus window as we left Reykjavik behind. He pointed out a herd of shaggy horses (not ponies, he insisted) grazing under a sky that couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or just tease us with that cold Icelandic light. We’d all slept in—this Golden Circle afternoon tour doesn’t rush you out at dawn—and I was grateful for it. The city faded pretty quickly, replaced by mossy lava fields that looked almost fake.

I didn’t expect to feel the ground tremble near Strokkur. Every few minutes someone would gasp as the geyser shot up—sometimes higher than expected, sometimes just a polite burp. There’s this sulfur smell in the air, not exactly pleasant but weirdly memorable. Jón told us about how Geysir itself is mostly quiet now, so Strokkur does the heavy lifting for tourists and locals alike. I tried some lamb soup at the café nearby—honestly hit the spot after standing in that wind.

Gullfoss was next. The sound hits you before you see anything—a kind of deep roar that made me stop talking mid-sentence. Water everywhere: crashing down two steps into this misty canyon. Some people tried to get close for photos and came back soaked and laughing. My shoes are still drying out as I write this. Jón shared a story about Sigríður, who fought to protect the falls; his voice got softer there, like he really meant it.

Thingvellir was different—quiet in a way I didn’t expect after all that noise and water spray. You can actually walk right between the tectonic plates (Eurasian on one side, North American on the other), which is wild when you think about it. The wind picked up and carried someone’s hat off into the rift; everyone laughed except maybe the guy chasing it. Jón pointed out where Iceland’s first parliament met over a thousand years ago—I tried to picture it but mostly just felt small under all that open sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Kerid Crater tour

• Depart Reykjavik in afternoon
• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• See Strokkur geyser erupt
• Stop at Gullfoss waterfall
• Visit Kerid volcanic crater

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle tour?

No, but public transportation options are available nearby for joining the tour from Reykjavik.

How long does the Golden Circle afternoon tour last?

The later departures of this Golden Circle tour last approximately 7 hours.

Does this tour include Kerid Crater?

No, Kerid Crater is only included with 10:30 am departures—not with afternoon tours.

What major stops are included on this Golden Circle route?

The main stops are Thingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, and Strokkur geyser in the Geysir geothermal area.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes, but they must provide their ship name and docking details when booking and confirm pickup location directly with the operator.

Is food available during the tour?

You can purchase food at Strokkur/Geysir geothermal area during one of the stops.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day trip.

What should I wear on an Iceland Golden Circle day trip?

Dress appropriately for unpredictable weather—layers and waterproofs are recommended since conditions can change quickly.

What’s included

Your day includes travel from Reykjavik through Iceland’s Golden Circle with stops at Thingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, and Strokkur geyser—all guided by a knowledgeable local who shares stories along the way; food is available for purchase during one of our breaks before returning to town in the evening.