Golden Circle Iceland: Mini Bus Tour & Fridheimar Tomato Farm

Summary

Gullfoss spray, Geysir eruptions, tomato soup warmth near Reykjavik

You’ll step between continents at Thingvellir, feel the heat of Strokkur’s eruption in Haukadalur valley, taste greenhouse-grown tomatoes at Fridheimar farm (with lunch stop), meet Icelandic horses up close, and get soaked by Gullfoss’s wild spray—all on a small-group Golden Circle tour with pickup from Reykjavik.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Reykjavik just after sunrise—well, what counts as sunrise here in winter. The minibus was warm and our guide, Sigrún, had this way of telling stories that made me forget I was still half-asleep. We drove past fields dusted with frost, sheep blinking at us through the windows. First stop: Thingvellir. You can actually see where the continents pull apart there—jagged cracks filled with snow and a kind of silence you don’t get anywhere else. Sigrún pointed out the spot where Iceland’s parliament started over a thousand years ago. I tried to imagine people gathering in this wind (my hat almost flew off), debating laws while their breath turned to mist.

The next bit was pure science fiction: Haukadalur valley and its steaming ground. Geysir is quiet these days but Strokkur kept us entertained—every few minutes it shot boiling water into the air and everyone jumped back, laughing or yelping (I definitely yelped). The smell of sulfur hung around, sharp but not unpleasant. We stopped for lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm—a greenhouse glowing green against the gray sky. I ordered tomato soup with fresh bread; honestly, it tasted so sweet I wondered if they put sugar in it (they don’t, apparently). There were Icelandic horses outside too, shaggy and curious. One nuzzled my hand and snorted—felt like meeting a local celebrity.

After that came Gullfoss waterfall—louder than I expected, all white foam and gold light when the sun peeked through. The spray hit my face before I even reached the edge. Someone next to me said they could feel it in their bones; I know what they meant. Last stop was Kerid crater—a red bowl filled with blue water. My boots slipped on the path but nobody cared; we were all busy staring down into that strange color mix. On the ride back to Reykjavik, Sigrún played Icelandic music and told us about elves living under rocks (she might have been joking?).

I still think about that soup and the way Gullfoss sounded up close—it’s not something you can really capture in photos. If you want a Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik

• Pickup from Reykjavik hotel
• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Explore Fridheimar Tomato Farm and lunch
• See Geysir hot spring area
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• Stop at Kerid volcanic crater

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle day tour from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts about 9 hours including travel time and stops.

Is lunch included at Fridheimar Tomato Farm?

No, lunch is not included but there is a stop for lunch at Fridheimar where you can purchase food.

Are hotel pickups included in this Golden Circle tour?

Yes, free pickup is provided at your accommodation or nearby bus stop in Reykjavik City.

What are the main stops on this Golden Circle minibus tour?

The main stops are Thingvellir, Haukadalur geothermal area (Geysir), Gullfoss waterfall, Fridheimar Tomato Farm, and Kerid crater.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If poor weather makes travel unsafe, the tour may be altered or canceled with an option for an alternative date or full refund.

Are public transport options available near pickup points?

Yes, public transportation options are available near most pickup locations in Reykjavik.

Will we see Icelandic horses on this tour?

If conditions allow it during the visit to Fridheimar farm, you can admire Icelandic horses up close.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or bus stop pickup in Reykjavik City, all transportation by minibus with a small group guarantee, a fully guided route through Thingvellir, Geysir area, Gullfoss waterfall and Kerid crater—with time for refreshments or lunch at local spots like Fridheimar Tomato Farm before heading back to town together.