Golden Circle Iceland: Private Day Trip with Kerid & Faxi

Summary

Gullfoss spray, Kerid crater colors, geysers & ancient Þingvellir

You’ll ride out from Reykjavik with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story along Iceland’s Golden Circle. Expect quiet moments at Faxi waterfall, dramatic eruptions at Geysir, and time to wander Þingvellir’s ancient rift valley before heading back—hair probably still smelling like river spray.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I thought the Golden Circle would feel crowded or rushed. But the morning our guide, Einar, pulled up outside our hotel in Reykjavik (right on time, which he joked is “very un-Icelandic”), I realized this was going to be different. The van was warm against the chilly air and he handed us coffee from a thermos before we even left town. We set off for Kerid crater first; Einar said it’s best to catch the light before midday. He was right — that blue-green lake at the bottom looked unreal against all that red volcanic rock. I tried to take a photo but honestly, my phone didn’t do it justice.

We stopped at Faxi waterfall next. It’s not as famous as Gullfoss but Einar called it his “quiet favorite.” There was this low rumble of water and the smell of wet grass everywhere. No crowds — just us and a couple of fishermen waving from across the river. I liked that we could just stand there for a while without anyone hurrying us along. Then came Geysir — you know that feeling when you’re waiting for something to happen and everyone goes silent? Strokkur erupted right as I was trying to guess when (failed miserably), and the steam drifted over us so fast my glasses fogged up.

Gullfoss itself is wild — you hear it before you see it, like thunder in the ground. We got close enough to feel the mist on our faces (my hair still smelled like river hours later). Einar told us about the woman who fought to protect Gullfoss from being turned into a power plant ages ago. That stuck with me more than I expected. After lunch (nothing fancy — lamb soup at a roadside stop), we headed for Þingvellir. Walking between those tectonic plates felt strange in a good way; there’s this deep silence except for distant birds and your own footsteps crunching on old lava.

I keep thinking about standing at Law Rock in Þingvellir, trying to imagine people gathering here a thousand years ago. The wind picked up and Einar pointed out where the parliament used to meet — he said his grandfather would bring him fishing nearby as a kid. So yeah, if you want a Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik that feels personal but not staged, this one’s worth your time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle private tour highlights

• Pick up in Reykjavik
• Visit Kerid volcanic crater
• Explore Faxi waterfall
• See Geysir geothermal area
• View Gullfoss waterfall
• Discover Þingvellir National Park
• Drop off in Reykjavik

Top questions

How long does the private Golden Circle tour take?

The day trip typically lasts around 8 hours including all stops and return to Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included in this Golden Circle day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup in Reykjavik is included with your private tour booking.

Which waterfalls are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit both Gullfoss and Faxi waterfalls during your Golden Circle route.

Are entry fees for Kerid crater included?

Yes, admission fees for Kerid volcanic crater are covered in your tour price.

Is lunch provided on this private Golden Circle tour?

No set lunch is included; there is usually a stop at a local eatery where you can buy food.

Will we have free time at each site?

Yes, you’ll have time to explore each location without being rushed by large groups.

Is WiFi available during transport?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard your private vehicle throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Reykjavik by private vehicle with WiFi and air conditioning; entry fees for Kerid crater plus parking at Faxi waterfall and Þingvellir; guidance from someone who grew up partly in these landscapes; plenty of photo stops; then drop-off back in town after seeing Iceland’s Golden Circle close-up.