Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik: Small groups, all three sites
Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Strokkur geyser in one morning and afternoon
You get picked up in Reykjavik, visit four major Golden Circle sites in one day (Kerid crater, Gullfoss, Thingvellir, and Strokkur geyser), travel by minibus in a group under 19 people, and return to your starting point by evening. Bring your own lunch and waterproof gear, or rent them on-site.
Step-by-step itinerary
Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik
- Pickup from Reykjavik
- Visit Kerid crater lake
- See Gullfoss waterfall
- Explore Thingvellir National Park
- Watch Strokkur geyser erupt
- Return to Reykjavik drop-off
- Gullfoss 40m
- Thingvellir National Park 1h
What’s included
Your day includes Reykjavik pickup and drop-off at authorized points, minibus transportation for the full route, visits to Kerid crater lake, Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and Strokkur geyser, plus free wi-fi on board. Lunch, entrance fees, and waterproof gear rental are separate.
Times
- Every day 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Arctic Adventures
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
What if you could stand between two continental plates, watch boiling water shoot 60 meters into the air, and see a waterfall that drops in two stages? All before dinner? That's the shape of a Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik, and it's the reason most people who come to Iceland don't skip it. You start with a pickup from authorized points in the city, climb into a minibus with fewer than 19 people, and head out. The order shifts depending on weather, but the stops don't change: Kerid crater lake first. A 3,000-year-old pit 55 meters deep with aquamarine water ringed by red rock, the kind of thing that looks like an eye when you see it from above.
Gullfoss comes next, and it's the one you've probably seen in photos. Iceland's most famous waterfall drops in two clean stages, and the mist rises up enough that you feel it before you see the full shape of the thing. Then you're at Thingvellir, a UNESCO site where the ground literally splits: the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates runs right through it, and you walk between them. The geology is the headline, but the history matters too. This is where Iceland's first parliament met in 930. After that, Geysir, the hot spring area where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 100 feet. It's loud and sudden, and no photo quite captures the scale until you're standing there.
The whole day runs full-length. You're picked up, driven through the route with stops at each site, and dropped back where you started. Lunch isn't included, so bring something or plan to eat in a small town along the way. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes matter. The operator rents both if you need them, though you pay separately. The minibus has free wi-fi, which is useful if you want to upload photos or check the weather for tomorrow. Small group means you're not herded through with 50 other people, and the guide can actually answer questions instead of just pointing.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Golden Circle's main sights without renting a car or navigating between stops yourself. The small-group size means you get a guide who can actually talk, not just drive.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How long is the Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik?
A full day. Pickup and drop-off are included, and the itinerary covers all three classic Golden Circle sites plus Kerid crater lake.
What's included in the tour?
Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, minibus transportation, entry to all attractions, and free wi-fi on board. Lunch is not included.
How many people are in the group?
Small groups limited to 19 participants per guide, so it's more personal than larger tour buses.
Can I rent waterproof clothing and hiking shoes?
Yes, the operator rents both directly, but you pay separately. Contact them before you travel if you want to arrange it in advance.
What's the physical difficulty level?
Rated as easy and suitable for all fitness levels. Minimum age is 5 years old.
Can the order of stops change?
Yes. The itinerary can vary depending on weather and other conditions, so the operator may swap the order of attractions.
Is lunch provided?
No. Bring a packed lunch or plan to eat at a town along the route.
What should I bring?
Warm and waterproof outdoor clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a packed lunch, head-wear, and gloves. Weather in Iceland changes quickly.
Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik: Small groups, all three sites
8h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 119 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.