Golden Circle Iceland: Tomato Farm, Kerid Crater & Gullfoss

Summary

Steam, waterfalls and greenhouse warmth on Iceland’s Golden Circle

You’ll walk between continents at Thingvellir, taste fresh ice cream straight from an Icelandic dairy farm, watch geysers erupt sky-high and feel spray from Gullfoss waterfall on your face. Warm up inside a working tomato greenhouse for lunch before ending your day gazing into Kerid’s volcanic crater — all with local stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the wind — sharp and a little wild — as we stepped out at Thingvellir. Our guide, Sigrún, pointed to the deep crack in the earth where two continents are drifting apart. She told us stories about ancient gatherings here, her voice mixing with the distant sound of water moving under frozen ground. There’s something about standing where people have argued and decided things for over a thousand years that makes you feel small but kind of connected too. I kept looking at my boots, half-expecting to see steam rising from the cracks (I didn’t), but there was this earthy smell — moss and stone and cold air.

Later, at Efstidalur dairy farm, we tried ice cream that tasted like real milk (not supermarket stuff). The cows watched us through glass windows while we ate. Someone in our group tried to moo back at them — it was honestly funnier than it should have been. Then came Geysir. You hear it before you see it: bubbling, hissing, then suddenly Strokkur shoots up and everyone jumps or laughs or both. I got a bit of sulfur in my nose but didn’t mind; it’s part of being there.

I think Gullfoss surprised me most — not because it’s huge (though it is), but because of how close you get to all that water crashing down. The spray soaked my jacket sleeve when I leaned over for a better look. Lunch happened inside a greenhouse at Friðheimar tomato farm (warmth! finally). The tomatoes tasted sweet and someone ordered tomato beer which… well, I’m still not sure about that one. We met Icelandic horses outside; their manes were wild in the wind and one nuzzled my hand — softer than I expected.

The last stop was Kerid crater. The colors were unreal: red earth against blue-green water down below. It was quieter here; people just stood around looking or taking photos without saying much. On the drive back to Reykjavik, Sigrún played old Icelandic songs on the radio and told us more stories until some of us drifted off watching the landscape slide by. I keep thinking about that silence at Kerid — you know when everyone just gets quiet for no reason? That stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Farm Visits

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See Efstidalur dairy farm and animals
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• View Gullfoss waterfall
• Tour Friðheimar tomato farm and pet horses
• Visit Kerið volcanic crater

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is lunch included on this Golden Circle day trip?

Lunch is not included but there is time to eat at Friðheimar tomato farm's greenhouse restaurant during the tour.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

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

What attractions are visited on this Golden Circle route?

The tour visits Thingvellir, Efstidalur dairy farm, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, Friðheimar tomato farm and Kerid crater.

Is this Golden Circle tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; however infants under 4 years old are not recommended due to duration.

Do you see Icelandic horses during this day trip?

Yes, you meet Icelandic horses at Friðheimar tomato farm where you can interact with them briefly.

What should I wear for a Golden Circle day trip?

Dress warmly in layers as weather changes quickly; waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, WiFi onboard your vehicle so you can share photos right away, entry fees to all sites along the Golden Circle route including Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Kerid crater plus guided stops at Efstidalur dairy farm for ice cream tasting and Friðheimar tomato greenhouse with time to meet Icelandic horses before heading back in comfort.