Golden Circle, Kerid Crater & Hvammsvík Spa Day Trip

Summary

Steam, geysers and wild colors on Iceland’s Golden Circle

You’ll taste geothermal bread fresh from Hveragerði’s earth ovens, watch geysers erupt and waterfalls thunder along Iceland’s Golden Circle route with a local guide leading your small group. Walk mossy crater rims at Kerid before soaking in Hvammsvík Spa’s mineral-rich pools as evening falls over Whale Fjord—moments that linger long after you’re back in Reykjavik.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through a bag of that sweet hverabrauð — the one baked underground in Hveragerði — when our guide, Jón, waved us over to see banana trees inside a greenhouse. Bananas in Iceland. The smell of warm bread and sulfur hung in the air, and I kept glancing at the bubbling pools, half expecting them to burst into action. Eilífur Geyser did exactly that a few minutes later — startled me so much I almost dropped my coffee. Everyone laughed (me included), and it felt like we’d known each other longer than just an hour on this Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik.

The drive to Kerid crater was quiet — moss everywhere, that deep green you only get after rain. Jón told us about the iron in the rocks making the crater look almost painted. Standing on the rim, wind tugging at my jacket, I tried to picture how young Kerid really is for a volcano. The lake below was this unreal turquoise; I don’t know if it always looks like that or if we just got lucky with the light. Didn’t want to leave but Gullfoss was next — you could hear it before you saw it. Mist everywhere, cold spray on your face if you got close (I did). Someone said they saw a rainbow but I missed it because I was too busy watching the water crash down.

Thingvellir felt different — quieter somehow. Jón pointed out where you can stand with one foot in America and one in Europe, right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It’s strange thinking about all those chieftains meeting here centuries ago, arguing and making laws where we were just standing around taking photos. There’s something heavy about it but not in a bad way.

I didn’t expect to end up floating in hot water by Whale Fjord as evening came on. Hvammsvík Spa is part ocean water, part geothermal — you can feel the difference as you move between pools (one was so salty I actually floated without trying). The air smelled like seaweed and minerals; someone handed me a cold drink and for a second everything went quiet except for seabirds overhead. Still think about that view across the fjord sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Hvammsvík Spa

• Pick up from Reykjavik
• Visit Iceland Hot Springs Park
• See Eilífur Geyser erupt
• Walk park trails and hot springs
• Taste geothermal baked hverabrauð
• View banana plants in greenhouse
• Explore Kerid volcanic crater
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• Watch Strokkur geyser erupt
• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See continental plates and historic sites
• Travel to Hvammsvík Hot Spring
• Relax two hours in geothermal pools

Top questions

How long does the Golden Circle & Hvammsvík Spa tour take?

The total duration includes driving time between locations and covers a full day trip from Reykjavik.

Is entry to Kerid Crater included?

Yes, admission to Kerid Volcanic Crater is included in your tour price.

Do I need to bring swimwear for Hvammsvík Hot Spring?

Yes, bring your own swimwear for the spa soak at Hvammsvík Hot Spring.

Is hotel pickup available for this Golden Circle tour?

Pickup and drop-off within Reykjavik are included with your booking.

Are meals provided during the tour?

No full meal is provided but you’ll have a chance to taste hverabrauð bread at Hveragerði; other food stops may be available along the route.

What language is the tour guided in?

The professional guide leads the tour in English throughout.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The itinerary is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided information.

Does the bus have Wi-Fi or charging ports?

Yes, free Wi-Fi and USB chargers are available next to every seat on the bus.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off within Reykjavik, entry fees for both Kerid Volcanic Crater and Hvammsvík Hot Spring, guided commentary throughout by an English-speaking local expert, plus free Wi-Fi and USB chargers onboard so you can share photos or recharge as you go—just remember your swimwear for that final soak before heading back into town.