Golden Circle & Kerid: Day Trip from Reykjavik with Farm Stops

Summary

Walk between continents see geysers horses and crater lakes in Iceland

You’ll taste fresh pastries in Hveragerði, walk along Kerið’s volcanic rim, meet Icelandic horses up close, and feel Gullfoss waterfall’s wild spray—all on this Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik with a local guide and hotel pickup included. Each stop is its own small adventure; expect laughter, weather changes, good food—and a few surprises Iceland always seems to throw in.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you hear that?" our guide, Jón, asked as we stepped out of the minibus near Hveragerði. The ground felt oddly alive under my boots—turns out there’s a whole earthquake museum right there, and I swear the bakery next door smelled like cinnamon and cardamom even before we opened the door. I tried something called vínarbrauð (don’t ask me to pronounce it again), which was flakier than any pastry I’ve had back home. The weather kept shifting—sun one minute, drizzle the next—but nobody seemed to mind.

Kerið crater was next. The wind whipped up around the rim, carrying this mineral tang I still can’t quite describe. Some of us walked down to touch the water—cold enough to jolt you awake for sure. Jón told us stories about how locals believe elves live around these places; he laughed when someone asked if he’d ever seen one (“Not yet, but maybe after more coffee”). Then we rolled on through fields dotted with those famously shaggy Icelandic horses, who came right up to the fence—soft noses and all—and just stood there blinking at us.

I didn’t expect to be so fascinated by tomatoes, but at Friðheimar greenhouse they grow them year-round using geothermal heat. The air was thick with green leaves and that earthy smell you get in a warm garden after rain. Lunch was this soup—simple but somehow perfect—and then off again, chasing clouds toward Gullfoss. The waterfall’s roar sort of drowns your thoughts; spray on your face, rainbow if you’re lucky (we were). It’s loud enough that you have to shout to be heard—kind of freeing actually.

The Geysir area felt like another planet: steam hissing up from cracks in the earth, Strokkur blasting skyward every few minutes while everyone waited with cameras ready (I missed it twice because I got distracted by the sulphur smell). Last stop was Efstidalur II farm—a barn-turned-café where we tried homemade ice cream while watching cows through a window. Not fancy, just real. Thingvellir came late in the day—the light going gold over those ancient rocks where two continents meet. Walking there felt heavy and quiet somehow; maybe it’s all those old stories Jón told us earlier or just the wind echoing between stones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Kerið tour

• Visit Earthquake Museum in Hveragerði
• Enjoy coffee and Icelandic sweets
• Walk around Kerið volcanic crater lake
• See vegetable growing at Fridheimar greenhouse
• Stop to meet Icelandic horses
• Watch geyser eruption at Geysir
• Explore Þingvellir National Park tectonic plates
• View Gullfoss waterfall and have lunch
• Taste homemade ice cream at Efstidalur II farm

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle & Kerid day tour from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with multiple stops including Kerið crater lake, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir area, Friðheimar greenhouse, Efstidalur II farm, and Thingvellir.

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included at select hotels or bus stops in Reykjavik.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

No full meal is included but there are stops for pastries in Hveragerði and optional lunch at Gullfoss or Friðheimar greenhouse; homemade ice cream is available for purchase at Efstidalur II farm.

Can children join this Golden Circle day trip?

Yes, children age 3+ can join with an accompanying adult; child seats or boosters are available on request if advised at booking.

What should I wear for this Golden Circle & Kerid tour?

The weather can be unpredictable; bring a warm waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes.

How many people are on each minibus?

The Mercedes Benz minibus is limited to 16 people per group for a more personal experience.

Do we visit Thingvellir during this day trip?

Yes, Thingvellir is included as one of the final stops where you can walk between tectonic plates.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, free WiFi and USB power are available on board the minibus throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik (or designated bus stops), transport by climate-controlled Mercedes Benz minibus limited to 16 guests per group with free WiFi onboard, plus guidance from an English-speaking local driver-guide throughout every stop—from tasting pastries in Hveragerði to walking among geysers and waterfalls before returning in the evening.