Golden Circle: Private Sky Lagoon & Friðheimar Lunch Tour

Summary

Steam, geysers, and tomato lunch on a private Golden Circle ride

You’ll travel Iceland’s Golden Circle with a local guide, seeing Thingvellir’s ancient rift valley, feeling spray from Gullfoss waterfall, and tasting fresh tomato soup inside Friðheimar Greenhouse. End your day floating in Sky Lagoon’s geothermal waters as volcanic rocks frame the horizon. It’s not just sightseeing — you’ll feel every part of it.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with that weird excitement you get when you know you’re about to see something everyone talks about, but it’s still just a name in your head — Golden Circle. Our guide, Siggi, picked us up right on time in Reykjavik. He had this easy way of pointing out things as we drove — like the moss that looks soft but isn’t (I touched it later; he was right). First stop was Thingvellir. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing between those tectonic plates. The wind carried this earthy smell, and even though it was June, my hands were cold clutching the coffee Siggi handed me from his thermos.

Next came the geysers. You hear them before you see them — kind of like a kettle boiling way too loud. We waited for Strokkur to erupt; some people gasped, others just laughed when they got sprayed (I was one of them). Gullfoss was next — I’ve seen photos but none of them really show how the mist hits your face or how loud it is when you’re close. There’s this moment where everyone just stands there not talking. It’s hard to explain why that sticks with me.

Lunch at Friðheimar was honestly a surprise highlight. Eating soup surrounded by tomato vines isn’t something I’d ever thought about before. The bread was warm and the air smelled sweet and green — if that makes sense? The staff told us stories about growing tomatoes through Icelandic winters; I tried to say “takk fyrir” and butchered it completely, which made everyone laugh (including me).

The last stop was Sky Lagoon. I’d been in hot springs before but never with that view — sea on one side, volcanic rocks all around. There’s this seven-step ritual thing: cold plunge, sauna, mist… I lost track after step four because I was too relaxed to care about counting anymore. Floating there with salt on my lips and steam rising everywhere felt unreal in the best way. The drive back to Reykjavik was quiet — not tired-quiet, more like everyone’s still somewhere out there by the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle tour with lagoon and lunch

• Visit Sky Lagoon hot spring
• Lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Greenhouse
• See Gullfoss waterfall
• Explore Great Geysir geothermal area
• Tour Thingvellir National Park

Top questions

How long is the private Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik?

The tour is a full day trip starting at 9am from Reykjavik; other timings can be arranged.

Is lunch included during the Golden Circle day trip?

Yes, an all-inclusive lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse is included (except alcoholic drinks).

What age restrictions are there for Sky Lagoon?

The minimum age for entry to Sky Lagoon is 12 years old.

Are pickup and drop-off included?

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

Can children under 12 join this tour?

No children under 12 can enter Sky Lagoon; contact directly for alternatives if traveling with younger kids.

What should I wear for the Golden Circle tour?

Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended; rainproof layers are best due to changing conditions.

Is transport private for this tour?

Yes, private transport by luxury vehicle is included throughout the day trip.

Does the tour include entry fees for attractions?

Your booking includes entry to Sky Lagoon with Sér Pass (private changing facilities) and lunch at Friðheimar.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, private transport in a luxury vehicle with an English-speaking guide, entry to Sky Lagoon with Sér Pass (private changing facilities), plus an all-inclusive lunch among tomato vines at Friðheimar Greenhouse—just remember alcoholic drinks aren’t covered.