Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon & Kerið Crater

Where two continental plates meet, and hot water still shoots skyward

You soak in geothermal water, watch a geyser erupt on schedule, stand between two continental plates, and see a waterfall that throws 100 cubic meters of water per second into a canyon. The tour includes guided transport from Reykjavik, entry to the Secret Lagoon (or Laugarvatn Fontana if the lagoon is closed), and stops at five major sites across the Golden Circle in a single day. Bring a towel and money for food if you want lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See Strokkur geyser erupt
• Explore Gullfoss waterfall
• Relax at Secret Lagoon hot spring
• Visit Kerid volcanic crater

The Experience

Strokkur erupts every seven to ten minutes, and you'll watch it happen from the boardwalk. The geyser sits in the geothermal area of the Golden Circle, roughly an hour from Reykjavik, and it's the kind of thing that doesn't get old even after you've seen it twice. The water column shoots up, the crowd gasps, and then it settles back down into the earth and starts building pressure again. Your guide will be there to explain what you're actually looking at—the plumbing of Iceland, basically—while you're standing in the steam trying to keep your phone dry.

Before you reach Strokkur, the tour stops at Kerið, a volcanic crater 55 meters deep with walls that drop straight down in rust-colored layers. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why Iceland looks the way it does. Then comes Gullfoss, the waterfall that does the heavy lifting in all the Golden Circle photos. Two drops—11 meters and then 21 meters—and the Hvítá River is throwing over 100 cubic meters of water per second into the canyon below. The mist rises up and hits you in the face, and the roar is loud enough that you have to lean in to hear anyone talking. After that, Þingvellir National Park, where you can actually see the rift between the Eurasian and North American continental plates. It's not a dramatic visual, but knowing you're standing in the gap between two pieces of the earth's crust does something to your sense of scale.

The Secret Lagoon comes last, and it's the part where you get in the water. It's Iceland's second most famous thermal pool, fed by a hot spring, and it's been there long enough to be called the oldest swimming pool in the country. The water is warm—genuinely warm, not just tolerable—and you float there looking at the landscape while your body stops being cold for the first time all day. If the lagoon is closed for upgrades (it happens May 12 to 22), you'll go to Laugarvatn Fontana Spa instead, which is also geothermal and also works. Bring a towel or rent one there; the tour doesn't include it. Food isn't included either, but there's a place to buy it at Strokkur if you didn't pack anything.

The whole day runs on a guided schedule with bus transport included, so you're not driving yourself or trying to time the stops. Children as young as two can come, though they need an adult with them. It's suitable for most fitness levels, though there's walking at each stop and you'll be on your feet for a good portion of the day. The bus picks you up from Reykjavik and brings you back, which is the part that makes the whole thing actually work—no rental car, no navigation, no wondering if you've missed a turn.

What’s included

Your day includes bus transport from Reykjavik with a guided tour, entry to the Secret Lagoon (or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa if the lagoon is closed for upgrades), and stops at Kerið crater, Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. Food, drinks, and towel rental are separate.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by BusTravel Iceland

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Reykjavik without a rental car who want to see the Golden Circle's main sites in one day with a guide handling the route and timing. The tour is full-day and covers significant ground, so expect to be out most of daylight hours—that's what fits all five stops into a single trip.

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Top questions

Is the Secret Lagoon always open?

No. The Secret Lagoon closes for facility upgrades from May 12 to 22 each year. On those dates, the tour visits Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa instead, which is also a thermal bathing experience.

What's included in the tour price?

Bus fare, a guided tour, and entry to the Secret Lagoon (or Laugarvatn Fontana). Food, drinks, and towel rental are not included.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes. Children as young as 2 years old can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. There is walking at each stop, but nothing extreme or technical.

What is Strokkur?

Strokkur is an active geyser in the geothermal area of the Golden Circle. It erupts every 7 to 10 minutes, shooting hot water into the air. The original Geysir is no longer active, so Strokkur is the main geyser you'll see on the tour.

How deep is Kerið crater?

Kerið is 55 meters deep. It's a volcanic crater with distinctive rust-colored walls visible from the rim.

Can I buy food on the tour?

Yes. There is a place to purchase food at Strokkur. Otherwise, food and drinks are not included, so bring your own or plan to buy there.