Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon: Day Tour from Reykjavik

Summary

Steam rising at Secret Lagoon, Gullfoss roaring, geysers bursting and volcanic colors

You’ll soak in Iceland’s oldest hot spring pool at the Secret Lagoon, watch Strokkur geyser erupt up close, hear Gullfoss waterfall thunder past rainbows, and walk between continents at Thingvellir — all with a local guide handling every detail. Expect surprises in color and warmth you won’t find in any photo.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a bit dazed by the Icelandic light when our guide, Jón, pulled the bus over by Kerid Crater. The wind hit sharp but not unfriendly — I remember the red earth under my boots, soft in some places, almost crumbly. Jón told us about the crater’s age while a couple of teenagers tried to skip stones on what was left of the ice. I wasn’t expecting so much color here; it’s not just grey or white like you see in photos.

The Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik is kind of a classic, but it didn’t feel touristy at all. At Geysir, we waited for Strokkur to blow — you can smell sulfur before you see anything. Some folks jumped when it erupted (I definitely did), and there was this funny moment where everyone tried to catch it on camera but mostly got steam or their own surprised faces. Lunch was optional here; I grabbed a skyr and coffee because honestly, the cold gets into your bones after a while.

Gullfoss came next — louder than I thought possible. You hear it before you see it, that constant rush. Jón explained how much water moves through every second (I forget the number but it sounded wild). There were rainbows in the spray if you looked sideways. After that, Thingvellir felt almost quiet — weirdly peaceful for such a historic place. You can actually stand between two tectonic plates there; I touched both sides just because someone else did first.

The Secret Lagoon was last. Steam everywhere, like something out of an old storybook. The water felt slippery-soft and warmer than I expected (maybe too warm at first). People laughed more here — maybe because we’d all been cold most of the day or maybe just relief. There was this faint smell of minerals and grass in the air; I still think about that hour floating around with strangers who suddenly felt familiar. We left with wet hair and sleepy eyes, Reykjavík lights blinking far off through the bus window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour

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

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour from Reykjavik?

The tour is a full-day trip from Reykjavik with several stops along the Golden Circle route plus time at the Secret Lagoon.

Is entry to the Secret Lagoon included?

Yes, entry to the Secret Lagoon is included in your booking fee.

What happens if the Secret Lagoon is closed?

If Secret Lagoon is closed for upgrades (May 13-23), you'll visit Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa instead.

Are food and drinks provided on this tour?

No, food and drinks are not included but can be purchased during stops.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a central location in Reykjavik.

Do I need to bring my own towel for the lagoon?

Towel rental is not included; bring your own or rent one at the lagoon.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 2 years and older can join if accompanied by an adult.

How often does Strokkur geyser erupt?

Strokkur erupts every 7 to 10 minutes during your stop on this Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable bus transport from Reykjavik with a local guide sharing stories along each stop; entry to either Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana (if applicable); visits to Kerid Crater, Thingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area with Strokkur eruptions; plus plenty of time for photos or snacks along the way before returning to town in the evening.