Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik

Summary

Gullfoss geysers warm pools and volcanic colors in one day

You’ll feel Iceland’s wild contrasts up close: icy wind at Thingvellir, roaring spray from Gullfoss waterfall, warmth sinking into your bones at the Secret Lagoon hot springs. With a small group and local guide handling every detail—from pickup in Reykjavik to entry fees—you get time to wander, soak, and just take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the minibus windows fogged up as we left Reykjavik—everyone bundled in layers, trading sleepy nods. Our guide, Sigrún, had this dry sense of humor and kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: sheep huddled on black lava fields, steam curling from cracks in the earth. Thingvellir hit me harder than expected—the silence there feels thick, like you’re walking through someone else’s memory. The rocks are jagged but soft with moss, and there’s this cold wind that sneaks down your collar. Sigrún told us about the old parliament site; I tried to picture people gathering here centuries ago, but my brain kept drifting to how clear the water was in Silfra Fissure. You can see right to the bottom.

Gullfoss is loud—like really loud—and wetter than I thought it’d be. The spray got on my glasses so I just gave up wiping them after a while. There’s this moment when you’re standing right at the edge (don’t worry, there’s a rail) and all you hear is water pounding rock. Someone next to me said it smelled faintly of minerals and snowmelt. After that we headed to Geysir; Strokkur erupted just as I was fumbling with my camera (of course), so I mostly caught people’s surprised faces instead of the water jet. It actually made me laugh out loud.

The Secret Lagoon was warmer than any bath I’ve ever had—38 or 39 degrees maybe?—and it smelled slightly earthy, not like chlorine at all. Sitting in that milky blue water with steam drifting around us felt surreal after all the wind outside. A couple of locals were chatting quietly nearby; one of them waved when he saw me struggling with my swim cap (I still haven’t figured those things out). We finished at Kerið Crater—the red rocks look unreal against the greenish lake below. My shoes got muddy on the walk around but honestly, it didn’t matter by then.

I keep thinking about that last stretch back to Reykjavik—quiet except for Sigrún humming along to some Icelandic song on the radio, everyone half asleep or scrolling through photos. Something about seeing all those places in one day makes you feel both tiny and lucky, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour

• Pick up from Reykjavik
• Drive to Thingvellir National Park
• Explore Althing and Silfra Fissure
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• Explore Geysir Geothermal Area
• Relax at Secret Lagoon hot springs
• Visit Kerið volcanic crater
• Return to Reykjavik drop-off

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour?

The full day trip lasts about 9 hours including travel between stops.

Is hotel pickup included from Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup and drop-off service from selected locations in Reykjavik is included.

Do I need to bring my own swimsuit for Secret Lagoon?

You should bring your own bathing suit and towel, but rentals are available on-site if needed.

What are the main stops on this Golden Circle tour?

The tour visits Thingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Secret Lagoon hot springs, and Kerið Crater.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is provided; bringing a packed lunch is recommended.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small group tour for a more personal experience; exact numbers may vary but groups are limited in size.

Are entry fees for attractions included?

Yes, entrance to Secret Lagoon is included as part of your booking.

What should I wear or pack for this Iceland day trip?

Warm waterproof clothing, gloves, headwear, sturdy shoes, swimsuit and towel are recommended due to changing weather conditions.

Will we have Wi-Fi on board during transfers?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available onboard the minibus throughout the journey.

If Secret Lagoon is closed what happens?

If Secret Lagoon closes (such as May 13-23), Fontana Spa will be visited instead.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik hotels or bus stops, guided transport by minibus with free Wi-Fi onboard, entrance fee to the Secret Lagoon geothermal pool (or Fontana Spa if needed), plus visits to Thingvellir Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Kerið Crater before returning in the evening.