Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon: Small Group Day Trip Iceland

Summary

Walk between continents soak in the Secret Lagoon and feel Gullfoss thunder

You’ll walk between continents at Þingvellir, feel spray on your face at Gullfoss waterfall, watch Strokkur erupt in the Geysir area, and finally soak in Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool—the Secret Lagoon—with entry included. Expect stories from your local guide and time to just float or wander quietly; it’s less about rushing and more about feeling Iceland under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way our minibus windows fogged up as we left Reykjavík—someone cracked a joke about elves hiding in the mist. Our guide, Freyja, had this habit of pausing just long enough before sharing stories that you’d lean in without realizing. At Þingvellir, she pointed to a narrow path where the Eurasian and North American plates split. The ground felt uneven under my boots, damp with last night’s rain, and there was this silence except for distant crows. I tried to picture ancient assemblies here but mostly just felt small in all that space.

Gullfoss was louder than I expected. You can hear it before you see it—sort of a deep rumble that gets into your chest. The spray caught us off guard (my glasses were useless for a few minutes), but nobody seemed to mind. Freyja told us about the glacier feeding it and how sometimes rainbows show up if you’re lucky. No rainbow for us, just cold cheeks and that wild river smell—kind of metallic, kind of fresh. Someone asked if people ever swim there; she laughed so hard she snorted.

The Geysir area was busy but not overwhelming. Strokkur erupted while I was fiddling with my camera settings (classic), so I missed the first shot but caught the next one. It’s strange how everyone waits quietly and then jumps when it bursts—like we’re all kids again for a second. Lunch was quick—sandwiches from a local bakery—and then on to the Secret Lagoon. That place is something else: steam curling over mossy rocks, water warm enough to make you forget your toes were frozen an hour ago. There’s a sulfur smell but it grows on you, honestly. Floating there, watching a tiny geyser bubble at the edge of the pool… I didn’t want to get out.

Kerið Crater was our last stop—a blue-green lake surrounded by red rock that looked unreal against the grey sky. We walked around the rim while Freyja told us about volcanic eruptions shaping everything here (I kept thinking how old all of this is). The ride back to Reykjavík was quiet; everyone half-asleep or scrolling through photos, which says something about how full the day felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour

• Pick up in Reykjavík
• Drive to Þingvellir National Park
• Explore Þingvellir National Park
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• Walk around Geysir Geothermal Area
• Relax at Secret Lagoon hot spring
• Visit Kerið volcanic crater
• Return to Reykjavík

Top questions

How long is the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon day trip?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík.

Is entrance to the Secret Lagoon included?

Yes, entry fees for the Secret Lagoon are included in your booking.

Are pickups available from hotels in Reykjavík?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from selected locations in Reykjavík are included.

What should I bring for swimming at the Secret Lagoon?

Bring swimwear; you can also rent gear on-site if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 6 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people are usually in each group?

This is a small group tour conducted by minibus for a more personal experience.

Will there be WiFi on board?

Yes, WiFi is available on board during travel between stops.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Cruise ship passengers can join but must provide ship details when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes morning pickup from Reykjavík, comfortable minibus travel with WiFi onboard, an English-speaking guide who shares local stories along every stop on Iceland’s Golden Circle route—including Þingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area—and entry to soak at the Secret Lagoon before returning you back to your starting point in Reykjavík.