Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik

Summary

Gullfoss spray on your face, geysers bubbling, Sky Lagoon warmth and Reykjavik return

You’ll step between continents at Thingvellir, feel Gullfoss spray on your cheeks, peer into Kerid’s colored crater, then soak away every chill at Sky Lagoon. With local stories and easy pickup from Reykjavik, you’ll end your day warm inside—and maybe wishing you had one more hour in that steaming pool.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Reykjavik while most folks were still nursing their coffee. Our guide—Anna, I think—had this calm way of pointing things out without sounding like she was reading a script. First stop: Thingvellir. There’s something weird about standing with one foot in Europe and the other in America, just shuffling back and forth on the rocks. The wind there is sharp—like it wants to wake you up for real—and Anna told us about old Icelandic parliaments and how some people didn’t exactly leave by choice (the “drowning pool” bit gave me chills). I kept touching the mossy stones; they felt damp and almost alive.

After that, we headed for Geysir. You smell it before you see it—sulfur and steam twisting up in little clouds. Strokkur went off right as I was trying to get my phone ready (missed the shot, but honestly, it was better just watching it anyway). Some kids shrieked when the water exploded upwards; everyone laughed. Gullfoss came next—a short drive but a total change of mood. The falls are loud enough to drown out your thoughts, which I kind of liked. Got a little mist on my glasses. Anna said sometimes rainbows show up if the sun’s right, but today it was all grey and silver spray.

Coffee break in the van (they have Wi-Fi and USB chargers—small joys), then off to Kerid crater. The colors surprised me: rusty reds, green moss clinging everywhere, that blue-green lake at the bottom like someone dropped paint into a bowl. Didn’t expect to feel so small staring down there—I mean, it’s just a hole in the ground technically, but it felt…older than anything else we’d seen.

The last stop was Sky Lagoon back near Reykjavik. You get two hours here—honestly could’ve stayed longer. The water’s hot enough to make your skin tingle after all that cold air outside. There’s this seven-step ritual thing (I skipped a couple steps because I got distracted by the view over the ocean). Met an older Icelandic guy who told me he comes here after work sometimes—he said something about “washing away city noise.” Not sure if he meant literally or not. Anyway, I still think about that feeling of floating there with salt on my lips and not really wanting to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon tour

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• See continental plates and historic parliament site
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• Watch Strokkur geyser erupt
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall
• View two-step glacier-fed waterfall
• Stop at Kerid volcanic crater
• See colorful crater and turquoise lake
• Relax two hours at Sky Lagoon
• Enjoy hotpot ritual, swim-up bar, and sauna

Top questions

How long does the Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon tour take?

The full day trip lasts around 10 hours including all stops and two hours at Sky Lagoon.

Is hotel pickup included from Reykjavik?

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

Do I need to bring my own towel for Sky Lagoon?

No, towel rental is included with your admission ticket to Sky Lagoon.

Are entry fees for Kerid Crater covered?

Yes, entry to Kerid Volcanic Crater is included in the tour price.

Is lunch provided during this Golden Circle day trip?

No lunch is provided; you may want to bring snacks or buy food during stops.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional guide leads the tour in English.

How many people are on this small-group tour?

The tour uses a minibus for small groups; exact numbers can vary but it's not a large coach group.

Can I charge my phone during the trip?

Yes, there are USB chargers next to every seat on the bus.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off within Reykjavik city limits, entry fees for both Kerid Volcanic Crater and Sky Lagoon (plus towel rental), free Wi-Fi onboard with USB charging at every seat, and guiding throughout—all wrapped up before returning you to town after sunset.