Iceland Golden Circle: Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid & Blue Lagoon Day Trip

Summary

Golden Circle geysers waterfalls crater lake and geothermal soak with Reykjavik pickup

You’ll feel Iceland’s energy up close: walk between continents at Thingvellir, taste fresh-baked rye from geothermal earth, watch geysers erupt at Geysir, and get soaked by Gullfoss’s spray. End your Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik with a soak in either the iconic Blue Lagoon or peaceful Hvammsvík Baths—leaving you both windswept and warmed through.

What’s the experience like?

“You smell that?” our guide Jón asked as we stepped off the minibus at Thingvellir. It was that crisp, mineral air — like wet stone and moss after rain. I’d seen photos of the Golden Circle before, but standing between those tectonic plates was something else. The ground felt alive under my boots. Jón pointed out how the earth splits here, North America on one side, Eurasia on the other. I tried to picture it shifting over centuries — hard to wrap your head around when you’re just trying not to slip on the path.

We stopped in Laugarvatn where someone was baking rye bread right in the hot ground — honestly, I thought Jón was joking until he showed us the steaming patch of earth. The bread tasted sweet and dense, still warm. Then came Geysir — you hear it before you see it: bubbling mud pots, steam hissing everywhere. Strokkur erupted while I was mid-sentence (I jumped), spraying water higher than any fountain back home. It’s weirdly mesmerizing to just stand there waiting for it to blow again.

Gullfoss was next — all roar and mist, sunlight catching in little rainbows if you squint right. My jacket got soaked but I didn’t care; everyone just laughed about it on the bus after. Kerid crater looked almost painted, red rocks circling this blue-green lake down below. We wandered along the rim while a cold wind whipped around us — I still think about that color contrast sometimes.

The last stop was either Blue Lagoon or Hvammsvík Baths (I picked Blue Lagoon). The water felt thick and silky against my skin; steam curling up into gray sky, people floating quietly or chatting in every language you can imagine. There’s something about ending a day of wild landscapes with that kind of warmth — my hair smelled faintly of minerals for days after, not sure if that’s a good thing but it made me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Golden Circle and hot springs

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Pass by Laugarvatn geothermal area
• Walk around Geysir geothermal area
• Watch Strokkur geyser erupt
• See Gullfoss waterfall
• Pass through small greenhouse town
• Visit Kerid volcanic crater
• Drive through Reykjanes Peninsula
• Choose soak at Blue Lagoon or Hvammsvík Baths

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within Reykjavik city area.

Can I choose between Blue Lagoon or Hvammsvík Baths?

Yes, you can select either option when booking your tour.

Are entry fees for Kerid crater included?

Yes, entrance to Kerid crater is included in the tour price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No traditional lunch is included; however, there are stops where you can purchase food or snacks.

How long does Strokkur geyser take to erupt?

Strokkur erupts approximately every 10 minutes during your visit to Geysir area.

What happens if I want to visit Blue Lagoon but don’t want to swim?

You can walk around the lava fields or visit the shop/restaurant without entering the spa itself.

Is this Golden Circle day trip suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

If I book Blue Lagoon entry separately, will I get instructions?

Yes, after booking you'll receive information on how to reserve your Blue Lagoon tickets if not included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik city area, guided visits to Thingvellir, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Kerid crater (with entrance fee), plus Wi-Fi on board. Depending on your choice at booking, entry to either Blue Lagoon or Hvammsvík Baths is arranged—or you can explore outside if you prefer not to swim.