Golden Circle Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik with Kerið Crater
- Duration7 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
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Overview
This guided full-day tour follows Iceland's famous Golden Circle route from Reykjavik. You walk through the rift valley of Þingvellir National Park, where two tectonic plates pull apart, watch Strokkur erupt in the Geysir geothermal area, stand beside the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and, on the morning options, add the red and turquoise Kerið volcanic crater. The default option includes pickup from selected city-centre stops. It suits first-time visitors to Iceland, families and anyone who wants the island's classic highlights in one day.
Highlights
- Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where two continents drift apart
- Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes in the Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss, the two-step Golden Falls plunging into a deep canyon
- Kerið, a volcanic crater with a turquoise lake, on the morning options
- Pickup from selected Reykjavik stops on the default option
- An English-speaking guide explaining Iceland's geology, history and sagas
Full Description
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir is the heart of Iceland in two ways. Geologically, it lies in the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates move apart by about 2 centimetres a year, leaving long cracks and cliffs such as the Almannagjá gorge. Historically, it was the site of the Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament founded in 930, which met in the open air here for centuries.
The park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is the first stop on most Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik. You walk along the gorge between the plates to the Law Rock viewpoint over Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake. The best time to visit Þingvellir is early in the day, when the light across the valley is soft.
Geysir and Strokkur
The Haukadalur valley is a steaming field of hot springs, bubbling mud and mineral-coloured pools. Its most famous spring, the Great Geysir, gave its name to all geysers in the world; it is mostly quiet today, but its neighbour Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes, shooting boiling water usually 15 to 20 metres into the air, sometimes higher.
Stand upwind, keep your camera ready and watch the blue bubble swell just before each eruption. Paths are roped off because the water is close to boiling, so stay on the marked trails. The visitor centre across the road has cafés and shops, and this is usually the stop where you can buy lunch on a Golden Circle day trip.
Gullfoss, the Golden Falls
Gullfoss is where the glacial river Hvítá drops about 32 metres in two steps into a narrow canyon up to 70 metres deep. On sunny days the spray creates rainbows, and in winter the edges freeze into huge ice sculptures. The sound and the mist make it one of the most powerful sights in Iceland.
In the early 20th century there were plans to use the falls for hydropower; Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of a local farmer, is remembered for her fight to protect them, and a memorial to her stands by the path. Two viewing areas, an upper path and a lower trail closer to the water, let you choose how wet you want to get. Is Gullfoss worth seeing in winter? Absolutely.
Kerið Volcanic Crater
Kerið is a volcanic crater about 55 metres deep, formed roughly 3,000 years ago, with steep walls of bright red volcanic rock and a lake of striking aquamarine water at the bottom. Its oval shape, about 270 metres long, is easy to walk around on a rim path, and a trail leads down to the water's edge.
The crater lies on private land, and visitors usually pay a small access fee there, which goes towards its care. Kerið is included only in the morning options of this tour; the shorter afternoon options skip it. The colours are most vivid in summer, while in winter the lake may freeze and the red slopes are dusted with snow.
Itinerary
- Pickup in ReykjavikOn the default option, pickup from a selected city-centre stop in the morning; other options start from Bus Stop 12.
- Þingvellir National ParkWalk between the tectonic plates through the Almannagjá gorge, with about an hour at the park.
- Geysir geothermal areaWatch Strokkur erupt, explore the hot springs and take a lunch break (food not included).
- Gullfoss waterfallSee the two-step falls from the upper and lower viewpoints.
- Kerið craterOn the morning options, walk the rim of the red volcanic crater and its turquoise lake.
- Return to ReykjavikDrive back to the city, arriving about 8.5 hours after departure on the morning options.
What's included
- Guided Golden Circle day tour in English
- Transport by coach
- Stop at Þingvellir National Park
- Stop at the Geysir geothermal area
- Stop at Gullfoss waterfall
Not included
- Kerið volcanic crater
- Hotel pickup
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 4–12
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers with limited mobility on the walking paths at Kerið and Þingvellir
- Guests looking for a private or small-group tour
Meeting point
On the default option, pickup is from designated stops in central Reykjavik; your pickup stop and time are shown on your booking confirmation, and please be there 15 minutes early. Options without pickup start from Bus Stop 12 at Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík. All options return to Reykjavik at the end of the day.
Important information
- The morning options (about 8.5 hours) include Kerið crater; the afternoon options (about 7 hours) do not.
- Pickup from selected city-centre stops is included only in the options with pickup; the others start at Bus Stop 12.
- Food and drinks are not included; there is a lunch stop where you can buy food.
- Visitors to Kerið usually pay a small access fee on site; check the booking panel for what your option covers.
- Wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy walking shoes; paths can be icy in winter.
- Stay on marked paths at Geysir, as the water is close to boiling.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Golden Circle tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose: morning or afternoon, with pickup or from Bus Stop 12. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
The default option includes pickup from selected stops in central Reykjavik. Options marked Bus Stop 12 start from that stop without pickup.
How long is the Golden Circle tour?
The morning tour with Kerið lasts about 8.5 hours; the afternoon tour without Kerið lasts about 7 hours.
Is the Golden Circle suitable for children?
Yes, children love watching Strokkur erupt and seeing the waterfall. The booking panel shows the ticket types available.
What is the difference between the options?
Morning options include Kerið crater and last longer; afternoon options skip Kerið. Each is offered with pickup from central stops or starting at Bus Stop 12.
What should I wear or bring?
Warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes with good grip, a hat and gloves outside summer, and money or a card for lunch.
Is lunch included?
No, but the tour stops at the Geysir area, where there are cafés and a restaurant.
Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
No, this is a daytime tour. For the aurora, book an evening Northern Lights tour during the dark season.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, if seats are available. The booking panel shows the dates and options you can still book.
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