The Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater | Small Group Day Tour 1
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The Golden Circle & Kerid Volcanic Crater | Small Group Day Tour

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Reykjavík, Iceland
Day Trips & Excursions
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About this activity

Experience Iceland's most iconic natural wonders on this 8-hour small-group tour from Reykjavík, covering the Golden Circle route: Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site straddling the Atlantic tectonic plates), the Geysir geothermal area with its famous Strokkur geyser, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. This compact itinerary showcases Iceland's dramatic geology and cultural significance in a single day.

 Trip to Golden Circle is the most popular day tour in Iceland. Geysers, The Golden waterfall and Thingvellir is a classic and there is a reason for it. Taking just a short drive from Reykjavík allows you to see some of the most spectacular landscapes and natural wonders in Iceland. 

Thingvellir National park is the National shire of all Icelanders. It lies within the belt of volcanic activity and fissures which pass across Iceland, a part of the mid-Atlantic ridge, the junction of the american and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is a nice feeling to stand with your right foot in Europe and the left one in America. It’s great significance within the Icelandic culture have enabled this divine territory to attain a UNESCO World heritage status in 2004. 

Geysir – the biggest geysers of Haukadalur Geothermal Area are Strokkur and Geysir itself, which gives the others their name. This geothermal area, spreading over a surface of 3 km, is filled with so called boiling mud pits that, when active, expulse hot water high into the air, followed by a steady puff of evaporating steam, only to repeat this occurrence every couple of minutes. Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, throwing a column of water into the air to a height of 20 to 30 meters. If you’ve ever opened a Lonely Planet Guidebook about Iceland or scrolled through travel blogs, chances are you’d have unknowingly come across dozens of images of this natural marvel.   

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most popular and venerated natural landscapes. The waterfalls ever so impressive influential flow rate is given by the glacier river – Hvítá a rich in Salmon River, flowing for 40 kilometres from Langjökull glacier in the highlands of Iceland before disappearing deep within the waterfalls canyon 32-meter drop. During summer, when glacial water from Langjökull melts at a higher volume due to the rise of the earth’s temperature, the average flow of the waterfall’s water reaches an impressive 140 cubic meters per second! 

The Golden Circle is open all year round. Each season paints the surrounding landscapes with different colours and brings along its charm and conquests. There is no right or wrong answer. It really is up to you and your preferences. The landscape dramatically changes from one season to another, which makes the experience even more unique and worthy for returning visitors. Summer brings out the warm fairy-tale like colours of the grounds and sky whereas winter allows its guests to experience a truly Nordic seasonal environment. 

Classic Golden Circle Tour covers three mentioned stops. We want to add something unique to your experience and that’s why we will also visit the big Volcanic Crater Kerid. The crater is 270 m wide and more than 55 m deep. There is a lake in the bottom of the crater which gives it a little bit of magic. The lake’s high mineral composition gives its waters a fairy-tale like turquoise colour that creates a true visual spectacle paired with the brightly painted volcanic rock and vegetation. Due to the relative mild slope on one of the crater’s walls, if desired, one can easily descend its side to get an even closer look at the lake or walk all around it’s border.  

On the way back to Reykjavík you will pass by farming and geothermal areas surrounding town of Hveragerði - famous for numerous greenhouses and horse farms.  

The is a private experience and maximum number of passengers per bus are 19 which we believe creates a more personal and enjoyable experience for our guests.

If you want to relax in hot water at Blue Lagoon we recommend our 11 hours Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour

Highlights

  • Stand between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park
  • Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every 5–10 minutes, shooting water 20–30 metres into the air
  • Explore the 3 km Haukadalur geothermal area with its boiling mud pools and steam vents
  • Marvel at Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most photographed and powerful waterfalls
  • UNESCO World Heritage site visit with deep Icelandic cultural and historical context

Insider tips

  • Arrive early at Strokkur to secure the best unobstructed viewing spots before midday crowds build up
  • Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots—geothermal areas can be slippery and spray from the geyser reaches spectators
  • The geothermal area's boardwalks are well-maintained, but ground temperatures are extremely hot; stay on marked paths
  • Bring a camera with fast shutter speed to capture Strokkur's unpredictable eruptions

Good to know

  • Tour duration is 8 hours including drive time from Reykjavík; total time includes travel and stops
  • Small-group format ensures a more personalised experience than larger coach tours
  • Waterproof and warm clothing essential—weather in Iceland changes rapidly and geothermal areas are exposed
  • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots recommended for uneven terrain and muddy sections around hot springs
  • Accessibility varies by site: Þingvellir includes some steep terrain; geothermal areas have boardwalks but can be challenging for those with mobility issues—confirm with operator

Who it's for

First-time Iceland visitors seeking the country's essential natural landmarksGeology enthusiasts and photographers keen to document geyser eruptions and tectonic formationsNature lovers with moderate fitness who want a comprehensive day tour without multi-day commitmentCultural travellers interested in UNESCO sites and Iceland's historical significance

Best time to visit

Visit during summer (June–August) for extended daylight and accessible terrain, though shoulder seasons (May, September) offer fewer crowds and clear skies. Midday visits can be busy at Strokkur; early morning (if tour timing allows) or late afternoon are quieter.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€104
per person