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Two of Iceland's most popular things to do, the Golden Circle sightseeing route and the Blue Lagoon, fit into a single day from Reykjavík. You'll travel in a small group, and we take care of the pickup, the driving, and the timing, so you can focus on the scenery instead of the logistics.
Along the Golden Circle, you'll see Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser at the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and the crater lake at Kerið. Our guides share the stories and the science behind each one as you go.
The day ends on the Reykjanes Peninsula at the Blue Lagoon, chosen as one of National Geographic's 25 Wonders of the World. After all that exploring, sinking into its warm, silica-rich water is a fitting way to close the trip.
Availability
All Year
Duration
11 hours
Departs From
Reykjavik
Level
Easy
Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Expert Guides
• Deep local knowledgeThe day is split into two parts. First, you’ll explore the Golden Circle by small-group minibus while your guide explains the geology and history of each stop and answers questions along the way. You’ll return to Reykjavík’s BSÍ bus terminal at around 4:30 PM, giving you time to use the facilities and get a meal or snack. Please be ready to board your Blue Lagoon transfer by 5:30 PM for the 6:00 PM departure.
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland's most important historical places. The Alþingi, among the world's oldest parliaments, was founded here in 930, and assemblies met on this spot until 1798. The park also lies in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian plates, so the main walking path takes you along the boundary between the two continents. Wear sturdy shoes, as the path through the Almannagjá gorge is uneven and often windy.
Hot springs, steam vents, and bubbling pools cover the Geysir geothermal area. Its star is Strokkur, which erupts at regular intervals and throws a column of boiling water up to around 30 m (98 ft) high. The older Great Geysir nearby has been mostly quiet for decades. Stand a little back and upwind, keep your camera ready, and you won't wait long for the next burst.
Gullfoss, the "Golden Falls," drops in two stages over the glacial Hvítá River, first 11 m (36 ft) and then 21 m (69 ft), into a narrow canyon. The river carries meltwater from the Langjökull ice cap, and on bright days the spray throws up rainbows over the falls. The viewing paths bring you close enough to feel the mist, so bring a waterproof layer and watch your footing, as the railings and steps can be wet or icy.
Kerið is a volcanic crater about 55 m (180 ft) deep, with a blue-green lake at its base ringed by steep, rust-red slopes. Unlike craters formed by eruptions, it took shape when a volcanic cone emptied its magma chamber, and the ground collapsed inward. The red color comes from iron in the rock, and the lake is fed by groundwater rather than rain, so its level shifts through the year. Seen from above, it looks like a giant eye, which is how it earned the nickname "the Eye of the World." A short walk circles the rim, with steps down to the water, and your entry is included.
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa set in a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Its warm, milky-blue water is geothermal seawater from the neighboring Svartsengi power plant, rich in silica, algae, and minerals, and it stays at around 37 to 40°C (98 to 104°F) year-round. Your Comfort admission covers entry, a silica mud mask, a towel, and one drink. Tie back or condition your hair before you go in, as the silica can leave it dry and stiff.
You're responsible for updating your pickup location at least 48 hours before your tour. To make changes, log in to My Adventures with your email address and booking number, or contact us at info@adventures.is
Pickup is at 8 AM from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Be ready at the start of your pickup time, as collecting everyone can take up to 30 minutes. You can find the full list of pickup locations in Reykjavík.
This is a great question. We ask all participants to be ready from the start of the pickup time indicated. This is because you may well be the first pick up of the day. Please be at your assigned location at the start time that you chose when booking the tour.
Here you should wait for your guide.
Have your email and phone number listed with us so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.
View our pick-up locations in Reykjavík.
Before and during activities on the multi-day tours consumption of alcohol is prohibited. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.
After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.
Yes, we do. Langjökull Ice Cave is a magical experience, the tour has no minimum age and is a wonderful option for the whole family. Whale Watching with our partner company Elding has been a favourite with families traveling with young children, these guys have a great success rate in seeing whales (upwards of 98% in the summertime).
Another option would be the Landmannalaugar Safari on this tour you get to explore parts of the Icelandic highlands and bathe in natural hot springs. Most of our super jeep tours are also suitable for children over the age of 6 years old. If you would like a nice and relaxing experience we would also recommend the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour.
Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy.
Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our self-drive tours.
All of our tours are guided in English.
No, our guides are not able to provide information on these matters, but our team will be happy to assist you. We kindly ask that you reach out to our customer care team regarding any questions or concerns.
The standard in Iceland is 230V and 50Hz and we use F-type power sockets and plugs, so you might have to bring an adaptor if you are visiting from UK, USA, Canada or other countries using a different voltage, Hz or plugs.
Our tours are split into four different categories that help participants to understand what to expect from the tour. The categories are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Demanding. Each tour is rated making it easier to find tours that suit you.
For further information about the difficulty ratings and descriptions.
We’ve partnered with the Kolviður Fund in a new carbon offsetting program, which passengers can select to participate in at the time of booking.
The Kolviður Fund is the oldest, most respected carbon offsetting program in Iceland. With your support, one tree will be planted in special Kolviður forests in Iceland to carbon offset your tour with us.
Kolviður forests are strategically planted to absorb the maximum amount of CO2 and the forests are protected for a minimum of 60 years. During their lifetime the trees absorb carbon and store it in their root system, trunk, and branches. Trees also prevent soil erosion and maintain storage of carbon in the soil.
Yes, we offer the tour Golden Circle small group tour which is basically the Golden Circle with some extra stops. This tour is focusing on sightseeing and the history of Iceland. Our stops are Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir national park (home to one of the first parliaments of the world), Geysir hot spring area and the historic Skálholt cathedral. View Golden Circle Tours.
We offer numerous options to spice up your Golden Circle tour and to make the most of your day. Here is a list of all of some great tours.
All year around options:
Golden Circle, Super Truck and Snowmobiling
Golden Circle Small group tour
Golden Circle and Snorkeling
Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon
Golden Circle and Super Jeep tour
Golden Circle and Caving
Summer season:
The tour is based around the three most popular attractions in Iceland Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and The Great Geysir. We offer several Golden Circle trips that combine sightseeing with some of our adventure tours.
