About this experience
Explore the stunning landscapes of Iceland’s Golden Circle, starting at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and geology. Walk along the rift valley where two tectonic plates meet, then dive into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. After your aquatic adventure, visit the iconic Strokkur geyser and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, immersing yourself in Iceland's natural wonders. Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch at Efsti-Dalur dairy farm, known for its homemade ice cream, a true highlight of your journey.
- Snorkel the world-renowned Silfra fissure with 100m visibility
- Visit the historical site of Þingvellir National Park
- Experience the eruptions of Strokkur and the beauty of Gullfoss
- Savor a delightful lunch at a family-run dairy farm, including legendary ice cream
At a glance
- Duration: 9 hr–10 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 9 hr–10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
A base for the Golden Circle you want
Compare a Reykjavík starting point with a stay in the wider region by the arrangements that matter to you.
Plan the Golden Circle with room to look
Connect the principal places with a clear route, useful current information and a pace that fits your visit.
What is included
- Private transportation
- Admission fee
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Parking Fees
Not included
- Lunch
- Meals
Itinerary and highlights
Þingvellir National Park is the perfect starting point for your -Golden Circle tour-, offering stunning scenery and rich history.
Founded in 930, it’s home to the world’s first parliament, where Icelandic settlers met annually to shape laws. The parliament remained here until 1798, and in 2004, Þingvellir became a -UNESCO World Heritage Site-.
Beyond history, Þingvellir sits on the -Mid-Atlantic Ridge-, where the Eurasian and North American plates drift apart. It’s the only place on Earth where this rift is visible above sea level. From the -Hákið viewing platform-, you’ll stand on the edge of the American continent.
A short walk through the park leads to Öxarárfoss, a scenic waterfall with its own unique history.
In Iceland, within the National Park of Þingvellir, you can swim in some of the clearest waters on Earth, with an astonishing underwater visibility of about 100 meters.
The fissure separating the North American tectonic plate from the Hreppa plate (a tiny tectonic plate trapped between two massive continental ones) runs through Þingvellir. About a hundred kilometers away, water from the Langjökull glacier travels underground through a corridor of lava rock before emerging in the Silfra fissure. Since lava rock is one of nature’s best filters, the water remains crystal clear, making this experience truly breathtaking.
We’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at the charming Efsti-Dalur dairy farm, nestled in the picturesque Icelandic countryside. This unique farm-to-table experience takes place on a family-run property with deep roots—proudly operated by the same family since 1750. Their dedication to tradition and quality shines through in every dish.
The menu at Efsti-Dalur features delicious, locally sourced ingredients, prepared with care and authenticity. From hearty homemade meals to fresh dairy products, every bite reflects the essence of Icelandic hospitality.
And for dessert, prepare to indulge in a true highlight: their legendary homemade ice cream. Crafted right on the farm from their own dairy, it’s often hailed as the best ice cream in the world—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. A sweet treat that’s not to be missed!
Lunch and Ice cream not included
Did you know that every geyser in the world is named after -Geysir- in Iceland? The term geyser comes from the Icelandic verb -að geysa,- meaning to gush.
Although Geysir is now dormant (its last recorded eruption was in -2000-), its neighbor -Strokkur- remains incredibly active. Strokkur erupts every -5 to 10 minutes-, treating visitors to dramatic jets of steaming water.
Situated along the iconic -Golden Circle-, Geysir and Strokkur are must-see natural marvels, highlighting Iceland’s geothermal forces. Be sure to experience Strokkur’s breathtaking eruptions up close!
Iceland’s renowned -Golden Circle- owes its name to -Gullfoss-, the spectacular -Golden Waterfall.- Various legends surround its origin, and your guide will reveal these captivating tales during your visit.
Did you know that Gullfoss was once in danger of vanishing? Plans for a -hydropower plant- nearly reshaped this natural wonder forever. Fortunately, conservation efforts safeguarded its magnificence, allowing visitors to experience its unbridled power today.
A highlight of the -Golden Circle-, Gullfoss embodies Iceland’s wild beauty with its roaring cascades and mesmerizing golden mist.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please note that many streets of Reykjavík are closed to traffic for buses. If your hotel is not accessible for us to drive, we will contact you and give you the nearest available location for pickup. Please also note that pickups can take up to 30 minutes. So you need to be ready and wait for your guide 30 minutes BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Lilja Tours ehf.
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- People over 60 will need to submit a medical certificate that they are able to do the activity. Contact us and we will help you with this
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
If your hotel is not accessible for us to drive, we will contact you and give you the nearest available location for pickup.
Please also note that pickups can take up to 30 minutes. So you need to be ready and wait for your guide 30 minutes BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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