About this experience
This day tour with a German-speaking tour guide in a small group with a maximum of 19 participants is the ideal shore excursion for cruise ship passengers and leads from Reykjavík on the so-called Golden Circle over the Hellisheiði plateau to Hveragerði, where we stop at an earthquake fissure in a shopping center, the Haukadalur geothermal area with the active Strokkur geyser, and the impressive Gullfoss waterfall. On the way we stop at a farm that makes very good ice cream from the milk of its own cows. After a short stop at the warm lake Laugarvatn we reach Þingvellir National Park, where you can experience Icelandic history and plate tectonics.
On the way back we make a short detour through downtown Reykjavík.
The departure time and tour duration is suitable for most cruise ships in the port of Reykjavík, such as Aida, MSC.Mein Schiff and Costa.
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr–8 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr–8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
- Food and drinks are not included in the tour price
Itinerary and highlights
We visit the earthquake fissure in the Hvaragerði shopping center. There is also a relief map of South Iceland and information about the earthquakes in South Iceland
The next stop on the tour is at the 6,500 year old Kerið crater, the northernmost of the Tjarnarhólar crater series. The crater has a depth of 55 meters and a diameter of 270x170 meters. The water depth varies between 7-14 meters.
For many, Gullfoss waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland.
The bus first stops in the upper parking lot and then drives to the lower parking lot, where you get on again.
Haukadalur has several hot springs and the active geyser Strokkur. The stop is long enough to witness multiple eruptions of Strokkur.
Stop at the ice cream factory of the Efsti-Dalur II farm.
There you can buy ice cream and look at the dairy cows through a window
Short stop at the warm lake Laugarvatn.
The hot springs on the shore are used for baking bread.
In Þingvellir National Park you can experience history and geology up close.
The Icelandic parliament Alþing was founded in 930 in the Almannagjá gorge created by continental drift.
The Öxarárfoss waterfall can be visited.
The bus first stops in the lower parking lot and then goes to the upper parking lot at the visitor center and viewing platform. Participants can walk through Almannagjá to the upper parking lot.
Short tour through the city center of Reykjavík and if the parking situation allows it, there will be a photo stop at Hallgrimskirkja.
Meeting and pickup information
- Departure to coincide with the berthing times of the cruise ships in Skarfabakki and Korngarður and, if desired, from the Harpa
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- SPS-Travel
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you need a wheelchair but can walk a few meters and get on the bus, please let us know in advance. If you would like to take a trolley with you for a child, please inform us in advance.
- Please note that a large portion of the time on the bus will be spent traveling time.
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?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
If you need a wheelchair but can walk a few meters and get on the bus, please let us know in advance. If you would like to take a trolley with you for a child, please inform us in advance.
What is the cancellation policy?
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