About this experience
The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavik. This tour combines historical and geological sites and is recommended for an initial introduction to the country. During the trip, we visit the Thingvellir National Park, the geothermally active Haukadalur Valley with the Geysir and Strokkur geysers, and one of the symbols of Iceland – the Gullfoss waterfall. Other attractions along the way include Fridheimar’s tomato greenhouse and Kerid Crater.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr–9 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr–9 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
- Driver-guide services on the trip
- Private tour for your group
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik
Not included
- Food and drinks
Itinerary and highlights
Thingvellir National Park is famous for both historical and geological monuments. On the one hand, this is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate. On the other hand, it is a symbolically important place in the history of the Icelandic nation, the site of the formation of a national assembly since the time of the first settlers during the Viking Age.
During this stop, we walk through the small geothermal valley of Haukadalur, famous for its Geysir and Strokkur hot springs. Although Geysir is inactive today, Strokkur, the largest active geyser in the country, erupts every 5-10 minutes at an altitude of 20-35 meters (60-100 feet).
Gullfoss is the second largest and one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland; it consists of two steps. The height of the first cascade is 11 meters (33 ft), and the second is 21 meters (65 ft). The walls of the canyon into which the waterfall flows reach heights of up to 70 meters (230 ft). Geologists believe the canyon was formed due to glacial outbursts at the end of the last ice age.
Frideimar Tomato Greenhouse, the most famous greenhouse in Iceland, thanks to a small restaurant inside the greenhouse and tomatoes' dishes. Get a special experience by visiting the greenhouse and sample the local tomato soup with freshly baked bread served with cucumber salsa.
Kerid is a compact crater with a small lake at the bottom, formed after an eruption about six thousand years ago. The crater is 55 meters (180 ft) deep and has an oval caldera that is part of the more significant Tjarnarhólar fault, including several craters and mounds. We can walk around the crater or down to the lake at the bottom.
Meeting and pickup information
- We can change a pickup time upon request to a convenient time. Pickup and drop-off outside of the capital area is possible for the surcharge.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Top Iceland Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
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?
Pickup and drop-off outside of the capital area is possible for the surcharge.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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