Golden Circle, Bruarfoss Waterfall & Kerid Volcanic Crater
Iceland's most celebrated route — tectonic wonders, cascading falls, and ancient volcanic craters in a single day
This Golden Circle day tour from Reykjavík takes you through Iceland's most iconic landscape corridor, combining UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, and the ever-erupting Strokkur geyser with two off-the-beaten-path highlights: the cobalt-blue Bruarfoss waterfall and the vivid Kerid volcanic crater.
Travelling in a comfortable minibus with an experienced guide, the tour keeps group sizes deliberately small to ensure you experience each location without the congestion typical of large coach excursions. The relaxed pace allows genuine time to explore rather than simply photograph from a distance.
Thingvellir National Park sits at a point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart, creating dramatic rift valleys that geologists regard as one of the clearest exposures of this geological process anywhere on Earth. The park also carries deep historical significance as the site of Iceland's original parliament, the Althing, established in 930 AD.
From April 1st, Bruarfoss waterfall and Kerid volcanic crater are included as dedicated stops, adding two of South Iceland's most visually striking natural features to an already full itinerary.
Tour Highlights
Walk along the visible rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Watch Strokkur geyser erupt to heights of up to 40 metres every five minutes at the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley.
Stand at the edge of Gullfoss, where glacial meltwater from Langjökull plunges into a deep canyon in one of Iceland's most photographed scenes.
Discover Bruarfoss, known as Iceland's bluest waterfall, a serene hidden gem where vivid turquoise water flows through ancient lava rock formations.
Descend to the rim of Kerid, a 6,500-year-old volcanic crater in South Iceland, part of the Western Volcanic Zone, with its striking contrast of red rock, green moss, and blue-green lake.
Travel in a small-group minibus, avoiding the large-coach crowds that gather at Golden Circle stops, giving you a more personal and relaxed experience.
Benefit from flexible additional pit stops chosen by your guide based on weather and road conditions to enhance the day further.
Itinerary
Your guide collects you from your preferred location in Reykjavík in a comfortable minibus. The drive toward the Golden Circle begins as the Icelandic landscape opens up outside the capital.
Explore the UNESCO-listed park at your own pace, walking the fissure that marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. The park is also the birthplace of Icelandic parliamentary democracy, with the Althing founded here in 930 AD.
Visit Bruarfoss, a hidden waterfall celebrated for its unusually vivid blue water cascading over lava rock. The route then continues to Gullfoss, where the glacial river Hvitá drops dramatically into a two-tiered canyon.
Arrive at the Haukadalur Valley geothermal field, home to the historic Geysir and the reliably active Strokkur, which erupts every five minutes. The surrounding hot springs display a range of mineral colours across the geothermal landscape.
Walk the perimeter of Kerid, a well-preserved volcanic crater approximately 6,500 years old with a crater lake sitting at its base. The vivid contrast of red volcanic rock, green vegetation, and the teal-coloured lake makes this one of South Iceland's most visually distinctive stops.
Your guide drives you back to Reykjavík, with the possibility of additional stops along the route depending on weather and conditions. The tour concludes back at your pickup location.
What's Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík
- Small-group minibus transport throughout
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Thingvellir National Park visit
- Geysir geothermal area visit
- Gullfoss waterfall visit
- Bruarfoss waterfall (from April 1st)
- Kerid volcanic crater (from April 1st)
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide
- Any entrance fees not listed
Important Information
Ready to Explore the Golden Circle?
Secure your place on this small-group tour and experience Iceland's most celebrated natural and historical landmarks in a single day, without the large-coach crowds.
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