Golden Circle Tour with Extra Waterfalls
Waterfalls, volcanic craters, geysers, and tectonic wonders — all in a single unforgettable day
This Golden Circle small-group tour with extra waterfalls takes you far beyond the classic route, weaving in lesser-known cascades, a volcanic crater lake, and a geothermal field into one carefully paced 12-hour journey through Iceland's most iconic landscapes.
The day begins with a gentle drive through Hveragerdi, a greenhouse village powered by geothermal energy, with a quick stop to pick up breakfast before the adventure begins. Your guide sets the tone early, offering local context and Icelandic history that textbooks rarely capture.
What separates this itinerary from standard Golden Circle tours is the deliberate addition of waterfalls like Urrioafoss and Faxafoss, two genuinely spectacular sites that most visitors never see. The result is a more complete portrait of Iceland's south and west regions, from raw glacial rivers to the thundering canyon of Gullfoss.
The group size is intentionally kept small, which means more flexibility at each stop, easier conversation with your guide, and a more relaxed pace overall. Every location chosen for this route has been selected for both its natural impact and its manageable crowd levels.
Tour Highlights
Stand at the rim of Kerio volcanic crater and look down at its vivid red slopes and deep blue lake — a short, easy walk with a dramatic reward.
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a rare experience that puts you inside the cascade itself with sweeping views of the surrounding valley.
Visit Skogafoss, a 60-meter curtain of water that generates its own rainbows on clear days and roars loud enough to feel in your chest.
Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes at the Geysir geothermal area — one of Iceland's most reliably thrilling natural performances.
Discover Urrioafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls by volume, almost entirely free of tourist crowds and rich with raw glacial force.
Walk the rift valley at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where two tectonic plates meet and Iceland's first parliament assembled over a millennium ago.
Experience the full sweep of Gullfoss waterfall plunging into a rugged canyon — one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the North Atlantic.
How the Day Unfolds
The tour departs Reykjavik and passes through the geothermal greenhouse village of Hveragerdi, with a brief stop for breakfast. The first major landmark is Kerio, a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater whose rust-red walls encircle a striking blue-green lake.
The route continues to Urrioafoss, an undervisited powerhouse waterfall that carries more water than almost any other fall in Iceland. From there, the group heads to Seljalandsfoss — walkable behind the curtain — and then to the towering Skogafoss.
A pause at a local service station in Hvolsvollur gives everyone a chance to grab coffee, snacks, or try the famed Icelandic hot dog without the long queues found in Reykjavik. It is a practical and genuinely local moment in the day.
Back on the Golden Circle, the group visits the wide and peaceful Faxafoss before reaching the iconic Gullfoss, where glacial meltwater crashes into a two-tiered canyon with tremendous force. Both waterfalls offer very different but equally memorable views.
The Geysir area is home to Strokkur, which erupts reliably every four to eight minutes, sending a column of boiling water high into the air. The surrounding field of hot springs, mud pots, and steaming vents makes for a vivid geothermal landscape.
The final stop is Thingvellir, where Iceland's Althing parliament first convened in 930 AD and where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are visibly drifting apart above ground. After taking in this UNESCO site, the group returns to Reykjavik by evening.
What Is Included
Included
- Small-group guided transportation from Reykjavik
- Professional local guide throughout the day
- Entrance to Kerio volcanic crater
- All stops at waterfalls, geothermal areas, and Thingvellir
- Icelandic stories and historical context from your guide
Not Included
- Food and beverages at any stop
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Any optional activities or entrance fees not listed above
Good to Know Before You Go
Reserve Your Spot on the Golden Circle
Spaces fill quickly on this small-group tour. Secure your place today and prepare for a day of waterfalls, geysers, and Icelandic history you will not forget.
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