Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour From Reykjavik

Nestled amidst Iceland’s rugged landscapes, the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Kerid Crater tour from Reykjavik promises an unforgettable adventure. Visitors embark on a comprehensive exploration of the country’s natural wonders, seeing the grandeur of Gullfoss waterfall, the power of Strokkur geyser, and the historical significance of Thingvellir National Park. But the tour’s true gems lie beyond the well-trodden path, where the serene Secret Lagoon and the captivating Kerid Crater await, offering a glimpse into Iceland’s geological past and a chance to indulge in the restorative waters of the geothermal hot springs. With guided transportation and seamless logistics, this tour presents a seamless way to uncover the heart of Iceland’s natural splendor.

Just The Basics

• This full-day tour from Reykjavik covers the iconic Golden Circle route, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Strokkur geyser.
• Visitors can explore the unique geology and history of Iceland at the Kerid Crater volcanic site.
• The tour includes a relaxing visit to the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring with a year-round temperature of 100-104°F.
• Round-trip transport and entrance fees are provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Pickup and drop-off services are available from Reykjavik hotels or the cruise port, making it convenient for travelers.

Tour Overview

This full-day trip from Reykjavik takes visitors to key sites in the Golden Circle and the Secret Lagoon, providing round-trip transport and entrance fees.

Travelers will visit Thingvellir National Park, home to the world’s oldest parliament, and marvel at the stunning Gullfoss waterfall. They’ll also witness the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes.

At the Kerid Crater, they’ll take a quick walk around the edge of the enormous volcanic crater.

The tour also includes relaxation time at the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, where visitors can soak in the steamy, natural hot springs with water temperatures between 100-104°F year-round.

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Reykjavik hotels or the cruise port.

Golden Circle Route

The Golden Circle route takes visitors to three of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders – Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Strokkur geyser.

At Thingvellir, guests can explore the foundation of the world’s oldest parliament, dating back to 930AD.

Nearby, the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall cascades over two tiers, creating a mesmerizing display.

The final stop is Strokkur geyser, which erupts steaming water up to 60 feet (18 meters) into the air every few minutes.

This classic Icelandic route offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s unique geology and history.

Thingvellir National Park: Site of the world’s oldest parliament
Gullfoss waterfall: One of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls
Strokkur geyser: Erupts water high into the air every few minutes
Insight into Iceland’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in southwestern Iceland, renowned for its remarkable geological features and historic significance as the site of the world’s oldest continuously running parliament, the Althing, which was established in 930 AD. The park’s landscape is dominated by the rift valley created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which visitors can explore along well-marked hiking trails. Visitors can also witness the power of nature at the Öxarárfoss waterfall and marvel at the stunning views from the Almannagjá fault, where the Althing once convened.

Feature	Description
Geology	Rift valley formed by tectonic plate separation
History	Site of the Althing, world’s oldest parliament (930 AD)
Landmarks	Öxarárfoss waterfall, Almannagjá fault
Activities	Hiking, exploring geological features

Gullfoss Waterfall

One of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, Gullfoss waterfall thunders over two distinct tiers, plummeting some 105 feet (32 meters) into a rugged, canyon-like gorge. Fed by the mighty Hvíta river, the waterfall’s impressive volume and power have made it a legendary sight.

Visitors can gaze upon Gullfoss from various viewpoints, observing:

• The waterfall’s majestic, two-stage descent into the rocky ravine below
• Rainbows that often form in the mist rising from the crashing water
• The contrast of the pure, white water against the dark, volcanic rock
• The sheer, raw power of nature on full display, a humbling experience

Gullfoss is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the famous Golden Circle route, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its breathtaking beauty.

Strokkur Geyser

Strokkur, a renowned geyser located within the Golden Circle, erupts a spectacular column of steaming water up to 98 feet (30 meters) into the air every few minutes, enthralling visitors with its captivating display of Iceland’s volcanic power.

This natural wonder is a highlight of the Golden Circle tour, as guests eagerly await each eruption, cameras poised.

Strokkur’s eruptions are triggered by the buildup of superheated water and steam in an underground chamber, which is then forcefully expelled through the geyser’s vent.

Watching this mesmerizing performance, visitors can’t help but be amazed by the raw power and unpredictability of Iceland’s geothermal landscapes.

Kerid Crater

The Kerid Crater, an enormous volcanic crater, offers visitors a quick walk around its edge, providing a captivating glimpse into Iceland’s dramatic geological past.

This striking natural wonder, formed by a volcanic eruption and the subsequent collapse of the magma chamber, is a must-see for anyone exploring the Golden Circle.

During the tour, visitors can:

• Marvel at the striking contrast between the vivid red volcanic rock and the bright turquoise water that fills the crater’s basin.
• Appreciate the striking visual symmetry of the crater’s steep, almost perfectly circular walls.
• Gain a deeper understanding of Iceland’s volcanic origins and the powerful geological forces that have shaped the landscape.
• Capture breathtaking photographs that immortalize the crater’s otherworldly beauty.

Secret Lagoon

Among the highlights of the tour is the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, which is fed by underground hot springs and maintains a year-round water temperature of 100-104°F (38-40°C), creating a relaxing, fairytale-like setting for visitors to enjoy.

The steamy, geothermal waters of the lagoon offer a unique and rejuvenating experience, allowing travelers to soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

After exploring the other sites on the Golden Circle route, guests can unwind and recharge in the soothing waters of the Secret Lagoon, taking in the serene atmosphere and the stunning natural scenery that Iceland is renowned for.

Pickup and Drop-off

Pickup and drop-off for the tour are provided, with guests able to be collected from their Reykjavik hotels or the cruise port. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes, so participants are advised to wait at the designated location.

At the end of the tour, travelers are then dropped off either at the cruise port or a central Reykjavik hotel.

The convenience of this transportation setup offers several benefits:

• Eliminates the hassle of arranging one’s own transportation
• Provides a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure
• Allows participants to fully enjoy the tour experience
• Reduces the logistical burden, enabling a more enjoyable and relaxing day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so participants are welcome to bring their own.

Many people find it convenient to pack a lunch, snacks, and beverages to enjoy during the day.

However, there may be opportunities to purchase food and drinks at some of the sites visited.

It’s a good idea to check with the tour operator about any restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and drinks.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

For most day tours, you’ll want to dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Bringing a lightweight rain jacket or sweater is also a good idea, as the weather can change quickly.

You may also want to pack snacks, a water bottle, and sun protection.

The tour provider will likely provide any specialized equipment needed, but it’s always a good idea to check the tour details beforehand.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Elderly Participants?

The tour is generally suitable for children and elderly participants, though some physical activity is involved. The walking is moderate, with options to rest as needed.

The Secret Lagoon has easy access and provides a relaxing experience. However, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so appropriate clothing and footwear are essential.

How Much Time Do We Spend at Each Attraction?

The tour typically allocates around 1-2 hours at each attraction, allowing visitors to fully experience the sites.

At Thingvellir National Park, guests can explore the historic parliament grounds and natural landscapes for about an hour.

At Gullfoss waterfall and Strokkur geyser, visitors will have 1-1.5 hours to witness the stunning natural wonders.

The stop at Kerid Crater is a quick 30-minute walk around the crater’s edge.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees During the Tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation and entrance fees to the attractions.

Any additional costs or fees during the tour are the responsibility of the participants. This could include food, drinks, or any optional activities or purchases at the sites.

It’s important for participants to bring enough money to cover their personal expenses throughout the day.

Sum Up

The Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Kerid Crater tour from Reykjavik offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Iceland’s natural wonders.

Visitors can witness the captivating Gullfoss waterfall, the erupting Strokkur geyser, and the historical significance of Thingvellir National Park.

The tour also includes a visit to the striking Kerid Crater and a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon’s geothermal hot springs, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of Iceland’s iconic attractions.