Gullfoss Waterfall — the crown jewel of the Golden Circle
Þingvellir National Park — walking between two continents
Strokkur geyser — erupting every 5–10 minutes at Geysir
Gullfoss — a two-tiered fall on the Hvítá River
Kerið crater lake — a volcanic crater lake
Geysir geothermal area — hot springs and steam vents
Rainbow over Gullfoss — the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle Tour
Iceland's most popular route earns that reputation honestly. In one day, close to Reykjavík, it moves through nine centuries of history, two tectonic plates, an erupting geyser, a thundering waterfall and a volcanic crater — with a working farm or two along the way. Our small-group minibus covers all of it, with a knowledgeable local driver-guide narrating the stories behind each stop.
The Experience
Þingvellir National Park
We begin at Þingvellir, a place of both historical and geological significance. This is where Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, was founded in 930 AD — for centuries, around 30 ruling chiefs gathered here to shape the island's laws. It's also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, so this is quite literally where you can walk between continents. A short, easy walk brings us to Öxarárfoss, one of the very few waterfalls in Iceland shaped by human hands — its course was redirected in the 10th century to bring water to the assembled parliament.
Efstidalur Dairy Farm
Next, a stop at Efstidalur, a working dairy farm with views toward Mount Hekla and a chance to say hello to the resident cows, horses and dogs. It's a favourite pause on the route — not least for the organic, homemade ice cream made right there on the farm.
Geysir Geothermal Area
From there we reach the Geysir geothermal area, where the ground itself seems alive — bubbling hot springs, steaming vents and mineral pools in shades of blue, yellow and orange. The star of the show is Strokkur, which erupts every five to ten minutes, sending a jet of hot water 20 to 30 metres into the air. Its dormant namesake, the Great Geysir, sits quietly nearby.
Gullfoss Waterfall
We continue to Gullfoss, the Golden Circle's best-known landmark. Fed by the glacial Hvítá River, this two-tiered waterfall drops a combined 32 metres into a rugged canyon — on a sunny day, look for a rainbow rising in its spray. Well-placed viewing platforms let you take it in from above, or walk closer and feel the mist for yourself.
Friðheimar & Kerið Crater Lake
Before our final stop, we pause at Friðheimar, a working tomato farm serving genuinely good, tomato-based Icelandic fare (lunch itself isn't included, but it's well worth trying). We close the day at Kerið, a volcanic crater roughly 3,000 years old — its steep red and black slopes framing a strikingly blue-green lake at the bottom, with a path around the rim and a trail down to the water's edge.
Highlights
- Þingvellir National Park — walk between two continents
- Öxarárfoss, one of Iceland's few human-made waterfalls
- Strokkur geyser, erupting every 5–10 minutes at Geysir
- Gullfoss, a two-tiered 32-metre waterfall
- Kerið, a striking volcanic crater lake
- Small-group minibus (max. 19 guests) with a knowledgeable local driver-guide
Included & What to Bring
Included
- Small-group minibus & knowledgeable local driver-guide
- Pickup & drop-off, Reykjavík metropolitan area
- Admission to Kerið
- Free WiFi on board
- Guiding in English, with Spanish available on Thursdays
- All taxes, fees & handling charges
What to Bring
- Warm, wind- and waterproof outer layers
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
- Cash or card for lunch and snacks (not included) — or bring a packed lunch
- Your own camera, if you prefer it to ours
A Typical Day
Good to Know
- The order and availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions — we reserve the right to delay or reroute a departure for the safety of our guests.
- This tour operates in all weather and throughout the year — dress in warm, wind- and waterproof layers regardless of season.
- We stop for lunch and snacks along the way, but these are not included in the tour price — you're welcome to bring your own packed lunch.
- Refunds apply only when we cancel the tour ourselves, most often due to unfavourable weather or safety conditions.
- Cancellations made by you within 24 hours of departure are not eligible for a refund — we recommend travel insurance that covers tour cancellations.
- Easy and accessible for anyone in good health; no extensive physical activity is required, just comfortable walking.
- Due to the length and fixed pace of this tour, we don't recommend bringing infants aged 0–3 — for a more flexible pace, ask us about our private option.
- Guiding is in English, with a bilingual Spanish-speaking guide available on Thursday departures.
Gallery
Why Travel With NorthStar
An Icelandic company — NorthStar Travel ehf. — planning journeys in the country we call home.
Guided by people who know these landscapes and the stories behind them.
Only cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable — no hidden conditions.
See full policy →Book online through Bókun's secure checkout, with live availability and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pickup and drop-off within Reykjavík, a full day with a knowledgeable local driver-guide in a small-group minibus, admission to Kerið, and free WiFi on board. All taxes and fees are included in the price.
We stop for lunch and snacks along the way — often at Friðheimar tomato farm — but food isn't included in the tour price. You're welcome to bring a packed lunch instead.
This departure is a small-group experience, shared with up to 19 other guests in the minibus. A private version of this tour is also available — contact us and we'll arrange it for your party.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are not eligible for a refund. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers tour cancellations for full peace of mind.
Due to the length and fixed pace of this tour, we don't recommend bringing infants aged 0–3. If you're travelling with a young child, contact us and we'll happily arrange a private, flexible-pace alternative.
Yes — this tour operates in all weather and throughout the year. The order of stops may change to keep the day as safe and rewarding as possible.
Yes — our Thursday departures include a bilingual English/Spanish driver-guide. Let us know at booking if you'd like to join one of these.
A Private Golden Circle Journey
Skip the shared departure — a private vehicle, a flexible schedule, and the freedom to customise every stop along the way.
Explore the Private Tour →