Golden Circle and Kerid Crater: Small-Group Day Tour from Reykjavik
Drive Iceland’s most famous loop in an intimate, small-group format: walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt, feel Gullfoss’s spray, and peer into the vivid Kerid crater. This eight-hour tour balances dramatic scenery with practical pacing for travelers of all levels.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Icelandic weather changes fast—bring insulating mid-layers and a waterproof outer shell to stay comfortable between exposed viewpoints.
Sturdy, grippy footwear
Boardwalks and crater rims can be wet and uneven; ankle-supporting boots or shoes with good tread reduce slip risk.
Bring snacks and water
Stops include a lunch window but bringing snacks and a refillable water bottle keeps you fueled during short walks between sites.
Protect camera gear
Spray from Gullfoss and wind at Kerid can damage equipment—use a rain cover and a strap to secure cameras.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Laugarvatn geothermal bakery—try the rye bread buried in steam
- •Short walk to Brúarfoss viewpoint for a quieter, vivid-blue river scene
Wildlife
- •Arctic fox (rare, usually glimpsed in remote fields)
- •Various waterfowl like mallards and tufted ducks near lakes
Conservation Note
Sites are protected and require visitors to stick to marked trails; avoid trampling vegetation and take all litter back to Reykjavík to limit erosion and habitat disturbance.
Þingvellir was the meeting place of Iceland’s Althing from 930–1798, Europe’s oldest surviving parliament, and its landscape still reflects that civic history alongside tectonics.
Photographer's Notes
- • Almannagjá ridge in Þingvellir for plate separation views
- • Upper platform at Gullfoss for a wide waterfall sweep
- • Kerid rim looking down into the crater lake
What to Bring
Waterproof shellEssential
Keeps wind and rain off during sudden showers common in spring.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Provide grip on wet boardwalks and uneven crater rims.
Insulating mid-layerEssential
Traps heat when temperatures drop, especially near waterfalls and in the morning.
Camera with protective cover
Captures eruptions and panoramas while staying safe from spray and wind.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about eight hours, typically with pickup in Reykjavík between 08:30 and 09:00 and return in the late afternoon.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes—children five and older are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult; paths are family-friendly though exposure at viewpoints requires supervision.
Are entrance fees included?
Standard admission is not required at these open-access sites; the tour price includes pickup and a driver/guide but not optional extras like food or additional attractions.
Can I join without hotel pickup?
Yes—if you prefer, you can meet the tour at the Nicetravel office on Fiskislóð 45M in central Reykjavík; notify the operator in advance.
What weather should I expect?
Weather is highly variable—expect wind, rain, or bright sun even in a single day. Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing year-round.
Is the crater rim at Kerid easy to access?
Yes—the rim has a short, maintained path; however, sections can be muddy and steep so wear appropriate footwear.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Reykjavík, Capital Region
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, flat to mildly uneven walks and standing at viewpoints.
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