Golden Circle Day Tour: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss & Kerid with Fridheimar Visit
A one-day small-group tour that stitches together Iceland’s most immediate geological and cultural highlights: Þingvellir’s rift, Strokkur’s eruptions, Gullfoss’s plunging waters, Kerið’s crater rim and a stop at Fridheimar’s geothermal tomato greenhouses.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for changeable weather
Pack a windproof shell and warm mid-layer—conditions can shift from sun to sleet within an hour.
Bring waterproof footwear
Paths at Gullfoss and around Kerið get wet and muddy; shoes with good grip make viewpoints safer.
Charge and carry spare batteries
Cold drains phone batteries quickly—bring a small power bank for cameras and phones.
Respect marked trails
Stay on boardwalks and ropes to protect fragile moss and prevent erosion—closures are for safety and conservation.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the quieter eastern trail at Þingvellir for fewer crowds and intimate fissure views
- •Stop at the small service café near Geysir for steaming rye bread baked in geothermal ground (when available)
Wildlife
- •Arctic fox (rare sightings in rural areas)
- •Various shore and passerine birds such as golden plover and meadow pipit
Conservation Note
Heavy visitation stresses delicate moss and lichen; stick to paths, avoid trampling vegetation, and favor operators that support local conservation and low-impact practices.
Þingvellir was the site of the Alþingi from 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world and a focal point of national identity.
Photographer's Notes
- • Almannagjá fissure walkway at Þingvellir
- • Upper Gullfoss platform for the full two-step drop
- • Kerið rim for colorful slope-to-lake compositions
What to Bring
Waterproof shellEssential
Protects against wind-driven rain common on this route.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Offers traction on wet boardwalks and gravel paths around falls and craters.
Camera with spare batteries or power bankEssential
Cold conditions sap batteries; extra power keeps your camera and phone alive.
Insulated mid-layer
Adds warmth for cool mornings and evenings without bulk.
Common Questions
Is admission included for the sites?
Most viewing areas are free; Kerið crater admission is included per itinerary notes—confirm at booking if fees are covered.
Do I need to be physically fit?
No special fitness required—walks are short and manageable, though there are uneven surfaces and stairs at Gullfoss viewpoints.
Will we visit Fridheimar greenhouse for a tour or tasting?
The stop is a visit only; it’s an opportunity to see the geothermal greenhouse and buy food onsite, but a guided internal tour is not guaranteed.
Are restroom facilities available?
Yes—restrooms are available at Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss visitor areas; Kerið has more limited facilities.
Can I swim in Kerið crater lake?
No—swimming is not permitted; the lake and crater slopes are protected and fragile.
What languages are the guides likely to use?
Tours are conducted in English; guides may also offer multilingual assistance depending on the group.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9 hours
Location
Reykjavik, Capital Region
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light fitness required—able to walk short distances (0.5–2 km) on uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces
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