Golden Circle & Hvammsvík Hot Springs: Kerið, Geysir, Gullfoss and a Geothermal Soak from Reykjavík
A single day that stitches together Iceland’s headline geothermal sites—Kerið, Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir—and ends with a two-hour soak in Hvammsvík’s seawater-meets-geothermal pools. Expect dramatic landscapes, short walks and a restorative spa finale.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Hvammsvík soak is the tour’s highlight—pack swimwear and a travel towel; rentals are limited.
Layer up for variable weather
Wind and spray at Gullfoss and cold mornings require a windproof shell and mid-layer you can remove at the pools.
Charge your camera and phone
Bus seats have USB chargers, but bring a power bank for long shooting sessions at Kerið and Thingvellir.
Wear grippy shoes
Boardwalks and trails can be wet and icy depending on season—sturdy, water-resistant footwear helps.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Try the geothermal bakery in Hveragerði for hverabrauð (rye bread baked in steam).
- •Walk the lower rim at Kerið for different angles and fewer crowds than the main overlook.
Wildlife
- •Arctic foxes (rarely seen near parking areas)
- •Migratory seabirds along the Whale Fjord shoreline
Conservation Note
Visitors should stay on marked paths to protect fragile moss and geothermal features; Hvammsvík operates continuous water exchange to maintain water quality and minimize chemical treatment.
Thingvellir was the site of Iceland’s Alþingi, the early parliament where laws were made and disputes settled for centuries.
Photographer's Notes
- • Kerið rim walk overlooking the crater lake
- • Gullfoss upper viewing platform for full two-tier perspective
- • Thingvellir Almannagjá rift edge
What to Bring
SwimsuitEssential
Required for the two-hour soak at Hvammsvík.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Protects against spray at Gullfoss and gusty roadside conditions.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Provides traction on wet boardwalks and uneven crater rim trails.
Travel towel or microfiber towelEssential
Dries quickly after the hot springs and packs small when wet.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what time will I be picked up?
The tour lasts about 11 hours; pickups in Reykjavík take place between 8:30 and 9:00 and your exact pickup point is confirmed 24 hours before departure.
Is the Hvammsvík soak included in the price?
Yes—admission to Hvammsvík Hot Spring is included and the soak lasts approximately two hours.
Are meals included?
Food is not included; there are short stops where you can buy snacks (try geothermal-baked hverabrauð in Hveragerði), but plan to bring water and light snacks.
Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes—short walks and minimal elevation make it family-friendly, though some viewing areas have stairs and wet surfaces to navigate.
Can I change my pickup location?
Pickup within Reykjavík is offered and may be adjusted; you’ll confirm the exact pickup point with the operator no later than 24 hours before departure.
What should I wear for the hot spring?
Bring a swimsuit and flip-flops or sandals for the poolside; bring a warm layer for after your soak as coastal breezes can be cool.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
11 hours (full day)
Location
Reykjavík, Capital Region
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires walking on uneven ground and short uphill sections at viewpoints.
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