Golden Circle in a Day: Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid & Sky Lagoon
Experience Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle in a single day—from the tectonic drama of Thingvellir and Strokkur’s eruptions to the thunder of Gullfoss, the jewel-like Kerid crater, and a restorative soak at Sky Lagoon. Practical, scenic and packed with geological highlights.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for wind and rain
Weather changes fast—bring a waterproof shell and an insulating midlayer to stay comfortable between exposed viewpoints and hot pools.
Bring sturdy, grippy shoes
Paths at Thingvellir and the Kerid rim are uneven and can be slippery; hiking shoes or trail runners are best.
Swimwear and towel
You’ll spend two hours at Sky Lagoon; pack swimwear and a quick-dry towel (towel rental is included if needed).
Charge your camera and phone
Stops are photo-heavy and buses have USB chargers, but you’ll want fully charged devices for panoramic shots and video.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the less-used trails at Thingvellir toward Öxarárfoss for quieter fissure views
- •Stop briefly at the small fishing village near Sky Lagoon for raw sea-air vistas and local fish smokehouses
Wildlife
- •Arctic fox (rarely, in distant fields)
- •Seabirds such as gulls and kittiwakes along coastal reaches
Conservation Note
Popular sites are sensitive to trampling and erosion; stick to marked paths, pack out waste, and use provided facilities to minimize impact.
Thingvellir was the site of Iceland’s Alþingi, an assembly and law-making site first convened around 930 AD, central to Icelandic cultural identity.
Photographer's Notes
- • Thingvellir fissure bridges for plate separation shots
- • Gullfoss upper viewing platform to capture both tiers
- • Kerid crater rim near the northwest for turquoise lake contrast
What to Bring
Waterproof shellEssential
Keeps you dry and shields against wind on open plains and cliffside viewpoints.
Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runnersEssential
Provide traction on wet basalt, mossy trails and the crater rim.
SwimwearEssential
Required for the Sky Lagoon soak and the hotpot ritual.
Insulating midlayer (fleece or down)
Useful for warmth between geothermal features and during coastal evening return.
Common Questions
Is Sky Lagoon admission included?
Yes—admission to Sky Lagoon and a two-hour visit are included in the tour price; towel rental is offered if you prefer not to bring your own.
Where does the tour pick up participants?
Pickup is provided from many Reykjavik hotels or a central meeting point in the city; exact pickup location and time will be confirmed after booking.
How much walking is involved?
Expect several short walks: boardwalks and viewing paths at Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss and a ~1 km rim loop plus descent at Kerid; total walking is light to moderate.
Can children or older travelers join?
The tour is family-friendly and suitable for older travelers who can manage short walks and stairs; notify the operator of special requirements when booking.
What should I wear to the Sky Lagoon?
Bring swimwear and a towel; wear easy-to-remove layers to change after the soak—there are locker and changing facilities at the lagoon.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; tours may be canceled for severe weather and refunds issued per policy.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10–11 hours
Location
Reykjavík, Capital Region
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect several short walks up to 3 km on uneven ground and some stairs at viewpoints.
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