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Golden Circle Day Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
- Unfold Iceland on a day tour from Reykjavik with an expert guide, transfers in an AC bus, with an optional audio guide and pick-up from select locations.
- Discover Strokkur at Geysir, erupting every 5-10 minutes, watch the bubbling pool signal an imminent eruption with impressive steam columns.
- Witness Gullfoss’s power, where colossal floods from Langjökull glacier, driven by geothermal heat or volcanic eruptions, have carved deep rock chasms.
- Spend the afternoon at Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s first parliament convened, amidst stunning cliffs and deep gorges.
- Opt for convenient hotel pick & drop from select locations and choose from 10 languages for your audio guide.
- Unfold Iceland on a day tour from Reykjavik with an expert guide, transfers in an AC bus, with an optional audio guide and pick-up from select locations.
- Discover Strokkur at Geysir, erupting every 5-10 minutes, watch the bubbling pool signal an imminent eruption with impressive steam columns.
- Witness Gullfoss’s power, where colossal floods from Langjökull glacier, driven by geothermal heat or volcanic eruptions, have carved deep rock chasms.
- Spend the afternoon at Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s first parliament convened, amidst stunning cliffs and deep gorges.
- Opt for convenient hotel pick & drop from select locations and choose from 10 languages for your audio guide.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of the Icelandic Golden Circle
- English-speaking guide
- Round-trip transfers from select pickup locations (as per option selected)
- Transport via AC bus
- Entry to Thingvellir National Park
- Entry to Gullfoss Waterfall
- Entry to Geysir Geothermal Area
- Audio guide in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Finnish (as per option selected)
- Free Wi-Fi aboard bus
- Departure from Reykjavik
- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Tip: Arrive early at Strokkur and stand upwind to stay dry. Calm winds enhance visibility for the best eruption views and avoid getting wet from steam.
- This experience is not recommended for guests under the age of 6 years.
- The order of visits to attractions and their opening times might change depending on the weather or limited daylight in winter.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this Reykjavik tour explores the Golden Circle’s wonders by day and searches for the Northern Lights by night.
- Feel the spray of Gullfoss Waterfall, and walk where tectonic plates diverge at Thingvellir National Park, an ancient Viking meeting point.
- Witness the awe-inspiring Strokkur geyser at Geysir Hot Springs, erupting water and steam skyward every few minutes.
- Reykjavik's vibrant streets, featuring restaurants, shops, and street art, set the stage for a thrilling quest to find the elusive Northern Lights.
- Upgrade to include Kerio Crater, cozy up with hot chocolate, and search for the Northern Lights or opt for transfers from select hotels.
- Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this Reykjavik tour explores the Golden Circle’s wonders by day and searches for the Northern Lights by night.
- Feel the spray of Gullfoss Waterfall, and walk where tectonic plates diverge at Thingvellir National Park, an ancient Viking meeting point.
- Witness the awe-inspiring Strokkur geyser at Geysir Hot Springs, erupting water and steam skyward every few minutes.
- Reykjavik's vibrant streets, featuring restaurants, shops, and street art, set the stage for a thrilling quest to find the elusive Northern Lights.
- Upgrade to include Kerio Crater, cozy up with hot chocolate, and search for the Northern Lights or opt for transfers from select hotels.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Golden Circle
- Northern Lights search tour
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Free WiFi
- Transfers from select locations (optional)
- Hot chocolate and sweet treat during Northern Lights search (optional)
- Entry to Kerio Crater (optional)
- Tip: In your free time at Reykjavik, visit the Kolaportið flea market for unique Icelandic souvenirs, vintage finds, and local treats.
- If you don’t see the Northern Lights on your tour, you can return for another tour at no additional cost. This offer is valid for 36 months, but refunds are not available for unsuccessful tours.
- The Kerio Crater and hot chocolate tour is restricted to children aged 7 and under.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Take on Iceland’s wonders in one day: tour the Golden Circle, unwind in the Blue Lagoon, and enjoy the ease of return transfers for a perfect experience.
- Strokkur geyser’s explosive splendor as it erupts to 15-20m and Gullfoss with its two-tiered waterfalls create a spectacular Icelandic adventure.
- Unwind in the geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon, nestled amidst a unique moss-covered lava field, a testament to Iceland's geological wonders.
- Benefit from the Blue Lagoon Comfort Package, which includes a silica mud mask known for its rejuvenating properties, a towel, and a drink you choose.
- Opt for a meeting point pickup or hotel pickup ticket option, each offering a convenient return transfer to the Blue Lagoon with free onboard Wi-Fi.
- Take on Iceland’s wonders in one day: tour the Golden Circle, unwind in the Blue Lagoon, and enjoy the ease of return transfers for a perfect experience.
- Strokkur geyser’s explosive splendor as it erupts to 15-20m and Gullfoss with its two-tiered waterfalls create a spectacular Icelandic adventure.
- Unwind in the geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon, nestled amidst a unique moss-covered lava field, a testament to Iceland's geological wonders.
- Benefit from the Blue Lagoon Comfort Package, which includes a silica mud mask known for its rejuvenating properties, a towel, and a drink you choose.
- Opt for a meeting point pickup or hotel pickup ticket option, each offering a convenient return transfer to the Blue Lagoon with free onboard Wi-Fi.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Blue Lagoon
- English-speaking local guide in the Golden Circle
- Blue Lagoon return transfers
- Free Wi-Fi on the bus
- Meeting point pickup (optional)
- Hotel pickup (optional)
Exclusions
- Swimsuit for use at the Blue Lagoon
- Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at Thingvellir National Park. You might spot an Arctic fox or an Icelandic horse.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Explore Iceland's Golden Circle wonders, soak in the Blue Lagoon, and chase the Northern Lights on this 15-hour adventure with hotel transfers.
- See the stunning volcanic crater lake of Kerio with your expert guide, then head to Geysir, the dormant geyser that gave its name to all others.
- Witness the 32-meter drop of the Gullfoss waterfall and visit the Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's former ancient parliament.
- Rejuvenate your skin in the Blue Lagoon's silica-rich waters known for their cleansing properties. Put on a face mask and sip on a drink as you relax.
- Leave the city behind to witness the Aurora Borealis painted across the night sky. Warm yourself with a cup of hot chocolate and a sweet treat while you wait!
- Explore Iceland's Golden Circle wonders, soak in the Blue Lagoon, and chase the Northern Lights on this 15-hour adventure with hotel transfers.
- See the stunning volcanic crater lake of Kerio with your expert guide, then head to Geysir, the dormant geyser that gave its name to all others.
- Witness the 32-meter drop of the Gullfoss waterfall and visit the Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's former ancient parliament.
- Rejuvenate your skin in the Blue Lagoon's silica-rich waters known for their cleansing properties. Put on a face mask and sip on a drink as you relax.
- Leave the city behind to witness the Aurora Borealis painted across the night sky. Warm yourself with a cup of hot chocolate and a sweet treat while you wait!
Inclusions
- 15-hour Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon tour
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel transfers
- Entry to Kerio crater
- Entry to Blue Lagoon
- Towel, face mask, drink at in-lagoon bar
- Northern Lights search tour
- Hot chocolate & sweet treat
- Tip: Go diving between 2 continents. The Sifra Fissure at the Thingvellir National Park is filled with crystal-clear glacial meltwater.
- This experience is restricted for children aged 13 and under.
- If you don’t catch the Northern Lights on the tour, you can try again on another night at no cost within 3 years of booking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Reykjavik
Why go for a Golden Circle day tour?
- Iconic natural landmarks: Home to tectonic plate shifts, explosive geysers, and stunning waterfalls, the Golden Circle is a treasure trove of natural wonders. The route covers some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural sites including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
- Cultural and historical significance: The route includes the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Icelandic Parliament was established in 930 AD. Listen to expert insights and get closer to Iceland’s cultural heritage on your Reykjavik Golden Circle tour.
- Variety of experiences: On a Golden Circle day tour, you can explore a diverse range of experiences in a single day. From powerful geysers and waterfalls to exploring volcanic craters, and relaxing in geothermal pools, the route provides a comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s diverse landscapes.
- Convenient and accessible: The Golden Circle route is relatively short and easily accessible from Reykjavik, making it an ideal day trip for visitors. You can explore a variety of places, without needing to travel long distances, making it perfect for those with limited time.
- Year-round appeal: Whether it's endless daylight during the summer months or chasing the Northern Lights between December and March, the Golden Circle offers something special every season.
Which Golden Circle day tour is best for you?
If you are short on time
Go for: Day tours
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours
Guide: English-speaking guide and optional access to multilingual audio guides
Transfers: Air-conditioned buses
- These tickets are perfect for visitors who do not have much time. With round-trip transfers from Reykjavik and selective pick-up options from a few locations, these day trips are convenient and accessible.
- These Golden Circle day tours include access to the Strokkur volcanic landscapes, Gullfoss Falls, and Thingvellir National Park. You can upgrade your tickets to include Kerio Lake and Bruarfoss Falls.
Recommended tours:
- Golden Circle guided tour from Reykjavik
If you have a full day in hand
Go for: Guided day tours
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours
Guide: English-speaking guide
Transfers: Air-conditioned buses
- Book these Golden Circle day tours to experience the best of Iceland’s natural wonders, from Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Falls, Reykjavik’s streets, and more. Take advantage of the round-trip transfers and chase after the Aurora Borealis.
- You can also spend a few hours unwinding at the Blue Lagoon, enjoying a silica mud mask with a drink of your choice.
Recommended tours:
- Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour by bus
- Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Northern Lights tour by bus
If you want a relaxing getaway
Go for: Tickets with transfers
Duration: 10 hours to 13 hours
Guide: Professional English-speaking guide
Transfers: Comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi
- If you are seeking an escape from the hustle-bustle of your daily life, head to the Blue Lagoon spa along the Golden Circle route. Soothe your frazzled nerves and enjoy a pampering session with silica mud masks.
- Take advantage of the hotel pick-up services to save time and avoid the hassle of navigating public transport in a new city.
Recommended tours:
- Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon entry tickets with transfers
Cancellation policy: If you book your Golden Circle day tours online and have a change of plans, or need to reschedule, you can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund for your purchase.
Need to know:
- If you don’t catch the Northern Lights on your tour, you can try again on another night at no cost within 3 years of your booking.
- Some tours may not be suitable for children. Please check the ticket details before booking.
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Top sights on your Golden Circle tour
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon was recognized as one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012. The water is rich in silica, algae, and minerals that are beneficial for your skin and hair. You can indulge in cocktails, health products, delicious meals, and spa treatments here.
Blue Lagoon tickets
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss, meaning 'Golden Falls,' is an iconic waterfall, offering stunning visuals from every angle, no matter the season. Located on the Hvítá River, it cascades down in two tiers. Make sure to wear raincoats so as not to be sprayed by the cold water. On a sunny day, you'll be able to see rainbows above the Falls!
Geysir
The hot springs, steam vents, and mud pots in the Haukadalur area are always bubbling and growling, making for a one-of-a-kind, unique experience. While the Great Geysir seldom erupts (it shoots water out 170 meters in the air when active!), the smaller Strokkur geyser releases smaller fountains of boiling water, every 8 to 10 minutes.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the Icelandic parliament, Althing, was founded in 930 AD. It is a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart, creating dramatic fissures and cliffs. The park also offers hiking trails, and opportunities for diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear Silfra fissure.
Bruarfoss Waterfall
Bruarfoss, Iceland's bluest waterfall, derives its name from the stone archway that once spanned the river. The waterfall is formed by the Bruara River, which originates from Langjokull's glacial melt. The river forms a U-shaped bend at the base of the waterfall, where it is channeled into a deep crevice that runs through dark volcanic rock formations at the center.
Kerio Crater Lake
Kerio, a volcanic crater lake situated in the Grimsnes area of southern Iceland, is a picturesque geological wonder. This vibrant blue lake is part of the Western Volcanic Zone, which includes the Reykjanes peninsula and Langjokull Glacier. Kerio is only 6,500 years old, making it a relatively young geological formation.
Plan your Golden Circle tour
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Tips
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle full day guided tour
Pick-up timings: 8am, 10am, 12:30pm
Duration: 6.5 hours to 8 hours - Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour by bus
Pick-up timings: 8am, 10am, 10:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm
Duration: 9 hours to 12.5 hours - Golden Circle tour & Blue Lagoon entry tickets with transfers
Pick-up timings: 10am
Duration: 10 hours to 13 hours - Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour by bus
Pick-up timings: 8am, 9am
Duration: 15 hours
Best time to visit: June to August, and September to March.
Distance: The Golden Circle is approximately 72 kilometers from Reykjavik.
- By bus: Your Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik will pick you up from the selected pick-up location and take you around the Golden Circle.
- By car: Head west from Reykjavik to Route 49 and onto Þingvallavegur to get to Thingvellir. From there, head south on Þingvallavegur to Route 35 to get to Geysir. Head northeast on Route 35 from Geysir and turn right to reach Gullfoss Waterfall. You can either head southwest on Route 35 and get to Reykjavik via Biskupstungnabraut and Suourlandsvegur, or include other landmarks on your route.
- Round-trip transfer facilities (optional)
- English-speaking guide
- Transport via AC bus
- Free WiFi on bus
- Audio guide in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Finnish (optional)
- Silica mud mask (only with Blue Lagoon tickets)
- Hot chocolate and sweet treats (only with Northern Lights tickets)
- Opt for a guided tour to learn about Iceland's language, culture, and the significance of each of the attractions.
- While your Reykjavik to Golden Circle day trip does make stops for lunch, you can bring your own food if you don't want to waste time waiting in a queue.
- The Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park have access to toilets, shopping, food, and other facilities for your convenience. While the toilets at Thingvellir National Park are paid, the toilets at the Geysir Geothermal Area are free to use.
- The Gullfoss Waterfall has several viewing platforms. You can enjoy the view from the top, climb down seven flights of stairs to get to the middle viewing platforms, or further down to the lower viewing platforms for a close-up of the falls.
- The trails to the lower viewing platforms at the Gullfoss Waterfall are sometimes closed due to icy and snowy conditions in the winter.
- Please note that the Geysir Geothermal Area may slightly smell like sulfur which is common in volcanic regions with frequent geyser eruptions.
Things to do on your Golden Circle day tour
Snorkeling
Experience the thrill of floating between the North American and Eurasian plates at the Silfra Fissure. Take a snorkeling tour through the crystal-clear waters of Silfra and discover its main attractions, including the Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and the Silfra Lagoon.
Horseback riding
Discover Iceland's geothermal wonders on horseback. Ride along scenic trails and mountain ridges, cross rivers, and explore charming towns. Take in breathtaking views of the sweeping landscape, featuring the gushing Varmá River and vast plains.
Rafting
Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you raft through the gorges and rapids of the Gullfoss River Canyon. Witness the Gullfoss Falls from a unique perspective as you float down the river. This incredible experience is suitable for people of all skill levels, including beginners.
Snowmobiling
Explore Iceland's Langjokull Glacier on a snowmobile and zip through the icy countryside surrounded by mountain peaks. Head out into the snowy and picturesque wilderness with your professional guide and explore the wild terrains.
Frequently asked questions about Golden Circle day tours
Where is the Golden Circle in Iceland?
The Golden Circle is located in southwestern Iceland, around 72 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavík. The entire route is roughly 130 kilometers (80 miles) in total, making it an excellent choice for a pleasant day trip packed with history and natural beauty.
How long will my Golden Circle tour take?
The total distance from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle is around 250 km. Usually Golden Circle day tours from Reykjavik take around 6.5 to 8 hours. However, if you opt for a combo ticket that includes the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights, it may take over 15 hours as it covers more distance. If you prefer driving through the Golden Circle route and include add-on activities such as snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, it could take you an entire day.
Where is the pick-up point for Golden Circle tours?
Many Golden Circle day tours offer the convenience of selecting your preferred pick-up point. You can choose from a list of select hotels or opt to be picked up from either the BSI Bus Terminal or the Reykjavik Terminal. Make sure to check if your hotel is on the list before booking your tickets.
Can I enjoy my day trip from Reykjavik to Golden Circle if the weather is bad?
While Iceland is an year-round destination, offering something new every season, you have to be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Make sure to bring waterproof clothing, wear light layers that can be easily removed or put back on, and carry sturdy waterproof shoes with a good grip.
Can I drive along the Golden Circle route in the winter?
Yes, while you will have an enjoyable experience, driving along the Golden Circle route during the winter months, your car must be equipped with appropriate winter tires. Stay swaddled in warm jackets and wear sturdy hiking shoes with a good grip so as not to lose your balance on ice. If you lack experience in driving through icy plains, choose Golden Circle day tours, including air-conditioned transfers to have a hassle-free experience.
Can I bring my children on a Golden Circle tour?
While you can bring your children on a majority of the Golden Circle tours, some attractions like Kerid Crater Lake are closed to children aged 7 years or under. The Golden Circle full-day guided tours are restricted to children below 7 years of age and the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour by bus is restricted to children below 14 years of age.