Golden Circle Tour with Brúarfoss, Faxafoss and Fontana Spa

Explore Iceland’s Iconic Golden Circles and Hidden Gems

The Golden Circle Tour with Brúarfoss, Faxafoss, and Fontana Spa offers a full-day immersion into Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Starting from Reykjavik, this 10-hour adventure is led by a knowledgeable guide and covers top sights like Kerið crater, the powerful Faxafoss waterfall, the erupting Geysir, and the lesser-known but captivating Brúarfoss. The tour also includes a farm-fresh lunch at Efsti-Dalur and a relaxing soak at Fontana Spa, making it a well-rounded experience that balances scenic exploration with leisure.

This tour has a 5-star rating, reflecting its popularity and quality. It is designed for travelers who want a comprehensive Icelandic experience in a manageable day, with plenty of opportunities to see geothermal wonders, marvel at waterfalls, and unwind in natural hot pools. A key feature is the visit to Brúarfoss, a hidden blue water spot, which adds a sense of discovery beyond the usual Golden Circle stops.

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Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting 10 hours from Reykjavik, with pickup from multiple locations
• Visit iconic sites including Kerið crater, Faxafoss waterfall, and Geysir with Strokkur’s eruptions
• Explore Brúarfoss, a lesser-known but stunning glacier-fed blue water waterfall
• Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Efsti-Dalur, a family-run dairy farm
• Relax at Fontana Spa, soaking in geothermal pools and enjoying steam rooms
• Provider rated 5 stars, with professional guides and flexible booking options

Convenient Pickup and Comfortable Transport

The tour departs from 16 pickup locations in Reykjavik, including popular spots like Harpa, Höfđatorg, and City Hall. Pickup begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, so travelers should be ready in advance. The journey is in a comfortable van, ensuring a smooth ride between stops.

The logistics are straightforward: after collecting guests, the guide leads the group through each site, maintaining a pace that balances sightseeing and leisure. The total transportation time amounts to roughly 2 hours and 35 minutes, with the rest dedicated to exploring each destination.

Visiting Kerið Crater: Vibrant Colors and Stunning Views

The tour starts with a visit to the Kerið crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic caldera famous for its red slopes and aquamarine lake. During the 30-minute stop, visitors experience panoramic views from the rim and can walk around the caldera’s edge.

The vivid colors of the crater’s walls and the crystal-clear lake draw plenty of photo opportunities. The site’s striking contrast of red volcanic rock against the blue water makes it one of the most visually captivating spots on the tour.

Faxafoss Waterfall: A Soothing Natural Stop

Next, the group visits Faxafoss, a wide and serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. This 30-minute stop offers a peaceful moment for photographs and appreciation of Iceland’s flowing water. The Faxafoss is less crowded than other waterfalls, providing a calm environment to enjoy nature’s power.

Standing at the edge of Faxafoss, visitors can witness the gentle yet persistent movement of water cascading through a scenic landscape. It’s an ideal spot for a quick walk and a moment of quiet reflection before heading deeper into the geothermal zone.

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Witnessing the Eruption of Geysir and Strokkur

The Geysir geothermal area is a highlight, where the reliable Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting water up to 20-30 meters into the air. The 30-minute stop allows plenty of opportunities to see and photograph the geyser’s bursts.

The active geothermal field also features bubbling hot springs and steaming vents, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The guide explains the volcanic activity behind the eruptions, adding context to this spectacular natural display.

Discovering Brúarfoss: Iceland’s Blue Water Waterfall

One of the tour’s hidden treasures, Brúarfoss boasts glacier-fed blue waters flowing through a narrow volcanic channel. The 30-minute sightseeing here reveals a more secluded and less visited waterfall, renowned for its surreal color.

The walk to Brúarfoss involves some walking on uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The intimate setting makes it a special moment, away from crowds, where travelers can enjoy the raw beauty of Iceland’s volcanic waterways.

Farm-to-Table Lunch at Efsti-Dalur

After a morning of sightseeing, the tour stops at Efsti-Dalur, a family-run dairy farm located in a picturesque setting. Here, guests savor a delicious 1.5-hour lunch featuring fresh Icelandic dishes and homemade ice cream.

The farm’s cozy atmosphere complements the wholesome, locally sourced menu. This farm-to-table experience offers a taste of Icelandic cuisine and an opportunity to learn about local agriculture.

Soaking in the Thermal Waters at Fontana Spa

The Fontana Spa at Laugarvatn provides a perfect way to unwind after a busy morning. The 1.5-hour session includes access to geothermal pools, steam rooms, and the chance to dip in a cold lake for a invigorating contrast.

The spa’s location by a quiet lake and its geothermal energy make for a relaxing environment. Visitors appreciate the natural heat sources, which are naturally heated and free from chemicals. It’s an ideal spot to relax and refresh before ending the day.

The Logistics and Practical Details

This tour involves walking on uneven surfaces at sites like Kerið and Brúarfoss, so comfortable shoes are advised. The entire day is paced to balance sightseeing with leisure, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

The pickups are organized from 16 designated locations in Reykjavik, including hotels and popular city spots. The vehicle is a comfortable van, ensuring a smooth ride between stops, with about 75 minutes of driving in total.

The tour provider, Lilja Tours, maintains a 5-star rating, reinforcing the quality and professionalism of the experience. Booking can be flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits those wanting a comprehensive day of Icelandic scenery, combining popular Golden Circle sights with lesser-known waterfalls and relaxation. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate scenic views, geothermal activity, and cultural experiences like farm visits and spa relaxation.

The blend of natural wonders and leisure makes it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Keep in mind that some walking on uneven terrain is involved, so appropriate footwear and a good level of mobility** are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the price of this tour?
  The tour includes transportation, guide services, visits to all listed sites, lunch, and spa entry.

• How long are the stops at each site?
  Kerið crater, Faxafoss, Geysir, Brúarfoss, and the dairy farm each have stops of around 30 minutes, with longer time at lunch and the spa.

• What should I bring?
  Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, but walking on uneven surfaces and outdoor exposure should be considered.

• Are there any dietary options at the farm?
  The lunch at Efsti-Dalur features local Icelandic dishes and homemade ice cream, but specific dietary needs should be communicated in advance.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours before departure.

• What is the tour guide’s language?
  The guide speaks English.

• How do I know where to meet?
  The tour starts at one of 16 pickup locations, with detailed info sent the day before.

• How much time do we spend at Fontana Spa?
  The relaxation time is approximately 1.5 hours.

• Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
  Yes, but dress appropriately, as weather can change rapidly.

This Golden Circle Tour balances spectacular sights with relaxation, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see Iceland’s highlights and unwind in its natural hot springs.

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