Golden Circle & Kerið Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik

Explore Iceland’s Famous Natural Sights with Ease and Comfort

The Golden Circle & Kerið Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik offers an efficient way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders in just 8 hours. Priced at $135 per person, this small-group experience is praised for its high-quality guides, comfortable transport, and well-paced stops. The tour departs at 8:30 am with hotel pickup available at select Reykjavik locations, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

Travelers appreciate the limit of 16 participants per bus, which fosters a more personal connection with the guide and more relaxed sightseeing. The Mercedes Benz climate-controlled minibus equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging ensures a comfortable journey. While the tour covers many highlights, it also allows some flexibility, with stops at unique locations like a horse farm and Efstidalur II restaurant.

This tour suits those who want to see Iceland’s top sights efficiently, enjoy local food along the way, and appreciate guides with engaging storytelling. It’s especially good for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a small group experience with easy logistics. The only consideration is that the tour lasts about 8 hours, so walking and outdoor activity are involved, and weather conditions can influence the experience.

Key Points

• 8-hour guided tour from Reykjavik with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Visits to Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Kerið Crater, and a horse farm
• Comfortable Mercedes Benz minibus with Wi-Fi and USB charging
• Includes visits to a greenhouse, a restaurant, and a national park
• Tour size limited to 16 for a more personal experience
• Price of $135 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Starting at Hveragerði with a Local Bakery and Earthquake Museum

The tour begins with a pickup from select Reykjavik hotels, after which travelers are driven to Hveragerði, a geothermal town famous for its hot springs. Here, visitors can enjoy fresh Icelandic sweets and coffee at a local bakery, setting a cozy, authentic tone for the day. The nearby Earthquake Museum offers a quick visit with free admission, simulating the 2008 quake that shaped the area’s landscape.

This stop highlights Iceland’s geothermal activity and natural resilience, giving insight into the country’s geological forces. It’s a short, 20-minute visit but provides context for the stunning sights ahead. The combination of local flavor and geological education makes this a memorable start to the day.

Kerið Crater: Touching the Glistening Waters of a Volcanic Lake

The next stop is Kerið Crater, a striking volcanic crater lake known for its vivid red slopes and gleaming water. Visitors are encouraged to walk around the crater ridges or even stand at the edge to touch the water’s surface, offering an up-close experience with Iceland’s volcanic history.

This attraction is included in the tour with admission covered, and the 20-minute visit is enough for photos and a quick exploration. Kerið’s brilliant colors and unique formation provide a dramatic contrast to Iceland’s often lush landscapes, making it a favorite for photography and nature lovers.

Visiting Fridheimar Greenhouse for Local Vegetable Growing

A highlight is the visit to Fridheimar, a well-known greenhouse where the tour group learns how Icelanders grow vegetables in a climate that’s typically too cold for farming. Here, visitors see how tomatoes and other produce are cultivated using geothermal energy, and there’s an opportunity to sample homemade tomato-based products.

This 30-minute stop is both educational and tasty, with admission included. It offers a fascinating look at Iceland’s innovative approach to agriculture and sustainability, making it a great example of how locals adapt to their environment.

Gullfoss Waterfall: Witnessing the Power and Beauty of Icelandic Cascades

The Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most breathtaking sights along the Golden Circle route. As the fast-flowing water cascades into a deep canyon, visitors can marvel at the scale and raw power of this two-tiered waterfall. Many visits are enhanced by the appearance of rainbows on sunny days.

The hour-long stop allows ample time for photos, exploring the viewing platforms, and even enjoying a traditional Icelandic soup at the on-site restaurant—an easy way to warm up and refuel for the rest of the day. The free admission makes Gullfoss a highlight everyone should see.

Meeting Icelandic Horses at Brú Horsefarm

A short 10-minute visit takes the group to Brú Horsefarm, where travelers get a brief chance to meet Icelandic horses. These horses are known for their friendly nature and unique tölt gait. Visitors can observe or even interact with the horses, gaining insight into the country’s beloved livestock.

This stop offers a lighthearted break and a glimpse into Icelandic rural life. It’s included in the tour, and the small window of time ensures it remains a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Witnessing the Geysir Eruption at Geysir Geothermal Area

The geothermal area around Geysir features hot springs and bubbling mud pools, creating a geological spectacle. The highlight is Strokkur, which erupts approximately every 5-10 minutes, shooting hot water up to 20 meters high.

Visitors stand in awe as they watch this natural geyser activity. The area also features steam vents and colorful mineral deposits, making it a photo-worthy spot. The 30-minute stop is free of charge and guarantees a memorable display of Iceland’s geothermal energy.

Sampling Homemade Ice Cream at Efstidalur II

A 20-minute stop at Efstidalur II introduces travelers to a local restaurant set in a barn, where homemade ice cream is the star. Known for delicious, freshly made ice cream, the venue offers a unique farm-to-table experience.

This stop is perfect for a sweet treat and to see a traditional Icelandic farm, with the opportunity to try local dairy products. It’s one of the more charming and tasty moments of the tour, with admission free.

Walking Through Thingvellir National Park’s Tectonic Rift

The tour concludes at Thingvellir National Park, a site of historical and geological significance. Visitors walk on old battlegrounds and see where the Viking parliament once met. The park is also the place where two tectonic plates meet—the European and American plates—creating a spectacular canyon.

This 40-minute stop offers remarkable scenery, with opportunities to explore the rift valley and learn about Iceland’s natural history. The area’s free admission and rich history make it an ideal final highlight.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour is designed for small groups of up to 16 people, ensuring plenty of space and personalized attention from the guide. The climate-controlled Mercedes Benz minibus provides Wi-Fi and USB power, with pickup and drop-off at designated Reykjavik hotels or bus stops.

Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, with a start time at 8:30 am. The tour includes several stops for photo opportunities, food, and exploration, carefully spaced to avoid rush. Travelers are advised to dress warmly and wear walking shoes, as outdoor settings like Kerið and Thingvellir involve some walking and potentially icy or wet conditions.

Food and Dining Options During the Tour

While meals are not included, stops are made at a local restaurant or grocery store where food can be purchased. Options include Icelandic soup at Gullfoss and ice cream at Efstidalur II. Travelers can also bring a packed lunch if preferred, making the day flexible for individual dietary needs.

The tour emphasizes local cuisine and offers delicious food samples, which many reviews highlight as a memorable part of the experience. The stops for food are well-timed, giving travelers a chance to rest and enjoy Icelandic flavors.

Weather, Safety, and Group Experience

The tour operates under favorable weather conditions, with a full refund if canceled due to poor weather. Every bus is thoroughly disinfected daily, and hand sanitizer is available, ensuring safety during the ongoing health concerns.

Participants note the small group size and the knowledgeable guides, such as Anton and Tómas, who keep the pace lively and informative. Guide storytelling and local insights enrich the experience, making the sights more meaningful.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This Golden Circle & Kerið tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, well-organized day of Iceland’s top sights. It suits those who prefer small-group settings, comfortable transport, and engaging guides. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or anyone with limited time but a desire for a diverse and fun experience.

The tour may be less suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to outdoor stops like Kerið and Thingvellir, and it requires appropriate outdoor clothing for varying weather. The 8-hour duration makes it a full day, but many reviews confirm it’s well worth the time.

Final Thoughts on the Golden Circle & Kerið Tour

The Golden Circle & Kerið Day Tour offers excellent value for an Icelandic sightseeing experience, especially considering the small group size, knowledgeable guides, and variety of stops. Travelers consistently praise the well-paced itinerary, beautiful scenery, and friendly, informative guides.

While the tour covers many highlights, the length and outdoor nature require travelers to be prepared for changeable weather. The inclusion of local attractions such as a greenhouse, horse farm, and ice cream stop adds a personal touch that many reviews highly appreciate.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see Iceland’s natural beauty comfortably and enjoy a taste of local culture and cuisine. It’s a reliable, enjoyable way to experience the best of the Golden Circle with less hassle and more personal attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered at select Reykjavik hotels and bus stops.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. Stops are made at places where food can be purchased, or travelers can bring a packed lunch.

What should I bring for outdoor stops?
Dress warmly and wear walking shoes; weather can be unpredictable, so waterproof clothing is advised.

Is Wi-Fi available on the bus?
Yes, free Wi-Fi and USB charging are available aboard the climate-controlled minibus.

What stops are included in the tour?
Stops include Hveragerði, Kerið Crater, Fridheimar greenhouse, Gullfoss Waterfall, Brú horsefarm, Geysir geothermal area, Efstidalur II, and Thingvellir National Park.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Anton, Tómas, and Krist for their engaging storytelling, local knowledge, and friendly demeanor.