Golden Circle Premium Tour with Fridheimar Farm

Exploring the Golden Circle Premium Tour with Fridheimar Farm

The Golden Circle Premium Tour with Fridheimar Farm offers a full-day adventure that covers some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. Priced at $171.96 per person and lasting around 8 to 9 hours, this tour is designed for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of driving or planning. It departs from Reykjavik with round-trip transportation included, making it easy and comfortable to enjoy the day.

What makes this tour stand out is its well-balanced itinerary that combines classic landmarks like Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park with a touch of Icelandic quirkiness at Fridheimar Tomato Farm. The tour consistently earns a perfect 5.0 rating from 42 reviews, with 95% recommending it for its value, knowledgeable guides, and the variety of sights covered. While food and drinks are not included, it features a unique stop at the working tomato greenhouse, which impresses many visitors for its ingenuity and local flavor.

This tour is particularly well-suited for those who want a full-day, guided trip that offers both natural beauty and cultural insights, all in a small-group setting that maximizes comfort and interaction. It’s a good fit for travelers who appreciate easy logistics, engaging guides, and diverse stops.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Reykjavik covering the Golden Circle with round-trip transport.
• Includes visits to Kerid Crater, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.
• Unique stop at Fridheimar Tomato Farm, where you can explore a real greenhouse and enjoy a lunch.
• Duration of approximately 8-9 hours, with small-group size (max 18 travelers).
• Not including food and drinks, but parking, entrance fees, and transport are covered.
• Several reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views.

From Reykjavik to the Heart of Iceland’s Natural Wonders

This tour departs from central Reykjavik at 9:00 am, with free hotel pickup available. Traveling in an air-conditioned minibus, the small-group experience ensures more personalized attention and flexibility compared to large buses. This setup allows for more frequent stops and a relaxed pace at each destination.

The itinerary is carefully designed to maximize sightseeing in a manageable timeframe. The Kerid Crater in South Iceland is your first stop, where you can admire the striking volcanic crater and take photos. The admission is free, and the stop lasts about 20 minutes.

Visiting Kerid Crater: Iceland’s Vibrant Volcano Remnant

Kerid Crater is a vivid red volcanic basin filled with a turquoise lake, making it a perfect spot for photographs. Its location in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland offers a dramatic landscape. The stop is short—just 20 minutes—but enough to appreciate its vivid colors and geological significance.

The free admission makes it an accessible, scenic first stop that introduces travelers to Iceland’s volcanic activity. The landscape’s contrast of fiery reds and cool blues sets the tone for the day’s varied scenery.

Exploring the Quirky Fridheimar Tomato Farm and Its Greenhouse

A highlight for many, the Fridheimar Tomato Farm provides a one-hour visit that’s both informative and tasty. This working greenhouse produces tomatoes in a geothermal environment, demonstrating Iceland’s innovative use of natural resources.

Visitors get time to walk through the greenhouse, learn how the tomatoes are cultivated, and enjoy a lunch that often includes fresh produce. The farm’s uniqueness is in its geothermal-powered greenhouse, a sustainable and efficient farming method that impresses those interested in Iceland’s resourcefulness.

Witnessing the Geysir Geyser in Action

The Geysir geothermal area is a must-see for any Golden Circle trip. You spend approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes here, giving ample time to observe Strokkur geyser erupting into the air, often every 5-10 minutes. The Geysir area is free to visit, and many stops include lunch options nearby.

The geyser’s eruptions are a spectacular display of Iceland’s geothermal power, with Strokkur regularly shooting water up to 30 meters into the air. The area is lively with geothermal activity, bubbling hot springs, and colorful mineral deposits that make for excellent photography.

Exploring UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a landscape of geological wonder and cultural significance. The tour dedicates about 1 hour here, giving time to walk through the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

This historical site is where the ancient Icelandic parliament was founded, and its dramatic landscapes have made it one of Iceland’s most celebrated destinations. It’s an ideal spot to learn about Iceland’s natural history and enjoy panoramic views.

Marveling at Gullfoss Waterfall

The Gullfoss Waterfall is a powerful, two-tier cascade that drops into the Hvítá river canyon. With a 40-minute stop, visitors can get close to the falls and experience their raw force. The free viewing area offers multiple angles for photos.

This waterfall embodies Iceland’s wild beauty and is a favorite for its thunderous roar and misty spray. Many find it a highlight of the Golden Circle, and the short stop allows for appreciation without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

This small-group tour is designed for up to 18 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience. The transport is an air-conditioned minibus, with parking and entrance fees included. Hotel pickup is offered, saving the hassle of finding a meeting point.

The tour includes driver/guide services, who are praised for their knowledge, humor, and flexibility. They often add extra stops based on the group’s interest, and ensure the pace remains comfortable.

The Food and Drinks Experience

While food and drinks are not included in the tour price, stops at Geysir and Kerid often feature opportunities to purchase snacks or meals separately. The lunch at Fridheimar is a highlight, offering fresh, geothermal-grown tomatoes and local flavors. Visitors appreciate the variety of flavors like rhubarb and Biscoff ice cream available during the day.

Overall Experience and Who Will Enjoy It

This tour shines because of its well-organized itinerary, expert guides, and diverse stops. Many reviews highlight guide personalities—they are described as friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and capable of enriching the experience with extra stories and insights.

It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, fully guided day that covers the essentials of the Golden Circle with a unique visit to a working tomato farm. The duration makes it suitable for those with limited time in Iceland who want to see a broad range of sights. It’s less suitable for those who prefer independent exploration or dining included, since food is at your own expense.

Final Thoughts on the Golden Circle Premium Tour with Fridheimar Farm

This full-day Iceland tour offers a balance of iconic landmarks and quirky local highlights. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides are key strengths, providing a personal touch and engaging commentary. The visit to Fridheimar adds a memorable twist, showcasing Iceland’s innovative farming practices.

While food and drinks are not included, the lunch at Fridheimar and the impressive views at Gullfoss and Thingvellir make this tour a value-packed option. It’s well-suited for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free exploration of Iceland’s Golden Circle, with enough flexibility and depth to satisfy most travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, free hotel pickup from Reykjavik is included in the tour.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, covering all major stops comfortably.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but the lunch at Fridheimar is part of the stop, and additional options are available nearby.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult and most travelers can participate, with easy walking at the stops.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.