Reykjavík: Heiðmörk Morning Walk + Private Golden Circle

Exploring Iceland’s iconic sights with a personalized touch, the Reykjavík: Heiðmörk Morning Walk + Private Golden Circle tour offers a blend of peaceful nature and legendary landmarks. Priced as a private experience, the tour lasts approximately 12 hours and features a relaxed itinerary tailored to your pace. Starting from Reykjavík, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking an intimate and authentic Icelandic adventure, with the convenience of a private group and flexible timing.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on quiet, scenic areas like Heiðmörk, Iceland’s lesser-known lava fields filled with moss-covered formations and sweeping views. An optional crater hike to Búrfell adds an active element for those eager for a deeper encounter with Iceland’s volcanic landscape. The combination of stunning natural scenery, iconic Golden Circle sights, and personalized storytelling makes this tour a well-rounded choice for visitors wanting both calm and spectacle.

Key Points

• Private, 12-hour tour starting from Reykjavík with personalized pacing
• Heiðmörk lava fields provide peaceful scenery with optional crater hike
• Includes Icelandic snacks and warm coffee in the Land Cruiser
• Visits Kerið crater, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Efstidalur farm
• Experience walking between two continents at Þingvellir
• Weather can vary, so dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Heiðmörk’s Tranquil Lava Fields and Scenic Views

Heiðmörk is one of Reykjavík’s lesser-known natural treasures, a large protected area filled with ancient lava formations, moss-covered fields, and wide vistas. Its quiet atmosphere provides a rare chance to experience Iceland’s volcanic landscape without crowds, often with long stretches of serene, empty lava fields. On clear days, the views stretch across the city and towards distant mountain ranges, making it a perfect spot for a calming walk or a more active crater hike.

The tour offers a short scenic walk through these lava formations, with the option to upgrade to a 1.5-hour hike to Búrfell crater. This medium-level hike rewards adventurers with elevated views and a deeper look into Iceland’s volcanic history. The quietness of Heiðmörk combined with its natural beauty creates an atmosphere ideal for breathing deeply and slowing down.

The Exclusive Private Group Experience

Operating as a private tour with Rest in the West, this experience ensures a personalized pace and flexible itinerary. The group is transported in a comfortable Land Cruiser or premium minibus, with pickup arranged directly from your Reykjavík accommodation. The guides are known for sharing stories from their family farm, explaining simple Icelandic phrases, and providing cultural insights throughout the day.

This private setting means that stops and activities are tailored to your interests and comfort, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed, customized journey rather than a large-group tour. The start time of 08:30 and return around 18:00 (or slightly later if the crater hike is chosen) keep the day well-paced without feeling rushed.

Morning Icelandic Snacks and Warm Coffee in the Land Cruiser

After exploring Heiðmörk, the tour includes a refreshing break with light Icelandic snacks and warm coffee inside the Land Cruiser. These local bites set a relaxed tone for the day and provide a moment to reflect on the tranquil morning in the lava fields before moving on to the Golden Circle.

This small but meaningful touch adds to the authenticity of the experience, emphasizing comfort and local flavor. The snacks are included as part of the tour, making it easy to enjoy a taste of Iceland without extra planning.

Visiting Kerið Crater and Its Eruptive Past

The tour stops at Kerið, a vividly colored volcanic crater known for its crimson slopes and blue lake at the bottom. Visitors are encouraged to walk around the crater’s rim, taking in the spectacular scenery and learning about its volcanic origins. Kerið’s striking appearance makes it one of the most photographed stops on the Golden Circle route.

The 30-minute visit allows enough time for photos and a short walk, making it an engaging yet relaxed experience. Its position along the route offers a chance to appreciate Iceland’s volcanic activity and landscape diversity.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Power of Gullfoss Waterfall

Next, the tour includes a 40-minute stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The powerful cascade plunges into a deep canyon, creating a dramatic spectacle. Visitors can view Gullfoss from multiple vantage points, feeling the mist and listening to the roar of the water.

Gullfoss’s grandeur highlights Iceland’s raw natural forces, and the site’s accessibility makes it a highlight for many visitors. The tour provides enough time to photograph, walk around, and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

Geysir Hot Springs: The Erupting Star

The Geysir geothermal area is the next stop, where the famous Geysir hot spring erupts periodically, shooting water up to 30 meters into the air. Visitors can watch this natural display, learn about geothermal activity, and see other hot springs and bubbling mud pots.

Spending about 45 minutes in this area offers a chance to explore the geothermal landscape up close and learn from the guide about Iceland’s volcanic activity. The lively scene contrasts with the peaceful lava fields seen earlier, adding variety to the day.

Tasting Icelandic Ice Cream at Efstidalur Farm

The Efstidalur family farm provides a delicious stop for lunch and ice cream tasting. Visitors can enjoy fresh Icelandic ice cream made on the farm, along with a meat or dairy-based meal. This family-run farm offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere, and the ice cream is praised for its freshness and flavor.

The one-hour stop allows ample time to relax, enjoy local produce, and learn about Icelandic farming traditions. It’s a highlight for those interested in regional food and rural life.

Walking Between Continents at Þingvellir

The tour concludes at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its geological and historical significance. Visitors walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, experiencing the visible rift valley that splits the continent.

The 45-minute exploration offers insight into Iceland’s geological activity and cultural history, as Þingvellir is the birthplace of the Icelandic parliament. It’s a powerful location to appreciate the land’s natural forces and historical importance.

Logistics and Practical Details of the Tour

Starting at 08:30 from Reykjavík, the tour runs for about 12 hours, with a private pickup directly at your accommodation or nearby tour stop. The transportation is in a spacious Land Cruiser or minibus, ideal for comfort and ease of travel across uneven terrain.

The itinerary is flexible to weather and road conditions, ensuring safety and the best experience. The walks in Heiðmörk can be adjusted for comfort, and the optional crater hike provides an active option for adventurous visitors. The tour includes snacks, coffee, and farm ice cream, with flexible lunch options available at Efstidalur.

Final Thoughts on the Heiðmörk and Golden Circle Private Tour

This private, 12-hour Icelandic adventure combines peaceful natural scenery with legendary sights along the Golden Circle. The focus on quiet lava fields and personalized storytelling makes it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a calm, authentic experience away from busy crowds.

While the itinerary is flexible and designed for comfort, the tour may be less suitable for those with mobility issues due to walking and uneven terrain. The optional crater hike adds a physical element, so travelers should be prepared with warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of nature, culture, and local flavor, making it a memorable way to explore Iceland’s iconic landscapes with personalized attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The main Heiðmörk walk is accessible, and the optional crater hike is medium-level, lasting 1.5 hours. It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and uneven terrain.

What should I bring for this tour?
Wear warm clothing, hiking shoes, and rain gear to stay comfortable regardless of weather. Layers are recommended.

Are meals included?
Light Icelandic snacks and warm coffee are included in the morning. Lunch is flexible, typically at Efstidalur farm, where ice cream is available.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Heiðmörk lava fields, Kerið crater, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Efstidalur farm, and Þingvellir National Park.

How long is the drive between stops?
Drive times vary from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the location, with most scenery-packed segments.

Can I do the crater hike?
Yes, the optional 1.5-hour crater hike to Búrfell can be added, offering elevated views and a more active experience.

Is this tour operated in a comfortable vehicle?
Yes, transportation is in a spacious Land Cruiser or premium minibus, suitable for Icelandic terrain and private groups.

What makes this tour different from other Golden Circle trips?
The private and relaxed pace, combined with the focus on quiet Heiðmörk, local storytelling, and personalized stops, sets it apart from standard large-group tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby