This tour offers a unique way to explore Iceland’s iconic sites while embracing local traditions like the morning geothermal sund ritual. For 12 hours, you’ll enjoy a private journey in a premium Land Cruiser, combining cultural insight, authentic Icelandic snacks, and visits to some of the country’s most famous landmarks. The tour’s highlight is the morning sund, a traditional geothermal soak that sets a relaxing tone for the day. It also includes a private guided tour of the Golden Circle, with stops at Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerið, and Grindavík. The experience is ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, culturally rich Icelandic adventure, with the flexibility of a private group. The only potential consideration is that wheelchair users are not suitable due to walking paths and terrain.

Key Points

Private Guided Tour in a premium Land Cruiser for a personalized experience
Includes a traditional geothermal sund ritual at a local geothermal pool
Visit key Golden Circle sites: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið
Authentic Icelandic snacks and thermos coffee are included for a quick energizer
Optional lunch at Friðheimar Greenhouse, featuring fresh tomatoes
Flexible schedule with a focus on local stories, humor, and cultural insights

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Reykjavík’s Morning Sund Ritual Sets the Tone

Starting the day with a geothermal sund immerses guests in Icelandic culture. This authentic geothermal soak takes place in a local pool, where swimsuit and towels are recommended. The Sunny Valkyrie guide shares stories about the tradition, explaining how locals use these pools to relax and connect before the day’s sightseeing begins. Showering in line with hygiene rules is required before entering the water.

The sund ritual not only offers relaxation but also provides a genuine taste of Icelandic morning routines. This experience highlights the importance of geothermal pools in Iceland’s daily life and sets a calm, welcoming start for the entire tour. The pools are not spa-style but are authentic, local geothermal baths.

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The Private Golden Circle in a Premium Land Cruiser

After the sund, guests transition into a luxury Land Cruiser, making for a comfortable and intimate journey. The tour moves at a relaxed pace, with approximately 2 to 45-minute stops at each major site. Travel between sites is smooth and scenic, lasting about 20 to 50 minutes each segment.

A key advantage of this private tour is the ability to customize the experience slightly and enjoy the personal attention of the guide. The local stories and Icelandic phrases shared by the guide add a personal touch, bringing the landscape and history alive. The Greenhouse visit at Friðheimar offers an optional tomato lunch, with the greenhouse providing a warm, lush environment surrounded by growing plants.

Exploring Þingvellir National Park and the Silfra Rift

The first major stop is Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between two continents—North America and Eurasia. The 45-minute sightseeing allows ample opportunity to observe the geological and historical significance of this area. The guide shares local stories about the site, helping visitors appreciate its cultural importance.

Þingvellir offers accessible walking paths, though the terrain can be icy in winter. Visitors can admire the rugged landscape, the historic Alþingi site, and the Almannagjá rift. This stop provides a mix of natural beauty and historical depth, making it a meaningful start to the Golden Circle.

Geysir and Strokkur Eruption

Next, the journey takes you to Geysir, famed for its erupting hot springs. Guests watch Strokkur burst forth with hot water every 6-10 minutes, creating a memorable spectacle. The 45-minute sightseeing includes time for photos and exploring the geothermal area’s bubbling mud pots and steaming vents.

The guide shares fun Icelandic phrases and local humor, making the experience lively and informative. The geothermal features here are captivating and offer a close-up look at Iceland’s geothermal activity, with the eruption of Strokkur being a highlight.

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Gullfoss Waterfall and the Power of Icelandic Nature

The tour then pauses at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. With 40 minutes to admire the powerful cascade and take photos, visitors can feel the raw energy of Iceland’s nature. The Gullfoss falls are particularly striking in winter when the surrounding landscape may be icy and snow-covered.

The guide narrates stories about the history and legend behind the falls, adding cultural context. The roaring sound and expansive views make this stop an unforgettable highlight.

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Optional Tomato Lunch at Friðheimar Greenhouse

After Gullfoss, the tour visits Friðheimar, a greenhouse where guests can enjoy an optional warm tomato lunch. The greenhouse’s lush environment contrasts sharply with Iceland’s often icy landscape, offering fresh, garden-grown vegetables in a cozy setting. The lunch is paid separately on-site but is highly recommended for its freshness and comfort.

The guide’s stories about the greenhouse and local farming add charm to this stop. Visitors can also browse the shop for local products, making it a well-rounded experience.

Kerið Crater and the Icelandic Landscape

Next, guests visit Kerið, a striking volcanic crater filled with turquoise water. The 30-minute sightseeing allows for close-up views and photographs of this colorful natural formation. The crater’s vivid red and green slopes contrast vividly with the blue water, creating a dramatic landscape.

The guide discusses volcanic activity and how such craters form, adding educational value to this scenic stop. Kerið’s accessibility and unique appearance make it a favorite for many visitors.

Grindavík and the Resilient Icelandic Community

The final stop before returning to Reykjavík is Grindavík, a community shaped by Iceland’s living geology. The 30-minute sightseeing provides insight into the local way of life, especially how the community has adapted to and thrived despite challenging geological conditions.

The drive through Grindavík offers a glimpse of local fishing and industry, with stories from the guide about community resilience. This stop emphasizes Iceland’s ability to turn geological challenges into a source of pride and identity.

The Comfort and Flexibility of a Private Tour

Throughout the day, the guide shares local humor, Icelandic phrases, and family stories from her farm, making the experience personal and memorable. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in timing and stops, accommodating weather and road conditions.

The premium Land Cruiser ensures a smooth, comfortable ride, even when the weather shifts. The tour concludes with a return to Reykjavík, typically after about 12 hours, providing a full yet relaxed day of sightseeing, culture, and natural beauty.

Practical Details and Tips for the Tour

Participants should arrive ready for the sund ritual with a swimsuit, and towels can be rented at the pool. Showering before entering the geothermal pool is required. The timing and routes depend on weather, so dressing in warm layers, a hat, and gloves is advised, especially in winter.

The tour’s schedule is flexible but can be adjusted based on weather conditions. The lunch at Friðheimar is optional and paid on-site, while snacks and coffee are included in the package. Wheelchair users are not suitable due to walking terrain and paths.

Reykjavík Soak & Sund & Golden Circle – A Unique Icelandic Experience

This 12-hour private tour offers a rewarding blend of culture, natural beauty, and relaxation. The experience’s strength lies in the authentic sund ritual, personalized guidance, and the combination of iconic landmarks with local stories. Travelers who want a more intimate, flexible exploration of the Golden Circle will find this tour appealing.

While the schedule is weather-dependent and the terrain may be challenging in winter, the comfort of the private Land Cruiser and the personalized attention make it a standout option. The tour is best suited for those eager to experience Iceland’s landscape and culture in a relaxed, meaningful way.

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Reykjavík Soak & Sund Morning & A Private Golden Circle

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the sund ritual included in the tour?
Yes, the tour begins with a geothermal sund in a local pool, an authentic Icelandic tradition.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, from pickup in Reykjavík to return.

Are meals included?
Snacks and coffee are included in the tour. Lunch at Friðheimar Greenhouse is optional and paid separately on-site.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and walking paths.

What vehicle is used?
A premium Land Cruiser is used, providing comfort and privacy for the group.

What does the tour highlight?
The tour focuses on Icelandic culture, natural landmarks, and the authentic sund ritual. It offers local stories and Icelandic humor throughout.