Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Day Tour from Reykjavik: Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss & Kerid
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks on uneven ground and some steps at viewpoints.
Overview
This full-day small-group tour from Reykjavik pairs the Golden Circle’s geological highlights—Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and Kerið—with a soothing finale at the Blue Lagoon. Expect a long, rewarding day of short walks, dramatic viewpoints, and a guaranteed soak.
Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Day Tour from Reykjavik: Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss & Kerid
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You leave Reykjavik before the city fully wakes—the bus hums, coffee steam still warm in paper cups, and the landscape opens like a map folding itself out. Fields of black lava stretch to the horizon, then give way to the rift valleys of Thingvellir where the ground literally pulls apart. Walking down the Almannagjá gorge, you can feel the earth's movement underfoot; the American and Eurasian plates here argue with a slow, geological patience that predates language.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a swim kit
You’ll spend roughly two hours at the Blue Lagoon; swimsuits and quick-dry sandals make the experience comfortable—towels are included with the Comfort ticket.
Layer for wind and spray
Pack a windproof outer layer and a warm mid-layer—conditions can shift from calm to gusty near Gullfoss and on exposed roads.
Protect electronics
Use a waterproof case or ziplock for phones and cameras during waterfall and geyser stops where spray is common.
Plan your lunch
There’s time to buy food at Geysir, but lines can be long; bringing a packed lunch speeds up the day.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Arctic tern and other seabirds on the Reykjanes coast
- Occasional Arctic fox sightings in remote parts of the peninsula (rare)
History
Thingvellir hosted the Althing, the Icelandic parliament, from 930 AD and remains a cultural symbol of national assembly and law.
Conservation
Thermal areas are fragile—stick to marked trails, avoid taking mineral-rich water or mud from the lagoon, and follow local guidelines to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavik
Recommended Gear
Waterproof wind shell
Shields against spray at Gullfoss and sudden coastal wind on Reykjanes Peninsula.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides grip on uneven paths and rocky rim trails like Kerið and Thingvellir.
Swimsuit & quick-dry sandals
Required for the Blue Lagoon soak; sandals help on wet surfaces.
Waterproof phone case
Protects electronics from waterfall spray and steam at geothermal sites.