Golden Circle and Kerlingarfjöll Private Tour — Reykjavík's Day of Geysers, Waterfalls & Rhyolite
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–14 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required — able to walk short uneven trails and stand for photo stops; long hours on the coach.
Overview
A private, full-day summer tour that stitches Iceland's Golden Circle with the highland spectacle of Kerlingarfjöll. Expect tectonic rifts, erupting geysers, Gullfoss’s thunder, and rhyolite mountains steaming with geothermal life.
Golden Circle and Kerlingarfjöll Private Tour — Reykjavík's Day of Geysers, Waterfalls & Rhyolite
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You meet at Reykjavík's City Hall before dawn, coffee in hand and a light rain already etching the bus windows. The city dissolves behind you as the coach climbs onto the lowlands: mossed lava fields giving way to the wide rift valley of Þingvellir. The air here has a mineral edge; tectonic plates don't whisper. They separate in plain sight, cracking the ground into cliffs and fissures that catch pools of sky.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pack a waterproof shell
Weather changes rapidly; a lightweight waterproof jacket keeps you comfortable during walks and viewing stops.
Sturdy footwear matters
Wear hiking boots with good tread — trails at Þingvellir and Kerlingarfjöll can be uneven, wet, and slippery.
Charge and protect your camera
Bring a spare battery or power bank and a waterproof cover; the spray at Gullfoss and geothermal steam can ruin gear.
Respect geothermal signage
Stay on marked paths — ground can be thin and water temperatures can exceed safe levels near vents and mud pots.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Arctic fox (rare, highland areas)
- Various seabirds and meadow species near Þingvellir
History
Þingvellir hosted the Alþingi, Iceland's national assembly, from 930 AD and marks a political milestone in early Icelandic governance.
Conservation
Highland access is seasonally restricted to protect fragile soils and geothermal features; stick to trails and avoid overnight camping in protected zones.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavík
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Protects against sudden rain and spray at waterfalls and thermal areas.
summer specific
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides grip on wet boardwalks, ash, and mineral soils.
summer specific
Daypack with water and snacks
Keeps essentials handy during short hikes and long drives between stops.
summer specific
Spare camera battery/power bank
Icelandic light and frequent stops mean you'll use your camera and phone more than usual.