Private Golden Circle Extended Tour from Reykjavik — Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid & Fridheimar
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves multiple short walks totaling 3–5 miles and low elevation change.
Overview
A private, full-day circuit from Reykjavík that condenses Iceland’s signature landscapes into one accessible route: Þingvellir’s rift, the Geysir geothermal field, Gullfoss’s thundering drop, a greenhouse lunch at Fridheimar, and the Gerið crater rim. Expect 7–8 hours of curated stops and short walks.
Private Golden Circle Extended Tour from Reykjavik — Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid & Fridheimar
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The van pulls out of Reykjavík with a low hum and windows fogging where the Atlantic air meets the heater. Within an hour the city grid gives way to wide volcanic plains, and steam begins to appear on the horizon like a promise. Your guide points at a line on the map where two continents are slowly parting; in the open air of Þingvellir you will walk that rift—literal plates beneath your boots—and feel the scale of landscape change underfoot.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Wind and rain can switch on a dime; pack a waterproof shell over insulating layers to stay comfortable across microclimates.
Waterproof footwear
Walks at Gullfoss, Kerið, and Þingvellir include muddy paths and wet viewpoints—sturdy, waterproof shoes will keep you moving.
Protect camera gear
Expect mist at Gullfoss and acidic steam near geysers; use a rain cover and wipe lenses frequently.
Bring snacks and motion comfort
Although lunch is included, small snacks and anti-nausea remedies help on winding roads and between stops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Arctic fox (occasionally seen at dawn)
- Pink-footed goose or migratory birds over wetlands
History
Þingvellir hosted the Althing beginning around 930 AD, where laws were made and disputes settled in the open air—a key site for Icelandic national identity.
Conservation
Visitor pressure is managed with boardwalks and marked paths to protect fragile moss and geothermal soils; follow signage and avoid off-trail walking.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavik
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hardshell jacket
Keeps wind and spray off during Gullfoss and the geothermal areas.
Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes
Necessary for muddy boardwalks, crater rims, and wet viewpoints.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or down)
Insulation for cold winds and early mornings.
winter specific
Weather-resistant camera or phone case
Protects gear from mist, steam, and sudden showers.