Hot Springs, Falls, Geysers & Volcanic Crater & Blue Lagoon - Iceland’s Golden Circle Tour
This was an incredible full-day experience that included five of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, Kerið Crater, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and the Blue Lagoon.
Our tour left Reykjavík early in the morning with the crisp Icelandic air waking us up under a sun that never set. As we drove out of the city, we passed vast lava fields, grazing Icelandic horses, and moss-covered hills—each stretch of road unfolding more of the island's raw beauty.
Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not only visually stunning but also steeped in history. It was here, in 930 AD, that Iceland’s first parliament was established—making it one of the oldest in the world. Standing between the rift of two tectonic plates, we found ourselves not just in a place of natural wonder, but in the heart of Iceland’s national story.
Then it was on to Geysir, a geothermal area that looks like something from another planet—steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and the thick smell of sulfur hanging in the air. This surreal landscape is home to Strokkur, an active geyser that reliably shoots a tower of boiling water 45 to 65 feet in the air every 5 to 10 minutes.
Next, we stopped at the roaring Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. I watched in awe as the water cascaded with thunderous force, crashing into the narrow canyon below. You feel it before you even hear it—a deep rumble that reverberates through the ground, the mist rising up as the falls disappear into the cavern.
Driving to our last stop was endless black lava fields stretch in all directions, broken only by swirling steam rising from the earth. The town near the Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, affected by recent volcanic activity is now largely a ghost town. It has been repeatedly evacuated and impacted by volcanic eruptions and seismic activity since late 2023. As we kept driving we saw the surreal, milky-blue water peeking out from the rocks? That’s when I knew I arrived!
After a long day of chasing waterfalls, navigating lava fields, and walking between towering cliffs, we ended our adventure with a well-earned soak in the Blue Lagoon.
Was it touristy? Absolutely.
Was it worth it? Without a doubt.
The warm, milky-blue waters were the perfect reward—steamy, surreal, and surrounded by black lava rock that made it feel like we were floating in another world.
This is what caught my eye - I hope you enjoy!
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What you should know:
Book in advance, the tours do sometimes sell out, especially in summer and holiday periods.
If you are planning on getting your hair wet, bring conditioner and use it before and after.
There are different tour packages you can purchase, some include masks, drinks, and robe.
You can also book spa treatments during your visit.
Visit early morning for serenity, or late afternoon for golden hour lighting and fewer crowds.
The Blue Lagoon has restrooms and showers. The tour usually includes several places to use the restroom and to get lunch.
Throughout the day, the tour includes several stops with access to restrooms and places to grab lunch or snacks. The Blue Lagoon has restrooms, showers, and changing facilities on-site.
For more information: The Golden Circle tours can be booked through Viator or local tour operators.
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Kerið Volcanic Crater is a redish bowl filled with turquoise water.