Golden Circle & Hvammsvík Spa Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Þingvellir National Park's geological wonders
- Witness the power of Gullfoss Waterfall
- Experience the geothermal activity at Geysir
- Relax in the soothing waters of Hvammsvík Hot Springs
- Marvel at the volcanic beauty of Kerið Crater
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area
- Entry to Hvammsvík Hot Springs
- Visit to Kerið Crater
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Once picked up, our initial stop on the Golden Circle Tour is the Iceland Hot Springs Park in Hveragerði. A brief drive will bring you to the Eilífur Geyser, which erupts every 15-20 minutes. Stroll along the park's trails, enveloped by bubbling hot springs that highlight Iceland's geothermal marvels. Savor hverabrauð, a sweet bread baked using geothermal heat in the on-site bakery. Inside the greenhouse, witness banana plants thriving in this unique geothermal setting.
Next stop is at Kerid, a brightly colored volcanic crater. Kerid is only a few thousand years old, and the crater’s colorful appearance comes from iron deposits in the rocks. The caldera is also covered with lush banks of velvet-green moss. Inside the crater lies a shallow turquoise-colored lake, making Kerid one of the most striking sights seen anywhere in Iceland.
Gullfoss, or The “Gold Falls” in English, are a two-step waterfall fed by the nearby glacier at Langjokull with freezing meltwater, thundering down 30 meters into a deep ravine. The power of these cascades creates a lot of mist and spray, so you might get a little wet if you get too close! On sunlit days, that means there will be constant displays of brilliant rainbows too.
The next stop on your Golden Circle tour is Geysir, the highlight of the Haukadalur geothermal area. Bubbling with “hot spring” activity, this is the place that gave geysers all over the world their name. There you can admire Strokkur - an active geyser erupting every 10-15 minutes.
Thingvellir National Park is a place where you will see the astonishing spectacle of continental plates tearing apart. Here you can stand with one foot in America and the other in Europe, on either side of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Thingvellir is a place of great historical and cultural significance for Icelanders. It’s where its first parliament met for a thousand years, as chieftains would gather to make laws, dispense justice and settle disputes. Some were even executed in the “drowning pool”!
At the end of the day, the bus will head towards Whale Fjords, leading you to Hvammsvik Hot Spring. Here, you can immerse yourself in the perfect combination of geothermal water from 1400 meters below the surface and seawater from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. This extraordinary blend of water forms a continuous flow that cascades between pools, spills over their edges, and returns to the ocean, guaranteeing exceptional water quality and purity.
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- Confirm the tour's availability on your desired date, as schedules may vary seasonally.
- Be aware that the tour involves walking on uneven terrain; assess your comfort level with this activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
- Bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs; these are not provided on-site.
- Check the weather forecast and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Total duration of the tour includes driving time between locations
Traveler reviews
Very busy but there was a...
Very busy but there was a lovely stop at the geothermal farm, we were shot of time due to the family from the cruise ship being late.
Only reason for the 4 was...
Only reason for the 4 was the bus. My husband is a tall and large man, making the day on the bus cramped and uncomfortable. Guide was informative, entertaining and great sense of humour. Sights were beautiful and the spa was amazing.
Absolute, unforgettable experience!
Absolute 5-star experience! If you are coming to Iceland, booking the Golden Circle tour is a must, but if you want it to be truly magical, pray that you get Elias as your guide! From the very first moment, Elias brought such an incredible, warm energy to the group. He isn't just a guide who recites facts; he is a masterful storyteller with a fantastic sense of humor and a deep, genuine passion for his country. Thanks to him, we didn't just see the breathtaking sights of Thingvellir, the roaring Gullfoss waterfall, and the exploding geysers—we truly felt the spirit of Iceland. Elias knew all the best viewing spots, shared fascinating local lore, and even gave us some brilliant insider tips that made the day extra special. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable, entertained, and engaged throughout the entire trip. Bottom line: The landscapes were stunning, but Elias made this tour absolutely unforgettable. Thank you, Elias, for an incredible day and memories that will last a lifetime!
All the Best in 2 Days!
Absolute highlight of our trip to Iceland!! Everything was well planned, and the hotel was a pleasant surprise with a nearby food hall. Our guide, Lori, went out of the way to ensure we knew where to see the best views and even helped us find a puffin!! I wish we would have stayed with the same group for the 2 day tour, but having Lori both days made it worth it!! Highly recommend! Small group was perfect!!
Excellent full day Golden Circle tour
The tour was very much as described and our guide Domenica was very engaging and knowledgeable about the sites and the history and culture of Iceland.