Golden Circle, Bruarfoss & Kerid Crater by Minibus from Reykjavik

When you’re planning a single day in Iceland and want to see the country’s most iconic natural features without getting stuck behind a massive tour bus, this Golden Circle tour from Troll Expeditions deserves serious consideration. What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the deliberate inclusion of Bruarfoss—Iceland’s stunning blue waterfall that most standard Golden Circle tours skip—and the intimate minibus format that caps groups at just 19 people. That said, the quality of your experience does depend significantly on which guide you get assigned, as reviews show considerable variation in how much storytelling and historical context you’ll receive during the drive.

This tour works best for travelers who have limited time in Iceland but want to pack in maximum natural scenery, photographers hunting for that perfect shot of turquoise waterfalls against volcanic landscapes, and anyone who prefers smaller group experiences over the cattle-call approach of larger tour operators.

What Makes This Tour Worth Your Time and Money

At $114.88 per person for a full eight-hour day that includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, round-trip transportation, and professional guiding, you’re looking at genuine value. Factor in that you’re avoiding car rental costs, the stress of navigating Iceland’s sometimes unpredictable roads, and the time spent planning your own route, and the math becomes even more compelling. The tour operates in all weather conditions, which means you can book with confidence even during Iceland’s notoriously changeable seasons.

The minibus setup is where this tour distinguishes itself from the competition. With a maximum of 19 travelers, you get breathing room—you won’t be jockeying for position at viewpoints or waiting endlessly for bathroom breaks. One traveler who appreciated this aspect noted, “The van seated about 16 people in all—not too compact and cozy but still friendly and welcoming.” The van itself includes Wi-Fi on board and Icelandic music, which are nice touches for the drive time between stops.

Breaking Down the Itinerary: What You’ll Actually See

Starting Your Day: The 9 AM Pickup

Your adventure begins with a 9 AM pickup from a designated bus stop near your accommodation. Here’s something important: the tour company can’t stop at every hotel entrance downtown due to Reykjavik’s traffic regulations, so you’ll need to check busstop.is or ask your hotel’s front desk for your specific pickup location. Pickups can take up to 30 minutes as the minibus collects passengers from multiple stops, so plan accordingly.

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park

Your first real stop takes you to Thingvellir, one of Iceland’s most geologically significant locations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes this place special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the geology. You’re standing in the rift valley between two tectonic plates: the North American and Eurasian plates. You can actually see where these massive pieces of Earth are pulling apart, and the landscape shows the dramatic results of this ongoing separation.

Thingvellir also carries profound historical weight. Iceland’s parliament was founded here in 930 AD, making it one of the world’s oldest parliaments. The name “Thingvellir” literally translates to “Parliament Plains,” and this heritage is woven into Icelandic national identity. Beyond the geology and history, the park hosts Iceland’s largest natural lake and supports diverse fish and bird populations. You’ll have roughly 40 minutes here to explore, which gives you time to walk the rift valley trails and absorb the scale of what you’re seeing.

Stop 2: Bruarfoss Waterfall—The Hidden Gem

This is where the tour separates itself from standard Golden Circle packages. Bruarfoss is often called “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall,” and once you see it, you’ll understand why it deserves inclusion on any serious waterfall itinerary. While it’s smaller than some of Iceland’s more famous cascades, that’s precisely part of its appeal. The waterfall flows over lava rocks into a pool of impossibly blue water, framed by bright green moss and dark volcanic stone.

The 40 minutes allocated here gives you time for the short walk to the falls and plenty of opportunity for photography. Multiple reviewers specifically chose this tour because of Bruarfoss. One traveler explained, “This tour is a must do if visiting Iceland. I especially picked this one as most of the Golden Circle trips didn’t include Bruarfoss and this did. The most stunning blue water, well worth visiting.” The colors here are genuinely striking—the sapphire blue water creates a vivid contrast that photographs beautifully in almost any light.

Stop 3: Gullfoss Falls

Next comes Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls,” one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. The water here originates from Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, and plunges into a deep canyon with tremendous force. On clear days, you can actually see Langjökull glacier in the distance, and the mist rising from the falls often creates rainbows—particularly stunning in afternoon light.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here, enough time to approach the falls from multiple viewpoints and feel the power of the water. This is where you’ll want to have your camera ready and perhaps bring waterproof gear if you want to get close to the spray.

Stop 4: Kerid Crater

Kerid rounds out the natural wonders with a completely different geological story. This volcanic crater is roughly 6,500 years old and offers a dramatic contrast in colors—red volcanic rock, blue water, and bright green moss create a palette that looks almost otherworldly. The crater is 270 meters in circumference, 170 meters wide, and 55 meters deep, and the minerals in the surrounding soil give the crater lake its distinctive aquamarine hue.

A short walk around the crater’s edge gives you multiple perspectives and plenty of photo opportunities. This stop typically gets 30 minutes, allowing time to complete the rim walk and soak in the otherworldly landscape. The geological story here—a relatively recent volcanic eruption—provides fascinating contrast to the tectonic plate activity you witnessed at Thingvellir earlier in the day.

Return to Reykjavik

The tour wraps up around 5 PM with your return to downtown Reykjavik, though the company notes that timing and route order can shift based on weather and road conditions. They build in a 30-minute buffer for the final leg, though actual timing may vary.

The Guide Experience: Where Quality Varies

Here’s where we need to be honest about what reviewers consistently flagged: the tour’s quality depends heavily on your assigned guide. At the high end, you get someone like Bjorn, who appears in multiple glowing reviews. One traveler wrote, “We had an unforgettable day out with our fellow travelers and amazing guide: Bjorn. The views and landscape was stunning, however it was made all the better by Bjorn’s sense of humour, high spirits, and knowledge of his country and land.”

Another traveler appreciated Bjorn’s approach: “I liked his style; as we drove to each site, he provided great content about what we would see, and then, upon arrival, he left us off to enjoy the site on our terms. The pace was leisurely, but he kept us on time, allowing us to visit several sites that were not on the itinerary.”

However, not all guides deliver this level of engagement. Some reviewers noted that their guide provided minimal narration—essentially acting as a driver rather than an educator. One traveler was candid: “The excursion was more like quiet transportation to the sightseeing spots. The guide was just a driver, who just said a sentence before the spot ‘hey this is this and this.’ No stories about Iceland history or any other engaging or educational information.”

This variation is worth understanding before you book. You’re paying for guided experience, and while most guides deliver solid service, the difference between a knowledgeable, personable guide and a silent driver significantly affects your day.

Practical Considerations for Your Tour

What to Bring and What to Rent

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and Iceland’s weather can change dramatically within hours. Waterproof jackets, pants, and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended, particularly if you’re visiting outside summer months. The company offers rental gear: hiking boots ($28 USD equivalent), waterproof jacket ($28), waterproof pants ($28), hats and gloves ($48), neck warmers ($8), and summer caps ($24). If you have your own gear, you’ll save money; if you don’t, these rentals are reasonable.

One winter traveler provided valuable perspective: “Take crampons if going in winter. The trip to Bruarfoss is very slippery. We had 4 seasons in one day so prepare for all eventualities.” This is particularly important to hear—Bruarfoss can be genuinely treacherous when icy.

Food and Refreshments

Food and drinks are not included, which is worth planning for. The tour doesn’t include restaurant stops, so bringing snacks and water is smart. One experienced traveler suggested: “Better to pack your own food/snacks and water so you can enjoy more time outside.” You’ll have time at each stop, but if you’re purchasing food, that time gets consumed. Packing a lunch lets you maximize your time actually enjoying the natural features.

Group Size and Atmosphere

At 19 people maximum, this is genuinely small-group touring by modern standards. You’ll get to know your fellow travelers reasonably well over eight hours, and the intimate size means you won’t be fighting crowds at viewpoints—though during peak season, other tour groups will certainly be at the same locations.

What Reviewers Got Right About This Tour

The 4.9-star rating across 720 reviews speaks to consistent quality. The most frequently praised aspects include the guides (when you get a good one), the stunning natural scenery, the good value for money, and the inclusion of Bruarfoss. One traveler summed it up well: “We had a great day with the lovely Bjorn who was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. He brought his passion for the Icelandic scenery to life and made our day!”

Accessibility and accommodation also earned praise. One reviewer noted, “Our tour guide, Gilfi was very accommodating to everyone’s unique accessibility needs and provided useful anecdotes/answered everyone’s questions.”

The company also handles problems professionally. When one traveler accidentally left her phone on the bus and had an early flight the next day, Troll Expeditions stayed late to help her retrieve it. That kind of customer service matters, particularly when you’re traveling internationally.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Beyond the guide quality variability, a few other factors emerged from reviews. During peak season, some travelers felt rushed. One reviewer noted: “The views were breathtaking, the country is gorgeous, the guide was excellent! I just needed more time to enjoy each spot!” The tour packs a lot in, so if you’re someone who likes to linger, you might feel slightly hurried.

Weather can also impact the experience. One traveler encountered severe conditions: “We had 4 seasons in one day so prepare for all eventualities.” While Troll operates in all weather and the company gets credit for safety, poor weather naturally affects visibility and photo opportunities.

Finally, there’s the rare-but-real possibility of a guide who doesn’t engage much. While most reviews are positive, a couple of travelers received minimal narration. If educational content matters to you, this is worth noting.

Value Analysis: Is $114.88 Actually a Good Deal?

When you break down what you’re getting, the value is solid. You’re paying roughly $14 per hour for transportation, professional guiding, route planning, and logistics management. You’re avoiding rental car costs (typically $30-50 per day), navigation stress, and the risk of getting lost. Admission to Thingvellir is included, and the other stops are free to access. The minibus is comfortable with Wi-Fi, and you get an English-speaking guide.

If you were to rent a car, pay for gas, and attempt to navigate to all four locations independently, you’d spend more money and lose the benefit of local knowledge. The inclusion of Bruarfoss—which most Golden Circle tours skip—adds genuine value, particularly for photographers.

The free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours before) also reduces risk. If weather looks truly terrible or your plans change, you can get a full refund.

Who Should Book This Tour

This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time in Iceland who want to see the country’s most iconic natural features without the hassle of driving. It works particularly well for solo travelers, couples, and small families who prefer guided experiences. Photographers will appreciate the multiple stunning locations and the time allocated at each stop.

If you’re comfortable with group travel, prefer not to drive on unfamiliar roads, and want knowledgeable local perspective on what you’re seeing, this hits the mark. It’s also excellent value if you’re visiting during Iceland’s shoulder seasons when weather is variable—you get professional drivers who know how to handle conditions safely.

This Golden Circle tour represents exactly the kind of experience that makes sense for many visitors to Iceland: it covers the essential natural wonders, operates at a reasonable price point, keeps group sizes intimate, and handles the logistics so you can focus on the scenery. The minibus format and inclusion of Bruarfoss differentiate it from standard Golden Circle packages. While guide quality varies, most travelers report genuinely positive experiences with knowledgeable, personable guides who enhance the day significantly. If you have a single day in Iceland and want to see the country’s geological and historical highlights without renting a car or navigating independently, this tour delivers solid value and authentic natural experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour starts with pickups at 9 AM (which can take up to 30 minutes as the minibus collects passengers from multiple locations) and returns to downtown Reykjavik around 5 PM. The exact return time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.

Is food included in the tour price?

No, food and drinks are not included. The tour doesn’t include restaurant stops, so packing your own snacks and water is recommended. This approach lets you maximize time at each natural feature rather than spending it in a café.

How many people are typically on the tour?

The minibus holds a maximum of 19 travelers, making it a small-group experience. Most reviews mention groups of around 16 people, which keeps things intimate while still being social.

What if I’m picked up at a hotel that the bus can’t access?

Reykjavik traffic regulations prevent buses from stopping at some hotel entrances. You’ll be picked up at the nearest designated bus stop, which is typically just a couple minutes’ walk from your hotel. Check busstop.is or ask your hotel’s front desk to find your specific pickup location before booking.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?

Yes. The tour operates in all weather conditions, but if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered either a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund for any reason.

Are hiking boots and waterproof gear provided?

The company offers rental options for cold-weather gear: hiking boots, waterproof jackets, waterproof pants, hats, gloves, and caps are available to rent at reasonable prices (roughly $28-48 per item). If you have your own gear, bring it to save money.

What’s the actual hiking involved at each stop?

The hiking is moderate. Thingvellir and Kerid Crater involve short walks along established trails. Bruarfoss requires a short hike to reach the waterfall, which can be slippery when icy. Gullfoss has multiple viewpoints accessible with minimal walking. None of the stops require technical climbing or mountaineering experience.

Is Wi-Fi really available on the minibus?

Yes, the company provides Wi-Fi on board, along with Icelandic music during the drives between stops. This lets you stay connected if needed and enjoy some local cultural atmosphere during travel time.

What if I need special accommodations or have accessibility concerns?

Contact the company directly to discuss your specific needs. Multiple reviews mention guides going out of their way to accommodate accessibility requirements, and the company has shown flexibility in meeting traveler needs. It’s best to communicate any concerns when booking.