From Skarfabakki: Golden Circle Day Trip with Kerið Crater

Planning a trip to Iceland and craving a well-rounded experience of its most iconic sights? This Golden Circle day trip with Kerið Crater, offered by Viking Journeys, might just be the kind of adventure you’re after. It’s a popular tour, and for good reason — it packs some of the country’s most stunning landscapes into a manageable six-hour window.

What really appeals to us is how this tour combines history, geology, and jaw-dropping scenery. The chance to walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir is genuinely special, and seeing the powerful Gullfoss waterfall up close is a highlight. Plus, the visit to Kerið Crater adds that extra touch of volcanic drama.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour involves several stops with some walking on uneven surfaces, so it’s not perfect if you have mobility issues or prefer a very relaxed pace. Still, for travelers eager to see Iceland’s major sights without the hassle of self-driving, this guided experience hits a lot of marks.

If your trip involves a cruise port stop or you want a comprehensive day trip that hits all the highlights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly good for those who want an organized, guided approach to Iceland’s natural marvels without sacrificing the chance to learn about their significance.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with transportation and entrance fees covered.
• Ideal for those wanting a structured day of sightseeing without the stress of planning.
• Highlights include UNESCO-listed Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið Crater.
• Comfortable group size with a private aspect, making it feel personalized.
• Moderate walking involved; not suited for those with mobility impairments.
• Flexible cancellation policy: full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Convenience

The tour kicks off with pickup options at the Skarfabakki cruise terminals, which is perfect if you’re arriving by ship or staying nearby. The driver, licensed and bilingual in English and Icelandic, will be waiting with a sign bearing your name — no need to worry about finding your guide or navigating Reykjavik traffic. This kind of pickup is a real plus, especially after a long journey or when you’ve got luggage.

Kerið Crater: A Volcanic Gem

Your first stop is the Kerið Crater, a volcanic caldera famous for its vivid red slopes and striking blue lake. It’s a relatively quick visit — about 30 minutes — enough time to walk around and snap some photos. Many visitors find the colors here almost surreal, especially when the sun hits just right. It’s on the smaller side compared to other geological wonders, but it’s distinctive enough to leave an impression.

You’ll appreciate the chance to stretch your legs and see firsthand how volcanic activity has shaped the landscape. The entrance fee is modest (around EUR 4), but it’s included in the tour, making for a hassle-free experience.

Gullfoss Waterfall: A Powerhouse

Next up is Gullfoss, Iceland’s most iconic waterfall, known as the “Golden Falls.” The Hvítá river plunges in two impressive stages into a deep canyon, creating a thunderous spectacle that’s hard to forget. We loved the way the mist from the falls adds a sense of raw power to the scenery, and the viewing platforms offer great angles for photos.

The tour allows for about 30 minutes here, so take your time to feel the spray, watch the water’s relentless rush, and soak in the scenery. It’s especially captivating on a sunny day when the sunlight hits just right, often creating rainbows in the spray.

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Geysir Geothermal Area: Boiling Hot Springs

The Geysir area is next, where you’ll see the famous Strokkur geyser erupting every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 40 meters into the air. It’s a wild sight, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch an eruption during your visit. Besides Strokkur, the area is dotted with bubbling hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles, offering a visceral glimpse of Iceland’s geothermal activity.

You get about an hour here, enough time to walk around, take photos, and get a sense of the geothermal energy that’s so central to Iceland’s identity. It’s impressive to see nature’s power just bubbling away in front of you.

Þingvellir National Park: Historic and Geologic Marvel

Your final main stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history and geology. It’s where the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD, making it one of the world’s oldest legislative sites. Walking through the Almannagjá gorge, you’ll literally be standing between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are drifting apart at an average of 2 centimeters per year.

The park offers about 50 minutes of free time, allowing you to explore the rift valley, visit the historic site, or simply take in the sweeping scenery of the lakes, cliffs, and fissures. Many visitors comment on how this place feels both monumental and peaceful simultaneously.

Wrapping Up and Drop-Off

After a full day of exploring, you’ll be returned to the same cruise terminal, making this a convenient option for travelers with tight schedules. The tour’s timing is flexible — check availability for start times that suit your day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $940 for a private group of up to four, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there. However, considering the included transportation, entrance fees, and the convenience of a guided experience, it can be a good value, especially if you prefer not to drive or want an organized route. The small-group/private aspect makes for a more personalized experience, which many travelers appreciate.

Keep in mind, meals and drinks aren’t included, so budget for some snacks or a quick lunch during your stops. The entrance fee to Kerið Crater is modest and included in the tour, which is nice since it’s an extra expense if you visit independently.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the stunning scenery, especially the waterfalls and geothermal sites. One traveler mentioned, “The views were absolutely breathtaking, especially Gullfoss with the mist and the vibrant colors of Kerið.” Others appreciated the ease of pickup and the knowledgeable driver who shared interesting tidbits about each site.

A couple of reviewers noted the walking on uneven surfaces, so if you have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering. But overall, most found the timing well-paced and the trip well-organized, making it a reliable way to tick off Iceland’s Golden Circle highlights without the stress of planning your own route.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Wear comfortable walking shoes since there’s moderate walking involved.
• Dress in layers — Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and some stops could be windy or rainy.
• Bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
• Pack a water bottle; there are stops to stay hydrated.
• Remember, food and drinks aren’t included, but you’ll have options to buy refreshments at each site.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided tour of the Golden Circle with minimal fuss. It’s perfect if you’re arriving on a cruise and need a reliable way to see the highlights in a short window. It also works well for those who like a small-group setting and prefer not to drive themselves.

If you’re after a more relaxed, educational, and scenic day with everything taken care of, this tour hits the right notes. However, if you prefer more flexibility or are very particular about timing or walking distances, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal is included, making it easy to focus on sightseeing rather than logistics.

How long do I spend at each site?
You’ll have roughly 30 minutes at Kerið Crater and Gullfoss, 1 hour at Geysir, and about 50 minutes at Þingvellir. These times are designed for a balanced visit without rushing.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and water are recommended. Since Iceland’s weather can change quickly, dressing in layers is smart.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are stops where you can purchase refreshments.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
It involves moderate walking on uneven surfaces, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Would this tour be good for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for travelers comfortable with walking and standing. If your family enjoys scenic landscapes and learning about Iceland’s geology and history, you’ll likely find it engaging.

This Golden Circle day trip from Skarfabakki offers a well-rounded taste of Iceland’s natural wonders and historical sites. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, efficient way to see the highlights, especially if you’re arriving by cruise. The stunning vistas, the chance to stand between tectonic plates, and the iconic waterfalls all make for memorable moments.

While it’s priced on the higher side for a small-group tour, the convenience, inclusions, and personalized feel can make it worthwhile. Just be prepared for some walking and variable weather — and you’ll likely walk away with a deeper appreciation for Iceland’s volcanic beauty.

If your goal is to tick off the main sights comfortably and learn a bit along the way, this tour is a dependable choice. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s a reliable way to see some of Iceland’s most remarkable scenery in a single day.

Happy travels, and I hope your Iceland adventure is filled with incredible sights and stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: