Reykjavík: Golden Circle, Bruarfoss, and Kerid Crater Tour

Thinking about exploring Iceland’s most famous sights? This full-day Golden Circle tour from Reykjavík offers a solid mix of classic highlights and lesser-known beauties. It’s a popular choice, especially if you want a rundown without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we really like about this trip is how it combines the well-known landmarks like Gullfoss and Geysir with two special additions: the beautiful Bruarfoss Waterfall and the vivid Kerid Crater. The guide’s knowledge also gets high praise—many reviews mention how educational and friendly guides make the experience memorable.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is about nine hours long, which is quite a chunk of your day. If you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed or flexible schedule, or if you’re traveling with very young kids who might tire easily, this could feel a bit intense. Nevertheless, if you’re eager to see Iceland’s iconic scenery in one go, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience suits travelers who want a guided, all-in-one day with plenty of photo opportunities and interesting explanations. It’s especially good if you appreciate good value for money (at around $108 per person), comfortable transportation, and a well-organized itinerary.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Combines top attractions with lesser-known gems.
• Expert guides: Highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• All-in-one experience: Includes transportation, fees, WiFi, and music.
• Good value: At $108, it covers a lot of ground efficiently.
• Long day, full sights: Expect around 9 hours of sightseeing.
• Not for everyone: Those who prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter trips might find it a bit intense.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you sign up for this tour, you’re in for a full day of exploring some of Iceland’s most famous landscapes, as well as a few incredible surprises. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded taste of what makes this country so unique.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey begins early with a pickup in Reykjavík. The bus journey from the city center takes about an hour to reach the first stop, Þingvellir National Park. This place is a highlight—not just for its history but for its dramatic geology. You’ll get about 45 minutes to walk around, take photos, and absorb the scenery. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable the guides are about this area’s significance and formation, making it a richer experience than just sightseeing.

Next, you’ll head to Bruarfoss Waterfall, a slightly lesser-known but utterly stunning spot. With just 20 minutes here, you’ll have enough time to snap some pictures of its distinctive sapphire-blue waters and silky cascades. This stop is a real crowd-pleaser—reviews highlight how beautiful it is and how it offers a quieter moment amidst the tour.

Then it’s on to the Geysir geothermal area, home to the famous Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water high into the air. With about 75 minutes allocated, you’ll have plenty of time to see the geysers in action, explore the surrounding hot springs, and even do some souvenir shopping. Many travelers appreciate the informative commentary and scenic views along the way, including the chance to learn about geothermal activity.

The iconic Gullfoss waterfall follows, about 40 minutes to enjoy the powerful, multi-tiered falls. The reviews consistently mention how spectacular Gullfoss is, and many say that the amount of time here is enough to really take it in and get some great photos.

After a break, the tour visits the Kerid volcanic crater. With 30 minutes here, you’ll see the vivid colors of the crater’s rim and lake, which make for striking photos. Many reviewers value this stop as a highlight because of its unique contrast of colors and geological interest.

Finally, the tour takes you to a hidden paradise: Bruarfoss waterfall, often described as a “must-see” for its rich blue hues. The 20-minute stop allows you to enjoy the scene without rushing, perfect for those who love nature photography.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses a comfortable minibus, which, as many reviews mention, is clean and equipped with WiFi and Icelandic music—a nice touch to keep the atmosphere lively. The group size is limited enough to feel personal but large enough to make the journey lively.

Guides and Service Quality

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to go the extra mile. Several mention guides who shared Icelandic words, culture, and history, making the experience educational as well as scenic. One reviewer even noted their guide stopped at a horse farm and added scenic bonus stops, which they found especially worthwhile.

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Pricing and Value

At $108 per person, considering it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees for Bruarfoss and Kerid, and a guided experience, this fee is quite reasonable. The reviews confirm that it’s good value, especially since it covers a full day of sightseeing, transport, and expert narration. However, food and drinks are not included, so bring some snacks or plan to buy at stops.

The Realities of the Tour

While the experience is generally highly praised, there are some points to consider. The full 9-hour duration means it’s a long day, which might be tiring if you’re not accustomed to full-day excursions. Some reviews mention feeling rushed at certain stops, especially if you like to take many photos or explore at a slow pace.

Weather can also impact the day. A few reviews noted the trip’s weather was challenging, but that’s out of the tour operator’s control. The guides’ ability to handle changing conditions and keep the tour running smoothly is often highlighted positively.

A couple of reviewers mentioned some disappointment about specific stops—like the farm animals at a dairy farm not being available due to Covid restrictions—but these are minor and depend on current health guidelines.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a well-organized, guided day trip that covers both Iceland’s most famous sites and some hidden gems, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It suits travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of planning, and who are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

It’s especially good if you’re interested in geology, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. The stories and explanations from guides add a lot of value, making this a fun and educational experience.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have limited mobility, this might be a bit intense. Also, those traveling with very young children should consider whether a long bus ride fits your family’s needs.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at selected locations in central Reykjavík. You’ll need to provide your accommodation address, and the guide will inform you of the exact pickup spot.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, starting around 9:00 AM, including transportation, stops, and free time at each site.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s a good idea to bring snacks or plan to buy something during the stops.

What should I wear?
While waterproof clothing and hiking boots are available for rent, it’s wise to dress in layers and be prepared for varying weather conditions.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, many reviews describe it as enjoyable for all ages, especially if your family likes sightseeing and learning about Iceland.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

What makes Bruarfoss special?
It’s a smaller, less crowded waterfall with striking, vivid blue waters, making it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Circle tour from Reykjavík offers a solid balance of Iceland’s most iconic sights and some lesser-known treasures, all with the comfort of guided commentary and organized logistics. The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and good value make this experience stand out, even if it’s a long day.

It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to see a lot in one go, especially those who appreciate stories and context that bring these landscapes to life. If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized trip at a reasonable price, this tour definitely delivers. Just remember to pace yourself and bring your camera along—you’ll want to remember these sights for a lifetime.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Note: Always check current availability and specific tour details before booking, as offerings and schedules can change.