Reykjavik: Golden Circle tour, Crater & Icelandic Horses

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want an insider’s glance at some of the country’s most iconic sights, this Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik is often recommended. It’s a full-day experience that packs in geothermal wonders, waterfalls, historic sites, a volcanic crater, and a charming horse visit—all with a knowledgeable guide.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed, and the company’s reputation for high ratings and positive reviews. The chance to see Geysir, the Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park in one trip makes it perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty. Plus, the visit to Kerid Crater and the stop to see Icelandic horses add unique touches that stand out.

However, a quick consideration: this tour lasts about 7.5 hours, which means it’s quite full, and some might find the long day a bit tiring, especially if you prefer more relaxed pacing or travel with very young children. Also, it’s not designed for those with mobility challenges, so keep that in mind. Still, this tour tends to suit those eager to maximize their sightseeing with a structured, informative experience.

Overall, if you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and engaging day out that hits all the big highlights of Iceland’s famed Golden Circle, this tour really hits the mark. It’s especially ideal if you’re interested in learning from guides who bring the landscape to life with stories and facts.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir, Kerid Crater, and Icelandic horses
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary, making the experience more enriching
• Comfortable transportation with pick-up from multiple locations in Reykjavik
• Ideal for travelers who want a full-day experience without the hassle of planning every detail
• Limited for those with mobility issues or traveling with young children under 6
• Value for money considering the multiple stops and included sights

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

Heading out from Reykjavik, you’ll be picked up early in the morning from convenient locations. The tour lasts around 7.5 hours, during which you’ll explore some of Iceland’s most famous natural sites and get plenty of opportunities to photograph stunning landscapes.

What makes this tour stand out from other Golden Circle options is its balanced mix of natural wonders, historical insights, and unique Icelandic experiences like the horse stop. The guide’s reputation for knowledgeable storytelling adds a layer of depth that makes these sights even more memorable.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pick-up and Early Drive

The tour begins with pickups from six locations, including Reykjavik’s City Hall, the Old Harbour, and the Cruise Ship Terminal. Starting 45 minutes before departure, this gives you ample time to settle in and get ready for an immersive day.

The drive south from Reykjavik takes around 40 minutes, giving everyone time to settle in and get a sense of the landscape. The scenery along the way is generally pretty, with Iceland’s volcanic terrain gradually unfolding as you leave the city behind.

Stop at a Scenic Spot for Photos and Relaxation

After the initial drive, you’ll make a short break in the southern region of Iceland—this is usually a good time to stretch your legs and snap some first photos of Iceland’s wilderness. Reviewers mention that the stops are well-chosen, so you don’t feel like you’re just racing from site to site, but rather experiencing each one fully.

More Great Tours Nearby

Kerid Crater

One of the first official sightseeing stops is Kerid Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with bright blue water and surrounded by vivid red volcanic rocks. This is a 25-minute visit, giving you just enough time to walk around and take those famous photos. It’s a highlight for many visitors because of its intense colors and unique volcanic landscape.

Continue to Geysir

Next up is Geysir, the star geothermal area that gave its name to geysers worldwide. Here, you’ll get about an hour to walk around the bubbling geothermal field and watch Strokkur geyser erupt roughly every 8-10 minutes. The guide often shares interesting facts about the geothermal activity and Iceland’s volcanic activity, making this stop both educational and visually spectacular.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Following Geysir, a quick 15-minute drive brings you to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. You’ll have about an hour here—plenty of time to walk close to the falls, take photos, and enjoy the power of the water crashing down into the canyon below. Reviewers consistently praise the accessibility and the panoramic views, making it a favorite stop.

Thingvellir National Park

The final major highlight of the day is Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk through the rift valley marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The guide’s commentary helps make sense of the geological significance, and the 45-minute stop allows for a leisurely walk and some quick history lessons. Many reviewers mention how this site feels like standing on the edge of the world, with dramatic landscapes and rich history.

Visit to Kerid Crater & Icelandic Horses

Adding a visit to Kerid Crater and a stop to see Icelandic horses are unique features of this tour. The horses visit usually involves a photo opportunity and interaction, which travelers have found charming and memorable. The crater visit, as mentioned earlier, is brief but impactful, with vivid colors and volcanic formations.

Return Journey

The drive back to Reykjavik takes about an hour and a half, with some optional stops along the way if time permits. The tour ends with drop-offs at the same locations where you were picked up.

What the Reviews Say

Most reviews are glowing—many mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, often highlighting how much they learned about Iceland’s geology and culture. Comments like “our guide was very friendly and explained many interesting facts” and “the stops were well chosen, so the trip was never hectic or boring” reflect a positive experience.

Others emphasize the stunning scenery and the value of including a visit to the Kerid Crater and the horses—something not always included in standard Golden Circle tours. Reviewers also appreciate the small group size, which makes for a more personal experience.

A few reviews mention the long day, but most agree that the pacing was good, and the tour was well-organized. The fact that the tour is flexible enough to include stops like the crater and horse farm adds a sense of uniqueness.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

The entire experience uses a comfortable coach or bus, with a small group size (limited to those who book the tour), which helps keep things intimate. Pick-up times are well communicated—starting 45 minutes prior—and the day is paced to include plenty of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

The tour price reflects not just transportation but the value of expert guides and multiple iconic stops, making it a solid choice for travelers who want a hassle-free, comprehensive day out.

The Sum Up

This Golden Circle tour with a crater and Icelandic horses offers a well-rounded look at Iceland’s most famous sights while adding some special touches. The combination of impressive geological sites, waterfalls, historical significance, and the fun of seeing Icelandic horses makes it a strong pick for anyone wanting to maximize their Iceland experience in a single day.

It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing (about 7.5 hours), who appreciate good organization, and who are interested in learning from expert guides. If you’re after a relaxed, intimate, and educational experience with beautiful scenery, this tour fits the bill.

While it may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues, anyone else will likely find this outing packed with memorable moments and great value. Just dress warmly, wear hiking shoes, and be ready for an Icelandic adventure.

FAQs

What time does the tour start and end?
Pick-up begins about 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The total tour lasts around 7.5 hours, including stops and travel.

Where do I get picked up?
You can choose from six pickup locations, including Reykjavik City Hall, the Old Harbour, and the Cruise Ship Terminal. The guide will be in a green jacket, and you’ll look for the Soleil de Minuit Bus.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old, and it’s not designed for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, wear hiking shoes, and bring outdoor clothing, especially if the weather is chilly or unpredictable.

Are the stops quick or lengthy?
Stops vary from around 25 to 45 minutes, enough to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight how guides share interesting facts and stories, making the stops more meaningful.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans shift.

How good is the value for the price?
Considering the multiple stops, included sights, and expert guidance, most travelers feel this tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing.

If you’re looking to tick off Iceland’s main attractions in a single day while enjoying engaging commentary and beautiful landscapes, this tour really delivers. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a structured yet memorable Icelandic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: