Golden Circle Complete - Classic Minibus Tour

The charming town of Hveragerði is famous for its geothermal activity. The natural warmth and sustainable energy from natural sources create perfect conditions for greenhouse cultivation. You’d be surprised to know how big is the variety of fruits and vegetables that can be harvested there year-round. In fact, Hveragerði is known as the world’s northernmost place where bananas can grow!

We’ll walk through the area, soaking in the stunning landscape and observing numerous hot springs (some of which are even found in locals’ backyards!). After the excursion, we’ll enjoy a delicious treat from a local bakery before heading to our next destination.

Kerid Volcanic Crater is a hidden gem. This natural wonder is the result of a volcano collapse that occurred over 6,500 years ago. What was left is what we see today—a round crater filled with blue groundwater that, when viewed from above, looks like "The Eye of the World."!

The caldera is 886 ft (270 m) in diameter and up to 180 ft (55 m) deep. The interesting thing is that the crater's walls are not black (as you would expect from a volcano) - they are red! This occurs due to the oxidation of the iron deposits. The ruby-red walls and the blue-green water of the lake create a mesmerizing contrast of colors rarely seen together in nature. 

You can take an easy 20-minute hike around the crater to admire this colorful gem.

The Golden Waterfall - that’s what Gullfoss is often called. It is one of the three most famous wonders of the Golden Circle and for a good reason! The two cascades of the falls, together measuring 105 ft (35m), plunge down into a deep canyon with tremendous power. Be ready to feel the mist as you get closer!

Why “golden”? The river Hvítá, which feeds the waterfall, changes color depending on the weather. Sometimes, it takes on a golden-brown shade, giving the waterfall its name.

Gullfoss never fails to amaze its visitors no matter the season, making it a must-see destination for everybody traveling through Iceland.

Geysers and hot springs are a signature feature of Iceland. The hot spring area in Haukadalur Valley is one of the most famous geothermal regions in the country. It is home to the oldest Icelandic geyser, Geysir, and the most active one, Strokkur. The area also features numerous springs, fumaroles, steam vents, and mud pools. 

Looking at the Great Geysir is like looking at history itself. Not only is it one of the oldest such phenomena in the world, but it is also known to be the origin of the word “geyser.” In its active times, this mighty giant once was one of the world’s tallest, shooting hot water 400 ft (122 m) into the sky!

While Geysir is sleeping, his neighbor Strokkur steals the show! The most active water-spouting hot spring in the country, Strokkur amazes every visitor by erupting up to 130 ft (40 meters) every 4-10 minutes.

To complete the Golden Circle, we end our tour with a visit to Thingvellir National Park. The area holds great historical importance and has many remarkable geological features. The Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet here, and Althingi (the Icelandic parliament) was formed on these rocks in 930 AD, making it the oldest parliamentary site in the world. Thingvellir was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

The site is just brimming with nature wonders: the impressive Almannagjá rift, the crystal clear Silfra Fissure, and the stunning Þingvallavatn Lake. We will explore many beautiful sites and learn a lot about Iceland’s history at every corner.

Pick-up begins at your tour's departure time, so please be at your designated pickup location at that time. Depending on traffic and your location, it may take your guide up to 30 minutes to reach you.

Check out our list of designated pick-up points here.