From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

The best part of this full-day outing is the contrast: you move from steaming ground and a bursting geyser to a huge waterfall, a tectonic rift, and then a warm geothermal pool. The Secret Lagoon gives the busy sightseeing day a calm center, while Kerid, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir cover the essential sights of southwest Iceland.

I like the way the tour combines major attractions with a proper soak, rather than treating the Golden Circle as one long sequence of photo stops. I also like the practical pacing. You get time to walk around, eat, use the facilities, and warm up on the coach instead of being rushed from one viewpoint to the next.

The main drawback is the early start and the long day. Pickup begins at 8:00 AM and can take up to 30 minutes, and several tour buses may gather at the same Reykjavik stops. In winter, daylight can be short at Thingvellir, and the weather may be cold, wet, icy, or windy.

Key points to know before booking

• The Secret Lagoon comes with 1.5 hours of swimming time, making it more than a quick dip.
• Kerid is a volcanic crater you can walk around and enter, with a lake at its center.
• Strokkur erupts about every eight minutes, sending water around 30 metres into the air.
• Gullfoss is the visual highlight for many people, with the Hvítá River dropping into a 32-metre-deep gorge.
• The coach has Wi-Fi and is described as warm and comfortable, a real help after time outdoors.
• Laugarvatn Fontana replaces the Secret Lagoon from May 13 to May 22 during the listed facility upgrade period.

Why this Golden Circle combination works

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most straightforward day trip from Reykjavik. You can see several of the country’s best-known natural and historic sites without changing hotels or hiring a car.

What makes this version more appealing is the inclusion of the Secret Lagoon. Iceland has plenty of geothermal bathing options, but a hot pool is especially welcome after walking beside a waterfall or standing in the wind at a crater rim. You are not simply ticking off sights. You also get time to slow down.

The tour lasts about 10 hours, so expect a full day rather than a relaxed half-day excursion. That length is useful if your time in Iceland is limited. You cover a great deal of ground, and the guide fills the driving time with information about Icelandic culture, geology, history, filming locations, and places along the route.

Guides vary by departure. Names praised in the supplied feedback include Sunny, Jessica, Anna, Daniel, Petra, Eva, Jorri, and Tomas. The guide can make a real difference on a coach tour, and the strongest reports describe guides who gave clear return times, told stories during the drive, and helped when someone became separated from the group.

Reykjavik pickup and the first part of the morning

Pickup is available from selected hotels and official bus stops in central Reykjavik. One stated meeting point is Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún, but your confirmed option determines the exact location.

Be ready at 8:00 AM. The bus may not arrive immediately, since pickups can continue for up to 30 minutes. This is worth knowing because several buses often reach central stops around the same time. Keep your booking details visible, listen for your name if hotel pickup is used, and ask your hotel lobby for help if you are unsure of the location.

The morning can feel a little untidy at a shared bus stop. People may gather around the first coach they see, and some pickup points have limited shelter. Wrap up well, especially in winter. Once you are aboard, the day becomes much easier.

The vehicles are described as clean, modern, warm, and comfortable. Wi-Fi is included. That does not turn the journey into a private tour, but it gives you a useful place to rest between stops. Some departures carry more than 40 people, so you need to follow the guide’s time instructions carefully.

Kerid crater and Iceland’s volcanic past

Kerid is an ancient volcanic crater with a lake sitting in its bowl. A path lets you circle the upper rim, and you can descend toward the water for a closer look.

This stop adds something different to the usual Golden Circle route. At Geysir you see heat in action. At Gullfoss you see water in motion. At Kerid, the focus is the shape of the volcano itself, with red and dark volcanic rock around the blue-green lake.

The walk is not a major hike, but you should wear shoes with a firm grip. Rain, ice, or loose ground can change how easy the path feels. You also need to allow enough time to return to the coach. The crater is a photo stop, not an extended trail outing.

The exact running order can vary. The detailed tour description places Kerid early, before the Secret Lagoon, while the listed stop sequence places the lagoon first. In practice, the guide and road conditions determine the day’s order. The important point is that both stops are included.

A long, warm pause at the Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is the emotional break in the middle of the day. You get about 1.5 hours in the warm geothermal water, with time to change and settle into the pool rather than hurrying through a short bathing stop.

It is described as Iceland’s oldest swimming pool. The surroundings are quieter and more natural than the grandest modern spa settings, which suits the Golden Circle well. After an early start, the chance to sit in warm water while the air remains cold is a fine change of pace.

Bring swimwear and a towel. A towel is not included, though one can be rented for a fee. A waterproof phone pouch is a smart extra if you want photos near the water. Do not count on your regular phone case to protect your device from splashes.

Some people may prefer a larger spa with more facilities and longer bathing time. Here, the value is the simple pause and the amount of time allowed. It is also useful that the lagoon comes early or around the middle of the day on many departures. You are less likely to spend the final hours of the tour waiting for your swim.

From May 13 through May 22, the Secret Lagoon is scheduled to close for facility upgrades. On those dates, the tour uses Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa instead. Check the date carefully if the pool is a major reason for booking.

Strokkur and the Geysir geothermal area

At the Geysir geothermal area, Strokkur is the active star. It erupts roughly every eight minutes, sending a column of hot water about 30 metres into the air.

This regular timing makes the stop rewarding even on a packed sightseeing day. You do not need to stand around for hours hoping to see something happen. Keep your camera ready, but watch the pool itself too. The water swelling just before the eruption is often the best warning.

The ground around geothermal areas can be wet and slippery. Stay on marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions. Steam, wind, and rain can make it hard to hear, so note the meeting time before walking away from the main group.

The site gives you a clear lesson in Iceland’s volcanic forces. It is not just a place to take a picture of a spout. You can see boiling pools, steaming ground, and the way heat from below shapes daily life in Iceland.

Gullfoss, the waterfall that earns its place

Gullfoss is the grand visual stop. The Hvítá River drops in two stages into a gorge that reaches about 32 metres deep, and spray rises from the rushing water.

You can expect a strong sense of scale here. The waterfall is broad, loud, and constantly changing with the weather. On a clear day, the views open across the surrounding countryside. In cold conditions, ice can frame parts of the falls, while wet weather adds spray and makes the paths slick.

The tour includes access to Gullfoss, and the stop is long enough to walk to viewpoints and take photographs. Wear waterproof outer layers rather than relying on an umbrella. Wind can make umbrellas awkward, and the spray reaches farther than you may expect.

Gullfoss is often the photographic high point of the day, but do not rush through the viewing area. Take a moment to watch the river’s two drops. The first broad step and the narrower final plunge create a much stronger impression in person than in a single photograph.

Þingvellir and the meeting of geology and history

Þingvellir National Park brings a different kind of interest. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart by a few centimetres each year, and the park lets you see the effects of that movement in the ground.

The site is also important in Icelandic history. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Your guide can add the background that turns a walk through a rocky valley into a visit with real context.

You should expect a photo stop and a chance to walk around, not a long trek through the whole park. The paths can be exposed to wind and poor weather. In January and other short-day periods, the final stop may take place as daylight fades. That does not ruin the visit, but the views are usually better when the sun is still up.

Thingvellir works well as the closing nature stop because it leaves you with something to think about beyond waterfalls and hot springs. You see how Iceland’s land is still changing, then return to Reykjavik with the day’s major sights covered.

Lunch, comfort stops, and what to eat

Food is not included, so plan to pay for lunch and drinks during the day. The tour makes stops with places to buy food, coffee, and snacks. Soup, paninis, bakery items, and vegetarian choices have been available at the service stops described in the tour information.

You can also bring your own food, but one practical point matters: a packed meal may not always have a sheltered place to eat outside. Buying something at a stop can be easier in cold or windy weather.

Use the toilet at every convenient stop if needed. The schedule is well organized, but the day is long, and there may be stretches of driving between facilities. If you want more time at the major sights, make your food choices quickly and return to the bus on time.

Price and overall value at $132

At $132 per person, this is not a budget bus ride in absolute terms. Iceland is expensive, though, and the price includes several admissions plus transport and a guide.

Included are Secret Lagoon entry, access to Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Kerid. Wi-Fi is also included. Food, drinks, and a towel cost extra, and hotel pickup is included only if you select that option.

I see the value in the combination. Paying separately for transport, four major sights, and a geothermal bath would take planning and may not save much money. You also avoid driving unfamiliar roads in winter conditions, especially when ice and snow are possible.

The tradeoff is control. You cannot decide to stay an extra hour at Gullfoss or skip the crater. A private car gives you more freedom, while this bus tour gives you a fixed plan, a driver, and commentary. For a first visit or a short stay, the fixed schedule is a sensible exchange.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this tour if you have one open day in Reykjavik and want the classic southwest sights without renting a car. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who prefer an organized day.

Children under two are not accepted. The tour also suits you if a geothermal swim is high on your list but you do not want to arrange a separate spa visit.

You should think twice if you dislike coach travel, fixed departure times, or busy sightseeing days. Ten hours is a lot, and the group may be large. You also need to be comfortable walking outdoors in cold, wet, windy, or icy weather.

The guide quality can vary from departure to departure, but the named guides include Sunny, Jessica, Anna, Daniel, Petra, Eva, and Jorri. Strong guides have been described as funny, clear, engaging, and full of stories about Iceland. A good guide is particularly useful during the long drives and at places such as Thingvellir, where context adds a lot.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Pickup is offered from selected hotels and official central bus stops, with multiple drop-off points around Reykjavik after the tour.

The listed drop-offs include Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, Harpa, Hallgrimskirkja, BSÍ Bus Terminal, City Hall, Perlan, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Reykjavik Natura, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, and other central locations. Confirm your assigned stop rather than assuming the closest one will be used.

Bring a warm outer layer, sturdy footwear, swimwear, and a towel or towel money. A waterproof pouch for your phone is optional but useful. Give yourself extra time at pickup, and always note the guide’s return time before exploring each site.

Should you book the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour?

Book it if you want the main Golden Circle sights plus a genuine warm-water break in one organized day. The $132 price is reasonable for Iceland once transport, guide service, admissions, and the lagoon are counted.

Skip it if you want a slow, private day or plan to spend hours at one waterfall. For most first-time visitors with limited time, though, this is a well-balanced way to see Kerid, Strokkur, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir without the stress of winter driving. The Secret Lagoon is the extra touch that makes the long day feel worthwhile.

FAQ

How long is the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours.

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavik?

The stated meeting point is Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún. Pickup may also be available from selected hotels and official central Reykjavik bus stops, depending on the option selected.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup starts at 8:00 AM and may take up to 30 minutes. You should be ready at your assigned pickup location at 8:00 AM.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Pickup is available from selected hotels and official bus stops in central Reykjavik.

How long do I get at the Secret Lagoon?

You have about 1.5 hours for swimming and relaxing at the Secret Lagoon.

Is the towel included?

No. A towel is available to rent at the Secret Lagoon for an additional fee, so bring your own if practical.

What should I bring for the geothermal bath?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A waterproof phone pouch is also useful if you want to take pictures near the water.

What happens if the Secret Lagoon is closed?

From May 13 through May 22, the Secret Lagoon is scheduled to close for facility upgrades. The tour visits Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa instead.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the tour makes stops where you can buy meals, snacks, and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under two years old are not permitted on the tour.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.