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Operated by: EastWest

Reykjavík: Golden Circle Small-Group Tour with Friðheimar and Kerið

Explore Iceland's iconic Golden Circle on a 9-hour small-group tour from Reykjavík. Visit Þingvellir National Park, watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir, marvel at Gullfoss waterfall, stop at Friðheimar tomato farm, and walk the rim of Kerið crater lake.

Duration
9 hours
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
Pickup available
Minimum age
4+
Difficulty
EASY
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1 · Max 18
Travel method
Mini Bus / Car

About this experience

This 9-hour small-group tour covers the full sweep of Iceland's Golden Circle, combining the route's classic landmarks with two distinctive extras: a lunch stop at Friðheimar tomato farm and a visit to the vivid volcanic crater of Kerið.

The journey begins at Þingvellir National Park, the only place on Earth where you can stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The park is also the founding site of Iceland's first parliament, the Alþingi, making it as historically significant as it is geologically dramatic. Inside the park, the photogenic Öxarárfoss waterfall tumbles through a lava canyon.

From Þingvellir the tour continues to Efstidalur dairy farm, where you can meet the resident cows and sample fresh Icelandic dairy products, before heading to the Geysir geothermal area. Here the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, sending a column of boiling water skyward. Nearby, Gullfoss — one of Iceland's most celebrated waterfalls — thunders into a deep glacial canyon.

Lunch is at Friðheimar, a working tomato greenhouse where farm-to-table dining is taken literally. The day closes with a walk around the rim of Kerið crater lake, whose rust-red volcanic walls frame a striking turquoise pool. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík are included, and free Wi-Fi is available on board throughout the tour.

Highlights

  • Stand between two tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park
  • Watch Strokkur geyser erupt at the Geysir geothermal area
  • Feel the spray of glacial water at Gullfoss waterfall
  • Visit Öxarárfoss waterfall and Efstidalur dairy farm
  • Lunch stop at Friðheimar geothermal tomato greenhouse
  • Walk the volcanic rim of Kerið crater lake

Experience details

Your guide collects guests from Reykjavík hotels and designated city bus stops in the morning. The small-group format keeps numbers low, so you receive attentive, personalised commentary throughout the 9-hour day.

  • Þingvellir National Park: Walk the rift valley between two continental plates and explore the site of Iceland's original parliament.
  • Öxarárfoss: A short walk inside the park leads to this scenic waterfall set in a lava gorge.
  • Efstidalur Dairy Farm: Meet the cows and try fresh Icelandic dairy products directly on the farm.
  • Geysir & Strokkur: Watch the geyser erupt repeatedly from the geothermal field.
  • Gullfoss: Stand at the canyon edge as glacial meltwater plunges in two dramatic tiers.
  • Friðheimar: Enjoy a lunch break (own expense) inside a working tomato greenhouse; snack stops are also available at other points along the route.
  • Kerið Crater Lake: Stroll the crater rim and take in the contrast of red volcanic rock and turquoise water.

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, and bring a camera.

Why choose this tour

The small-group format is the defining advantage of this tour. With fewer passengers than a standard coach excursion, you get closer access to each site, more time for questions, and a more relaxed pace overall.

The itinerary goes beyond the standard Golden Circle by adding Friðheimar farm and Kerið crater — two stops that many comparable tours omit. Free Wi-Fi on board, a professional local guide, and door-to-door Reykjavík pickup and drop-off are all included in the price, keeping logistics straightforward. The minimum age is 4 years, making this a practical choice for families travelling with older children.

What’s included

Professional local guide. Free Wi-Fi on board. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík (or nearest designated bus stop). Lunch at Friðheimar is a stop on the itinerary but lunch costs are not included. Snack purchases at other stops are also at own expense.

Route map

See the main route area for this tour. Pickup options are selected during checkout when available.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age for this Golden Circle tour?
The minimum age is 4 years. Children aged 4 to 12 are priced in the Children category at checkout. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
No. The tour includes a dedicated lunch stop at Friðheimar tomato farm, but the cost of your meal there is paid separately on the day. Additional snack stops are made at other points along the route, also at your own expense.
How is this tour different from a standard Golden Circle bus tour?
This is a small-group tour, so passenger numbers are kept low for a more personalised experience. The itinerary also includes Friðheimar farm and Kerið crater lake, two stops not always featured on standard Golden Circle excursions.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users or guests with strollers?
No. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for strollers. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the operator before booking to discuss options.
Where does the tour pick up and drop off?
Pickup is from hotels and designated bus stops in Reykjavík. If your hotel does not appear in the pickup list at checkout, you will be assigned the nearest city bus stop. Drop-off is back in Reykjavík at the end of the day.
What should I wear and bring on the Golden Circle tour?
Dress in layers suited to the weather on the day, as conditions in Iceland can change quickly. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, and bring a camera to capture the waterfalls, geysers, and crater lake.

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