Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour

We are very proud to announce that this tour is a Viator Experience Award Winner 2023! BusTravel Iceland's Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour has been chosen as one of Viator´s Top 20 tours in Northern Europe for 2023, reflecting its excellent reviews, popularity with travellers who have joined the tour over the past year, and the quality of the overall experience.

A visit to the Golden Circle in Iceland is on the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. The scenery is diverse and the activities that result from it are exciting. During our complete Golden Circle day tour, we will partake in an early admission to the Secret Lagoon, to enjoy the serenity and relaxation of the oldest geothermal pool in Iceland - without the crowds!

Our classic Golden Circle day tour with Secret Lagoon entrance covers all of the main stops on the Golden Circle Route, with our first sight of the day being the multicolored Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake, a fascinating landmark created 3000 years ago. Next up, we will stop at the Secret Lagoon, of which the geothermal hot spring remains between 38 - 40 degrees celsius. After some relaxing time, we will head to the Geysir Geothermal Area, the astonishing Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Thingvellir National Park.

This well-paced classic Golden Circle full-day tour combines the most popular attractions and activities in Iceland, allowing you to experience the best that Iceland has to offer.

• The Secret Lagoon (entry fee included)
• Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake (entry fee included)
• Geysir Geothermal Field
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Þingvellir National Park

We start the Golden Circle day tour with our fast and efficient pick-up routine. Our driver-guide will come to collect you at either one of the designated stops in central Reykjavik or one of the pick-up stops scattered throughout the city. Once everyone is accounted for, we will hit the road to visit our first point of interest of the day.

Kerið is a 3000-years old, varicolored volcanic crater on the Golden Circle Route. Many visitors go there to admire its perfect conical shape with a beautiful appearance, decorated with maroon volcanic rock and black sediment stripes.The blue lake at the bottom of the crater is the center of attention.

Paved walking paths are available for close exploration, as you can either walk around the rim of the crater for a panoramic view and its sense of vicinity, or you can follow the path to the bottom of the crater for a nice walk around the crater lake. Its perfect conical shape is due to a collapse of the magma chamber onto itself after the lava depleted during its  eruption.

As the oldest geothermal swimming pool in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon has been a local hotspot since its establishment in 1891. Located in the Golden Circle of Iceland, the Gamla Laugin, which translates into the ‘old pool,’ is a favorable place to enjoy some relaxing time.

Now a  popular tourist attraction, the pool has been renovated to welcome more visitors, with steam vents contrasting against the fascinating panoramic landscape views nearby. You can take your time relaxing in the warm water and serene ambiance before we hop on our bus, for our next destination.

It’s safe to say that Iceland is powered by geothermal energy, and the Geysir Geothermal Field is the best example to demonstrate that! As you step on the walking path, your senses come alive as you are immediately greeted by the sulfuric smell, and bubbling mud pools in a land of mysterious steam vents, and dynamic, gushing hot springs.

The star of the show is the Strokkur Geyser which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, reaching up to 20 meters in the sky. The nearby Great Geysir used to be active, until its underground conduit was blocked. Now it is a peaceful depth of blue water, with a unique, serene beauty in contrast to the dynamic Strokkur. The English word, geyser, is coined because of the Great Geysir.

You can also find a visitor center close by with nice lunch options and a great selection of souvenirs.

After a 5-minute drive, we will reach Iceland’s most famous waterfall, aka Gullfoss, the Golden Falls. The astonishing waterfall’s wide cascade drops in two stages, the first 11 meters (36 ft) then 21 meters (69 ft), roaring and tumbling down to the canyon, splashing up a massive screen of mist. Power from the waterfall can be felt even from a distance.

There are walking paths in the upper and lower level, allowing visitors to admire the waterfall from different levels and angles. Gollfoss’s voluminous water is from Hvítá, the White River, which originates from Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull.

Thingvellir is a unique location, home to multiple highlights of Iceland,  significant in both Iceland’s culture and geology. Alþing, Iceland’s parliament, was established by the Vikings here in 930 AD, and is also the world’s first parliament.

In 2004, Thingvellir was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it holds the unique ability to allow people to walk through a rift valley that sits on the divergent edge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The splitting part is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and its only visible section is found in Iceland, with the rest submerged in the ocean. Öxaráfoss waterfall cuts through the walking path with its beautiful drop streaming down the deck.

Almannagjá is the largest fissure in Thingvellir National Park, which will guide you through the path of the Vikings, to the parliament site, and then reach the panoramic viewpoint of Hakið. In winter after darkness drops, if you are lucky you can see the Northern Lights dancing over the national park, a unique natural live show!

During this exciting full-day tour, you not only get the chance to explore all major highlights of the Golden Circle but also to immerse yourself like a local in the healing hot springs of the Secret Lagoon of Iceland. A wonderful experience that can’t be missed!

After learning about Icelandic culture, exploring nature, and experiencing the traditional geothermal bath, we will wrap up the day and drive back to Reykjavik.

*Kind reminder: We may adjust itinerary due to conditions/operations reasons.

• Professional guide
• Entrance fee to Secret Lagoon
• Free WiFi

• Pickup and dropoff
• Food and drinks

• Your swimsuit and towel
• Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always useful in Iceland.
• All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out.

• The duration of the tour is 8 to 9 hours. Please be aware that the tour could run long if affected by bad weather or other delays.
• There is no food included on this tour but there will be stops where you are able to purchase food

• Cancellation fee of 100% if cancelled 1 day or less before departure

• English