10+ of the Best Golden Circle Tours You Won’t Want to Miss
Last Updated on 17th April 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Planning to visit Iceland but don’t want to go through the hassle of renting a car? Luckily, there’s a great solution for you, and that’s booking a tour: Private tours and group tours are available, but either way, here are the best Golden Circle Tours you’ll want to book in Iceland.
Contents
- What is the Golden Circle?
- How much time do you have?
- Best day trip tours of the Golden Circle
- Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Glacier Ice Cave Tour
- Reykjavik: Private Golden Circle and South Coast Tour
- Golden Circle and Fontana Wellness Tour from Reykjavik
- Golden Circle and ATV: Full-Day Combo Tour from Reykjavík
- Best multi-day trip tours of the Golden Circle
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle in Iceland is a mesmerising and awe-inspiring tourist route that showcases a stunning collection of natural landmarks. Located in the southwestern part of Iceland, this picturesque circuit spans approximately 300 kilometres.
One of the key stops on the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. This is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but was also the site of Iceland’s first parliament, which was established as far back as 930 AD.
Þingvellir is not only historically significant but also geologically fascinating, as it lies in a dramatic rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, meaning that visitors have a unique opportunity to witness the powerful forces of plate tectonics in action.
Another prominent stop on the Golden Circle is the Haukadalur geothermal area, home to the world-famous Geysir hot springs. Here, visitors can witness the awe-inspiring eruptions of the Strokkur geyser, shooting scalding water up to 30 meters into the air, providing a thrilling spectacle of nature’s raw power.
The third major highlight of the Golden Circle is the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. This area is also known as the “Golden Falls,” and comprises of a waterfall cascading down in two stages.
How much time do you have?
One of the main considerations before booking a Golden Circle tour is how much time you have on your hands. While Iceland’s Golden Circle’s main highlights can be seen over the course of a day, you’ll want to devote more time to exploring the region if you want to get a true feel for the place.
Most of these Golden Circle tours depart and return to Reykjavik, which is the capital of Iceland and is where the main airport is located. If you’re planning on visiting the city, be sure to check out our suggestions for one day in Reykjavik and the best quotes about Iceland.
Best day trip tours of the Golden Circle
Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
This eight hour tour offers pickup from select hotels and certain official bus stops in Reykjavik. As well as seeing the Kerid Crater, this well-reviewed tour includes a photo stop at the Gullfoss Waterfall, at a Geysir, and at Thingvellir National Park. Check prices and availability here.
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour
Those who wish to experience soaking in the warm thermal waters of the Secret Lagoon hot springs should consider booking this tour, as it includes 1.5 hours at the lagoon. Other highlights of the tour include stops at Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall. Check prices and availability here.
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour
Please note that you will need a valid driving licence for this tour. This tour incorporates bus travel, as well as some exploration on a snowmobile through one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas. Sights you will see include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Check prices and availability here.
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour
If you are in Iceland during the right time of the year to see the Northern Lights, then you might consider this tour which combines exploring the Golden Circle’s Main sights (Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and the Thingvellir National Park), with an after dark search for the Northern Lights. Check prices and availability here.
From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Glacier Ice Cave Tour
If you want to see all of the main sights of the Golden Circle, including learning about the Vikings in Thingvellir National Park, among other fascinating insights into the history of the region, consider booking this tour, which includes a visit to a man-made ice cave on the outskirts of Langjökull. Check prices and availability here.
Reykjavik: Private Golden Circle and South Coast Tour
Those with a larger budget to spend who wish to not only discover highlights of the Golden Circle, but also with to see Iceland’s coast (including its iconic volcanic beaches), should consider booking this tour. Highlights include hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. Check prices and availability here.
Golden Circle and Fontana Wellness Tour from Reykjavik
There is perhaps no experience in Iceland quite as relaxing as soaking in a hot steam bath after a day of exploring. This tour will take you to the main points of interest of the Golden Circle (Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall), before taking you to Fontana, hot spring baths that were established in the 1920s. Check prices and availability here.
Golden Circle and ATV: Full-Day Combo Tour from Reykjavík
If adventure activities are your thing, then consider booking this tour, which combines a visit to sites on the Golden Circle followed by the chance to head out on an ATV Mountain Safari. Please note that a valid driving licence is required. Check prices and availability here.
Best multi-day trip tours of the Golden Circle
Reykjavik: 3-day South Coast and Golden Circle Experience
This three-day experience is well-reviewed and includes highlights of the Icelandic south coast, as well as the Golden Circle. Some of the best things which are included are 2 nights of accommodation (though lunch and dinner are not included), a professional English speaking guide, and a 3-hour Glacier Hike. Check prices and availability here.
From Reykjavik: 6-Day Small Group Tour of Iceland
If you want to see all of Iceland’s most famous sights, including Golden Circle, the South Coast, and the magical Ice Caves, and you have plenty of time, then this tour is for you.
This tour includes Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik city centre, 5 nights accommodation, a Glacier hike, an Ice cave tour, and Hauganes whale watching, among other things. Check prices and availability here.
Reykjavik: 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour
Of all the Golden Circle Tours available, this small group tour is one of the longest out there. Taking place over the course of 8 days, you’ll see many of Iceland’s greatest treasures in this comprehensive trip around Iceland. Top sights include Skaftafell National Park, Whale Watching Tour, highlights of the Golden Circle, and more. Check prices and availability here.
