Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik

The best part of this day is the change of pace: you move from Iceland’s steaming geothermal ground and thunderous Gullfoss to a long, warm soak at the Secret Lagoon. It’s a handy way to see several famous sights without driving yourself.

I like two things in particular: the route pairs the classic Golden Circle stops with Kerið’s red-sided crater, and the Secret Lagoon gives you a proper break rather than one more quick photo stop. The pool’s water stays around 38 to 40°C year-round.

The trade-off is a packed day with set stop times. In winter, Kerið or Þingvellir may be visited in poor light, and bad weather can cut into time outside. Bring layers, swimwear and a towel, and be ready to keep an eye on the clock.

At a glance

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• Kerið is a short stop: You get about 20 minutes at the crater, so plan for a quick look and photos rather than a long walk.
• The Secret Lagoon gets the longest pause: The Flúðir stop is scheduled for two hours, including time to change and soak.
• Lunch is on your own: There is a food stop near Geysir, but meals and drinks are not included.
• The Golden Circle packs in variety: Expect geothermal activity, a major waterfall and the historic Þingvellir National Park in one day.
• Meet at Bus Stop #12: The listed departure window is 08:00 to 08:30, with return planned around 18:00.
• The guide can shape the day: Guides such as Skarp, Noi, Jennifer and Karolina have been singled out for lively explanations and humour, though your guide will depend on the date.

👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Reykjavik

One day, several sides of Iceland

This tour links the Golden Circle’s best-known sights with a geothermal bath, making it a strong choice if you have limited time in Reykjavík. You get a sense of Iceland’s volcanic forces, its famous waterfall country and a key historic site, all without renting a car or planning the route yourself.

The day is not a wilderness trek. You travel by bus between stops, then explore on foot during short visits. That makes the tour manageable for many people, including families with children aged two and up, but it also means you’ll need to accept group timings. Children aged two to 15 must be with a paying adult; those aged 16 and older pay the adult rate.

The listed duration is eight to nine hours, with departure at 08:00 to 08:30 and return around 18:00. The schedule can change with traffic and weather, and the day may run long if conditions cause delays. Iceland’s weather can also change what you see: fog, wind or darkness can turn a scenic stop into a brief look from the roadside.

Kerið: red rock and a blue crater lake

Kerið is the first listed attraction, with about 20 minutes to see the crater. Its red volcanic sides and blue lake make a striking contrast, especially in good light. It is a compact stop, but it gives you a clear glimpse of Iceland’s volcanic character before the day moves on to the Golden Circle’s larger landmarks.

That short visit is worth keeping in perspective. You will not have a long stretch to wander, and winter daylight can be a real factor. Some departures have reached the crater while it was still dark or late enough for the view to be hard to make out. If Kerið is high on your list, consider the season and the day’s light when choosing your date.

There is also a 15-minute toilet stop in Hveragerði. It is a practical pause, not a main sightseeing stop. Use it to stretch, get organised and check that you have what you need before the longer visits.

The Secret Lagoon: a warm pause at Flúðir

At Flúðir, the tour allows two hours for the Secret Lagoon. The admission is included, and the pool’s naturally heated water stays around 38 to 40°C through the year. After several stops in the open air, this is the day’s chance to slow down and warm up.

The Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest geothermal bath, and its appeal is more rustic than polished. Don’t expect a grand spa setting or a pool designed for elaborate photos. Think of it as a simple, historic bathing place where the main event is sitting in warm water while the surrounding ground steams. The pool is not especially large, and its older facilities may show their age.

Pack a swimsuit and towel. Towel rental has been reported at about 1,100 ISK, roughly £7 at the time of one visit, but prices may change. A waterproof phone case is a useful extra if you want to take pictures near the water. The pool’s warmth can feel particularly welcome on a cold day, but you still need to allow time for changing and getting back to the bus.

This stop is a key reason to choose this tour over a standard Golden Circle run. The bath turns a sightseeing day into something less hurried and more restorative. It also takes time from the other stops, so the balance works best if you value the soak as much as the sights.

Geysir: steam, bubbling ground and lunch

The Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur is scheduled for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, including a lunch stop. Here, hot water and steam rise from the ground, and the main appeal is seeing the geothermal activity at close range. Stay on marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions around the active areas.

The timing combines sightseeing with a meal, so you may need to decide how to use the stop. Food is not included, but you can buy it during the day. The choice may be limited, and food at tourist stops can be expensive. If you want more control over cost or timing, bring snacks or a packed lunch, while keeping in mind that food and beverages are not part of the tour package.

The guide often gives context during the bus ride as well as at the stops. Guides named in accounts of this tour include Skarp, Noi, Jennifer and Karolina, praised for stories, humour and clear explanations. That level of commentary is not guaranteed, of course. Some guides talk almost nonstop, while others may give fewer directions at each stop. If you prefer quiet time, you can enjoy the scenery without needing to follow every explanation.

Gullfoss: Iceland’s force in motion

Gullfoss gets about 40 minutes. This is one of the day’s most impressive stops: the waterfall’s scale and force make it a natural highlight, even when the weather is grey. You have time to take in the view and photographs, but not to linger for hours or explore a wide area at your own pace.

Conditions matter here. Wind and rain can make the walk less comfortable, and visibility can change quickly. Wear water- and windproof layers, not just a warm jacket. A hat and gloves can make a difference in colder months, when you may be standing still to watch the falls.

The short visit is part of the tour’s bargain with time. You see a lot in one day, but each place comes with a return-to-the-bus deadline. Keep the meeting time in mind and do not assume the group will wait for a long extra walk.

Þingvellir: a historic finish

The final listed sightseeing stop is Þingvellir National Park, with about 40 minutes to explore. It is a fitting change of scene after the waterfall and geothermal area: the park is both a natural landmark and an important historic place in Iceland. You can walk around the designated area and take in the broad views, but the time is brief if you want to cover much ground.

The park may feel less dramatic in fog or darkness, and the experience depends on visibility. Some people find the final stop less striking than Gullfoss or Geysir, particularly if the weather has closed in. Still, Þingvellir adds an important dimension to a day otherwise focused on geology and hot water.

The tour is designed to give you an overview, not an in-depth visit to each site. If Þingvellir matters greatly to you, a self-drive trip or a tour with more time there may be a better fit.

Bus arrangements, timing and what to pack

The listed meeting point is Bus Stop #12 at Þórunnartún 6, opposite the Storm Hotel in Reykjavík. Be there from 08:00 and arrive five minutes before the departure time. The bus may come at any point between 08:00 and 08:30, so stay at the stop and watch for the operator’s vehicle.

Some departures use smaller minibuses for initial pickups, then combine passengers onto a main bus at a central station. This can feel confusing if you expect one coach to arrive and leave immediately. Check the instructions on your voucher, listen for your name or group, and ask the staff if you are unsure where to board. The package options include a Bus Stop #12 departure and a version with pickup; confirm which one you have booked.

Wi-Fi is included on board. Round-trip transfers are included from the specified meeting point, and the English-speaking guide accompanies the tour. The exact bus group and guide can vary, so do not rely on a particular guide name when booking.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, warm layers and clothing that can handle wind and rain. A small bag with water and snacks is useful, especially if you want to avoid relying entirely on food available at the stops. The Secret Lagoon admission is included; meals, drinks and tips are not.

Is the price good value?

Prices vary by package. The options provided start at US$131.20 for the Bus Stop #12 departure and US$144.25 for the pickup version, while the advertised experience price is listed from US$150.89. Check the price shown for your chosen date and package before booking, as the starting figures are not necessarily the amount you will pay.

For that fare, you get transport, a guide, Wi-Fi and Secret Lagoon admission, plus visits to five notable stops. That is solid value if you want the Golden Circle and the bath in one day without arranging a rental car, fuel, parking and pool entry separately. The value is strongest for a first visit, when covering several major sights matters more than spending a long time at any one of them.

It is less compelling if you want to travel slowly, take long walks or choose exactly when to eat and bathe. The schedule is full, and the short stops can feel rushed. Weather-related delays may also extend the day, so avoid planning a tight evening commitment back in Reykjavík.

Should you book this Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour?

Book it if you want a practical introduction to Iceland’s most famous day-trip route and like the idea of finishing with a warm soak. The included Secret Lagoon entry, the variety of stops and the convenience of bus transport make the package particularly appealing if you do not plan to drive.

Choose another option if you want more time at Kerið or Þingvellir, dislike group schedules, or would rather visit a more modern bathing facility. In winter, be realistic about limited daylight and visibility. This tour offers a satisfying sampler, not a slow, in-depth exploration. Pack for weather, bring your towel and snacks, and treat the exact order and timing as flexible.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour is listed as eight to nine hours. The planned return is around 18:00, but bad weather or other delays can make the day run longer.

Where do I meet the bus?

The listed meeting point is Bus Stop #12 at Þórunnartún 6, opposite the Storm Hotel in Reykjavík. Arrive five minutes before departure and wait there from 08:00; the bus may arrive between 08:00 and 08:30.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transfers are included from the specified meeting point. A separate package option includes pickup, so check your selected package and voucher for the correct arrangements.

Is Secret Lagoon admission included?

Yes. Admission to the Secret Lagoon is included in the tour price.

What should I bring for the Secret Lagoon?

Bring your swimsuit and towel. Towel rental may be available, but you should expect an extra charge. A waterproof phone case is also useful if you plan to take photos near the pool.

Is food included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included, but there are stops where you can buy food. You can also bring snacks or lunch.

What stops are included?

The listed route includes Kerið Crater, a toilet stop in Hveragerði, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Participants must be at least two years old. Children aged two to 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and participants aged 16 and older are charged the adult rate.

Can I cancel for a refund?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, based on local destination time.