The Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik is one of the easiest ways to see Iceland’s most famous natural highlights in a single day. This guided day trip takes you from Reykjavik to the dramatic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and the colourful Kerid volcanic crater.
If you are staying in Reykjavik and want a high-impact Iceland day tour without hiring a car, this Golden Circle itinerary is a strong choice. It covers volcanic scenery, geothermal activity, waterfalls, cultural history and tectonic landscapes, all within a manageable full-day route.
Check Tour Price & Availability
What Is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s best-known sightseeing route, linking several of the country’s most accessible natural and historic landmarks. From Reykjavik, the route usually includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area with Strokkur, and Gullfoss waterfall.
This Viator tour goes a step further by adding Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater lake known for its steep red-rock walls and vivid blue-green water. That extra stop gives the itinerary more variety than many standard Golden Circle tours.
Why Choose This Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik?
This tour is useful if you want to see several of Iceland’s headline landscapes in one organised day. Instead of driving yourself, you travel with a guide who can explain the geology, history and culture of the places you visit.
The Viator listing describes this as a guided tour from Reykjavik with pickup offered, mobile ticketing and English-language guidance. The tour is supplied by BusTravel Iceland and has a maximum group size of 65 travellers.
Main Stops on the Tour
Reykjavik Pickup
The day begins in Reykjavik. Depending on your booking, you can either head to the meeting point or request pickup from selected locations. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so it is important to be ready at the time shown on your ticket.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most important historic and geological sites. It is famous for its rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. It is also deeply connected with Iceland’s national history.
On this tour, Thingvellir gives you a chance to see Iceland’s raw geological character up close. Expect rocky cliffs, broad views, walking paths and a landscape that feels very different from Reykjavik.
Strokkur and the Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir geothermal area is where visitors usually see Strokkur, Iceland’s famous erupting geyser. Strokkur sends boiling water into the air at regular intervals, making it one of the most exciting stops on the Golden Circle.
This is a great place for photos and video, but keep to the marked paths. The geothermal ground can be extremely hot, and the safe viewing areas are there for a reason.
Gullfoss Falls
Gullfoss, meaning “Golden Falls”, is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. The water drops in stages into a rugged canyon, creating spray, mist and a powerful sense of movement.
Depending on the weather, Gullfoss can feel very different from season to season. In summer, the surrounding landscape may be green and open; in winter, the waterfall can be framed by snow and ice. Either way, it is one of the most memorable stops on the route.
Kerid Volcanic Crater
Kerid Crater is the extra highlight that makes this tour stand out from some standard Golden Circle day trips. The crater is known for its colourful volcanic rock, circular shape and lake at the bottom.
The stop at Kerid is usually shorter than the main Golden Circle attractions, but it adds a different type of scenery to the day. Instead of only waterfalls and geothermal steam, you get to see a volcanic crater landscape with strong colour contrasts.
Suggested Day Plan
Morning: Start with pickup or meet at the arranged Reykjavik meeting point. Once on board, the tour heads out towards the Golden Circle route.
First scenic stops: Depending on the day’s route, you may visit Kerid, the Golden Circle route area or another major stop first. Follow your guide’s timing instructions carefully, as the tour covers several locations in one day.
Midday: Spend time at the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss, two of the most dramatic natural attractions on the itinerary.
Afternoon: Continue to Thingvellir National Park, where you can take in the tectonic rift scenery and learn more about the national park’s significance.
Return to Reykjavik: The tour ends back at the original meeting point or selected drop-off area in Reykjavik.
What to Wear and Bring
- Warm layers, even outside winter
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Hat, gloves and scarf in cold weather
- Camera or phone with plenty of battery
- Small day bag
- Water bottle
- Snacks, especially if you prefer not to rely on stops
- Card or cash for food, drinks or optional purchases
Food and Drinks
The Viator page lists food and drinks separately under the tour details, so check the latest booking information carefully before assuming meals are included. For most Golden Circle day trips, it is sensible to bring snacks and be ready to buy lunch or refreshments during one of the scheduled stops.
Important Tips Before You Book
Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so dress for wind, rain, cold and spray from waterfalls. Waterproof clothing is often more useful than an umbrella because many of the stops are exposed.
Wear shoes that can handle wet paths, gravel, steps and uneven surfaces. Even though this is not a hiking tour, you will still be getting in and out of the vehicle and walking around natural sites.
If you are visiting Iceland by cruise ship, check the timing carefully. The Viator listing says cruise ship passengers need to provide ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time when booking.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This Golden Circle tour is best for first-time visitors to Iceland, travellers staying in Reykjavik, cruise passengers with enough time, solo travellers, couples and families who want an organised way to see several major landmarks in one day.
It is also a good option if you do not want to drive in Iceland, especially during colder months when road and weather conditions can be challenging.
Is the Golden Circle with Kerid Crater Worth It?
Yes, this tour is worth considering if you want to see Iceland’s classic Golden Circle sights with the added bonus of Kerid Crater. In one day, you can experience tectonic landscapes, geothermal activity, a major waterfall and a volcanic crater lake.
For travellers with limited time in Reykjavik, this is one of the most efficient ways to see Iceland’s natural drama without planning a self-drive itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Golden Circle with Kerid Crater tour?
The Viator listing describes the tour as approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. Travel time is included in the total duration.
What are the main stops on this tour?
The main stops include Strokkur, Gullfoss Falls, Thingvellir National Park and Kerid Crater, with travel beginning and ending in Reykjavik.
Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered from selected Reykjavik locations. Some accommodations may be redirected to official Reykjavik tour bus stops, so check your ticket and pickup instructions carefully.
Is Kerid Crater always included?
The Viator listing notes that Kerid is not included in tours departing at 12:00 or later, and those departures are around 7 hours in duration. Check your selected departure time before booking.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The Viator listing states that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Families should consider the full-day timing, weather and outdoor walking conditions before booking.
What should I wear?
Wear warm layers, waterproof outerwear and sturdy walking shoes. Iceland’s Golden Circle stops can be windy, wet and cold, especially near Gullfoss and in winter.
No comments:
Post a Comment