The Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Trip from Reykjavik is a must-do for first-time visitors to Iceland. This comprehensive tour takes travelers on a journey through the country’s stunning volcanic landscapes, showcasing some of its most captivating natural wonders. From the vibrant Kerid Crater to the majestic Gullfoss Falls, each stop on the itinerary promises to leave a lasting impression. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm and seamless transportation, this day trip offers a convenient and stress-free way to explore Iceland’s unique geological features. But the real question is, what secrets lie beneath the surface of these remarkable sights?
Just The Basics
- A full-day tour from Reykjavik that provides an introduction to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, including the Kerid Crater, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Falls, and Thingvellir National Park.
- The tour has over 1,825 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, indicating high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
- A knowledgeable and experienced guide teaches about the tectonic plate movement that has shaped Iceland’s unique geological features.
- The tour includes all necessary transportation, admission fees, and food and beverages, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience.
- The tour is suitable for first-time visitors to Iceland, offering a rundown of the country’s most iconic volcanic landmarks.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Reykjavik provides an ideal introduction to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes for first-time visitors, with 1,825 reviews and a Badge of Excellence to attest to its quality.
Over the course of the day, you’ll visit the Kerid Crater, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Falls, and Thingvellir National Park, taking in the dramatic, photo-worthy scenery along the way.
Your professional guide will teach you about the tectonic plate movement that shaped these iconic landmarks.
Pickup and transportation are included, as are all entrance fees, making this a hassle-free way to experience the wonders of the Golden Circle.
Whether you’re looking to learn about Iceland’s natural beauty or simply tick off the must-see sights, this tour offers an excellent overview.
Stops and Highlights
The tour visits the Kerid Crater, a vibrant red volcanic lake nested within a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater. Travelers then move on to the Strokkur Geyser, which reliably erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water up to 20 meters high. Afterward, the tour heads to the magnificent Gullfoss Falls, where the Hvítá river plunges dramatically into a rugged canyon. The final stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
| Stop | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Kerid Crater | Vibrant red volcanic lake |
| Strokkur Geyser | Erupts every 5-10 minutes, up to 20m high |
| Gullfoss Falls | Hvítá river plunges into rugged canyon |
| Thingvellir National Park | UNESCO site, tectonic plate rift valley |
Inclusions
The tour package includes a professional guide to lead travelers through the day’s activities, ensuring they get the most out of the experience. Food and drinks are also provided, allowing participants to focus on taking in the stunning scenery without worrying about meals. Plus, all entrance fees are covered, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.
The tour’s inclusions cover:
- A knowledgeable and experienced guide to provide commentary and insights.
- All necessary food and beverages to keep travelers energized and hydrated.
- Admission fees to the various sites and attractions on the itinerary.
- Seamless transportation, with hotel pickups and drop-offs included.
Pickup and Meeting Point
Participants can meet the tour at the designated starting point of Þórunnartún 1 in central Reykjavik.
Alternatively, the tour offers pickup from various bus stops across the city, with the pickup process taking up to 30 minutes, so travelers should wait patiently at the designated location.
The meeting point and pickup locations are conveniently situated, making it easy for participants to join the tour.
Whether they choose to meet at the central starting point or get picked up from a nearby bus stop, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s stunning volcanic landscapes on this full-day Golden Circle tour.
Additional Information
According to the information provided, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but travelers using public transportation can easily reach the meeting points.
Participants should also keep in mind that children must be accompanied by an adult.
The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
The key additional details include:
- This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
- The tour meeting points are located near public transportation options.
- Most travelers can participate in the tour activities.
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.
Tectonic Plate Movement
One of the key highlights of this tour is the opportunity to learn about the tectonic plate movement that has shaped Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. Visitors can witness firsthand the rifting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which is an ongoing geological process that has resulted in the formation of the island’s unique geologic features.
At the Thingvellir National Park, you’ll see the visible rift valley where the plates are slowly drifting apart, creating a rugged and otherworldly terrain. This dynamic interplay of geological forces is what makes Iceland such a fascinating destination for both first-time and experienced travelers.
| Tectonic Plate Boundary | Plate Movement | Volcanic Activity | Earthquakes | Landscape Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American and Eurasian Plates | Rifting (divergent) | High | Frequent | Rift valleys, fissures, volcanoes |
Volcanic Landscapes
Iceland’s volcanic landscapes take center stage during this day trip, showcasing the island’s dramatic geological features formed by the ongoing tectonic plate movement.
Visitors will explore:
- The vibrant Kerid Crater, a striking, jewel-toned caldera that was created when an ancient volcano’s magma chamber emptied and collapsed inward.
- The Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting steaming hot water up to 40 meters into the air.
- The majestic Gullfoss Falls, where the mighty Hvíta river cascades down a three-step, 32-meter high waterfall.
- Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly diverge, creating a stark, otherworldly landscape.
First-Time Visitors
This day trip offers first-time visitors an ideal introduction to Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Highlights include the vibrantly colored Kerid Crater, the erupting Strokkur Geyser, the majestic Gullfoss Falls, and the stark, otherworldly scenery of Thingvellir National Park – all showcasing the island’s dynamic geology shaped by tectonic plate movement.
With a professional guide to provide context and insights, travelers will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Iceland’s unique natural wonders.
The full-day itinerary covers the classic Golden Circle route, making it an essential experience for anyone visiting the country for the first time.
Convenient hotel pickup and entrance fees are included, taking the hassle out of planning.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik
- Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon With Ticket and Kerid Volcanic Crater
- Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra With Photos Included
- South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour From Reykjavik
- Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location
- The Original Classic Whale Watching From Reykjavik
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Tour Duration?
The tour is a full-day excursion. It starts with hotel pickup in Reykjavik and covers various stops along the Golden Circle, including the Kerid Crater, before returning to the city in the evening.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes entrance fees, but doesn’t provide any meals or refreshments. Bringing your own snacks and beverages can be a convenient and cost-effective option during the day-long excursion.
Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes a bathroom break during the day. Travelers can use the restrooms at various stops along the Golden Circle route, such as at the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and it’s a good idea to bring layers of clothing in case the weather changes. The tour provides all necessary transportation and entrance fees.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?
There’s no option to extend the tour directly. However, travelers can explore Iceland further by booking additional day trips or activities for before or after the Golden Circle tour.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Cruise
- Private Full-Day South Coast Tour From Reykjavík
- From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling With Underwater Photos
- Reykjavik: Beer and Booze Tour
- Iceland: Airport Transfers Between Keflavik and Reykjavik Hotels
- Icelands Golden Circle Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
- Classic Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik With Live Guide and Touch-Screen Audio Guide
- Private Day Trip to the Icelandic South Coast From Reykjavik
- From Reykjavik: Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike
- Reykjavik: ATV Reykjavik Peaks Half-Day Tour
- 2-Day Northern Lights and Snaefellsnes Peninsula Adventure From Reykjavik
- Ice Cave Katla, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach Private
- From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour
- Golden Circle and ATV: Full-Day Combo Tour From Reykjavik
- Enchanted Aurora: an Adventure With Northern Lights & Photography
Final Words
The Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater day trip provides an excellent introduction to Iceland’s remarkable geological features.
Travelers can witness the power of volcanism, explore the UNESCO-protected Thingvellir National Park, and marvel at the stunning Gullfoss Falls, all with the convenience of seamless transportation and guided commentary.
This comprehensive tour is an ideal choice for first-time visitors seeking to enjoy Iceland’s unique and awe-inspiring landscapes.
