Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Tour

GOLDEN CIRCLE AND A HOT SPRING TREASURE

This tour combines stunning, must-do sightseeing with a heavenly bath in a geothermal hot spring - set in a gorgeous location! You will not only explore the iconic Golden Circle but afterward also unwind as you soak in Secret Lagoon. 

During our first stop, we retrace the footsteps of ancient Vikings by visiting the Þingvellir National Park. In 930 AD the country's first national assembly was established there by Iceland's early settlers. Þingvellir is also where the American and Eurasian continental plates are dramatically pulling apart at an annual rate of 2 cm. It’s also where the country's largest natural lake is to be found, Þingvallavatn.

From there we move on to see the world-famous Geysir – where the ground trembles and steaming hot water spouts spectacularly skywards from the famous Strokkur Geyser every few minutes.

From there we visit the dramatic Gullfoss Waterfall, a breathtaking sight to behold. Here a powerful glacial river cascades down 32 meters on two levels into a deep narrow canyon with a thunderous roar.

The last stop on our tour, and the most relaxing, is the Secret Lagoon. Whatever the weather it's the perfect spot for relaxing in between sightseeing and enjoying Icelandic nature at its very best. Indeed, the geothermal hot water is a hidden treat that Icelanders have been enjoying for generations! Around the Secret Lagoon, you find several hot spots. A path has been built so you can have a closer look at the bubbling hot springs and a little Geysir even erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests bathing in the hot spring.

All in all – it’s the perfect combination of activities and relaxation
 

Highlights

• Þingvellir: the rift valley and the site of the oldest modern parliament.
• Geysir: hot spring & geothermal area and home to Strokkur, the erupting geyser.
• Gullfoss Waterfall: the powerful glacial waterfall known as the 'Golden Waterfall' in English.
• The Secret Lagoon:  A natural hot spring pool surrounded by steam and a geyser.
• GPS synced audio guide: will give you all the information you need for your journey.

Reykjavik Terminal

Tours depart from the Reykjavik Terminal located at Skógarhlíð 10. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure along with a printed or digital copy of your ticket/voucher.

If you have booked a hotel pickup with SmartBus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green SmartBus™ which will be outside your accommodation within 30 minutes of pickup. 

Þingvellir National Park

Located on the northern shores of Þingvallavatn (Iceland's largest lake), Þingvellir (anglicized as 'Thingvellir') is the national pride of Iceland and our first National Park. It is, for one, a key location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world was first assembled there in 930 AD. For this reason, Þingvellir has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is, therefore, a protected national park due to its unique geology and natural features. From the viewing area, the Almannagjá canyon between two tectonic plates can be seen, a visual representation of continental drift.

As the first stop along the tour, you will have an opportunity to walk through the park and use the restroom if needed.

Geysir Geothermal Springs

A favorite stop along the Golden Circle is the highly active Geysir Hot Spring Area with boiling mud pits and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 meters (100 ft) into the air every few minutes. The area became active more than 1000 years ago and comprises more than a dozen hot spring holes. Although one can only see steam emerging from the surface of Geysir these days, its name was adopted to represent spouting hot springs all over the world.

Along the tour, the newly opened Geysir Center offers guests and travelers a chance to use the restroom and to catch some refreshments as well as lunch.

Gullfoss Waterfall

As one of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland, Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in the southwest of the country. The beautiful Hvítá river rushes southward in three steps into a narrow canyon with a breathtaking roar and grandeur. Furthermore, on clear days the magnificent Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest glacier, can be seen in the distance.

Guests and Travelers may use the restroom and purchase food and refreshments at this location as well.

The Secret Lagoon

The perfect way to round off the golden circle tour. You will have the chance to relax in the natural hot spring pool next to a spouting geyser that erupts every 5 minutes. The water stays at a warm 38-40 Celsius (100-104 Fahrenheit) and is sure not to disappoint, regardless of the weather conditions.

There are both showers and lockers here. If you need to rent a swimming suit or towel you may do so as well.

Important information

• Please show up at our Reykjavik Terminal (located at Skógarhlíð 10) 15 minutes prior to the departure time. Please be ready at your pick-up point with your voucher, either in digital or printed form.
• If you have booked a hotel pickup with Smartbus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green Smartbus™ which will be outside your accommodation within 30 minutes of pickup.
• You will be traveling in a coach that holds approximately 40-65 people, but is very spacious and comfortable. The bus offers free wifi and USB charging ports.
• Lunch is not included, In Geysir & Gullfoss there are shops where you can buy food and drinks.
• Available all year round (depending on weather)
• Prices: Teenagers 10-15 years 50% discount & children 0-9 years old free
• There is no minimum number of participants.
• There is no age limit
• Bring with you: Bathing Suit & Towel for the Secret Lagoon (these can also be rented at the Secret Lagoon).
• For the In-Bus-Audio-Guide: Bring your own headphones. Otherwise, headphones are available for purchase on every bus from our hosts.
• For your own comfort: Dress according to the weather. In Iceland, it is always wise to dress in warm, waterproof clothes. Weather changes can be sudden so expect the unexpected. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended.
• Duration: Approx. 9,5 hours including a stop at Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. In Geysir & Gullfoss there are shops where you can buy food and drinks.