Golden Circle & Kerið Crater & Friðheimar Farm

Experience Iceland’s most famous day tour route, the Golden Circle, in a comfortable small-group minibus, with two standout extras: a visit to Friðheimar for an Icelandic horse show and greenhouse experience, plus the colorful Kerið volcanic crater.

Golden Circle in a small group

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s classic trio of natural wonders: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. On this tour you’ll enjoy the same iconic sights, but with the added comfort of a smaller group size, a more personal guiding style, and time to actually take it in without feeling rushed.

Stop 1: Þingvellir National Park

Begin the day at Þingvellir, one of Iceland’s most meaningful landscapes, where history and geology meet in the open air. You can see the dramatic rift valley that marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, with lava fields, clear waters, and rugged cliffs creating a setting that feels both calm and powerful. It’s also the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament traditions, making it as culturally important as it is beautiful.

Stop 2: Geysir Geothermal Area

Next, step into the steam and bubbling energy of the Geysir area. Here the earth feels alive, with hot springs, fumaroles, and the famous Strokkur geyser that erupts regularly, sending a towering column of hot water into the sky. It’s one of those “camera ready” moments that never gets old, even if you’ve seen it before.

Stop 3: Gullfoss Waterfall

Then it’s on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most loved waterfalls. Watch glacial river water race toward the edge and plunge into a deep canyon, creating a roar you feel in your chest. On clear days the spray can catch the light and form rainbows, and the viewing areas make it easy to get close enough to feel the mist while still staying safe and comfortable.

Kerið Volcanic Crater

To add a vivid splash of color to the day, you’ll also visit Kerið, a striking volcanic crater known for its red slopes and the blue-green lake at the bottom. The walking paths are straightforward and the views are instantly rewarding, making it a favorite stop for photos and a nice contrast to the day’s geothermal and waterfall highlights. Entrance to Kerið is included.

Friðheimar Farm: Icelandic horses and a geothermal greenhouse

One of the best parts of this tour is the Friðheimar stop, where you get a closer look at two things Iceland is famous for: its unique horses and its clever use of geothermal heat. At the stables you’ll enjoy an Icelandic horse show with coffee or tea, where you can see the horses’ special gait and learn what makes this breed so iconic in Icelandic culture.

You’ll also visit the greenhouse, warmed by geothermal energy, where tomatoes are grown year-round. A guided experience and tomato tasting are included, and a table reservation can be arranged if you’d like to purchase lunch at the greenhouse restaurant (lunch is optional and paid locally).

Why choose this tour?

• Small-group experience: more relaxed pacing and a more personal feel than big bus tours.
• Comfortable minibus: easy travel between stops and a smoother day overall.
• Extra highlights included: Kerið crater entrance, Friðheimar farm visit, Icelandic horse show, and greenhouse experience.
• Great mix of nature and culture: waterfalls, geysers, national park landscapes, and authentic local experiences in one day.

With Reykjavík pick-up and drop-off, Wi-Fi on board, and well-paced stops that are easy to access for most travelers, this is an ideal Golden Circle day tour if you want the “must-sees” plus a memorable local twist at Friðheimar.