14 Best Golden Circle Tours In Iceland Worth Your Money

Golden Circle Tours are a great way to see Iceland and take the stress out of driving. If you are thinking of taking a guided tour you have come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the best Golden Circle Tours in Iceland so you can make the best decisions for your circumstances and budget.

The Golden Circle is a 190 mile (approx) route that takes in some of the most spectacular landmarks Iceland has to offer.  The classic route takes in the three most popular tourist attractions; Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. However, there are lots more things to see off the popular tourist route. 

The Golden Circle is named after its main attraction, the Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall which is an awe-inspiring sight, especially if you are lucky to see a rainbow arch over it in the Summer.

The Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. As well as being the birthplace of the world’s oldest parliament, thanks to the Vikings, it’s where the tectonic plates of America and Europe collide.

Geysir Geothermal Area contains Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every few minutes up to heights of 35 meters.

Going on one of these Golden Circle tours allows you to walk in the footsteps of Vikings, see the ground gurgle and bubble and experience a glacial river cascade 32 meters into a narrow canyon.

The Golden Circle is a great way to get a glimpse of the sights of Iceland and experience the majestic scenery this country is known for. 

A Golden Circle Tour in Iceland is well worth it and you will be left with memories to last a lifetime.

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Why Take A Tour Of The Golden Circle?

There are many reasons you may prefer to take one of the Golden Circle tours rather than drive.

Firstly the obvious is that you don’t have to drive and you can relax and let someone else do all the work while you just sit back and enjoy the scenery. You are likely to also learn more and see more as the experienced guides escort you around the various locations.

Golden Circle tours often tend to not work out that expensive when you add up the cost of renting a car and fuel. Most of the tours leave from Reykjavik and you can often get picked up from your hotel.

Golden Circle Iceland tours are the best way for you to enjoy your holiday with none of the stress and pressure of having to organize and plan.

The Iceland weather is also very unpredictable, especially in winter and traveling on a guided tour will mean you are safe at all times and don’t have to worry about driving in bad weather or worry about exploring places that might be dangerous in slippery conditions.

Participating in one of The Golden Circle Tours will allow you to see what you need to in a relaxing, comfortable, and informative environment.

Make sure to check out our post about Where To Stay In The Golden Circle if you are planning your trip!

14 Best Golden Circle Tours In Iceland Worth Your Money

We have listed below the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland for your perusal, some just take in The Golden Circle and some combine the Golden Circle with other attractions.

Whichever tour you decide to take we know you will have an incredible time and we can’t wait to hear all about it on your return. These are truly some of the Best Tours In Iceland!

Please note that most of the Golden Circle tour Iceland do not include food, so be prepared for that and bring some form of payment.

Also, make sure you read all the information linked to each tour. Some require you to bring particular items, such as a swimming suit, or have certain conditions for those bookings. We want you to enjoy your Golden Circle tours, so please plan ahead. 

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour (6.5-7 hours)

This Golden Circle full day tour takes in all the main sites of The Golden Circle. It’s one of the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland if you want to take in the main attractions.

You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir, see the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and visit two geothermal geysers, Geysir and Strokkur.

You will be able to marvel at the breathtaking tectonic plate scenery of Thingvellir, feel the mist of  Gullfoss and see spouting hot springs

Transportation is on a first-class bus, starting and ending in  Reykjavik and you will have English speaking commentary throughout.

A great way to see the main sights of The Golden Circle.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour

Golden Circle Afternoon Tour (8 hours)

Another variation on the classic Golden Circle Tour. On the Golden Circle Afternoon Tour, you can see where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet at Thingvellir, visit Gulfoss and see the Geysir area.

You will visit the geothermal area of Geysir first and see the spouting hot springs. Then make your way to the Golden Falls, Gullfoss before finishing up at Thingvellir.

This tour offers hotel pickup and commentary.

Book Here: Golden Circle Afternoon Tour

Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Reykjanes Tour (11 hours)

On the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Reykjanes Tour you visit Thingvellir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir area. You then head on to the Reykjanes Peninsula.

This small group tour takes in the classic sights of The Golden Circle but adds on an optional stop at The Blue Lagoon (costs extra) and a visit of the often-overlooked alien landscape of Reykjanes peninsular.

Those that have tickets for the Blue Lagoon depart the bus to spend 2-3 hours at the Lagoon. The others explore the Reykjanes area on a sightseeing tour; this area is known for old craters, fissures, and bubbling, geothermal mud pools.

You will visit the lava rock pool Brimketill, the mud pools at Gunnuhver, and the area around Reykjanesvit. If time allows a drive towards the “Bridge Between Continents” the boundaries between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. You then return to the Blue Lagoon and head back to Reykjavik.

This tour picks up from the hotel and there will be no more than 19 people on your tour.

Book Here: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Reykjanes Tour.

Golden Circle Small Group Tour with Secret Lagoon Experience ( 8 hours)

This Golden Circle Small Group Tour with Secret Lagoon Experience allows you to see the main sights of the Golden Circle and bathe in a secret lagoon, so make sure you bring your swimsuit.

This tour departs at mid-morning, which often means you can visit theses natural wonders without the crowds.  

You will visit Gulfoss waterfall, one of Europe’s largest waterfalls and Iceland’s pride, stand next to Strokkur geyser as it spouts water 30 meters high, and walk between tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park.

On this relaxed tour, you visit these attractions after the morning crowds have gone. 

After you have taken in The Golden Circle you will visit the hot spring pool where you can relax in the warm waters of a natural bath. It’s a great way to finish off this more relaxing way to see the sights.

This tour offers local hotel pick up. The secret lagoon admission is included and you will be on a small tour with no more than 19 people.

Book Now: Golden Circle Small Group Tour with Secret Lagoon Experience.

Small-Group Premium Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik (8 hours)

This Small-Group Premium Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik comes with a professional guide and a 300km loop from Reykjavík to central Iceland and back.

This tour promises spectacular natural formations, geysers, waterfalls, lakes, and more. Just a normal day in Iceland, then. Of coarse you visit the iconic Golden Circle places but you also get to visit a traditional Icelandic horse stable and enjoy a unique show.

The tour takes in Thingvellir before a stop at Fríðheimar farm. The farm, besides growing tomatoes and cucumbers, is passionate about horses. And you get to visit the Icelandic horses close up.

After having lunch ( at your own expense) you move on to visit Geysir and it’s brother Strokkur, which erupts every 3-4 minutes with spouts as high as 30 meters.

You then move onto the majestic Gullfoss and get a glimpse of Kerid, a crater filled with a lake of milky blue/green water surrounded by black and red slopes, an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Admission to all attractions is included. This is one of the Golden Circle tours with some amazing added extras. 

Book Now: Small-Group Premium Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik.

Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Waterfalls Small Group Tour (9 hours)

If you like your Golden Circle tours with added waterfalls then this one is for you.

This Golden Circle and Waterfalls Small Group Tour goes off the beaten track a little taking in the Friðheimar tomato farm and Kerid crater mentioned above.

You also discover some hidden gems like Efstidalur Farm and the Laugarvatn area of Bruarfoss, Oxararfoss, and Fax.

This intimate small tour makes a great family day out.

Book Now: Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Waterfalls Small Group Tour

Golden Circle & Silfra Snorkeling Small Group Tour (9 hours)

If you like your Golden Circle tours with some added extras this Golden Circle & Silfra Snorkeling Small Group Tour might be for you.

You will explore the Geysir, the stunning rivers, and lava fields of Thingvellir National Park and see Gullfoss but you will also get to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra Fissure.

The Silfra Fissure really is an experience.  Silfra is a rift formed in the divergent tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates and the water is such a vivid blue color. It’s like nowhere else. Drysuits are provided and they will keep your warm in the 2 degrees Celsius water.

A real experience for those wanting a bit more.

Book Now: Golden Circle & Silfra Snorkeling Small Group Tour

Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour with Blue Lagoon Visit & Entry ( 13 hours)

If you want your Golden Circle tour to be on the more relaxing side the Golden Circle Tour with Blue Lagoon Visit & Entry is maybe what you are looking for.

This tour includes all the popular sights of the Golden Circle followed by a dip in the healing relaxing waters of the Blue Lagoon.

You get at least 45 minutes at the major stops, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Strokkur Geyser. You then get a 30-minute break in Reykjavik before hitting the road to ride to The Blue Lagoon where you get to spend 3 hours relaxing in the mineral-rich water while enjoying the view.

A perfect way to end an enjoyable day.

All admission included and hotel pick-up, you will also get a silica mud mask and a drink at The Blue Lagoon.

Book Now: Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour with Blue Lagoon Visit & Entry.

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour ( 11 Hours)

Visit the Golden Circle and ride a snowmobile through what is known as one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas.

Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour leaves Reykjavík early to catch the morning sun on a bus that has computer tablets in each seat. First, you visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park then move onto Geysir Hot Springs. You then drive to snowmobile base camp at the foot of Langjökull Glacier where you will ride across the ice fields on one of the biggest glaciers in the world.

This tour is a real gem and a great way to experience Iceland at its best.

Hotel pick ups available and all necessary equipment included.

Book Now: Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour

Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour ( 10 hours)

A real once in a lifetime experience. You travel in a specially modified super truck and visit the famous Golden circle and a natural ice cave.

Your Golden Circle & Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour starts when you meet your jeep driver. You stop at the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and the jeep allows you to adventure off the beaten track. You then visit the ice cave in Langjokull glacier. The colors on the cave walls are breathtaking and this experience is incredible.

You can have an optional snowmobile ride to the glacier. Then if daylights and time permits you make a short stop at Thingvellir National Park on the way back to Reykjavik.

This tour is a small group and admissions are included.

Book Now: Golden Circle & Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour

Golden Circle and South Shore by Luxury Jeep ( 11 hours)

Golden Circle and South Shore by Luxury Jeep really does cram a lot in.

This Golden Circle tour takes in the Golden Circle and more including Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Eyjafjallajokull, Solheimajokull, and the black beaches at the South Shore.

Leaving from Reykjavik you head off to The South Shore seeing farmlands and a recently-erupted volcano.

You see a lot on this tour including Eyjafjallajökull, an ice cave with a volcano at the summit and Solheimajökull, a blue ice-colored glacier in Myrdalsjokul . Also marvel at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the black beach of Sólheimasandur, and all the Golden Circle Sights.

One of the Golden Circle tours that really does offer a lot.

Book Now: Golden Circle and South Shore by Luxury Jeep.

Reykjavík City Sightseeing & Golden Circle Express ( 10 hours)

If you are short of time then this Reykjavík City Sightseeing & Golden Circle Express might be the one for you. You get to see the sights of  Reykjavik city and the stunning scenery of Iceland’s Golden Circle.

You start your tour in Reykjavik visiting the Presidential Residence at Bessastaðir and Hafnarfjörður. Take in the incredible view over Reykjavík from the Perlan Restaurant 360° observation deck. You’ll also visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, the University area, and the Old Town Center, where you can see the Alþingi–Iceland’s Parliament.

After some free time in Reykjavik you go on your Golden Circle tour taking in all the sights and the incredible scenery.

Save time and see the sights of Reykjavik city and the stunning volcanic scenery of Iceland’s Golden Circle with this combined tour.

Book Now: Reykjavík City Sightseeing & Golden Circle Express

Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Black Beach ATV Tour ( 10 hours)

The Golden Circle and Black Beach ATV Tour what’s not to love. 

You will see the erupting geyser and a variety of hot springs. Learn about Vikings in the Thingvellir National Park and experience the magnificence and power of the Gullfoss Waterfall.

After seeing the must-see attractions you get behind the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle for an unforgettable ride along Iceland’s South Coast black sand beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

This is a tour filled with views and adrenaline.

Book Now: Golden Circle and Black Beach ATV Tour

Iceland’s Golden Circle & Whale Watching Full-Day Tour ( 10 hours)

The Golden Circle and Whale Watching Full-Day Tour has to be a tour made in heaven.  In the morning take a cruise to observe humpback whales, harbor porpoise, and white-beaked dolphin before taking an afternoon express tour of The Golden Circle.

This incredible tour shows you whales in their native environment and if you are lucky you may also see puffins, arctic terns, gannet, and many varieties of gull.

You are then picked up at the harbor for your Golden Circle Tour taking in Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the spouting hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur.

This really will be an unforgettable experience.

Book Now: Golden Circle and Whale Watching Full-Day Tour

We do hope you have found the perfect tour for you in these golden circle Iceland tours. Whichever one you pick you won’t be disappointed and the scenery is breathtaking. Taking one of these Golden Circle tours truly is an unforgettable experience.

You might also be interested in The Complete Guide To The Blue Lagoon Iceland and 7 Helpful Things To Know About Money In Iceland