This exciting nine hour long day tour takes you to three of the most iconic places in Iceland, known as The Golden Circle and the cherry on top is a visit to the Secret Lagoon. This is a small group tour in a comfortable minibus of maximum 19 guests to ensure you get the most out of your trip. The company is run by three brothers passionate about showing you a good time. Included in the price is entrance to the Secret Lagoon (3000 ISK). There’s free wifi on the bus, you’ll get treated to some traditional Icelandic snacks and the bus ride is guaranteed to be entertaining with Icelandic music and fun and informative driver guide.

Get Ready For The Adventure

Pick up starts in Reykjavik from 8am and after everyone’s ready and on the coach it’s time to head to the first stop; Thingvellir National Park, an UNESQO heritage site and only 45 min drive from Reykjavik. It’s situated in a rift valley created by the continuous friction of the two major tectonic plates which move approximately 2 cm apart each year. There will be time to walk between the two continents and explore this unique place which is packed with history and natural wonders.

Next up is Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls dropping down a few levels within the great canyon of Hvita glacier river. Just a stone’s throw away from the carpark the view is breathtaking but a path will lead you all the way towards the top of the waterfall so close you can feel the drizzle. This waterfall has an interesting history and thanks to a strong and determined woman the waterfall is still here today for us to enjoy. Your guide can tell you all about this inspiring story.

Geysir the famous erupting geyser is the next destination and just under 10 minute drive from Gullfoss. It is so famous that it has secured its name in dictionaries for this type of erupting hot springs, a.k.a. geysers. Currently Geysir is dormant, apart from a four months period in the year 2000 after sharp earthquakes, but little cousin Strokkur erupts every 6-10 minutes and spews boiling hot water up to 25 m / 82 ft. Enjoy exploring this unique geothermal place which sparks colourful landscapes and steamy hot springs. All the stops have restrooms and cafe’s but here is where you take your lunch stop. You have a variety of options in the restaurant and café but we definitely recommend the traditional Icelandic meat soup, it’s almost as good as my mum’s soup, almost. If you choose to pack your own lunch you’re welcome to have it on the bus if the weather is not good.

Unlike other Golden Circle tours, this one makes a short stop at a less known hidden gem; the waterfall Faxi often named the little sibling of Gullfoss. Here you’ll get a taste of traditional Icelandic flatbread and Malt drink. Malt is Iceland’s oldest drink and some even go so far saying Christmas does not come until they have had their first Malt.

The Secret Lagoon

After all this sightseeing and travelling it’s time for a lush dip in Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, built in 1891. As more and more swimming pools were built around Iceland, this one got neglected and remained a secret bathing spot of the locals up until 2014 when it got reopened to the public, hence the name. A natural hot spring continuously provides the pool with a 38-39°C hot water, keeping it clean with a constant flow of mineral rich water. So this is definitely no ordinary swimming pool. Surrounding the pool are bubbling hot springs and a path you can stroll around and explore. Truly a relaxing experience in a beautiful setting. You’ll have about 90 minutes here to enjoy and relax. Remember your bathing suit and a towel. In case you need to rent them it’s possible too.

Watch below some videos from our visit to The Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir)  and The Secret Lagoon.