The Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Experience the true essence of Iceland by combining its most celebrated attractions in one day! This tour offers you a chance to explore the fascinating Golden Circle in the morning and unwind in the renowned Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.
Steaming turquoise waters and thundering waterfalls—this day trip from Reykjavik puts two of Iceland’s biggest stars side by side. The Golden Circle route takes you to Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir’s bubbling geothermal field, and Thingvellir National Park, a site steeped in Viking history.
After exploring these raw natural wonders, the Blue Lagoon welcomes you with its warm, mineral-rich pools surrounded by black lava rock. It’s a rare mix of icy views and soothing heat, all in one packed itinerary.
Perfect for travelers short on time, this tour blends geothermal drama with pure relaxation without the stress of planning each stop. Book your Blue Lagoon & Golden Circle day trip with Golden Circle Day Tours and let local guides handle the route.
Duration: 30 minutes
Þingvellir is where Iceland’s story as a nation truly began. It’s the site of Alþingi, the world’s oldest still-functioning parliament, first assembled in 930 AD. For centuries, chieftains met here to debate laws and settle disputes under open skies.
Today, it’s a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for both its historical importance and its striking geography. You’ll walk through a dramatic rift valley where two massive tectonic plates—the North American and Eurasian—are slowly pulling apart.
This visible divide grows about 2 cm (0.79 inches) every year, creating cliffs, cracks, and lava fields that shape the region’s ever-changing terrain. Volcanic activity has left its mark, and you may notice newly formed lava tubes scattered throughout the park.
Duration: 30 minutes
Next, you’ll visit the place that gave its name to all geysers. The Great Geysir is the oldest known geyser in Europe, its name derived from the Icelandic word “geysa,” meaning “to gush.”
While it rarely erupts today, nearby Strokkur steals the show, erupting every few minutes and shooting boiling water up to 30 meters (100 feet) into the sky. The geothermal field around Geysir is alive with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful mineral deposits.
It’s a feast for the senses and a favorite stop for photos. Nearby, the Geysir Center offers informative displays about the area’s geothermal energy and natural forces at play.
Duration: 30 minutes
Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Fed by the glacier river Hvítá, the water plunges down two levels—11 meters (36 feet) and 22 meters (71 feet)—into a rugged canyon formed at the end of the last Ice Age.
The raw power of the falls is undeniable, and the sound of it alone is unforgettable. As you walk the paths alongside it, you’ll feel the cold mist and, on sunny days, catch sight of a rainbow arcing over the spray.
The erosion from the powerful flow continues to reshape the canyon by about 25 cm (9.8 inches) each year. The tour may also include a quick stop at Faxi waterfall, and optional detours like Efstidalur dairy farm, the greenhouse restaurant at Friðheimar, or the Secret Lagoon—a quieter, more rustic geothermal bath hidden from the crowds.
Duration: 2 hours
The final stop is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by dark lava rock and filled with milky-blue, mineral-rich water, this man-made lagoon is fed by superheated water from a nearby geothermal power plant.
The temperature ranges from 37–40°C (98–104°F), perfect for soaking and relaxing. The water is refreshed every 40 hours and contains over 9 million liters at a time.
Rich in silica, algae, and minerals, it’s believed to help soothe skin conditions like psoriasis. Within the lagoon, you’ll find a cave, a warm waterfall, and an in-water bar serving drinks as you float.
Other facts:
The Blue Lagoon was named one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic in 2012. Whether you come for the healing waters or the surreal setting, this stop is a highlight of any trip to Iceland.
If you have any questions or specific accessibility needs, please contact us at +354 864 4400. We are here to help!
The Blue Lagoon Comfort Package includes entrance to the spa, a silica mud mask, a towel, and one drink of your choice.
The tour lasts for approximately 8 hours, departing from Reykjavík at around 9:00 AM and returning from the Blue Lagoon at 20:15.
Yes, the tour offers optional hotel pickup from Reykjavík. Please make sure to confirm your pick-up location and time.
Due to the popularity of this destination, it's highly recommended to pre-book your day tour to secure your spot.
It is recommended to bring warm clothing suitable for outdoor activities, swimwear for the Blue Lagoon, and a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
Can I swim in the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, adequate changing rooms are provided free of charge at the Blue Lagoon. Please note that each changing room has a maximum capacity that should be respected.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon with my 11-year-old daughter was an unforgettable experience! We spent several hours soaking in the warm, magical blue water, and being there in the evening made it even more special with the beautiful lighting.
We went here on our first full day in Iceland and it was the perfect start to our trip. We had a quick bite to eat at the cafe (lots of good options for food) and then enjoyed the Blue Lagoon...
Excellent experience. An absolute must be done whilst in the country. Get there nice and early to be one of the first. Lives the in pool bar too
Why should you?