Tour overview
Kerið Volcanic Crater
Kerið stands as one of Iceland’s most visually striking volcanic features, where a perfectly formed crater lake displays vivid blue waters surrounded by dramatic red and black volcanic rock walls that create a natural amphitheater of extraordinary beauty. This remarkable crater, formed approximately 3,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption, showcases the incredible artistry of volcanic processes where collapsed magma chambers create circular depressions that gradually fill with pristine groundwater. The contrast between the brilliant blue lake and the rust-colored volcanic slopes creates one of Iceland’s most photographed geological formations, while the crater’s accessible rim trail allows visitors to appreciate the perfect symmetry and scale of this natural wonder from multiple perspectives.
The geological significance of Kerið extends beyond its visual impact, demonstrating how volcanic craters evolve over time while providing insights into the underground processes that continue to shape Iceland’s landscape. The crater lake’s remarkable blue color results from the depth and mineral content of the water, while the surrounding vegetation showcases how life gradually colonizes volcanic terrain through natural succession processes. Walking around Kerið’s rim offers opportunities to observe various volcanic rock types and formations, while the descent to the water’s edge provides an intimate encounter with this geological masterpiece that perfectly introduces the volcanic themes you’ll explore throughout your Golden Circle adventure, setting the stage for understanding how Iceland’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge creates the diverse landscapes that make this region so extraordinary.
Admission to the crater is included
Faxafoss aka Faxi
Faxafoss offers visitors an intimate and contemplative waterfall experience, where multiple cascades tumble gracefully through a scenic volcanic landscape in a setting that showcases the quieter, more personal side of Iceland’s abundant waterfall heritage. This hidden gem provides a peaceful contrast to the overwhelming power of Iceland’s famous major waterfalls, where visitors can approach much closer to the falling water and appreciate the intricate details of how volcanic rock formations channel and shape water flow over geological time scales. The waterfall’s modest scale allows for detailed observation of erosion processes and the delicate ecosystems that thrive in the mist and spray zones, while the surrounding landscape demonstrates how different volcanic formations create unique waterfall characteristics throughout Iceland’s diverse regions.
The approach to Faxafoss reveals fascinating examples of Iceland’s diverse volcanic geology, where different lava types and cooling processes have created rock formations that interact uniquely with flowing water to create this spectacular display. The waterfall serves as an excellent example of how Iceland’s abundance of falling water creates countless opportunities for discovery beyond the famous major cascades, while the peaceful setting provides ideal conditions for photography and quiet reflection on the geological processes that shape Icelandic landscapes. This stop perfectly complements your upcoming geothermal experiences by demonstrating how surface water interacts with volcanic terrain, creating a comprehensive understanding of how Iceland’s hydrological and geological systems collaborate to create the diverse and spectacular landscapes that make this island such an extraordinary destination for natural beauty appreciation and geological education.
Admission to the waterfall is included
Geysir and Strokkur
The Geysir geothermal area presents visitors with one of Iceland’s most dynamic and reliable natural spectacles, where the famous Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air in a dramatic display of the geothermal power that you’ll later experience firsthand at Fontana spa. This remarkable location is home to the original Geysir, which gave its name to all geysers worldwide, though it now remains mostly dormant while its active neighbor Strokkur continues to delight visitors with consistent and spectacular eruptions that demonstrate the incredible geothermal forces lying beneath Iceland’s surface. The geothermal field showcases various stages of geothermal activity, from bubbling hot springs to steaming fumaroles that create an otherworldly landscape of constant motion and energy.
The educational value of visiting Geysir extends far beyond witnessing eruptions, providing insights into the geothermal processes that power much of Iceland’s renewable energy systems while demonstrating how underground heat creates the spectacular surface manifestations that make this location internationally famous. The anticipation and excitement of waiting for Strokkur’s next eruption creates a shared experience among visitors, while the surrounding geothermal features offer opportunities to observe the various ways that underground heat reaches the surface through different geological formations. This stop provides essential context for your later relaxation at Fontana spa, where you’ll experience these same geothermal forces in a therapeutic setting, creating a comprehensive understanding of how Iceland’s volcanic activity provides both spectacular natural displays and practical benefits for wellness and sustainable living.
Brúarfoss waterfall
Brúarfoss, known as “Bridge Falls,” remains one of Iceland’s most spectacular yet secret waterfalls, where stunning blue water cascades through a narrow volcanic canyon in a pristine natural setting that few tourists ever discover. This remarkable waterfall features an otherworldly blue color that rivals any tropical paradise, created by glacial minerals and the unique way sunlight interacts with the pristine water as it tumbles over ancient lava formations. The waterfall’s name references a natural stone bridge that once spanned the canyon, while the current formations create a series of dramatic cascades and pools that showcase the incredible beauty possible when pure glacial water meets volcanic terrain in perfect harmony.
The approach to Brúarfoss requires a moderate hike through pristine Icelandic wilderness, where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure as you traverse landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and glacial processes over thousands of years. The trail showcases diverse examples of how water carves through volcanic rock, while the secluded location ensures an intimate and peaceful encounter with one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls. The stunning blue water and dramatic rock formations create countless opportunities for photography, while the pristine setting demonstrates how Iceland’s remote locations preserve natural beauty in its most unspoiled form. This hidden treasure perfectly complements your day’s theme of discovering both famous and secret wonders, while the pure glacial water provides a beautiful preview of the mineral-rich geothermal waters you’ll soon enjoy at Fontana spa, where similar natural forces create therapeutic experiences.
Farm to table lunch in the Efstidalur farm
Efstidalur provides an authentic taste of Icelandic rural life and sustainable farming practices, where traditional agriculture meets modern culinary excellence in a working dairy farm that has been family-operated for generations in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle region. This unique dining experience showcases the best of Iceland’s farm-to-table movement, featuring fresh dairy products, locally sourced ingredients, and traditional Icelandic recipes that reflect the resourcefulness and culinary creativity developed over centuries of Arctic farming. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing provides visitors with insights into how Icelandic farmers adapt to challenging climate conditions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility that characterize modern Icelandic agriculture.
The farm setting offers spectacular views across rural Iceland’s pristine landscapes, where rolling hills and distant mountains create the perfect backdrop for enjoying authentic Icelandic cuisine prepared with ingredients produced just steps from your table. The dining experience includes opportunities to observe farm operations and learn about traditional Icelandic dairy production, while the restaurant’s famous ice cream, made fresh daily from the farm’s own cows, provides a sweet conclusion to your authentic culinary journey. This midday break provides the perfect opportunity to recharge before your afternoon adventures while experiencing the agricultural heritage that sustains Icelandic communities, demonstrating how traditional farming practices adapt to modern sustainability standards while creating a meaningful connection to the land and people that makes Iceland such a unique and welcoming destination for conscious travelers.
Lunch, drinks and ice cream are not included in the tour
Fontana Geothermal Spa in Laugarvatn
Fontana spa provides the perfect luxurious conclusion to your Golden Circle adventure, where natural geothermal hot springs overlooking the pristine Laugarvatn lake create an unparalleled wellness experience that connects you directly to the same geothermal forces you’ve observed throughout the day. This award-winning spa features a collection of natural hot pools, steam rooms, and relaxation areas where mineral-rich geothermal waters provide therapeutic benefits while offering spectacular views across one of Iceland’s most beautiful lake settings. The spa’s innovative design incorporates traditional Icelandic bathing culture with modern wellness amenities, creating an authentic yet luxurious experience where you can unwind while reflecting on your day’s geological discoveries in the healing embrace of Iceland’s natural thermal resources.
The Fontana experience includes access to multiple geothermal pools maintained at different temperatures, allowing visitors to find their perfect comfort level while enjoying the mineral-rich waters that have been naturally heated deep within the Earth by the same volcanic processes that created Kerið crater and power Strokkur geyser. The traditional steam rooms built directly over natural hot springs provide an authentic Icelandic wellness experience, while the lakeside location offers opportunities for brave visitors to experience the traditional contrast between hot geothermal pools and cool lake water. This remarkable conclusion to your Golden Circle tour demonstrates how Iceland’s volcanic heritage provides not only spectacular natural displays but also practical benefits for health and relaxation, creating lasting memories while allowing your body and mind to fully appreciate the therapeutic power of Iceland’s most precious natural resource.
Admission to Fontana Spa is included
Rental of towel and swimgears are not included, we recommend that you bring your own.