Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon
by Arctic Adventures · Lagoons & spas · cruise-excursion · Golden Circle
- Fine on your own
Would this be cheaper direct? No — we sell at Arctic Adventures's own price and take our commission from them, not from you. What you get here is one checkout across operators, one confirmation, and one place to change or cancel it. If you ever find it cheaper on their own site, tell us and we will match it or explain why we cannot.
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Duration
9 hours
Difficulty
Very easy
Season
All year
Starts in
Reykjavík
Meeting
Hotel pickup available
Languages
EN, DE, IS, FR, DA, ZH, ES
Departs
09:00
Minimum age
6
Cancellation
Free until 24h before
About this experience
Combine the popular Golden Circle sightseeing tour with a relaxing trip to the phenomenal Secret Lagoon natural hot springs. Soak in the unique and natural waters of the hot springs and enjoy all the wonders of the attractions that make up the famous Golden Circle - on this 9 hour, small group tour directly from Reykjavik that ensures a more personal experience. Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss waterfall are three of the most popular attractions in Iceland and together they combine some of the most iconic landmarks of Iceland.
Thingvellir
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, where nature's wonders intertwine with rich history, creating one of Iceland's most captivating attractions. As you step into Þingvellir, you'll immediately notice its unique setting in a rift valley—a powerful reminder that our planet's crust is in constant motion. The striking landscape, marked by the pulling apart of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, tells a story millions of years in the making.
But that's not all. Here, you'll also discover Althing, Iceland's very first national parliament, along with the mesmerizing Silfra Fissure, the dramatic Almannagjá rift, and breathtaking views of Þingvallavatn lake. Get ready to immerse yourself in nature's wonders and uncover the secrets of this extraordinary place.
Gullfoss
Our adventure will then lead us to the breathtaking Gullfoss, aptly named the "golden waterfall," situated at the very edge of the Icelandic Highlands. Cascading gracefully within the canyon of the Hvíta River, Gullfoss is fed by the Langjökull glacier to the north, lending it a majestic aura.
As a two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss seems to vanish into the depths below, with its waters plunging an impressive 32 meters. The waterfall offers a mesmerizing display of nature's power, showcasing the raw forces of Icelandic landscapes.
Regardless of the season, Gullfoss captivates with its awe-inspiring beauty, making it a must-see destination on our journey through Iceland's natural wonders.
Geysir
Our next destination is the Geysir geothermal field, home to one of the world's most renowned geysers—the very namesake of these incredible natural wonders. Here, you'll have the chance to wander amidst bubbling water pools, crystal-clear geothermal springs, and steam vents. Keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular sight of a geyser erupting before you.
Although now dormant, Geysir once held the title of the tallest geyser in history, towering an impressive 122 meters (400 ft) into the sky. But fear not, for Geysir's little brother, Strokkur, has stepped into the limelight. As the most active geyser in Iceland, Strokkur puts on a mesmerizing show, erupting every 4 to 10 minutes, ensuring you'll have plenty of opportunities to witness its breath-taking eruptions.
Secret lagoon
We'll make a final stop at the Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest pool. Nestled amidst natural surroundings, this man-made pool harnesses the Earth's geothermal warmth, maintaining a soothing temperature of 38-40° Celsius (100° Fahrenheit) throughout the year.
Surrounded by moss-covered lava fields and geothermal hotspots, the Secret Lagoon offers a serene escape. Keep an eye out for a small geyser that erupts every 5 minutes or so. A convenient pathway around the pool allows for easy exploration of the area.
Make sure to pack your swim gear, as you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rejuvenating hot waters of the Secret Lagoon—a perfect finale to our unforgettable journey through Iceland's natural wonders.
Description from the operator, Arctic Adventures. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.
Where you go
- Reykjavík
- Þingvellir
- Geysir Hot Springs
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Secret Lagoon
Included
- Transfer to/from Reykjavik in a minibus
- A guided sightseeing tour of the Golden Circle
- Entrance Fee to the Secret Lagoon
- Free WiFi on the bus
Not included
- Meals & drinks (You'll have the opportunity to purchase food at stops throughout the day)
Good to know
- Warm and waterproof outdoor clothing
- Headwear
- Gloves
- Sturdy shoes
- Shoe Spike Grips (Nov-March)
- Packed lunch
- Bathing suit and towel (optional)
Cancellation for this tour
Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.
Why this one and not the cheaper one?
The nearest cheaper Secret Lagoon Experience Ticket from VAREN Iceland is €43 — €93 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.
| Arctic Adventures · €136 | VAREN Iceland · €43 | |
|---|---|---|
| How long it runs | 9 hours | 3 hours |
| Getting there | Picks you up | You make your own way |
| How hard it is | Very easy | Easy |
The €93 buys you 6 more hours out and hotel pickup. Whether that is worth it is your call — but that is what the difference is.
Sold out on your date?
Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.
Who this is not for
- Children under 6 cannot join this one.
Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.
Why we list it
Arctic Adventures is one of 154 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →
What travellers say about Arctic Adventures
Read all 5,129 reviews on Google →Operator rating 4.6/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
This was a phenomenal trip with AMAZING sights. Our tour guide was informative, friendly, and easy to listen to. You will learn a lot and see nature at its greatest. We absolutely loved this tour and would recommend it to anyone. The car ride is comfortable and there is wifi as well! Shout out to our tour guide, Magnus (I hope I’m spelling his name correctly), who told us some hilarious stories.
★★★★★ · a month ago
I spent six days on a bus tour around Iceland with a professional guide. It was an excellent opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of Iceland's breathtaking nature while also learning about the country's history and the everyday lives of its people. Iceland's landscape and animals are truly unique, featuring magnificent waterfalls, geysers, whales, seals, puffins, volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Every day brought new and unforgettable experiences. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our guide, Viko. He not only drove the bus safely but also shared fascinating stories about Icelandic history, culture, and way of life. He was willing to tailor the itinerary to our group's interests and wishes, making the experience even more enjoyable. I am very grateful for his professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm in interpreting Iceland's natural and cultural heritage. He played a key role in making this tour such a memorable experience.
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
I did the Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik. Such an amazing tour and one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland! Our guide, Erik, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information about Iceland throughout the day. We visited some of the country’s most beautiful sights, including stunning waterfalls, Vik, black sand beaches, and other breathtaking stops along the South Coast. The pickup process was simple and organized, making the day completely stress-free. The scenery was incredible from start to finish, and Erik helped make the experience even better with his knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. If you’re visiting Iceland, the South Coast is a must-do, and I highly recommend taking this tour with Erik as your guide!
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
A Fantastic Trip: Review of 3-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave and Glacier Lagoon Absolutely incredible experience with Arctic Adventures and the guide Hjalti Bjornsson. The pick up from the bus stop was easy and the instructions were super clear. Be aware that they are extremely punctual at every stop. Do not be late by even a minute. We saw so many sites and the weather was perfect for most of the days. Our guide even took us on some stops that were not in the itinerary, but ones he thought were interesting and on the way, like the power plants and some other glaciers. The bus ride was very smooth with plenty of room and the seats were comfortable. The itinerary was well thought out with a great mix of light walking about 3 - 6 miles per day depending on how much you wanted to walk to each site. Some sites like the glacier Skaftafellsjokull (optional) were further away (4 ish miles), while others were much closer (1000ft). The hotel was situated in a beautiful location with sheep everywhere and interesting rock formations. The hotel was very comfortable with hot water and plenty of space to spread out. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone between the ages 10 - 70. However, this might not be the best experience for those with mobility issues as there is walking to some of the best sites.
Reviews from Google · updated 13 Sept 2026
Read before you book
- Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon or Secret Lagoon — pick by what your day looks likeThree hot lagoons near Reykjavík, three very different days. We say which one fits an airport day, a city evening and a Golden Circle loop.
- Bolt the Secret Lagoon onto the Golden Circle, not the Blue LagoonSecret Lagoon, Blue Lagoon or Fontana as the hot-water finish to a Golden Circle day. Which is on the route, which fits the budget, which to book separately.
- Six hours in port is enough for one thing done well, not three done badlyShore excursions for cruise days in Reykjavík, Akureyri and Grundarfjörður — what fits inside a six-hour call and what to leave for another trip.
Reviews from our travellers
Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.
No reviews yet from our travellers on this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.
Lagoons & spas — questions people ask
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it or is it too touristy?
It is busy and it is worth it, once. The water is milky blue from silica, the setting in the Reykjanes lava is unlike anywhere else, and it sits twenty minutes from Keflavík Airport, so it fits an arrival or departure day. Book a time slot in advance; it sells out. If crowds bother you, go early morning or after 20:00. The Secret Lagoon or Fontana on the Golden Circle are calmer and cheaper alternatives.
Can I do the Blue Lagoon on the way to or from the airport?
Yes, and it is the best way to use it. Transfers like IceTransfer's Keflavík to Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík (/experience/1036423/) or the reverse (/experience/1036419/) stop at the lagoon for a few hours with your luggage stored. Allow at least three hours at the lagoon and check that your slot lines up with your flight. Note that the Reykjanes eruptions have closed the lagoon at short notice; check its status before travelling.
What is the difference between the Secret Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon?
The Secret Lagoon at Flúðir is a simple, warm geothermal pool with a bubbling hot spring beside it and basic changing rooms. It is on the Golden Circle, so it slots into a sightseeing day (/experience/17050/, /experience/624446/). The Blue Lagoon is a spa: silica masks, swim-up bar, saunas and a price to match. If you want a soak after a day of waterfalls, Secret Lagoon. If you want the spa day, Blue Lagoon.
Do I have to shower naked before a pool in Iceland?
Yes, at every public pool and most lagoons. Swimwear off, wash thoroughly with soap, swimwear on, then into the water. It is a hygiene rule because Icelandic pools use very little chlorine, and it is taken seriously. Changing rooms are single-sex with open showers; some larger lagoons have a few private cubicles. Nobody looks. It feels odd for thirty seconds and then it does not.
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