Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon

by Arctic Adventures · Lagoons & spas · Golden Circle

4.80· 258 TripAdvisor reviews of this tour 4.60· 5,195 Google reviews of the operator

Fine on your own

from €139.41 per person

Next departure: Thu 22 Oct

Book Thu 22 Oct · €139.41 Other dates

Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon — Arctic Adventures

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25 photos from Arctic Adventures. Tap any one for the full-size original.

Duration
9 hours
Difficulty
Very easy
Season
All year
Starts in
Reykjavík
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Guide
Guided in English
Departs
09:00
Minimum age
6
Cancellation
Free until 24 hours 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.

Kerid Crater is also included on this itinerary for a photo stop (entrance fee is covered in the tour price)

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.

Disclaimer: All trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.

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
Kerid Crater
Secret Lagoon

Included

Transfer to/from Reykjavik in a minibus
A guided sightseeing tour of the Golden Circle
Entrance Fee to Kerid Crater
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 Golden Circle in Spanish with Kerid Crater & Local Farm Visit in Small Group from Nordur Travel Services ehf is €114 — €26 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.

	Arctic Adventures · €139	Nordur Travel Services ehf · €114
How hard it is	Very easy	Easy

On everything we can measure, the Nordur Travel Services ehf tour is the better buy. The €26 is not buying anything we can point to, so unless you want this operator in particular, take the cheaper one.

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 204 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 5,195 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.

Kai Gilchrist
★★★★★ · 3 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.
Tatjana Kultaniemi
★★★★★ · 2 months 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.
Chloe Lamm
★★★★★ · 3 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!
Nicole Y.
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
What a wonderful adventure! The 3 Day South Coast/Golden Circle tour included all of the sites we wanted to see and it did not disappoint. We were picked up at a bus stop in downtown Reykjavik and our journey began with about 16 other guests, a good group size. Our tour guide "Good" John did an excellent job teaching us about the history of Iceland and the sites we saw. The tour is well organized with just enough time at each site. He also made adjustments to the itinerary based on the weather as well as including sites not on the tour to give us more to see, which we loved! There were plenty of bathroom/food breaks as needed and we loved that we could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views outside the window rather than worrying about driving and parking. Our multi-day tour included a 2 night stay at Adventure Hotel Geirland, which Arctic Adventures owns. Such a quiet hotel, convenient location with beautiful views. Our only complaints were that the shower leaked and made the floor wet, and that dinner at the restaurant was expensive with limited options. However the food was good and breakfast was included. The Katla Ice Cave was our favorite part, which was partnered with Southcoast Adventure, and our guide Inga was very friendly and knowledgeable. We did pay for a hiking boot rental for my husband but never received the boots. We did not ask our tour guide so we are not sure what happened with that. Overall we absolutely loved this tour and would highly recommend Arctic Adventures to anyone visiting Iceland for the first time!

Reviews from Google · updated 21 Oct 2026

Read before you book

Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon vs Secret LagoonThree hot lagoons near Reykjavík, three very different days. We say which one fits an airport day, a city evening and a Golden Circle loop.
Golden Circle add-ons: which lagoon to bolt onSecret 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.
Best Lagoon in Iceland (2026): 5 Picks ComparedWhich hot lagoon or hot spring tour to book in Iceland, ranked. Real prices, where each one starts, and who should skip it.

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for 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.

Hotels

Where to stay for this tour

From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.

All hotels in Reykjavík →

One checkout, any number of operators
Rankings are not for sale
203 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted
If it falls short, we fix it

from

€139.41 per person

Arctic Adventures's own price. 3% off the whole trip when you book two or more tours together, in one checkout.

Your date

The next departure we can see — change it if this tour is for another day.

Pick a date to check departures.

Departs09:00

Reykjavík: light 08:37–17:48, 9 h 11 min of daylight.

✓ Free cancellation until 24 hours before
✓ Instant confirmation by email
✓ If Arctic Adventures cancels for weather or safety: a full refund, or another date
✓ Card — Apple Pay or Google Pay where your device offers it — through Stripe; the charge is made in Icelandic krónur
✓ Price promise: Arctic Adventures's own price, or we refund the difference
✓ One checkout, even with tours from several operators
✓ Vetted operator — the six checks every operator passes

Pairs well with

Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €8 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.