Taking In Iceland: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Kerid Volcanic Crater Tour
After two years, thanks to the unending pandemic, I was finally able to travel again and the destination that was first on After two years, thanks to the unending pandemic, I was finally able to travel again and the destination that was first on my list was a wintery paradise that is Iceland. Given the time of the year – we travelled late December into the first day of the new year – it was the perfect destination to take in some beautiful natural landmarks, as well get some well-needed rest.
Iceland’s unique make-up and geography have afforded the island to have some of the rarest natural attractions in the world and Get Your Guide provided us with the perfect tour to explore Iceland’s crown jewels. As part of the tour package, local-based travel company, Nice Travel offer a pick-up service from your accommodation in their comfortable minibus that comes with WiFi! We headed west out of Reyjavik and began our tour at Thingvellir National Park which is an important landmark in Iceland’s history as it was the first location of Iceland’s first Parliament. To add to its uniqueness, it’s a part of the mid-Atlantic ridge, the junction of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, so you can literally have one leg in America and another in Eurasia!
10 minutes away is Haukadalur which is home to some of Iceland’s biggest geysers some of which erupt every 5 to 20 minutes. From there you’re taken to the majestic double drop Gullfoss waterfall that shoots endless sheets of spray over the canyon of which completes the Golden Circle element of the tour. Further up the road is the Kerid Volcanic Crater, its size is both chilling but captivating. The crater is 270m wide and more than 55m deep. There is a lake at the bottom of the crater which adds to the magic of the attraction. It’s also a very Instagrammable spot for all you picture lovers.
To cap the trip off – and often noted as being one of the 25 wonders of the world – is the Blue Lagoon. The heaven-on-earth place is magical with the silky blue waters that have natural replenishing elements within it. As part of the tour, you get one free face mask to help rejuvenate your skin and a glass of bubbly from their bar that sits within the lagoon. We recommend going at night as it’s even more dreamy in the darkness and also encourages travellers to attend with their partner to take in its romantic vibes.
We’d recommend bringing some snacks and water with you as it’s a very long day. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to stop at cafes and restaurants but in case you feel peckish on the long drives, definitely bring some nibbles with you. For the Blue Lagoon, it’s worth buying a waterproof phone case so you don’t have to keep your arm aloft to avoid water damage. It goes without saying, but wrap up. Iceland is bitterly cold and you’ll be taking pictures against its strong winds, so make sure you’re ready for it.
Key Information
Tour company
Type of Tour
Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Kerid Volcanic Crater
Cost
£90
Difficulty
Easy!