Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater, and Blue Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik: A 2025 Review

Planning a visit to Iceland and wondering if the Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, and Blue Lagoon day trip from Reykjavik is, like, worth your time and money? You are, possibly, in the right spot. We’re taking a good, long look at what this tour is like in 2025, giving you the lowdown, the highlights, and, of course, our honest opinion so that you know what you are getting into.

What’s the Big Deal About This Trip Anyway?

So, the Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, and Blue Lagoon are, naturally, some of Iceland’s biggest attractions. This particular day trip aims to pack three stunning experiences into a single day. That’s, you know, ambitious. The Golden Circle gets you up close and personal with geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic plates, while Kerid Crater gives you those awesome volcanic landscapes. Then, finally, there’s the Blue Lagoon; it is very famous for its milky blue water, where you can relax. This trip, obviously, tries to give you a taste of Iceland’s best, which is rather tempting if you are short on time.

It’s almost too good to be true, yet that thought goes through your head. Like, can you seriously hit all these places in one day without feeling incredibly rushed? Plus, there’s the added question of how crowded it will be. After all, these sites aren’t exactly hidden gems, which means dealing with other tourists. So, to find out if it lives up to the hype or just spreads itself a bit too thin, let’s go into what the trip is really like.

Read our full review: Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Day Trip Full Review and Details

First Stop: The Golden Circle’s Crowd-Pleasing Wonders

First off, the Golden Circle section of this tour generally covers three main spots: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Þingvellir is really, really interesting for its history and geology. It is where the Icelandic parliament was founded, but it is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet – so, yeah, it’s a pretty cool place. You typically get some time to walk around, take photos, and maybe learn a bit about Icelandic history. Then it’s on to Geysir.

Geysir Geothermal Area is rather fun, with Strokkur erupting every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. Prepare for crowds, though, as pretty much everyone wants to snap that perfect picture. Gullfoss is a majestic waterfall; the sheer volume of water thundering down is something. There are, like, viewing platforms that give you great perspectives, but dress warmly – you are likely to get misted on, or wet. These stops are the classics for very good reason, they are amazing. So, the tour typically does a reasonable job of showcasing them, even if the time at each location feels, sometimes, a bit limited.

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Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Surprise

Kerid Crater might be something that many visitors could find a surprise addition to the itinerary, which can be nice. This volcanic crater lake looks quite striking with its bright blue water set against the red volcanic rock. That contrast makes it amazing for photography. You are able to walk around the rim and, if you’re up for it, hike down to the water’s edge. Now, while it’s a visual treat, the time spent here might be brief, especially since the Blue Lagoon awaits. Kerid, that could be said, gives you a quick, unique landscape change from the Golden Circle before heading to the spa.

Blue Lagoon: Is it Worth the Hype and the Crowds?

Then, comes the Blue Lagoon; very iconic and well-known. It’s on many peoples bucket list, and it is certainly something. The warm, mineral-rich waters are, perhaps, a relaxing contrast to a day of sightseeing. What makes this a rather crucial part of planning is how crowded it is. You see, the Blue Lagoon operates on a timed entry system. The tour factors in your entry time. The lagoon, naturally, is very popular, meaning there’s no such thing as having it to yourself.

While it is still an enjoyable experience, the feeling can be a bit more like visiting a very popular pool rather than a secluded, serene spa. Additionally, keep in mind the extra costs. The basic entry is part of the tour, yet extras like face masks, drinks, or dining come at a premium. Overall, the Blue Lagoon, even with the crowds, offers a relaxing and unique experience. You, though, should mentally prepare for sharing the space with loads of other people.

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What to Keep In Mind for 2025

Traveling in 2025 is, kind of, different, especially given how things have changed in the past few years. Tourism, seemingly, is back in full swing. That means these popular spots are very busy. Booking your tour well in advance is highly, like, recommended. It will guarantee you a spot and, maybe, even get a better price. Look for tours that keep their groups on the smaller side so that you do not feel herded. What’s equally important, if not more so, is what to bring.

The weather in Iceland could be really unpredictable, so layering is so important. Bring waterproof and windproof outerwear, comfortable walking shoes, and, of course, your swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon. Also, do not forget your camera to capture the amazing views, yet be mindful of the environment. Stick to marked paths, respect the natural settings, and help keep these places pretty for everyone. With a little preparation, you are more likely to have a seamless, fun experience.

Read our full review: Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Day Trip Full Review and Details