Review: Reykjavik Golden Circle, Kerid & Fridheimar Minibus Tour

Alright, so you’re thinking of hitting up Iceland’s famed Golden Circle, and maybe that minibus tour that throws in Kerid Crater and the Fridheimar tomato farm is grabbing your attention. Well, you’re probably curious if it’s worth all the buzz, is that right? I recently went on one of those tours, and this is what I experienced, what really stood out, and some pieces of advice to help you figure things out.

Why a Minibus Tour of the Golden Circle?

Thing is, the Golden Circle is super popular – almost a must-do for tourists popping into Iceland, is that right? So, you’ve basically got options: You could totally rent a car and drive the route yourself, join a massive bus tour, or jump into a smaller, more cozy minibus setup. I actually dug the idea of a minibus. Here is why:

More Personal Vibe: Big bus tours can often feel a bit impersonal. That minibus feels like a group of friends all hitting the same spot.
Easier to Maneuver: Those little vans are generally quicker to park, navigate a bit of traffic and even get you closer to a great location to view the spot, almost.
Knowledgable Guides: Guides in minibuses sometimes, that is if you get a decent company, are more enthusiastic to help out and show a cool spot along the way, really.

What’s the Golden Circle Anyway?

Right, let’s just get this very clear, is that right? The Golden Circle is a classic tourist route. It loops around from Reykjavik and has a few mind-blowing landmarks, you know? Usually, there are three major pit stops:

Thingvellir National Park: Is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It’s full of Icelandic history because it was home to Iceland’s parliament for centuries.
Geysir Geothermal Area: See Strokkur erupt every few minutes! Really exciting to see.
Gullfoss Waterfall: It’s a big and majestic waterfall and thundering down with serious force, that’s just how I remember it.

Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Eye-Catcher

Now, the thing is, the standard Golden Circle tour doesn’t always include Kerid Crater, alright? That was why that addition felt pretty special to me. Formed by a volcano, Kerid boasts really dramatic colors. Reddish volcanic rock contrasts with a really blue lake inside the caldera, almost a surreal vibe. It’s fairly a quick stop. You can usually walk around the rim to see it from different viewpoints and head down to the water’s edge, so that can be something!

Fridheimar: Tomatoes and Horses?

Next on our agenda, very strange. Fridheimar! Think, a tomato farm. Yes, seriously. It’s kind of weird because you walk into greenhouses that are massive, absolutely overflowing with tomato plants. You’ll be able to try all sorts of stuff from the tomato variety, such as soups, to desserts to even tomato gin. Also, they have Icelandic horses there! So it’s sort of like getting a chance to meet them in the stables.

My Experience: The Good, the Great, and a Couple of Not-So-Goods

As I was saying, here’s my personal take after taking the tour:

The Good:

Small Group Feel: Definitely made it feel special because, well you actually talk to the guide and your fellow tour people.
Fridheimar was unique: I almost felt as if I had stepped into a different world. The tomatoes are incredibly tasty!

The Great:

Thingvellir’s history: It’s so fascinating, almost to think of what it would be to create such an old parliament that goes back ages.
Seeing Strokkur erupt: Waiting for the geyser to blow felt similar to waiting for New Year’s. It didn’t get boring at all!

Not-So-Goods:

Weather is always questionable: Even during summer, Iceland can surprise you with the weather. You will have to be sure you are packing layers and just are just sort of prepared for everything.
Time flies: Sometimes, it can feel hurried between all spots on the itinerary. That meant some time taking photographs was sort of wasted to not get left behind.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Here’s what I’d tell a friend asking that question. If you like doing Iceland and really want to visit all the popular spots in the Golden Circle, plus see that fantastic crater lake and Fridheimar, then yeah, this is a cool choice. So this minibus vibe, it’s excellent in case you want to get an engaging adventure over a crammed bus tour.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

Basically, make your trip even cooler with a few considerations, right?

Dress in layers: Alright, so the Icelandic weather? Almost a box of chocolates. Bring layers. That way, you are all set in case there’s some sun, rain or wind coming your way.
Good footwear: There’s walking involved, at all of the places really. You’d need supportive shoes, something tough and perhaps waterproof.
Bring snacks and drinks: There can be spots for buying that on the route, yet it can be better to arrive equipped, that is if you’re trying to save your money a little.
Book ahead: Golden Circle tours are popular. Just to nail the particular day you would like. Book that tour ahead.

What to ask the tour company before booking

Prior to actually putting a booking, here are a couple things I think it’s good to just check:

Group Size: Discover what amount of individuals are in general on that minibus. That impacts just how intimate it’ll actually feel.
Languages: In case your local language differs, make sure the tour runs in one that you comprehend without any hassle.
Inclusions: Check exactly what’s included. Such as, will the ticket into Kerid be incorporated or if Fridheimar food is added into the fare?
Cancellation Policy: Since lifestyles alternate and you do not know what life has in store, knowing how easy to cancel/get a reimbursement can deliver peace of mind.

Alternatives to This Particular Tour

You will find alternatives if it feels not exactly right, it’s almost alright:

Self-Drive Golden Circle: So grab that car and get that freedom to actually customize all of it as you prefer! Bear in mind parking and the ability to actually drive Icelandic roads although.
Large Bus Tours: Most regularly cost-effective; however, come to anticipate larger crowds.
Private Tours: They can get pretty expensive but come with total customizable capabilities as well as personal touch, almost.

#goldencircle #icelandtravel #keridcrater #fridheimar #minibustour