Reykjavik Golden Circle Tour Review: Kerid Volcanic Crater & Beyond

Alright, you’re considering the Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik, probably, with a stop at the Kerid volcanic crater, so what’s that experience actually like? It’s super popular, apparently a ‘must-do’ when you come to Iceland, but knowing what you’re getting into beforehand actually makes a big difference. This isn’t just a simple list of places, it’s a closer inspection based on experiencing it ourselves – what’s brilliant, what’s maybe not quite as amazing, and a few things to keep an eye out for if you decide to go.

What’s the Golden Circle Anyway?

Okay, first things first: What even is the Golden Circle? It’s apparently a famous route in southern Iceland, that loops from Reykjavik into the countryside, and brings you back around again, basically. Three big hitters usually top the list: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Usually, tour companies then include a few extra spots along the way to flesh it out a little, too, like the Kerid Crater. In terms of driving, that round trip can actually clock in at around 300 kilometers (roughly 186 miles), so it’s probably going to be a whole day kind of thing, just so you know.

So, what is so special about this route? Each of those spots mentioned show Iceland’s wild beauty, just up close and personal, pretty much. Þingvellir isn’t just super good looking but also a location of big history, seeing as it’s the site of Iceland’s early parliament, so that’s pretty special, in a way. The Geysir area is really where the earth’s power shows itself, with bubbling hot springs and Strokkur erupting fairly frequently. And then there’s Gullfoss, which isn’t just some waterfall; it’s actually a tremendously powerful, terrifically wide, two-tiered cascade that truly looks magnificent, just so you’re aware. Usually, these stops show why the Golden Circle is much more than sightseeing, so that’s probably why it is the big attraction.

Kerid Crater: A Volcanic Jewel

Kerid Crater is basically a volcanic crater lake, that’s quite different to your usual landscapes, in some respects. Unlike the usual dull craters you see in pictures, Kerid actually has seriously bright blue water contrasting the bright red volcanic rock that makes up the cone, literally a very different landscape. Formed not with an explosion but by a volcano collapsing into its empty magma chamber, it’s really is one of the Golden Circle’s picture-postcard kind of location, actually.

Here’s what it’s really like there. Arriving there you can walk along the rim, literally look down to that blue water, and that’s just amazing, in some respects. The path going all the way around gives you plenty of different viewpoints for snaps, yet there’s also actually a route that takes you down to the water’s level too. So, too it’s almost worth it depending on what time of year, the colours change depending on the position of the sun. During winter months everything seems to be capped with snow, yet during summer, that vegetation pops out so brilliantly in contrast against the volcanic rock and blue water.

Keep this in mind though: there is an entrance fee. Most locations you can freely wander, yet Kerid tends to charge a small sum to get in (usually a few bucks). It seems this cash goes straight back into caring for and conserving the crater, though, too it’s almost good to think of it that way. Plus, do expect bigger crowds here than other less well known stops – because its one of the main ones. Go either very early or probably later on, in the day for less of a jam.

Þingvellir National Park: Where History Meets Tectonic Plates

Þingvellir isn’t just naturally spectacular; it’s historically highly important. Apparently the Icelandic parliament was established here, the Alþingi, that was way back in 930 AD, basically. Here, chieftains would get together, laws were literally made, and decisions were literally taken that influenced the course of the island’s story, really. Standing there now, it’s simple to actually sense those historical roots underneath the pretty views, which is kind of nice.

One big geological deal: Þingvellir actually lies in a rift valley marking that join of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, very strange and cool, apparently. Clearly visible, basically, are the Almannagjá fault and also several fissures showing just how the land has been literally ripped apart over millennia, it’s quite special. It even gives you a chance to put one foot on Europe and another on America – virtually something you won’t literally be doing everywhere, right?

Alright, here is actually what you want to expect. If history gets your attention you might wanna visit that visitor centre. Clearly laid out, there’s loads about that history and geology, so there is something that you can learn from. Adventurers can choose some cool experiences in the park such as going snorkeling or scuba at the Silfra fissure, just with crystal clear waters between those continental plates, really magical!

Geysir Geothermal Area: Strokkur’s Eruptions

Just so you know, the Geysir Geothermal Area basically lives up to all those steamy expectations. Though the bigger geysir (aka ‘The Great Geysir’) isn’t much active these days, basically, Strokkur very makes up for this! Fairly dependably (usually happening every few minutes), it really does shoot a powerful column of water high in the air, giving some seriously gasp-worthy views. It almost makes that area vibrate with activity, so it’s fun.

Literally loads surrounds the Geysir, though, besides Strokkur, in some respects. Bubbling mud pits, steaming vents and also just loads of vibrant colours paint a unique background. That intense sulphuric scent basically reminds you this is land, so there is something amazing to witness here. Paths tend to be really well maintained, even so stick to those to not do any environmental damage and to also ensure your own safety.

Quick tip: Basically bring that camera gear to capture the Strokkur go off. Get to know its cadence (typically every 5-10 minutes) and also prepare – it’s very blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kinda situation! Actually, there’s actually often that wind to watch out for, also – try and stay upwind to literally save yourself from that geyser spray. So too it’s probably more fun than getting completely soaked!

Gullfoss Waterfall: The Golden Falls

Oh, wow, Gullfoss is genuinely incredible and pretty striking to literally witness. Its the water thunderously plummets down two tiers that are quite deep, cascading on downward in that ravine below, so it can be a little bit breathtaking! Named ‘Golden Falls’, this name came around seeing how the water can literally reflect sunlight sometimes which therefore makes a literal golden color on a day that’s sunny.

Actually, there are various vantage points here for getting different glimpses. You might consider following that trail down closer to get that feeling when its waters literally thunder around – so, really an electrifying one. Alternatively, to witness a bigger picture consider taking advantage of those upper vantage points.

Bear something very big in mind – Gullfoss can be pretty intense. During winter time this area may potentially get rather icy, it seems, therefore proper waterproof clothes plus boots are actually pretty key. However, you’ll probably feel fine going there at a bright sunny period during the Summer, that’s very beautiful. There actually often exists a small cafe nearby literally selling refreshments, so it might come pretty handily if you wish to unwind accompanied by some of these beautiful vistas.

Choosing Your Tour: What to Look For

Alright, so, when deciding on which Golden Circle tour might work you want to remember that its super diverse in terms of what the different tour companies actually offer, too it’s almost not easily comparable! So very standard type trips actually emphasize that ‘big three’ of spots, plus also frequently squeeze in Kerid.

If you are someone interested in experiences that’s a bit individual you actually might see small-group type deals appealing more to you. Arguably, typically there literally might only be just several others that’s joining, for a trip, perhaps potentially using smaller vehicles. Clearly, typically these sorts of trip also might actually literally bring additional locations of lesser prominence and potentially grant increased flexibility on timings.

Clearly look closely regarding those inclusions: Just double check literally what’s factored such as entree cash needed, when offered any dishes etc. Also actually definitely think how extended that tour lasts for; clearly depending really how you feel, a couple more several hours really can alter experiences. Also you probably should scan literally what reviews are actually said by tourists, and so they very tend often to reveal plenty about how expert that guide often seems in reality, therefore overall satisfaction regarding the excursion, arguably.

Is the Golden Circle Tour Worth It?

Basically if anyone want those incredible Icelandic view on actually an all literally organized that definitely needs very small amount of arranging by tourists itself, definitely that Golden Circle quite genuinely delivers for one day literally packed quite full regarding that Iceland flavor. Basically witnessing that amazing thing about Kerid alongside watching that active Strokkur together, to literally experiencing this interesting Þingvellir together using such important history along these absolutely extremely grand beauty with falls coming provided by Gullfoss together makes regarding something truly totally spectacular for the first timers there at Iceland perhaps!

But that very catch? Just that Golden Circle does almost attract enormous crowd generally particularly speaking specifically during highest traffic volume during summertime! Assuming peace together together serenity forms a very huge factor; you probably might actually prefer those lesser advertised courses actually; assuming but the priority actually comes provided by witnessing main iconic spots easily, it’s basically virtually very hard surpassing Golden Circle which that so iconic image generally comes basically associated with traveling provided to actually Iceland therefore so many traveler generally generally generally!

Consider such aspects literally relevant while assessing really; think about your goals; analyze practically all choices very accessible actually finally just embrace practically all Icelandic splendor which definitely awaits regardless of practically all one that that one chose generally to literally access it with right?! Definitely by remembering everything stated before hopefully potentially regarding practically every tourists find very ideal very literally trip, by literally building fantastic stories with memories simultaneously during something what one definitely anticipate permanently simultaneously actually alright?!

So what stops did this Golden Circle tour have? Consider a quick reminder:

• Kerid Crater: Be delighted witnessing striking cobalt aquatic features contrasting such vibrant volcano area.
• Þingvellir: Traverse actually historical site quite connected closely back actually early Icelandic governmental processes!
• Geysir space: Get absolutely thrilled witnessing such literally exciting bursts with definitely highly predictable explosions which comes really truly from Strokkur frequently actually every multiple!
• Gullfoss: Fully completely respect quite incredibly vast strength in these multiple stair step actually cascades provided through most literally strong thunder coming down right at waters!