Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour

Highlights

• Þingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall 
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Bath in Secret Lagoon 

Inclusions

• Admission to the Secret Lagoon
• Round Trip Transport
• Professional Tour Guide
• Free WiFi on the Bus
• Comfortable Coaches
• English Talking guide
• Golden Circle Tour
• 10% Discount at Gullfoss Café and Glima Restaurant (Geysir Hot Spring)*

Exclusions

• Towel and swimsuit are not included (but can be rented at the Secret Lagoon)

*Automatic 10% discount after showing the booking confirmation (received when booking this tour), valid only when buying refreshments, not at the gift shops

Tour Itinerary

Combining the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon, this breathtaking tour takes you on a wondrous journey through Iceland’s staggeringly raw beauty. It ends with the ultimate Icelandic indulgence: a luxurious soak in a geothermal pool under the open sky. Go on a journey that brings you the experiences of walking among geologic marvels, witnessing an erupting hot spring, discovering a magnificent waterfall, and unwinding in an outdoor geothermal pool.

A Historical & Geological Wonder
Þingvellir National Park is located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. It is a site of great historical, geological, and cultural significance and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Þingvellir is the birthplace of the Althing Iceland’s parliament founded in 930 AD, where the nation’s most powerful leaders would meet to decide on legislation and carry out brutal Viking age justice. 

An Awe-Inspiring Waterfall
The tour continues across an area of picturesque scenery to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Once there, you can take several paths around the two tiers of cascading water to explore several vantage points. Extra time is allotted at this location for a lunch break at Gullfoss Café, where food is available for purchase.

Bubbling with Excitement
Next up is the home of “The Great Geysir” hot spring, which all geysers are named after. This area is an impressive collage of bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful algae deposits. Strokkur geyser puts on quite the show every few minutes blasting boiling water high up into the air.

The Secret Lagoon
Just off the Golden Circle is the Secret Lagoon, a spring-fed pool located near the charming village of Flúðir in South Iceland. Mineral-rich geothermal waters from nearby hot springs stay at a steady temperature of 38° to 40°C, making the Secret Lagoon’s water perfect for bathing, relaxing, and enjoying your time.

Icelandic Open-Air Bathing Experience
The Secret Lagoon was made in 1891 and it is the oldest pool in Iceland. Over the years, the Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin as it was referred to by the villagers, has been part of the local culture that is keeping alive the uniquely authentic experience of Icelandic open-air geothermal bathing. Even Secret Lagoon fell into oblivion after 1947 when the new pool was opened in Flúðir, it had been renovated and today you can visit this amazing place daily.

Hot Springs & Geothermal Features
The Secret Lagoon offers neat and clean locker rooms, showers, and changing facilities, as well as a small bar and dining area. Boardwalks and footpaths surround the pool enable guests to explore the small hot springs and other geothermal features in the immediate area. After 2 hours of enjoying the Secret Lagoon’s miraculous waters, we return to Reykjavík, rejuvenated and refreshed. 

An Experience for the Mind, Body & Soul
While anyone of these stops makes incredible images for your Instagram feed, they also all have rich histories and fascinating tales, each told with their nuances by our knowledgeable guides. Touring the Golden Circle and soaking in the Secret Lagoon is an unforgettable way to experience Iceland’s natural wonders for your body, mind, and soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon?

 The Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon are both situated in the southwest of Iceland. The Golden Circle has three stops - Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, and the way there and back from Reykjavik is approximately 250 kilometers together. Secret Lagoon is the last stop on this tour and is situated in a small place called Flúðir, only around 35 kilometers from the Gullfoss waterfall.

2. How long does the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour take?

The Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour take 9,5 hours, where you spend 2 hours in the Secret Lagoon.

3. Can you do the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour for one day?

Yes! The tour is a perfect day tour to enjoy.

4. What does the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour include?

The tour includes bus transport, a professional tour guide, a tour in English and six other languages, free WiFi onboard, super comfortable coaches, a visit to the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, an entrance with an awesome bath in the Secret Lagoon, and unforgettable memories!

5. Can you drive the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon in the winter?

If you choose to drive the Golden Circle and also a Secret Lagoon tour on your own, we recommend it only if you are a good driver. The conditions are changing very fast, and you can experience a snowstorm, very strong wind, and slippery roads.

6. How long is the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour?

The standard route is approximately 300 kilometers together.

7. Can you traverse the Golden Circle if the weather is bad and bathe in the Secret Lagoon?

Good weather in Iceland could be classified as bad weather in some other parts of the world, so it is very important to check the weather forecast before you leave for your trip. Don't forget to dress properly, and wear good shoes with yaktrax (walking traction).

8. Where to eat during the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour?

Please, don't forget that eating and drinking in our coaches is prohibited. But no worries! At every stop during this tour, you will find refreshments available at coffee places and restaurants there, and you can also eat there your own food and drinks.

9. Where are the pick-up locations for the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour?

Our pick-up locations are from all main hotels in the area of Reykjavik, everywhere where it is possible. At the places where it is not possible, we have designated bus stops where we pick-up from. 

10. Do I need to know something more about the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour?

If you have more questions in mind, or if you plan to do the Golden Circle on your own, click here to find more information you would like to know. When it comes to Secret Lagoon don't forget your swimsuit and towel, but you can also borrow these things at the place if needed. Otherwise, just have a nice time.

11. What is included with the admission to the Secret Lagoon?

Admission to the Secret Lagoon includes entrance fees, showers, and lockers.

12. Secret lagoon or Blue lagoon, what is the difference?

The difference between Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon is that they are situated and made in different areas of Iceland. While Secret Lagoon is in the countryside of South Iceland, Blue Lagoon has its place in the middle of the lava field. Water in Secret Lagoon is geothermally heated, Blue Lagoon has also geothermally heated water but it is milky blue and contains minerals such as silica, algae, and others. Another difference between Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon is that Secret Lagoon is by its size smaller, local, and quieter, while Blue Lagoon is much bigger with more treatments and services to offer.

13. Do I need to book the Secret Lagoon admission separately?

No, Admission to the Secret Lagoon is included with the tour price. We recommend booking the tour in advance since the capacity at Secret Lagoon is limited.

14. How warm is the water at Secret Lagoon?

The water has approximately 38-40°C.

15. How deep is Secret Lagoon?

Secret Lagoon is not very deep, it is approximately 1 meter (2-3 feet) deep.

16. Is Secret Lagoon open at night?

No, Secret Lagoon closes at 19:00 during the wintertime and at 20:00 during the summertime. There is no entrance after closing hours.

17. Are there any other attractions near Secret Lagoon?

Yes! Besides enjoying the stops during the Golden Circle visit, you can also visit an amazing tomato farm with the restaurant Friðheimar or Flúðasveppir farmers bistro where they have amazing mushroom soup.

Please note

• Family-friendly tour
• Refreshments available to buy at most stops
• Restrooms available at all tour stops

Pickup points

Not booked your hotel yet? Hotel not listed? Staying with a friend/family?

Don't worry, you can give us that information when you add this item to your cart.

Pickup Info

Please present your electronic travel voucher/ticket at the time of tour departure.

Pick up and drop off
Pick up from hotels, guesthouses and designated bus stops starts 30 minutes before the tour departure time stated on your voucher.

Need assistance?
Call: +3545401313 or e-mail: iceland@grayline.is