Included: An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of hiking in Iceland Fuel and parking fees 4×4 vehicle for off-road and paved road transportation Pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik or nearby accommodations Add-ons: Photography services Not included: Flights to and from Iceland Airport transfers Hiking gear Accommodations Meals and drinks Personal expenses Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

A moderate level of fitness is required for this tour. Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 10 km / 16 mi on uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to +500 m / +1,640 ft. To prepare, engage in regular jogging, hiking, or brisk walking to build stamina, practice walking on uneven trails, incorporate stretches for flexibility, and maintain a balanced diet with proper hydration. For more hiking adventures in Iceland, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Packed lunch and snacks — optional (but recommended) Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with a good grip and ankle support Comfortable and warm hiking clothes Spare clothes for layering (fleece or thermal recommended) Waterproof clothing (layers, hat, gloves, windproof jacket, pants, puffy jacket, goretex) Sunhat Swimsuit and towel Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Golden Circle tour in Iceland, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 4 participants. Let us know if there’s more of you, up to 8 people can go on this trip, but only if requested. The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! Golden Circle tours in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups (up to 8 people max). Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join this Golden Circle tour in Iceland on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Golden Circle tour in Iceland is Reykjavik. To get there, most people fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF) . From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavik. Once you’re there, your guide will pick you up, either in Reykjavik, at your accommodation, or at another specified location on the way from Reykjavík to the Gullfoss parking lot. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

REYKJAVIK | ICELAND

Hike the Golden Circle: Day Trip in Iceland

5.00

Hiker climbing down with steam on the side

From $820 ()

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Duration

1 day

Season

June through September

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

If you’ve got 24 hours in Iceland, here’s how to spend them right. Start with the classics—Gullfoss flexing its power, Geysir bubbling with personality, and Þingvellir showing off its geological split-screen views. Then it’s all systems go to Kerlingarfjöll, where you’ll hike through Hveradalir’s steaming landscapes or tackle a heart-pumping trek from base camp. The scenery? A wild mash-up of otherworldly colors, geothermal drama, and raw natural beauty. No matter how you slice it, this one-day odyssey takes you to Iceland’s most iconic spots and its hidden gems. Ready to make your friends jealous? Let’s roll!

Adventure highlights

Circle of wonders

Experience the Golden Circle’s big three: Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir
Steamy trails

Trek through Kerlingarfjöll’s geothermal wonderland, where colorful mountains and steaming vents steal the show
Hveradalir hike

Explore bubbling hot springs and vivid landscapes on a stunning 4-km (2.5-mi) loop

Itinerary

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Embark on an unforgettable day trip blending Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle with the rugged beauty of Kerlingarfjöll. We’ll start by marveling at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling hot springs of the Geysir geothermal area, and the historic Þingvellir National Park. Then, we’ll venture off-road to the striking Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, where steaming geothermal valleys meet dramatic peaks. Choose between the 4 km (2.5 mi) Hveradalir Circle hike (1–2 hours, +100 m / +328 ft ascent) for stunning views or a more adventurous 10 km (6.2 mi) round-trip trek (4–5 hours, +400 m / +1,312 ft ascent) from the base camp. With a mix of iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path wonders, this tour offers the perfect day of exploration.

Hike the Golden Circle: Day Trip in Iceland

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Valerio Papetti

Valerio Papetti is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and founder of Iceland Adventures, a travel agency specializing in glacier tours and tailored adventures in Iceland. With over six years of experience living and exploring the land of fire and ice, Valerio combines his deep knowledge of Icelandic nature—including its remote Highlands—with a commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized experiences for his guests.

5.00

Iceland Adventures

Iceland Adventures is a travel agency specializing in glacier tours and tailored adventures in Iceland. It was founded by Valerio Papetti. With over six years of experience living and exploring the land of fire and ice, Valerio combines his deep knowledge of Icelandic nature—including its remote Highlands—with a commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized experiences for his guests.

5.00(3 reviews)

Dj W

I recently had the pleasure of going on a tour that surpassed all my expectations, leaving me with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the destination. This simple yet extraordinary tour deserves every single one of its well-deserved five stars.

Andrew T

Valerio was absolutely amazing, the group was fantastic, the tour it self was breathtaking. 10/10 experience. Valerio was so helpful and energetic. Would recommend this experience to anyone.

Ger Isa

I was so happy to explore this corner of the highlands on this hiking tour with Valerio! Never in a million years did I imagine such landscapes on Earth. We hiked through the volcanic dunes tucked between rivers and steppes. Valerio was an amazing guide as he was patient but also straightforward and hilarious to travel with. His storytelling was also super interesting and gave us a deeper sense of what living in Iceland is like. So grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! PS: If you’re undecided, I highly recommend visiting the highlands on a guided tour, as it’s safer to go with an experienced guide who knows how to drive these unpaved roads. We saw a couple with a flat tire, and insurance was NOT going to cover that for them! Go with peace of mind, and let the pros take you instead.

Show all reviews

Dj W

Andrew T

Valerio was absolutely amazing, the group was fantastic, the tour it self was breathtaking. 10/10 experience. Valerio was so helpful and energetic. Would recommend this experience to anyone.

Ger Isa

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of hiking in Iceland
  - Fuel and parking fees
  - 4×4 vehicle for off-road and paved road transportation
  - Pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik or nearby accommodations
Add-ons:
- - Photography services
Not included:
- - Flights to and from Iceland
  - Airport transfers
  - Hiking gear
  - Accommodations
  - Meals and drinks
  - Personal expenses
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
A moderate level of fitness is required for this tour. Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 10 km / 16 mi on uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to +500 m / +1,640 ft. To prepare, engage in regular jogging, hiking, or brisk walking to build stamina, practice walking on uneven trails, incorporate stretches for flexibility, and maintain a balanced diet with proper hydration.

For more hiking adventures in Iceland, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Packed lunch and snacks — optional (but recommended)
  - Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with a good grip and ankle support
  - Comfortable and warm hiking clothes
  - Spare clothes for layering (fleece or thermal recommended)
  - Waterproof clothing (layers, hat, gloves, windproof jacket, pants, puffy jacket, goretex)
  - Sunhat
  - Swimsuit and towel
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Golden Circle tour in Iceland, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 4 participants. Let us know if there’s more of you, up to 8 people can go on this trip, but only if requested.
  - The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
Golden Circle tours in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups (up to 8 people max). Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join this Golden Circle tour in
  - Iceland on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Golden Circle tour in Iceland is Reykjavik. To get there, most people fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavik.

Once you’re there, your guide will pick you up, either in Reykjavik, at your accommodation, or at another specified location on the way from Reykjavík to the Gullfoss parking lot. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
To book this adventure, please pay the full amount upon checkout.
- - Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
  - Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
  - Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.