Review: Small Group Golden Circle Day Trip From Reykjavik

So, you’re considering a jaunt around Iceland’s famed Golden Circle? Well, I recently did a small group tour from Reykjavik, and let me tell you, it’s pretty something to think about. Instead of battling huge crowds on a mega-bus, this felt more like a relaxed outing with new friends, just experiencing Iceland’s treasures in a more personal way. I thought it would be nice to share my experience, and some thoughts, hopefully that makes planning your trip a bit easier.

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Why Choose a Small Group Tour, Basically?

There are big tours, and then there are these, very personal small group versions. Seriously, what’s the buzz? A couple of pretty notable differences, actually. For one, picture fewer heads popping into your photos. Seriously, trying to snap that perfect pic of Geysir going off is rather a lot better when you’re not surrounded by hundreds of your newest best friends all jockeying for the same spot. Beyond photo ops, a small group sort of fosters a more conversational environment, too. You can actually, almost, talk to your guide and ask loads of questions without feeling like you’re holding everyone up. Plus, you know, it’s almost that you get to know your fellow travelers a little more. It really ends up adding a social element that bigger tours often seem to miss, arguably. From my experience, this is something really worthwhile considering, when you’re choosing a tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle, actually.

Thingvellir National Park: Where Tectonic Plates Meet, Just a Little

Thingvellir, also written as Þingvellir (I think), it’s actually the first stop. What is it? So, it’s that place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Think of it like standing in between two massive jigsaw puzzle pieces slowly drifting apart, in some respects. It’s dramatic, very dramatic! But, Thingvellir isn’t just a geological wonder; I think it’s steeped in history, too. Seriously, it’s here that the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, was established way back in 930 AD. Is that a bit mind-blowing or what? Taking a walk through the Almannagjá gorge sort of allows you to touch the cliffs that mark the edges of the plates. Plus, like your guide almost certainly fills you in, you can also learn a lot about Iceland’s legal traditions. They’re like, what I think shaped the nation. Really take a breath, maybe visualize Vikings giving speeches, you can easily find yourself lost in a good history moment. Also, fun fact, parts of Game of Thrones were filmed here. Anyhow, who knew tectonic plates and TV history made pretty good company?

Geysir Geothermal Area: Waiting for the Show, Basically

Alright, next up on our list is Geysir. The name may well ring a bell. Here you get that geothermal area that gives all those geysers their English name. Now, Geysir itself doesn’t erupt that often these days, but its neighbor Strokkur definitely puts on a pretty good show! Every few minutes, it sends a tower of steaming water high into the air. Waiting for it to blow its top actually becomes quite an entertaining pastime. Cameras click away trying to capture that picture, you know the money shot? All while the air smells a bit like sulfur, it’s definitely that constant reminder that the earth beneath you is pretty active. While you wander between the bubbling mud pits and steaming vents, maybe spare a moment to just think of the sheer raw power of the earth and what it actually is that lies right under your feet. It gives a very deep respect for nature’s crazy forces, more or less. Pro tip: stand upwind of Strokkur or you’ll, probably, get a steaming hot shower! (Speaking from experience, obviously!)

Gullfoss Waterfall: The Golden Falls, for Real

Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls”, is like the final stop on the classic Golden Circle tour. This spot is definitely unforgettable. What makes it rather breathtaking? Seriously, two tiers of roaring water just cascade down into a rugged canyon. And get this! On sunny days, the mist creates almost permanent rainbows dancing over the falls. I mean, the view’s picture postcard stuff for real! There are that good viewpoints close to the edge. That said, if you, like your heart wants to get a bit closer, be sure you wrap up. Because the spray from the falls tends to be very serious business. You know, like an all-natural face wash! Seriously though, beyond the natural splendor, there’s this really cool story attached to Gullfoss too. A woman named Sigríður Tómasdóttir, she apparently fought to save the falls from being dammed for hydroelectric power. Because of that, she’s like that local hero for sure. Standing there, at the waterfall, you really understand the sheer power. This spot deserves so much protection. Actually a pretty strong moment for reflection if you ask me.

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Added Perks of a Small Group Experience, Seriously

I guess the classic Golden Circle spots are a pretty reliable starting point, any other added benefits come to mind. It comes down to a personalized touch. Often these small tour groups will offer surprises on the route, which is why this route it’s very charming! So, it could mean making a stop at a pretty charming Icelandic ice cream farm (yum!), maybe swinging by a hidden geothermal area that isn’t flooded by tourists, or even adding an extra viewpoint that you cannot find on all the other typical trips! With a guide that gets the needs of their group they’re totally much more tuned in to where the interests lie. Meaning that tour becomes almost tailored to that particular little group that is together! Actually, our guide even had some awesome Icelandic music playing in the van, so it made all the drives between attractions really fun and interesting, more or less. This helps to makes the entire trip all that much more remarkable for everyone!

Things to Keep in Mind, Though

OK, time for practical tips to make this a smooth adventure. I guess, most importantly? Layers. You’re visiting Iceland, obviously? The weather likes to change its mind often, very often! Sun, rain, wind – all within an hour is fairly the normal. Invest in water-resistant clothing to prepare properly, just in case, right? Next? Shoes with very strong grips. Trails and viewing areas can be slippery, almost regardless of weather conditions. Seriously, a tumble won’t make the memory for the right reasons! It might be worth bringing a reusable water bottle too? Actually the Icelandic water is super clean and incredibly delicious so why are you paying for expensive bottled stuff?

So, it’s worth remembering your camera, charger, and maybe a portable battery. Seriously though, all those stunning vistas are the thing for Instagram photos! It’s not like you want to be ‘that’ person experiencing an almost ‘out of juice’ phone and missing stuff!

Last thing? Make sure to bring along a sense of wonder, just a little! This land seems unreal, especially. When approached with excitement you may even enjoy every little quirk and curve that nature actually throws your way!

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