Reykjavík in 1 Day for Families - Gullfoss — dramatic, stroller-accessible viewing paths
In Collaboration with Holiday Tours. Updated on February 8, 2026.
A relaxed, family-focused version of the classic Golden Circle: Faxi, Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir with short drives, a bakery break, ice-cream farm stop and plenty of restroom / stroller-friendly pauses. Designed for families with children (recommended ages 5+) with realistic pacing and extra time for photos and snacks.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Holiday Tours, inspired by the tour Classic Golden Circle Small Group Day Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Gullfoss — dramatic, stroller-accessible viewing paths
- Geysir geothermal area — watch Strokkur erupt every 5–8 minutes
- Þingvellir National Park — short, safe walks between tectonic rifts
- Faxi waterfall — intimate waterside path ideal for kids
- Efstidalur II — family-run farm ice cream stop
- Comfort breaks in Hveragerði (bakery & restrooms)
Itinerary
Day 1
Start in Reykjavík with hotel pick-up; a gentle pace through Hellisheiði and Hveragerði, then the classic Golden Circle stops with family-friendly timings and an ice-cream farm if time permits.
Pickup — Meet your driver-guide in central Reykjavík
Group pickup around downtown Reykjavík. Driver confirms the route, hands out a short safety & comfort briefing and notes restroom/stroller arrangements for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready at your confirmed pickup spot at 08:30; pickup can take up to 30–40 minutes if multiple stops are required.
- Keep a small day-bag with snacks, children’s wet wipes and a light jacket — Icelandic weather changes fast.
- If you’re travelling with a stroller, let the guide know on arrival so they can help with safe loading/unloading.
Short photo stop — Hellisheiði plateau / Hellisheiði Power Station (drive-by & viewpoint)
A short stop on the Hellisheiði plateau for mossy-lava scenery photos and a safe stretch of legs. This is a quick, family-friendly viewpoint (no long hikes).
Tips from local experts:
- This is a quick 20-minute stop—kids can run briefly but stay on marked areas; no steep edges here.
- Bring a light windproof layer — the plateau is exposed even in summer.
- There are usually no facilities at the viewpoint; use the bakery stop in Hveragerði right after for restrooms.
Bakery & restroom break — Hveragerði
Short rest stop in the small town of Hveragerði — a family-friendly bakery break where you can use toilets, refill water bottles and grab simple breakfast pastries or sandwiches.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose the bakery’s pre-packed options if you have restless kids — quick and easy to eat on the go.
- Restrooms are available at the bakery; keep spare change or cards handy as some small bakeries prefer card payments.
- If you have a stroller, staff can usually help with a sheltered place to leave it while you pop inside.
Drive to Faxi waterfall
Short scenic drive from Hveragerði to the Faxi waterfall parking area — an easy, family-suited waterfall with a gentle trail from the carpark.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive is under 30 minutes; plan a snack or short in-car activity for younger children.
- Keep cameras ready — small roadside photo-ops of horses and rivers are common along this stretch.
- Parents: wear sensible shoes for the trail at the waterfall; some sections can be damp and uneven.
Faxi (Faxifoss) — family-friendly waterfall visit
Explore the intimate Faxi waterfall: an easy path from the parking lot allows close viewing and great photo ops without long walks.
Tips from local experts:
- The trail is short but can be muddy after rain — waterproof shoes are helpful for kids.
- There are safe low-rail viewing areas; keep children within sight as rocks may be slippery near the water.
- This stop is great for short, supervised exploration and an early photo break before larger crowds arrive.
Drive to Gullfoss (Golden Falls)
Scenic drive toward Gullfoss, the famous 'Golden Falls' — arrive to the main parking area and prepared viewing platforms.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a light rain layer handy for the mist generated by Gullfoss, especially for small children.
- There are accessible viewing paths from the main carpark; ask the guide for the smoothest route if you have a stroller.
- A short motion-sickness break may help kids before arriving if any are prone to car-sickness.
Gullfoss — main viewing platforms and short walk
Visit Gullfoss with time for photos and a short, family-paced walk to the best viewpoints. The walk from the parking area is short — staff may close some paths in extreme weather.
Tips from local experts:
- The main paved area is stroller-friendly; higher viewpoints involve steps — carry toddlers if needed.
- Bring a spare change of clothes for kids if they enjoy playing near rivers — splashes can happen.
- If visibility is low, the guide will point out the best sheltered viewpoints and tell the story of the falls to keep children engaged.
Drive to Geysir geothermal area (short transfer)
Quick drive to the Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur erupts frequently — this stop also includes a family-friendly lunch break at the visitor centre if desired.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive is short; use this time to remind children about safe distances from hot springs.
- Strollers are fine on the main boardwalks in the Geysir area, but keep them away from rough ground near vents.
- Buy lunch inside the Geysir Center if you want quick kid-friendly meals and reliable restrooms.
Geysir & lunch — watch Strokkur erupt and eat at the visitor centre
Plenty of time to watch Strokkur erupt (every ~5–8 minutes), explore safe boardwalks and enjoy a family lunch at the Geysir Centre or bring packed lunches to eat in designated areas.
Tips from local experts:
- Strokkur’s eruptions are reliable — pick a bench with a view and let kids count eruptions to stay engaged.
- The Geysir Center has kid-friendly menu options and clean restrooms with baby-changing facilities.
- Never let children wander off the marked boardwalks — hot ground and boiling pools are hazardous.
Drive to Þingvellir National Park (scenic transfer)
Drive across the Golden Circle toward Þingvellir, with countryside views and possible short photo stops along the route.
Tips from local experts:
- This drive is a good window for naps — have blankets or neck pillows for younger children.
- If your family wants a short leg-stretch, ask the guide for a quick safe pull-over at a scenic spot.
- Keep cameras ready: the route often shows horses grazing near the road, which kids enjoy spotting.
Þingvellir National Park — rift valley, history and easy walks
Explore Þingvellir with easy, stroller-friendly paths to the main viewpoints and short, interpretive walks to see the tectonic rift and historic assembly site.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to paved/marked paths for stroller access; some scenic spots have steps — carry small children when necessary.
- Use the visitor centre restrooms and family facilities before heading out on the short walks.
- Turn the visit into a family treasure hunt: look for plaque signs, rift features and birdlife to keep kids engaged.
Optional ice-cream farm stop — Efstidalur II (seasonal / time-permitting)
If time allows, stop at Efstidalur II for a short farm visit and locally made ice cream — a beloved treat for kids on the Golden Circle.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a short 30-minute stop—ice cream is seasonal and can sell out, so move quickly if children are eager.
- There’s usually space for strollers and a small outdoor play area; supervise kids near farm animals.
- If dairy allergies are a concern, ask the staff about options — some farms offer non-dairy alternatives in summer.
Return drive and drop-off back in Reykjavík
Comfortable drive back to Reykjavík with drop-offs at central locations or pre-agreed hotel points. Driver will confirm exact order of drop-offs during the return leg.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect arrival back in Reykjavík around 16:30; confirm your preferred drop-off point with the guide early in the return leg.
- If kids need a last restroom stop before hotel drop-off, ask the guide — they’ll usually accommodate one short stop.
- Gather belongings and check seat areas (under seats) for chargers, hats, and small toys before leaving the vehicle.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Break, Attraction, Culture, Meal |
