Reykjavík in 1 Day for Seniors - Gullfoss waterfall viewpoints
In Collaboration with SPS Travel. Updated on February 13, 2026.
8-hour German-language shore excursion from Reykjavík covering the classic Golden Circle route in a small group (max 19). Includes stops at Hveragerði, Kerið Crater (admission included), Gullfoss waterfall, the Haukadalur geothermal area with Strokkur geyser, a short farm stop at Efsti-Dalur (ice cream available), Laugarvatn, and Þingvellir National Park. Short city drive through Reykjavík on the返
This itinerary was created in collaboration with SPS Travel, inspired by the tour German guided Golden Circle Shore excursion in small Group. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Gullfoss waterfall viewpoints
- Strokkur geyser eruptions in Haukadalur
- Kerið volcanic crater (admission included)
- Þingvellir National Park: Öxarárfoss & Almannagjá
- Short stop at Efsti-Dalur farm for Icelandic ice cream
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided Golden Circle shore excursion with comfortable pacing, frequent rest stops and short walks suitable for guests preferring step-free or low-effort routes where possible.
Start at the cruise terminal
Meet your German-speaking guide and bus at the Skarfabakki cruise parking. Board, introductions and orientation before departure across the Hellisheiði Plateau toward South Iceland.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet at the bus parked at Skarfabakki cruise parking; allow 10–15 minutes to board so we can depart on schedule.
- Bring any mobility aids onboard; the guide will announce accessible boarding assistance if needed.
- Keep a light jacket easily available — conditions on the Hellisheiði Plateau can be windier than in the harbour.
Transfer across Hellisheiði Plateau to Hveragerði
Scenic transfer across the geothermal plateau into the town of Hveragerði; short comfort stop planned at a shopping center with access to an earthquake fissure.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the on-board restroom before disembarking in Hveragerði; facilities at the shopping stop are convenient for seniors.
- Keep a small bottle of water handy for the short outdoor stretch; benches are available nearby.
- If you need a restroom immediately on arrival, tell the guide — we build extra time for accessibility needs.
Hveragerði – earthquake fissure (short stop)
Short, mostly level stop at the shopping area to view a visible earthquake fissure and stretch legs. Time allocated for restrooms and seating.
Tips from local experts:
- The fissure viewing area is short walk from the bus; wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes for stable footing.
- Benches and sheltered seating are available near the shopping area — request help from the guide if you need a closer parking spot.
- Public restrooms are located inside the shopping centre; bring small change or a card as signage indicates.
Transfer to Kerið Crater
Drive from Hveragerði to the Kerið volcanic crater across open farmland and low hills. Short transfer with scenic views.
Tips from local experts:
- The bus provides a stable seat for this transfer; request an aisle seat if you prefer easier movement.
- Carry sunglasses and a hat — the open landscape can be bright even on cool days.
- If you use a walking stick, keep it accessible for the short walk at the crater rim.
Kerið Crater (admission included)
Visit the 6,500-year-old Kerið volcanic crater. Gentle walking along the rim with optional descent to the crater edge where conditions allow.
Tips from local experts:
- Admission to Kerið is included; follow the guide's recommended route for the most even paths to minimize steps.
- There are short, uneven sections at the rim — take care on inclines and use handrails where provided.
- If you prefer to avoid steps, let the guide know — an accessible viewpoint on the rim offers a clear view without descending.
Transfer to Gullfoss waterfall
Drive north-east toward Gullfoss, crossing low highland roads; brief comfort break on approach if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 25–40 minute drive; use this time to sit and relax — the guide will advise on the best exit point for minimal walking.
- Bring a light waterproof layer; spray from Gullfoss can make viewing areas damp.
- If you have balance concerns, request seating near the bus door for faster boarding after the stop.
Gullfoss waterfall (viewing)
Visit the Gullfoss viewing platforms. Short, mostly paved paths to accessible viewpoints with benches and railings on main platforms.
Tips from local experts:
- Main viewpoints have railings and benches; follow the marked paths and avoid slippery edges.
- There are accessible parking and a short paved route to the primary viewing platform — notify the guide if you need a closer drop-off.
- Carry a compact umbrella or waterproof layer for gusts and spray near the waterfall.
Transfer to Haukadalur (Geysir geothermal area)
Short drive from Gullfoss to the Haukadalur geothermal area where Strokkur reliably erupts every few minutes.
Tips from local experts:
- The transfer is brief; use the walk to adjust shoes and clothing for walking on boardwalks.
- Restrooms are available at the Geysir visitor area — convenient for seniors before walking the geothermal path.
- Stick to the marked boardwalks and paths for safety; hot ground is dangerous off-trail.
Haukadalur / Strokkur geyser
Walk the boardwalks of the geothermal area, watch Strokkur erupt (every ~5–10 minutes) and see nearby hot springs and fumaroles. Time allows seeing several eruptions.
Tips from local experts:
- Boardwalks are generally level but can be wet; wear non-slip shoes and use walking aids if needed.
- Stand at a comfortable distance from eruption points — the guide will point out best vantage spots with seating nearby.
- If you prefer shorter walks, the main Strokkur area is close to the visitor facilities and rest seats.
Transfer to Efsti-Dalur farm (ice cream stop)
Short countryside drive to Efsti-Dalur farm where ice cream made from the farm's milk is available. This is a brief refreshment stop.
Tips from local experts:
- The farm shop has limited seating; if you need a seat, notify the guide to prioritize assistance.
- If you have dairy allergies or dietary restrictions, ask staff about ingredients before ordering.
- This stop is short; if you prefer to remain on the bus, inform the guide so you can be comfortably seated during the brief visit.
Efsti-Dalur ice cream factory (short stop)
Short refreshment stop to sample Icelandic farm-made ice cream and rest. Time kept intentionally brief to maintain the overall schedule.
Tips from local experts:
- Counter service is typical; if mobility is limited, request assistance from staff or the guide to bring orders to seating.
- Bring tissues or hand sanitizer — outdoor seating areas are available but amenities are limited.
- If you prefer to skip the stop, inform the guide and the bus will wait nearby for your return.
Transfer to Laugarvatn (short stop)
Short drive to the shores of Laugarvatn for views of geothermal activity and the lakeshore baking areas. Very brief stop for photos and fresh air.
Tips from local experts:
- The stop is short and mostly a viewpoint; if you need more time, request this from the guide in advance.
- Watch for uneven ground near natural hot springs at the shoreline; stay on designated paths.
- Benches are available in parts of the lakeshore area for short rests.
Transfer to Þingvellir National Park
Drive west across the Lyngdalsheiði Plateau toward Þingvellir National Park with scenic views of Þingvallavatn and tectonic features on the approach.
Tips from local experts:
- This transfer takes ~30–40 minutes; use the time to sit and prepare for a moderate walk with some uneven surfaces.
- If you use a mobility aid, inform the guide — drop-off can be arranged near the main visitor area for shorter walking routes.
- Carry a light layer as winds can be stronger in the rift valley even on warm days.
Þingvellir National Park — Öxarárfoss & Almannagjá
Guided walk in Þingvellir: visit Öxarárfoss waterfall and walk a section of Almannagjá gorge to learn about Icelandic history and plate tectonics. Paths include some uneven sections and short inclines.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths in Almannagjá and to Öxarárfoss have uneven stone surfaces — wear supportive footwear and use walking poles if helpful.
- There are visitor centre restrooms and seating near the main car park; plan short rests if needed during the 60-minute visit.
- Follow the guide’s suggested, lower-effort route if you prefer to avoid steeper stairs or longer distances.
Return transfer with short Reykjavík city drive
Drive back to Reykjavík with a short detour through downtown for a quick orientation and photo stop before returning to the cruise terminal.
Tips from local experts:
- Estimated return time to the cruise terminal is approximately 16:00; traffic and weather can affect the exact arrival — keep your ship’s boarding time in mind.
- If you need assistance disembarking at the terminal, inform the guide in advance so arrangements can be made.
- Carry any medication or essential items with you on the bus; the bus will not be left unattended at the terminal.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 9 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Attraction, Restaurant, Culture |
