Reykjavík in 1 Day for Couples - Short Reykjavik city tour (old harbour, city center, Hallgrímskirkja)
In Collaboration with Fun Travel Iceland. Updated on February 17, 2026.
First, the tour starts with a short city tour around Reykjavik. Among places we will see are the old harbour, the city center and Hallgrimskirkja church. Then we continue towards Thingvellir (Parliament Plaines), the location of the old parliament and a geological phenomenon with a rift valley between two continental plates. From there we drive to the Geysir geothermal area for a spouting geyser и
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Fun Travel Iceland, inspired by the tour Private Golden Circle Jeep Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Short Reykjavik city tour (old harbour, city center, Hallgrímskirkja)
- Þingvellir National Park — rift valley & historic Alþingi site
- Geysir geothermal area — bubbling springs and Strokkur eruptions
- Gullfoss — the Golden Waterfall with possible rainbows
- Short photo stop at Faxi Waterfall
Itinerary
Day 1
Private 8-hour Golden Circle loop from Reykjavík with pickup and drop-off. The sequence follows the operator's agenda: short Reykjavik city tour, Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss (lunch stop), then Faxi waterfall on the return leg.
Reykjavík city tour — Hallgrímskirkja & old harbour (short)
Short guided drive-and-walk introduction to Reykjavík: old harbour, city centre viewpoints and Hallgrímskirkja as the focal stop for photos and orientation.
Tips from local experts:
- Pickup is door-to-door in Reykjavík; have your preferred pickup address ready when confirming — wear a light windproof layer for harbour viewpoints.
- Hallgrímskirkja plaza can be windy; bring a secure camera strap and use the paved plaza for easy, step-free photos.
- If you prefer a quieter photo moment, ask the guide for a brief stop slightly off the main entrance to avoid bus crowds.
Drive to Þingvellir National Park (transfer)
Scenic drive from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park; brief comfort break if needed during transfer.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect ~45–55 minutes driving depending on traffic; keep a light jacket handy as temperatures can drop at the park.
- Restroom facilities are available at the Þingvellir visitor area; use them on arrival to maximize time on the walking trail.
- If you wear sunglasses, keep them accessible — glare on open plains can be strong on sunny days.
Þingvellir National Park — walk & viewpoints
Visit the historical Alþingi site and viewpoint areas that illustrate the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates. Short, maintained walking paths with several photo viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Walking routes are on uneven ground in places; wear sturdy, flat-soled shoes suitable for short trails.
- Stick to marked paths for safety and conservation — drift slightly from main viewpoints only where surfaces are paved.
- There are sheltered picnic areas near the visitor information; bring a small snack if you prefer to avoid the main lunch stop crowd.
Drive to Geysir geothermal area (transfer)
Drive from Þingvellir to the Haukadalur geothermal area where Geysir and Strokkur are located. Short stops possible en route for photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow roughly 45–55 minutes driving; keep a bottle of water accessible during transfers.
- To capture eruptions, arrive on the upper viewing platforms where Strokkur is most visible.
- Steam can smell strongly in some points; plan seating in the Jeep where wind direction is favourable if sensitive.
Geysir geothermal area — hot springs & Strokkur
Explore the boardwalks around bubbling pools and watch Strokkur erupt regularly. Time allocated to photograph eruptions and walk the immediate area.
Tips from local experts:
- Strokkur typically erupts every few minutes; position yourself slightly upwind to avoid spray when photographing.
- Stay on the boardwalks and marked paths — ground between pools can be unstable and very hot.
- Carry a lightweight rain layer; geothermal spray and sudden weather shifts can cause damp conditions on viewpoints.
Drive to Gullfoss (short transfer)
Short drive from the Geysir area to the Gullfoss visitor area. Quick stretch stop before the waterfall viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- Drive time is short (around 10–15 minutes); use the brief transfer to reapply layers before arriving at the falls.
- The Gullfoss visitor area has paved viewpoints; bring a secure hat or jacket for windy conditions.
- If you wish to use the visitor centre restrooms, plan to do so on arrival to maximize viewing time.
Gullfoss waterfall — viewing and lunch nearby
Visit the Gullfoss viewing platforms and allow time for a relaxed lunch break at nearby facilities or picnic area. Time set aside for an unhurried meal and walking the main viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm, waterproof outer layer — spray from Gullfoss can reach the viewpoints, especially on windy days.
- There are indoor cafeteria-style options near the visitor centre; if you prefer outdoor seating, bring a windproof blanket for comfort.
- Plan to spend time on both upper and lower platforms for different photographic angles of the falls.
Drive to Faxi Waterfall (transfer)
Short transfer from Gullfoss to the roadside Faxi waterfall for a brief photo stop on the return leg to Reykjavík.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect roughly 25–35 minutes driving depending on route; keep camera ready as the roadside stop is quick.
- The Faxi viewing area is compact; step onto the grassy bank for the best framing but watch for slippery surfaces.
- If you prefer a quieter photo, ask the guide to time arrival slightly off peak around other tour groups.
Return drive to Reykjavík and drop-off
Scenic return drive to Reykjavík with optional short stops for photos if time allows. Drop-off at original pickup location in Reykjavík.
Tips from local experts:
- Return drive is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes; keep personal items gathered for a timely drop-off.
- If you want a special moment at the end of the day, request a short stop at a Reykjavik waterfront viewpoint before drop-off.
- Let the guide know if you need a specific drop-off time — traffic in Reykjavík can vary and the schedule allows a small buffer.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Outdoor, Attraction |
