All about Iceland’s Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, taking you to three of Iceland’s most magnificent natural marvels in a thrilling 300-kilometer trail.
Easily reached in a day trip from the capital city, Reykjavik it’s an ideal introduction to the “Land of Fire and Ice,” packed with fascinating geological and historical treasures.
These are the three highlights of the Golden Circle:
- Þingvellir National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Geysir Geothermal Area - home of the “original” geyser
- Gullfoss - a majestic two-tier waterfall
As well as these marvelous attractions, there are more magical sights to see, including the colorful crater at Kerið and the wide waterfall at Brúarfoss.
The Golden Circle offers one spectacular sight after another, the most celebrated of Iceland’s adventures, so it’s the perfect place to get started!
Where is the Golden Circle in Iceland?
The Golden Circle is close to the capital city of Reykjavík, taking just 45 minutes to reach the first stop at Þingvellir National Park and another hour to reach Geysir and Gullfoss.
You can explore the highlights on one of our Golden Circle Tours, with departure times to suit your schedule.
All about Þingvellir (Thingvellir)
Þingvellir is the most historically significant place in Iceland and one of its most dramatic sights too!
Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, it’s one of the few places where you can see the split between Eurasian and North American tectonic plates above land, where they pull apart from each other a few centimeters a year.
It’s a spectacular rift valley where you can enjoy the unique experience of walking between two continents!
As well as its geological significance, Þingvellir is a sacred place for all Icelanders.
The name means “Assembly Fields,” where the early Viking settlers gathered every summer to resolve disputes, make laws, and enjoy festivals and feasts.
The Alþingi (Althingi) is the longest-standing parliament in the world, founded in 930 and meeting here every summer until 1798.
“Law Speakers” would recite the laws of the day by the “Law Rock,” making the most of the natural acoustics of the dizzying cliffs. Here, Icelanders agreed to choose Christianity as the national religion in the year 1000.
Later in its history, Iceland declared its independence from Denmark from here in 1944, and sixty years later, Þingvellir was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The summer residence of Iceland’s Prime Minister is by the lake, Þingvallavatn (Thingvallavatn), which is the largest natural freshwater lake in Iceland.
On our Golden Circle tours, you can walk in Viking footsteps and learn all about how the nation of Iceland was born in this stunning setting.
All about Geysir
Heading further inland from Þingvellir for about an hour brings you to the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, home of the first “geyser” in the world!
This is Geysir, which gave its name to all erupting hot springs.
After changes in the geology here, Geysir itself is quiet now, but Strokkur is very active.
It erupts with enormous power every few minutes, sending fountains of superheated water and vapor into the sky.
Geysir was the first hot water spout ever recorded, and its written references date back to 1294! It was the first “geyser” that Europeans had heard of, and the name comes from the Icelandic words for “to gush.”
You’ll see the Haukadalur Geothermal Area from far away as we approach the area on our Golden Circle tours, with clouds of steam vapor rising high into the sky.
When you arrive, you’ll be amazed by the bubbling hot springs and hot streams running around the area – this is a colorful and exciting place to visit!
You’ll be able to get very close to Strokkur, so you’re guaranteed to snap some stunning pictures when it erupts every few minutes. Just check the wind direction to avoid a potential shower!
Geysers occur when cold rainwater seeps through bedrock to hot volcanic rocks below, where the water gets heated up under intense pressure before exploding upwards and jetting into the air.
This is one of the few active geysers that can be accessed so easily, so don’t miss your chance to see this natural marvel for yourself!
All about Gullfoss
There are as many as ten thousand waterfalls in Iceland, and Gullfoss is one of the most famous of them all!
Gullfoss, which translates as “Golden Falls,” is a gorgeous two-tier waterfall that tumbles over thirty meters into a steep and narrow ravine.
Taking meltwater from Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull (the Long Glacier), the tremendous power of Gullfoss sends sheets of spray high into the sky, triggering rainbows on sunny days.
Several viewing platforms are accessible, so you can see this stunning spectacle from varying perspectives.
Watch as the “White River” waters crash down over 11 meters and then another 21 meters, surrounded by 70-meter cliffs on either side of the ravine!
Gullfoss was nearly turned into a hydroelectric power plant in the 1920s. However, a determined local campaigner helped prevent that, and Gullfoss is now a protected national treasure.
What should I bring with me to the Golden Circle?
Bring a camera. Or your smartphone. You’re going to take a LOT of pictures!
As always, dress in layers that are comfortable and easy to take off. The weather in Iceland is famously changeable, so you must be prepared.
Bring scarves, gloves, hats, windproof pants, and sturdy shoes.
Depending on the season, you might need all of these!
- Thermal undershirt
- Thermal leggings/tights
- Thick socks
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Warm fleece
- Touch screen gloves (to access your phone’s camera) and mittens
- Heavy-duty waterproof parka
Safety
Listen to your guides when you’re exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle.
Stay on marked paths, and don’t tread on the moss!
Don’t risk injury from a fall. No picture is worth risking your life!
We offer a range of tours featuring visits to Iceland’s Golden Circle for you to choose from, with different schedules and formats.