Iceland’s Golden Circle: The Essential Stops You Can’t Miss

Iceland boasts a number of scenic touring routes: the Diamond Circle, Westfjords Way and the Arctic Coast Way are all proving popular with visitors to the country. But the original – and arguably the best – is the Golden Circle. It’s a great place to get a fuller understanding of the geological and geographical processes that shape the Icelandic landscape as well as learn about the country’s history and culture. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect if you book a Golden Circle Classic tour with Gray Line so you can find out more about the essential stops you can’t miss.

Some background to the three main destinations on the Golden Circle

Þingvellir

Þingvellir (you’ll see it written in English as it is pronounced: Thingvellir) is the oldest of Iceland’s three national parks, approaching its centennial celebrations. This is where the convergence of the country’s geology and culture is most apparent and so it’s worth doing some background reading about both so that you appreciate its significance.

Iceland sits on the plate boundary between two massive tectonic plates: the Eurasian plate and the North American plate. These are giant pieces of the earth’s crust which float on a viscous layer called the mantle. This is really hot, and so convection currents churn away within the molten rock. These cause the plates above to move very slowly apart, leaving a rough and rocky tear in the landscape.

Þingvellir means “assembly plains” and in this extraordinary setting, the Alþing general assembly met for more than 800 years, until 1798. In the early days, Iceland’s politics was dominated by chieftains, who came together from all over the country to discuss matters of importance and pass laws.

This business took place at a spot called the Lögberg (Law Rock). Historians know roughly where this was; perhaps where you see the flagpole today, or perhaps a little higher up within the Almannagjá fault. It probably would have been somewhere that was sheltered from the weather. Regardless of its precise location, you can imagine what it might have been like all those centuries ago as you gaze out over the lower ground.

Gullfoss

The Golden Circle is home to a number of waterfalls, and in fact, if you took a walk beyond the Lögberg away from the visitor centre (as we recommend you should!) you’ll have already seen Öxarárfoss. A wooden boardwalk leads to this small but beautiful cascade that’s definitely worth the time.

What a visit to Öxarárfoss also does is gives you something with which to compare Gullfoss. This amazing waterfall is far larger than its Þingvellir cousin, giving you a much clearer picture of the force of the water and how something liquid can manage to sculpt solid rock. From the parking area, a trail leads alongside the Hvitá River, giving you an extended view of the action.

Even though the basalt and sedimentary rock has some resistance, over time it is no match for the huge volume of water that crashes down the valley. Thanks to hydraulic action and abrasion by the water’s load, the rock has been carved into a magnificent double step, first 11 metres and then 21 metres down. The juxtaposition of the dark rock and white water gives it even more drama.

Once you’ve set eyes on this breathtaking waterfall, you’ll be in no doubt about why people consider it an essential stop, not only along the Golden Circle but also in Iceland. It’s not quite the biggest – Dettifoss has more water making it the most powerful and other waterfalls such as Glymur and Morsárfoss are taller – but it’s incredibly impressive nonetheless.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The third essential stop along the Golden Circle is at Geysir. The name is significant: it derives from an Icelandic word. “Geysa” means “to gush” and so this is why the first geyser was so named. That one was Great Geysir, which used to put on a regular show until it was bunged up with soap powder by thoughtless guides and ceased to function.

Fortunately, that was decades ago and people understand a lot better how to care for pristine and fragile environments such as this. The Geysir Geothermal Area is protected by law and though you can get up-close access, you’ll be fined heavily if you interfere with nature.

That means that Great Geysir’s “replacement”, Strokkur, is likely to remain active in the future. Currently, the geyser they call “The Churn” domes and blows about every ten minutes, so you won’t have to wait very long before the show starts. The jet of superheated water and steam rises up to 30 metres in the air so prepare for audible gasps from your fellow travellers as the eruption happens.

What else is there to see in the Golden Circle region?

If you’re able to allocate a bit more time to the Golden Circle region, there are plenty of other attractions that you can add to those three essential stops.

Other waterfalls such as Brúarfoss, Faxi Falls (also called Vatnsleysufoss) and Thórufoss (Þórufoss), which was a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Brúarhlöð Canyon, a stunning hidden gem of a gorge where it’s possible to go white-water rafting
Gjabakkahellir, a 9000 year old lava tube that is 364 metres long and boasts pretty, natural ice sculptures when the weather is cold enough
Kerið, a photogenic explosion crater formed more than 3000 years ago and valued for its rich red earth and vibrant blue water
Geothermal baths such as Laugarvatn Fontana (make sure you try their rye bread, baked in the ground) or Secret Lagoon (known as Gamla Laugin to locals)
Silfra Fissure, a fault between the plates that attracts snorkellers thanks to its crystal clear water (it filters through the volcanic rock) and impressive rock formations
Friðheimar, a tomato farm where geothermal energy has been harnessed to grow a crop that couldn’t otherwise cope with Iceland’s harsh climate
Skálholt Cathedral, a modern church that stands on the site that was first consecrated a thousand years ago

Make life simple with a Gray Line tour

The most straightforward way to see the Golden Circle is by booking a Gray Line tour. This means that you can devote your full attention to the extraordinary landscapes as you drive around this remarkable region. Comfortable coaches equipped with WiFi mean that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Whether you opt for the Gray Line Golden Circle Classic tour or choose to combine it with other attractions such as one of those fabulous geothermal lagoons, this striking part of Iceland isn’t somewhere you’ll want to miss. We can sometimes focus too much on hidden gems, but it’s also equally rewarding to see the mainstream destinations as there’s a good reason why so many people visit them.

Our tour makes an easy day out from Reykjavik, yet the stellar scenery is a far cry from the capital’s characterful but urban streets. If you’re trying to figure out how to best get a sense of what the Icelandic countryside is like, then booking the Gray Line Golden Circle Classic tour is a great start. Why not reserve your spot today?