The Golden Circle in a day: how to get the most from your Golden Circle visit

Visiting the Golden Circle in Iceland is a must. It’s easily achievable in a single day, especially if you opt for an organised excursion such as Gray Line’s Golden Circle Classic tour. We’ll share some of our tips and recommendations as we explore how to get the most from your Golden Circle visit.

The highlights

Though the Golden Circle region contains a wealth of sightseeing opportunities, there are three highlights that you shouldn’t miss. These are Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall. They form the basis of our Golden Circle Classic tour so let’s take a look at why they are special.

• Þingvellir National Park

Iceland has three national parks and the first to be designated became a protected area back in 1928. Þingvellir National Park is particularly unique as it doesn’t only contain spectacular scenery, it holds a special significance when it comes to Iceland’s history and culture too.

Tours focus on the part of the park where the landscape really has the wow factor. Begin at the Hakið viewpoint, which offers panoramic views across the landscape. It gives you the chance to see the area’s geology and setting. You can really see the contrast between the rugged rocky terrain of the plate boundary and the wide, flat flood plain of the river.

From there, you should walk through the steep-sided, narrow Almannagjá gorge along a well-maintained trail. This leads to the Lögberg. Here, the Icelandic flag flutters in the place that many believe was where the country’s first law makers met to discuss and decide the policies that would shape a nation.

You look out over a broad meadow, towards a white church. This is Þingvallakirkja and the building you see today mostly dates from the mid 19^th century. The belltower is slightly newer. The first church to stand on this spot was constructed in 1017AD, shortly after Icelanders adopted Christianity. 

While you’re at Þingvellir National Park, continue along the path until you reach a sign that directs you to Öxarárfoss. About a kilometre and a half round trip from the Lögberg, it’s tucked away within a rocky nook. It’s not hard to find as a wooden boardwalk takes you right there. Though there are plenty of taller waterfalls in the area, it’s a pretty sight.

• Geysir Geothermal Area

The next major stop on your Gray Line Golden Circle classic tour is at Geysir Geothermal Area. Iceland’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge means that heat from beneath the earth’s surface is ever-present. In places, you’ll see evidence above ground, such as in the many hot springs littered across the country.

Here on the Golden Circle, when you reach the Haukadalur valley you’ll see geothermal activity immediately. Make your way on foot to the area’s star attraction: Strokkur. This is the largest geyser in Iceland. Its nickname is The Churn, but it’s more of a jet. When it erupts, water is forced upwards to an impressive height of up to 30 metres.

It’s a thrilling moment when it blows. You don’t have to worry too much about missing the action, as this reliable geyser puts on a show every ten minutes or so. The second time you watch it, you’ll notice some of the smaller details, such as how the water forms a small turquoise blue dome right before it erupts, and how the sun catches in the steam and water droplets as they meet the air.

Take the opportunity to wander around the site. There are numerous small pools and streams of bubbling, hot water, fumaroles releasing gases and mud pools that plop and burp. You should look out for Great Geysir, the original which lent its name to the landform. It’s now inactive, but still worth seeking out for its historical significance.

• Gullfoss Waterfall

Iceland has a clutch of powerful waterfalls and this is one of the most magnificent. The name Gullfoss translates as Golden Falls. Here, the Hvitá River has undercut the basalt and sedimentary rock to retreat upstream, forming a spectacular canyon in the process. Massive volumes of water pour along its course; in summer the discharge is at its highest as glacial meltwater from Langjökull enters the drainage basin.

The waterfall at Gullfoss is a breathtaking sight. The river has eroded a double step in the process of forming its gorge, so be sure to stop at the different viewing platforms to appreciate the landscape at different points. A path leads alongside the river, so you can easily make your way alongside it to overlook the top of the falls.

There’s no bad time to visit Gullfoss, as the volume of water ensures you’ll have a jaw-dropping encounter in any season. In sunshine, the waterfall takes on a beautiful golden glow leaving you in no doubt about why it got its name. After snowfalls, the surrounding landscape is the perfect backdrop; the upper trail can sometimes be closed for safety reasons if it’s icy. On a windy day, be sure to wear a waterproof jacket as you could get drenched from the spray. 

What to take on your Golden Circle tour

The first and most important thing to take with you on your Gray Line Golden Circle Classic tour is a camera! Whether that’s a fancy DSLR or a handy smartphone, the stops we make are so photogenic that you’re almost guaranteed to get some great images to show friends and family on social media or when you get back home.

While you may choose to carry a water bottle or some snacks, there are a few places on the route where you can buy refreshments.  Make sure you keep your tour reservation handy as it qualifies you for a 10% discount at Gullfoss Café and also the Glima Restaurant at Geysir Geothermal Area. Incidentally, although you won’t get the same discount at the gift shop, there are plenty of beautiful souvenirs that you’ll want to take home with you.

It takes about an hour from Reykjavik to reach the Golden Circle. For the most part, it’s a scenic ride, but you might want to bring your headphones to listen to your favourite music or podcast as you admire your surroundings out of the window. There’s plenty to see, so you might simply prefer to give it your full attention.

You might also wish to upgrade your tour with an add-on visit to one of the area’s geothermal baths – such as Laugarvatn Fontana. If so, remember to pack your swimsuit and personal items for when you are getting changed. They’ll supply a towel and toiletries so there’s no need to carry those with you.

One thing that you shouldn’t bother with is an umbrella, especially if it’s windy. Instead, make sure you check the latest weather forecast on the morning of your tour to make sure you dress appropriately. It’s a good idea to don layers that can be added or taken off as necessary, and top everything off with a waterproof jacket in case of rain.

No matter what the weather does, your Gray Line Golden Circle Classic tour is sure to be a memorable part of your Iceland trip for all the right reasons.