All About the Golden Circle in Iceland
The Golden Circle—Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Geysir geothermal area—no visit to Iceland is complete without touring the main sites along this famous route. If you have questions about Iceland's most popular and most visited places, look no further. This is your complete guide to the Golden Circle.
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is the name given to the route taken to the most popular sites in Iceland — Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (Golden Falls), and Geysir geothermal area. Hit all these spots, and you’ve done the Golden Circle.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir became Iceland’s first national park in 1930. It is also a designated UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical, cultural, and geologic significance to the Icelandic people and the world. To walk through Thingvellir is to walk the fields where one of the oldest parliaments in the world first convened in 930 AD. Thingvellir lies in a rift valley created by the tectonic plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, slowly drifting apart. It is also home to Iceland’s largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is a waterfall and gets its name from the golden color of its water as it churns up silt and sediment. The magnificent waterfalls lie in the Hvitá river and are fed by Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. In total, Gullfoss is 32 meters high, falling two tiers that are 11 and 21 meters high, respectively. Gullfoss is also at the center of one of Iceland’s most famous acts of environmental activism. Back in the early 20th century, developers wanted to damn the mighty waterfall to generate electricity, but through the will and determination of Sigriður Tómasdóttir, Gullfoss was saved. Thanks, Sigriður!
Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir geothermal area is located in the Haukadalur valley and is the scenic home of the infamous Geysir hot spring. To visit is to pay your respects to the progenitor of all geysers as Geysir is the geyser for which all others are named. Geysir doesn’t erupt often but is surrounded by bubbling cauldrons of superheated mud, steaming pools, and Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 6-10 minutes. The smells, colors, and eruptions at this popular destination are a window into all the geothermal activity happening across (and beneath) Iceland, making all those hot tubs, swimming pools, greenhouses, and geothermal energy possible.
Where is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is in southwest Iceland, just outside of the city of Reykjavik. The nearest site Thingvellir National Park is only 43 minutes (47.4 km/29.4 miles) away from Reykjavik, and Gullfoss waterfall is the furthest out at 1 hr 44 min (125 km/77.6 miles) away. The site's proximity to Reykjavik makes touring the Golden Circle a perfect day trip.
How to get to the Golden Circle?
Gray Line Iceland has several Golden Circle tours to choose from that will take you to the main attractions, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery instead. We’ll get you there and back again, and all of our tour guides are Golden Circle experts—full of stories and fun facts on the region.
Instagram Alert!
Iceland is a photographer’s paradise. Everywhere you turn, there’s another stunning vista. But if you want to really be in the moment and only take out your phone or camera for the best shots, we’ve compiled a list of the most Instagram worthy photo ops on the Golden Circle tour.
Thingvellir National Park
● Almannagjá gorge leading down to the fields of parliament
● Thingvallakirkja, the church at Thingvellir
● The Icelandic flag flying in the middle of the areas of parliament
● Öxarárfoss waterfall
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is a broad tiered waterfall, falling two “steps” before plummeting into the gorge below. But thanks to viewing platforms and a path that goes from the top of the falls to the bottom so you can hit all the angles.
● View from the top
● View from the bottom
● Rainbows on top of rainbows (if it’s a sunny day)
Geysir Geothermal Area
● Steaming Geysir (Geysir last erupted in 2016, but you might get lucky)
● Strokkur erupting (every 10 minutes or so)
● The mineral deposits in this geothermally active area can come in some pretty exciting colors and make for cool abstract photos.
When is the Best Time to Do the Golden Circle?
Anytime! But many visitors like to make several trips around the Golden Circle at different times of year to bear witness to the changes in the Icelandic landscape throughout the seasons. Thingvellir National Park, in winter, is often snow-covered. In the spring, its trees are budding, and its wildflowers are in bloom. Come summer, everything turns green, and in fall, the trees put on their fiery autumn colors. Just don't forget that Icelandic weather can change three times in 10 minutes, and so, always have a good and warm clothes with you.
All the seasons bring out something uniquely beautiful in the Golden Circle sites. When to visit is really up to your personal preference. Please note that daylight is limited at the height of the midwinter, and there is 24-hour sunlight in midsummer.
Preparing for the Golden Circle
What to Wear
Wearing layers is rule number one for dressing in Iceland. You can experience all the seasons in one day, that is just as the weather in Iceland is. A good rule of thumb is always to wear three layers:
- ● Long-sleeved shirt
- ● Warm fleece
- ● Waterproof parka
Those more susceptible to cold may want to add wool leggings and a thermal undershirt. Warm socks, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, and hat are also a must.
What to Bring
- ● Snacks. You will be doing a fair amount of walking and a little bit of climbing. You don’t want a rumbling tummy to get in the way of getting the most out of your trip.
- ● Water bottle. Fill up your reusable water bottle from the tap before you begin your trip and keep it handy to refill when you can. In Iceland, the bottled water and the water from the tap are the same. Stay hydrated.
- ● An adventurous spirit and the ability to adapt. Icelandic weather is unpredictable and doesn’t always cooperate. Remember, you are in Iceland getting to see spectacular natural wonders. Enjoy it!
- ● Maps. If traveling with a Gray Line Iceland tour, you won’t need one, but if you venture out on your own, it’s a good idea to have a good road map. Mobile phones die (especially in the cold), and you don’t want to be without backup.
The Perfect Golden Circle Tour for You
Looking for a Golden Circle tour with a little extra? Gray Line Iceland has a variety of Golden Circle tours to choose from, making it easy to find the one that’s perfect for you.
● Golden Circle Classic is perfect for families
● Nature lovers & honeymooners will enjoy soaking in a geothermal pool out in the Icelandic landscape on the Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon Tour
● Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour and Viking Horse & Golden Circle Tours are ideal for animal lovers who want to get to know the animals of Iceland
● Culture mavens won’t want to miss the chance to get to know more about Reykjavik, Iceland’s largest city, on the Reykjavik City Sightseeing & Golden Circle Tour
● Adventurers will love our ATV Sightseeing Trail Ride on Mt. Hafrafell and Golden Circle Tour
● Bundle up couples, and get a dose of the ethereal Northern Lights with your Golden Circle experience on the Golden Circle Classic & Northern Lights Tour
● Golden Circle Private Tour is great for groups
● Delicious Golden Circle Private Food Tour is crafted with the discerning tastebuds of epicures in mind.
Traveling the Golden Circle is an exciting way to get to know Iceland. Join us!