Golden Circle Tour

Highlights

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir Hot Spring

Inclusions

• Round Trip Transport
• Professional Tour Guide
• Free WiFi on the Bus
• Comfortable Coaches
• Golden Circle Tour
• 10% Discount at Gullfoss Café and Glima Restaurant (Geysir Hot Spring)*

*Automatic 10% discount after showing the booking confirmation (received when booking this tour), valid only when buying refreshments, not at the gift shops

Tour Itinerary

The Golden Circle Tour takes you on a wondrous circular journey through the heart of Iceland’s Southern Region, stopping at some of Iceland’s most iconic sites. You will visit historical places of Iceland, same as incredible Icelandic nature, everything in one day. The Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal area and Gullfoss Waterfall have their own stories to tell. Choose the Golden Circle tour time that suits you best and have a day full of memories you won't forget.

Rich History & Colliding Continents at Þingvellir National Park
The first stop during the Golden Circle tour is at Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is an attraction of great historical, geological, and cultural significance. Thingvellir is located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The UNESCO designated world heritage site is also the birthplace of the Althing—Iceland’s parliament founded in 930 AD—where the nation’s most powerful leaders would meet to decide on legislation and carry out brutal Viking-age justice. Thingvellir became Iceland’s first national park in 1930. It is also home to Iceland’s largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn.

Majestic Gullfoss Falls
Another stop during Iceland Golden Circle is Gullfoss (Golden Falls). Gullfoss waterfall 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. Extra time is allotted at this location for a lunch break at Gullfoss Café.

Bubbling with Excitement at Geysir Geothermal Area
The last stop on the Golden Circle Iceland is at 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.

Memories That Last a Lifetime
While any of these Golden Circle tour stops makes incredible fodder for your Instagram feed, they also all have rich histories and fascinating tales, each told with their own nuances by our knowledgeable guides. It’s not just facts and figures that bring these places to life, but the compelling stories our guides have collected over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is situated in southwest Iceland from the Reykjavik. The first closest stop during the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park situated 48 kilometers from Reykjavik, then it is Geysir Geothermal area, and last from Reykjavik is Gullfoss waterfall which is approximately 125 kilometers away. If you are looking for a day trip full of history and nature, the Golden Circle is a perfect solution.

2. How long does the Golden Circle take?

Together with traveling and visiting all Golden Circle stops, this tour is 7 hours.

3. What does the Golden Circle tour include?

The tour includes bus transport, professional tour guide, tour in English, free WiFi onboard, super comfortable coaches, visit of the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall and unforgettable memories!

4. How long is the Golden Circle?

To go there and back is together around 250 kilometers.

5. Can you traverse the Golden Circle if the weather is bad?

It depends on what you classify as bad. Good weather in Iceland could be classified as bad weather in some other parts of the world. In most cases, you need to be appropriately dressed for the weather (always expect sideways rain in Iceland), and in winter, it is good to have yaktrax (walker traction) for your shoes (waterproof hiking boots are best).

6. Where to eat during the Golden Circle?

Even it is prohibited to eat and drink in our coaches, during every stop, you can buy something to eat and drink at the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. There is a 10% discount at restaurants at Geysir and Gullfoss for all our customers. All you need to do is to show your tour confirmation when paying.

7. Where are the pick-up locations for the Golden Circle tour?

We pick-up from all major hotels in the greater Reykjavik area where possible. In the city center where bus traffic is restricted we pick-up from designated bus stops. We also pick up from the cruise ports.

8. Do I need to know something more about the Golden Circle?

If you have more questions in mind, or if you plan to do the Golden Circle on your own, click here to find more information you would like to know.

Please note

• This Golden Circle tour is by default guided in English.
• Restrooms available at all the tour stops

Pickup points

Not booked your hotel yet? Hotel not listed? Staying with a friend/family?

Don't worry, you can give us that information when you add this item to your cart.

Pickup Info

Please present your electronic travel voucher / ticket at the time of tour departure.

Pick up and drop off
Pick up from hotels, guesthouses and designated bus stops starts 30 minutes before the tour departure time stated on your voucher.

Need assistance?
Call: +3545401313 or e-mail: iceland@grayline.is