Golden Circle Tour

Highlights

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Gullfoss Waterfall

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

See the unique natural marvels of Iceland’s world-famous Golden Circle on this enjoyable tour of its three most iconic places. First, you’ll walk between two continents at Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, a spectacular rift valley packed with Viking history and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you’ll be thrilled by the soaring fountains of superheated water at the Geysir Geothermal Area and the tremendous two-tier 30-meter waterfall at Gullfoss. We offer a range of options and departure times to make this a fun-filled experience you’ll never forget!

Viking History & Colliding Continents at Þingvellir National Park

Your first stop on the Golden Circle tour is Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, a place of outstanding natural beauty and the birthplace of Iceland’s national identity. The Vikings made their laws for a thousand years and celebrated summer festivals in this stunning location. You can walk between the towering tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia here, which are splitting apart at the speed of a few millimeters a year. Iceland declared its independence here in 1944, and in 2004, Thingvellir was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine yourself walking with Vikings in this magical place!

Bubbling with Excitement at Geysir Geothermal Area

The next adventure on your Golden Circle tour is the world-famous Geysir Geothermal Area in the Haukadalur Valley. The world’s geysers take their name from this place – Geysir means “to gush” in Icelandic. Geysir itself erupts very rarely now, but don’t worry! Nearby, Strokkur is very active, with fountains of boiling water soaring high into the sky every few minutes. Feel the earth tremble beneath your feet as it prepares to explode, and smell the sulfur in the air! This is where you can really experience Iceland’s powerful underground geothermal energy at close quarters. Just watch which way the wind is blowing!

Majestic Gullfoss Falls

Your final treat on our Golden Circle tour is a visit to Gullfoss, which translates as the “Gold Falls”. Fed by glacial meltwater from Langjökull (the Long Glacier), you’ll be amazed by this roaring two-tiered waterfall, plunging more than 30 meters and then crashing deep into a rocky canyon. If you visit on a sunny day, you’ll see spectacular rainbows rising above the waters, or if you’re here in the winter, the falls will be a frozen wonderland instead! Clouds of spray hang in the air, making Gullfoss a sensational sight, and there are several viewing platforms so you can experience it at different levels. We’ll stop for lunch at the excellent Gullfoss Café.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

The glittering jewels in Iceland's crown, the Golden Circle is the perfect introduction to the spectacular sceneries that the “Land of Fire and Ice” offers you! With one stunning sight after another, your camera will be clicking all day! Our knowledgeable guides will be ready to wow you with fascinating stories of Viking heritage and fun facts to take away from this unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle route is in southwest Iceland, not far from the capital city, Reykjavík. The first stop on your Golden Circle tour is Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, just over 30 miles (50 kilometers). It’s about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík. Next, reaching the Geysir Geothermal area will take about 45 minutes. The last stop is Gullfoss Waterfall, which is only another ten minutes further away from Geysir. The entire route is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) in each direction. So, if you’re looking for an enjoyable day trip full of history and nature, the Golden Circle is a perfect choice! Join us and see what makes this the most popular Iceland guided tour.

2. How long will my Golden Circle tour take?

Starting with a convenient pick-up from the city, the journey to the Golden Circle for three sightseeing stops and the return journey will last about seven and a half hours. 

3. What does the Golden Circle tour include?

The tour includes convenient city pick-ups and a comfortable journey in one of our modern coaches, with expert commentary and support from one of our professional tour guides in English. Enjoy the free WiFi and USB charging points onboard, so you can make the most of your time when you visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss.

4. How long is the Golden Circle tour?

The overall distance from the city to the Golden Circle and back is around 155 miles (250 kilometers).

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

Icelanders have a saying: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” So that means you need to be prepared for all eventualities. Bring waterproof clothes, dress in light layers that you can take off and put back on quickly, and wear sturdy waterproof shoes with good grip!  

6. Where can you eat during the Golden Circle tour?

We ask you not to eat and drink when you’re on board our coaches, but don’t worry about getting hungry! There are places where you can grab something to eat and drink at our three stops - Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss! Also, enjoy a 10% discount at the restaurants at Geysir and Gullfoss! 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?

Where possible, we will collect you from all major hotels in the greater Reykjavík area. In the city center, tour buses cannot always park outside the hotels, so we will pick you up from designated bus stops instead. We also pick up from the cruise ports.

8. Have we answered all your questions about the Golden Circle tour?

If you have any questions or are considering visiting the Golden Circle on your own, just click here to ask us for more information!

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