Iceland : Golden Circle Tour
A typical 1-day Golden Circle tour in Iceland starts with an early departure from Reykjavik, either by guided coach or self-drive, and covers a scenic loop of about 230 kilometers. The main stops are Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Geysir Geothermal Area, where Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes; and Gullfoss, a dramatic two-tier waterfall cascading into a rugged canyon. Many tours also add quick visits to sites like the volcanic Kerid Crater or the Secret Lagoon for a geothermal soak. The tour typically lasts 7–8 hours, offering breathtaking landscapes, geological wonders, and a glimpse into Iceland’s history—all within a day’s journey from the capital.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is a historically and geologically significant site in southwest Iceland, located along the famous Golden Circle route. It is the original site of Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi, established in 930 AD, making it the world’s oldest existing legislature location. The park was also where Iceland declared its independence in 1944 and appointed its first president, marking it as a cornerstone of Icelandic national heritage. Geologically, Þingvellir sits in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart, creating dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and fissures. Visitors can literally walk between two continents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The park features crystal-clear rivers, the largest natural lake in Iceland (Þingvallavatn), hiking trails, and the famous Silfra fissure known for snorkeling and diving in glacial waters. The changing landscape and cultural history make Þingvellir a must-visit destination for those exploring Iceland’s natural wonders and heritage.
Öxarárfoss
Öxarárfoss is a picturesque 13-meter (44 feet) high waterfall located within Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest Iceland. The waterfall flows from the Öxará River and cascades over ancient lava formations in the dramatic Almannagjá Gorge, a rift marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Uniquely, Öxarárfoss was artificially created in the 9th century by redirecting the river to supply fresh water for Iceland’s earliest parliament, the Althingi, held in Thingvellir. Visitors can expect a serene and scenic spot with a blend of natural beauty and deep historical significance. The surrounding landscape features rugged volcanic rock, lush moss in summer, and a striking icy scene during winter, making it popular year-round for photography, hiking, and nature appreciation. Öxarárfoss is also known as a filming location for “Game of Thrones,” adding to its cultural allure. It is easily accessible on the well-marked trails within the park and is a must-see stop on the Golden Circle route.
Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater is a striking volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland, along the famous Golden Circle route. It is about 3,000 to 6,500 years old and formed either through an explosive volcanic eruption or as a collapsed cone volcano. The crater is elliptical, measuring approximately 170 meters wide, 270 meters long, and 55 meters deep, with a shallow aquamarine lake at its bottom, whose depth fluctuates between 7 and 14 meters depending on groundwater and rainfall. Visitors to Kerið can walk around the crater’s rim on well-maintained paths, offering spectacular views of the vivid red and black volcanic rock walls contrasted by the bright blue-green water. There is also a staircase descending to the lake shore that provides a unique perspective inside the crater. The site is renowned for its colorful landscape, calm surroundings, and excellent photographic opportunities. It typically takes about an hour to explore fully, making it a popular and accessible stop on tours of Iceland’s Golden Circle.
Friðheimar
Friðheimar is a unique and family-run tomato farm located in Reykholt on Iceland’s Golden Circle route. The farm grows tomatoes year-round in geothermal-heated greenhouses using eco-friendly methods like biological pest control and natural hot water from geothermal sources. Visitors can experience a one-of-a-kind dining opportunity inside the greenhouse, enjoying delicious tomato-based dishes such as tomato soup and freshly baked bread surrounded by lush tomato plants. Besides agriculture, Friðheimar is also known for horse breeding and entertaining horse shows that provide insights into the Icelandic horse breed. The farm offers tours of the greenhouses and a shop selling tomato products and souvenirs. Its convenient location near major Golden Circle attractions makes it a popular stop for an educational and tasty break while touring Iceland’s natural wonders.
Faxi Waterfall
Faxi Waterfall, also known as Vatnsleysufoss, is a charming and wide waterfall located in South Iceland on the Tungufljót River, approximately 12 kilometers from the Geysir geothermal area and 20 kilometers from Gullfoss on the Golden Circle route. The waterfall is about 7 meters high and 80-91 meters wide, offering a gentle yet picturesque cascade often described as resembling a horse’s mane, which is reflected in its Icelandic name “Faxi.” Visitors can expect a tranquil and scenic environment with easy access from a small car park and viewpoint. The area features a fish ladder to support salmon migration, making it a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching. Surrounding the waterfall are lush farmlands, native plants, and a nearby restaurant called Við Faxa, making Faxi a peaceful alternative stop on the Golden Circle with great opportunities for gentle hikes, photography, and enjoying the serene landscape.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss, also known as the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic and powerful waterfalls, located on the Golden Circle route about 1.5 hours from Reykjavik. It features a dramatic two-tier cascade where the Hvítá River, fed by the Langjökull glacier, plunges in two stages—first an 11-meter drop followed by a 21-meter drop—into a deep, narrow canyon. The waterfall creates an impressive display of nature’s force, with mist often producing vibrant rainbows on sunny days. Visitors can enjoy easy access to multiple viewing platforms that offer spectacular close-up views and panoramic scenes of the falls and the rugged canyon walls. The adjacent Gullfoss Visitor Center provides amenities like a café and souvenir shop, making it a comfortable stop along the Golden Circle tour. Gullfoss is remarkable both for its natural beauty and its conservation history, having been saved from hydroelectric development in the early 20th century by local efforts. This majestic waterfall is a must-see for anyone exploring Iceland’s scenic wonders.
Geysir
Geysir is a famous geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley of Iceland’s Golden Circle, known as the birthplace of the word “geyser.” Although the original Great Geysir rarely erupts now, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts frequently—every 5 to 10 minutes—shooting boiling water up to 20-30 meters (65-98 feet) into the air, making it a highly popular and reliable spectacle for visitors. The area is characterized by an array of geothermal features, including bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and colorful mineral-rich grounds. Visitors can explore easily on foot with well-marked paths that wind among the geothermal activity, and there are facilities such as a visitor center, café, and gift shop nearby. Admission to the area is free, with convenient parking available. The Geysir geothermal field offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of Iceland’s volcanic activity in a compact, accessible setting and is an essential stop when touring the Golden Circle.
Leave a reply