The Golden Circle Iceland – Everything You Need To Know

We visited Iceland in August and took an amazing Golden Circle Iceland tour on our trip. Here are all the details on Iceland’s most popular route, so you can be ready for the vacation of a lifetime!

We also took an incredible journey along Iceland’s South Coast and strongly recommend adding it to your vacation!

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Iceland’s Golden Circle technically consists of stopping at 3 of the most popular attractions in the country – Gullfoss, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. Many tours also add additional stops along the way, such as Kerid Crater, the village of Skalholt, Selfoss, and even the Blue Lagoon.

It is a spectacular way to see many of Iceland’s incredible natural wonders all in one day!

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is the site of the world’s oldest, and still running, parliament. In 930 AD the first meeting was held, and has been held every year since, (albeit in Reykjavik nowadays) with the exception of the years between 1799-1844. Its rich history has even enabled Thingvellir National Park to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Along with its fascinating history, Thingvellir National Park is also home to unique geological features that draw crowds from all over the world. Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic rift, meaning parts of Iceland are on the North American tectonic plate, and others are on the Eurasian plate.

You actually have the unique ability here to walk between two tectonic plates. Some folks even opt to snorkel between the plates for a truly unique experience!

Fun Fact: The tectonic plates move apart from each other at an astonishing rate of about 1 inch per year!

There are many other reasons people stop at Thingvellir National Park. Oxararfoss waterfall is unbelievably beautiful.

Some folks love to see one of the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed. Others want to scuba dive or snorkel in the icy water. Still others come to experience the abundant wildlife, or fish for the large trout in lake Þingvellirvatn.

No matter the reasons, you are sure to enjoy your time at Thingvellir National Park on your Golden Circle Iceland tour!

Geysir Geothermal Area

Next stop on your Golden Circle Iceland tour will be the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. One of the most famous geysers in the world, the Great Geysir was the first geyser to be described in print, therefore lending its name to every geyser from that point on.

Unfortunately, Geysir is pretty much dormant now so you won’t likely see its glory. You can, however, experience the wonder of an active geyser at Strokkur. This amazing geothermal phenomenon erupts faithfully every few minutes, spewing hot water up to 130 feet in the air!

Gullfoss

One of the most breathtaking waterfalls I’ve ever seen, Gullfoss waterfall is the third stop on a Golden Circle Iceland tour. Fed by the glacier Langjokull, the thundering water cascades 105 feet down in two stages, drenching anyone who dares to get too close.

On a sunny day, rainbows arch across the falls, creating picturesque scenes, like something right out of a dream world.

Kerid Crater

Another frequent stop along the Golden Circle, though not officially part of it, is Kerid Crater. For a small entrance fee of 400ISK (about $3) you gain entrance to this jaw-dropping sight.

It is believed to be a collapsed volcano, and is surrounded by red volcanic rock. The center of the crater has filled with water so blue it sometimes appears neon.

It truly is amazing to see and we highly recommend you add this location to your Golden Circle Iceland tour.

The Blue Lagoon

While not part of the Golden Circle, many tours add a stop at the Blue Lagoon to their itinerary. The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in all of Iceland.

The otherworldly blue cloudiness of the water is rich in silica and sulfur, making it extremely restorative. All visitors get a mud mask included in admission, and there are multiple additional masks and luxuries to upgrade your stay,

Couple that with the 100°F water and it’s no wonder the Blue Lagoon is so popular. There is lodging on site, as well as restaurants, a shop, steam rooms, and saunas.

We elected to take this wonderful tour on our vacation in Iceland and cannot speak highly enough of it. Along with the Golden Circle tour, there are numerous other attractions in Iceland you won’t want to miss.

Check out our top 10 list of summertime activities in Iceland. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on more important tips and tricks!