Iceland is a land of fire and ice, a place where glaciers meet volcanoes, and the natural landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. One of the most popular destinations in Iceland is the Golden Circle, a 300-kilometer loop that takes you to some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders. In this blog, you will see the popular spots on the Golden Circle route in Iceland and what makes it so special.
Highlights of the Golden Circle in Iceland:
The Golden Circle is a circular route that begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. The three main attractions on the Golden Circle route are:
- Thingvellir National Park
- The Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
These three locations are all within an hour’s drive of each other, making it a popular day trip. Infact, half a day is enough if you are exploring only these 3 main locations.
Below is the route map for your reference:
Þingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is the first stop on the Golden Circle route. The park is located on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can walk along the rift valley and see where the two plates meet. You can also swim between the two tectonic plates here. Yes, you heard me right. It was one of the unique experiences I’ve had.
Tempted to swim between the two tectonic plates in Iceland ? Check out my post linked below, I’ve covered every aspect of SWIMMING BETWEEN TWO TECTONIC PLATES: SNORKELING IN SILFRA, ICELAND
The Geysir geothermal area
The Geysir geothermal area is the second stop on the Golden Circle route. The area is home to a variety of hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. The most famous geyser in the area is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes and shoots water up to 30 meters in the air. You can watch the geysers erupt and explore the surrounding hot springs and mud pools.
I consider myself lucky to have witnessed geysers erupting at least five to six times in less than an hour during my Golden Circle adventure – each time was a truly breathtaking experience that gave me goosebumps. The sudden bursts of steam and water shooting up into the sky were a powerful reminder of the raw power and beauty of nature. It’s a moment that I will never forget, and one that I highly recommend experiencing for yourself.
You can plan to have lunch at the Geysir Center, as there are some pretty good restaurants and coffee shops there. I really enjoyed the tomato soup with Icelandic bread at one of the restaurants in the Geysir Center.
GULLFOSS WATERFALL
Gullfoss means “Golden Falls” in Icelandic, and the name comes from the golden hue of the water as it plunges over the two-tiered waterfall. It is the final stop on the Golden Circle route. The waterfall is located on the HvÃtá River and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. You can walk along the trails to get different views of the waterfall.
Gullfoss waterfall, with its vast and majestic cascade of water that stretches out like an ocean before you. Standing at the edge of the falls, I could feel the raw power and beauty of this natural wonder. It’s easy to see why it’s a must-visit destination on any trip to Iceland.
For me, it’s not only one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, but also one of my personal favorites – a true testament to the stunning landscapes that this country has to offer.
Other Attractions:
Aside from these three main attractions, there are also several other stops along the Golden Circle route that are worth exploring. These include the Kerid Crater Lake, the Faxi Waterfall, and the Friðheimar greenhouse. Each of these locations offers a unique perspective on Iceland’s natural beauty and culture.
Here are some pictures captured during the journey:
Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle route is a must-do for any traveler, but often times, the weather can be unpredictable. If you prefer not to rent a car and drive in uncertain conditions, local tour operators offer a hassle-free option. They provide transportation, pick-up, drop-off, and guided sightseeing, rain or shine. You can book a tour with a local operator with the links below. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the tour without the stress of figuring things out on your own.
With so much to see and do along the way, the Golden Circle is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Iceland’s natural wonders. Hope you enjoyed this blog. Check out my other blogs on Iceland
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