The Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle
The Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle
The Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle
The Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, it won’t be long before you come across the Golden Circle. It features on most tours and is a must-do while you’re in the country. To find out more about it and how to get the most out of your time, take a look at our ultimate guide to the Golden Circle.
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a scenic driving route in Iceland that showcases one of its most attractive regions. Itineraries covering the area focus largely on its natural attractions – they truly have the wow factor – but visitors will also get an insight into the country’s rich and storied cultural heritage. While many self-drive visitors do the trip independently, it’s also a very popular option amongst tour providers thanks to its proximity to Reykjavik, the south coast and Keflavik Airport. Increasingly, visitors opt to combine traditional sightseeing with fun and adventurous activities such as snowmobiling and off-roading in buggies, which can be arranged through providers such as Amazing Tours.
The Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, it won’t be long before you come across the Golden Circle. It features on most tours and is a must-do while you’re in the country. To find out more about it and how to get the most out of your time, take a look at our ultimate guide to the Golden Circle.
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a scenic driving route in Iceland that showcases one of its most attractive regions. Itineraries covering the area focus largely on its natural attractions – they truly have the wow factor – but visitors will also get an insight into the country’s rich and storied cultural heritage. While many self-drive visitors do the trip independently, it’s also a very popular option amongst tour providers thanks to its proximity to Reykjavik, the south coast and Keflavik Airport. Increasingly, visitors opt to combine traditional sightseeing with fun and adventurous activities such as snowmobiling and off-roading in buggies, which can be arranged through providers such as Amazing Tours.
The Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, it won’t be long before you come across the Golden Circle. It features on most tours and is a must-do while you’re in the country. To find out more about it and how to get the most out of your time, take a look at our ultimate guide to the Golden Circle.
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a scenic driving route in Iceland that showcases one of its most attractive regions. Itineraries covering the area focus largely on its natural attractions – they truly have the wow factor – but visitors will also get an insight into the country’s rich and storied cultural heritage. While many self-drive visitors do the trip independently, it’s also a very popular option amongst tour providers thanks to its proximity to Reykjavik, the south coast and Keflavik Airport. Increasingly, visitors opt to combine traditional sightseeing with fun and adventurous activities such as snowmobiling and off-roading in buggies, which can be arranged through providers such as Amazing Tours.
What are the three most important sights on the Golden Circle?
The closest of the main trio to Reykjavik is Thingvellir National Park. It’s a really significant place in terms of Iceland’s landscape but also for its contribution to the country’s culture and history. This is one of the parts of Iceland where you can see close up that the country sits at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. These vast slabs of the earth’s crust are moving imperceptibly slowly away from each other. This leaves a cleft in the ground as if a giant had torn it roughly in two.
That alone would make Thingvellir a remarkable place, but this was also the site of Iceland’s first parliament from the 10th century. As you walk down through the steep-sided Almannagjá gorge, you can almost sense its storied past. Known as the Althing, those early politicians and law makers met here to figure out the important stuff. Today, you can stand on the same spot known as the Lögberg, or law rock, and as you gaze up at the Icelandic flag fluttering in the wind, you can think about what this place might have been like all those centuries ago.
The other two key attractions are both natural landforms. Heading inland from Thingvellir, you’ll soon reach Geysir. The Haukadalur Valley is one of several geothermal areas in Iceland where you can see steam rising from vents in the landscape. It’s often crowded, so manage your expectations and don’t think you’ll get to experience this place on your own.
However, you’ll barely notice that other people are around when Strokkur kicks off. This is the area’s most active geyser. Watch closely: every five to ten minutes the small pool ofwater starts to shiver and then it makes a small turquoise-coloured dome. The top of this smooth dome starts to fracture and suddenly a jet of super-heated water is sent high into the air to a chorus of oohs and aahs from the waiting crowd. It’s an extraordinary sight and one you’re sure to want to see more than once.
Rounding off the trio is a magnificent waterfall. Named Gullfoss, it’s further from Reykjavik than the other two main attractions. A considerable volume of water tumbles down a double drop along the Hvítá River. The amount varies according to the season and the weather but you can expect something in the region of 110 to 140 m3/s of water plunging over the rocks right in front of you. It’s a breathtaking sight and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Although the place is heavily managed, with marked paths, you’ll be able to get close enough to feel the spray. In fact, if the wind is in the right (or wrong, depending on your tolerance for being in wet clothes) direction, you could get absolutely soaked, so pop on a rainproof jacket and trousers before you walk up from the car park.
What are the three most important sights on the Golden Circle?
The closest of the main trio to Reykjavik is Thingvellir National Park. It’s a really significant place in terms of Iceland’s landscape but also for its contribution to the country’s culture and history. This is one of the parts of Iceland where you can see close up that the country sits at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. These vast slabs of the earth’s crust are moving imperceptibly slowly away from each other. This leaves a cleft in the ground as if a giant had torn it roughly in two.
That alone would make Thingvellir a remarkable place, but this was also the site of Iceland’s first parliament from the 10th century. As you walk down through the steep-sided Almannagjá gorge, you can almost sense its storied past. Known as the Althing, those early politicians and law makers met here to figure out the important stuff. Today, you can stand on the same spot known as the Lögberg, or law rock, and as you gaze up at the Icelandic flag fluttering in the wind, you can think about what this place might have been like all those centuries ago.
The other two key attractions are both natural landforms. Heading inland from Thingvellir, you’ll soon reach Geysir. The Haukadalur Valley is one of several geothermal areas in Iceland where you can see steam rising from vents in the landscape. It’s often crowded, so manage your expectations and don’t think you’ll get to experience this place on your own.
However, you’ll barely notice that other people are around when Strokkur kicks off. This is the area’s most active geyser. Watch closely: every five to ten minutes the small pool ofwater starts to shiver and then it makes a small turquoise-coloured dome. The top of this smooth dome starts to fracture and suddenly a jet of super-heated water is sent high into the air to a chorus of oohs and aahs from the waiting crowd. It’s an extraordinary sight and one you’re sure to want to see more than once.
Rounding off the trio is a magnificent waterfall. Named Gullfoss, it’s further from Reykjavik than the other two main attractions. A considerable volume of water tumbles down a double drop along the Hvítá River. The amount varies according to the season and the weather but you can expect something in the region of 110 to 140 m3/s of water plunging over the rocks right in front of you. It’s a breathtaking sight and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Although the place is heavily managed, with marked paths, you’ll be able to get close enough to feel the spray. In fact, if the wind is in the right (or wrong, depending on your tolerance for being in wet clothes) direction, you could get absolutely soaked, so pop on a rainproof jacket and trousers before you walk up from the car park.
What are the three most important sights on the Golden Circle?
The closest of the main trio to Reykjavik is Thingvellir National Park. It’s a really significant place in terms of Iceland’s landscape but also for its contribution to the country’s culture and history. This is one of the parts of Iceland where you can see close up that the country sits at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. These vast slabs of the earth’s crust are moving imperceptibly slowly away from each other. This leaves a cleft in the ground as if a giant had torn it roughly in two.
That alone would make Thingvellir a remarkable place, but this was also the site of Iceland’s first parliament from the 10th century. As you walk down through the steep-sided Almannagjá gorge, you can almost sense its storied past. Known as the Althing, those early politicians and law makers met here to figure out the important stuff. Today, you can stand on the same spot known as the Lögberg, or law rock, and as you gaze up at the Icelandic flag fluttering in the wind, you can think about what this place might have been like all those centuries ago.
The other two key attractions are both natural landforms. Heading inland from Thingvellir, you’ll soon reach Geysir. The Haukadalur Valley is one of several geothermal areas in Iceland where you can see steam rising from vents in the landscape. It’s often crowded, so manage your expectations and don’t think you’ll get to experience this place on your own.
However, you’ll barely notice that other people are around when Strokkur kicks off. This is the area’s most active geyser. Watch closely: every five to ten minutes the small pool ofwater starts to shiver and then it makes a small turquoise-coloured dome. The top of this smooth dome starts to fracture and suddenly a jet of super-heated water is sent high into the air to a chorus of oohs and aahs from the waiting crowd. It’s an extraordinary sight and one you’re sure to want to see more than once.
Rounding off the trio is a magnificent waterfall. Named Gullfoss, it’s further from Reykjavik than the other two main attractions. A considerable volume of water tumbles down a double drop along the Hvítá River. The amount varies according to the season and the weather but you can expect something in the region of 110 to 140 m3/s of water plunging over the rocks right in front of you. It’s a breathtaking sight and one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Although the place is heavily managed, with marked paths, you’ll be able to get close enough to feel the spray. In fact, if the wind is in the right (or wrong, depending on your tolerance for being in wet clothes) direction, you could get absolutely soaked, so pop on a rainproof jacket and trousers before you walk up from the car park.
What else is there to see on the Golden Circle?
Spending a little longer in the Golden Circle region means that you can explore more thoroughly. Among its other unmissable attractions are:
• Kerið crater
Kerið is an extraordinary volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area of Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone. It sits within the Golden Circle region. Geologists estimate it to be about three thousand years old, which is relatively young in their terms. It’s also the reason why its slopes are red rather than the more usual volcanic black – the iron oxide deposits are still comparatively new. It’s thought that a cone-shaped volcano collapsed into itself leaving this pronounced hollow.
• Skálholt cathedral
This impressive cathedral is a modern one, built from 1956 to 1963, but a church has stood on this site since the 11th century. What you’re looking at is actually the latest in a line of ten. Excavations at Skálholt have revealed snippets of its history, including headstones and even a stone coffin belonging to past bishop Páll Jónsson which you can see in an underground vault. Inside, check out the impressive stained glass windows and the cathedral’s 17th century pulpit.
• Secret Lagoon
Located in Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir, Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Long before Blue Lagoon, GeoSea and Mývatn Nature Baths welcomed their first guests, this place was where Icelanders came to soak in warm water and relax. It was created in 1891 and so locals call it Gamla Laugin. The water comes from Vaðmálahver,Básahver or Litli Geysir. It is rich in sulphur and maintains a temperature of between 38 and 40° Celsius year-round.
• Friðheimar
Friðheimar Tomato Farm is often combined with the natural attractions of the Golden Circle. This farm utilises geothermal energy to grow tomatoes in greenhouses. The warm water that’s found in the ground beneath the farm provides both the heat and the irrigation needed for his fruit to grow – something that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in Iceland’s chilly climate. The attached restaurant is popular with visiting tourists who come here to taste its tomato soup and other delicious tomato-laden menu items.
What else is there to see on the Golden Circle?
Spending a little longer in the Golden Circle region means that you can explore more thoroughly. Among its other unmissable attractions are:
• Kerið crater
Kerið is an extraordinary volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area of Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone. It sits within the Golden Circle region. Geologists estimate it to be about three thousand years old, which is relatively young in their terms. It’s also the reason why its slopes are red rather than the more usual volcanic black – the iron oxide deposits are still comparatively new. It’s thought that a cone-shaped volcano collapsed into itself leaving this pronounced hollow.
• Skálholt cathedral
This impressive cathedral is a modern one, built from 1956 to 1963, but a church has stood on this site since the 11th century. What you’re looking at is actually the latest in a line of ten. Excavations at Skálholt have revealed snippets of its history, including headstones and even a stone coffin belonging to past bishop Páll Jónsson which you can see in an underground vault. Inside, check out the impressive stained glass windows and the cathedral’s 17th century pulpit.
• Secret Lagoon
Located in Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir, Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Long before Blue Lagoon, GeoSea and Mývatn Nature Baths welcomed their first guests, this place was where Icelanders came to soak in warm water and relax. It was created in 1891 and so locals call it Gamla Laugin. The water comes from Vaðmálahver,Básahver or Litli Geysir. It is rich in sulphur and maintains a temperature of between 38 and 40° Celsius year-round.
• Friðheimar
Friðheimar Tomato Farm is often combined with the natural attractions of the Golden Circle. This farm utilises geothermal energy to grow tomatoes in greenhouses. The warm water that’s found in the ground beneath the farm provides both the heat and the irrigation needed for his fruit to grow – something that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in Iceland’s chilly climate. The attached restaurant is popular with visiting tourists who come here to taste its tomato soup and other delicious tomato-laden menu items.
What else is there to see on the Golden Circle?
Spending a little longer in the Golden Circle region means that you can explore more thoroughly. Among its other unmissable attractions are:
• Kerið crater
Kerið is an extraordinary volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area of Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone. It sits within the Golden Circle region. Geologists estimate it to be about three thousand years old, which is relatively young in their terms. It’s also the reason why its slopes are red rather than the more usual volcanic black – the iron oxide deposits are still comparatively new. It’s thought that a cone-shaped volcano collapsed into itself leaving this pronounced hollow.
• Skálholt cathedral
This impressive cathedral is a modern one, built from 1956 to 1963, but a church has stood on this site since the 11th century. What you’re looking at is actually the latest in a line of ten. Excavations at Skálholt have revealed snippets of its history, including headstones and even a stone coffin belonging to past bishop Páll Jónsson which you can see in an underground vault. Inside, check out the impressive stained glass windows and the cathedral’s 17th century pulpit.
• Secret Lagoon
Located in Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir, Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Long before Blue Lagoon, GeoSea and Mývatn Nature Baths welcomed their first guests, this place was where Icelanders came to soak in warm water and relax. It was created in 1891 and so locals call it Gamla Laugin. The water comes from Vaðmálahver,Básahver or Litli Geysir. It is rich in sulphur and maintains a temperature of between 38 and 40° Celsius year-round.
• Friðheimar
Friðheimar Tomato Farm is often combined with the natural attractions of the Golden Circle. This farm utilises geothermal energy to grow tomatoes in greenhouses. The warm water that’s found in the ground beneath the farm provides both the heat and the irrigation needed for his fruit to grow – something that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in Iceland’s chilly climate. The attached restaurant is popular with visiting tourists who come here to taste its tomato soup and other delicious tomato-laden menu items.
What other fun activities can you do as part of your visit to the Golden Circle?
• Go off-roading on a buggy adventure
Book an off-roading buggy adventure with Amazing Tours and see a different side to the Golden Circle. Buggies are great fun, whether you’re a passenger or driver – though prepare to get wet and muddy. Kids as young as six can participate, so it’s ideal for all the family (drivers need to be over 18). Trips depart from Amazing Basecamp Skjól, conveniently located midway between Geysir and Gullfoss. From there you’ll experience a river crossing and some fabulously bumpy roads, as well as enjoying views of Langjökull Glacier and Skjaldbreið Volcano. This chance to see Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes is one you shouldn’t pass up.
• Snowmobiling on a glacier
Iceland’s often referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Around 11% of the country is covered by glaciers and one of the most convenient for travellers to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle is Langjökull. It’s the country’s second largest glacier after mighty Vatnajökull and well-suited to snowmobiling adventures. After you’ve toured the Golden Circle, the guide from Amazing Tours will get you appropriately suited and booted. They’ll explain how to operate the snowmobile and give you a safety briefing. After that, the group heads up onto the glacier in single file and spends a remarkable hour zipping around at high speed and drinking in the amazing scenery on a carefully chosen route.
• Taste bread baked in the ground
Hverabrauð is a type of rye bread that is baked in the ground using geothermal heat. One of the best places to try it is at Laugarvatn, a stop on the Golden Circle route. It’s possible to learn how the dough is prepared, watch a loaf being dug up as a new tin is buried and – most important of all – taste the end result. It’s certainly an unusual experience as the cook is dressed in rubber boots and carries a spade which is a far cry from the chef whites you might expect to see in a commercial kitchen. But after the black sand has been rinsed off from the outside of the tin and the steaming bread emerges from its wrapper, all that willbe forgotten. The taste, particularly when coupled with locally made butter and smoked trout from the lake, is sublime.
• Diving and snorkelling at Silfra fissure
Silfra fissure opened up after an earthquake and this underwater tear in the landscape is one of the highlights of Thingvellir National Park. Silfra fissure is a magnet for hardy snorkellers and divers. The water originates in Langjökull glacier, but the rocks filter it to such an extent that it’s crystal clear. As you make your way along with your guide, you’ll be treated to the sight of blue and green algae which some Icelanders have dubbed “troll hair”. You’ll need to don a dry suit as it’s also extremely cold. However, it’s a year-round activity, so it’s ideal for any trip.
What other fun activities can you do as part of your visit to the Golden Circle?
• Go off-roading on a buggy adventure
Book an off-roading buggy adventure with Amazing Tours and see a different side to the Golden Circle. Buggies are great fun, whether you’re a passenger or driver – though prepare to get wet and muddy. Kids as young as six can participate, so it’s ideal for all the family (drivers need to be over 18). Trips depart from Amazing Basecamp Skjól, conveniently located midway between Geysir and Gullfoss. From there you’ll experience a river crossing and some fabulously bumpy roads, as well as enjoying views of Langjökull Glacier and Skjaldbreið Volcano. This chance to see Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes is one you shouldn’t pass up.
• Snowmobiling on a glacier
Iceland’s often referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Around 11% of the country is covered by glaciers and one of the most convenient for travellers to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle is Langjökull. It’s the country’s second largest glacier after mighty Vatnajökull and well-suited to snowmobiling adventures. After you’ve toured the Golden Circle, the guide from Amazing Tours will get you appropriately suited and booted. They’ll explain how to operate the snowmobile and give you a safety briefing. After that, the group heads up onto the glacier in single file and spends a remarkable hour zipping around at high speed and drinking in the amazing scenery on a carefully chosen route.
• Taste bread baked in the ground
Hverabrauð is a type of rye bread that is baked in the ground using geothermal heat. One of the best places to try it is at Laugarvatn, a stop on the Golden Circle route. It’s possible to learn how the dough is prepared, watch a loaf being dug up as a new tin is buried and – most important of all – taste the end result. It’s certainly an unusual experience as the cook is dressed in rubber boots and carries a spade which is a far cry from the chef whites you might expect to see in a commercial kitchen. But after the black sand has been rinsed off from the outside of the tin and the steaming bread emerges from its wrapper, all that willbe forgotten. The taste, particularly when coupled with locally made butter and smoked trout from the lake, is sublime.
• Diving and snorkelling at Silfra fissure
Silfra fissure opened up after an earthquake and this underwater tear in the landscape is one of the highlights of Thingvellir National Park. Silfra fissure is a magnet for hardy snorkellers and divers. The water originates in Langjökull glacier, but the rocks filter it to such an extent that it’s crystal clear. As you make your way along with your guide, you’ll be treated to the sight of blue and green algae which some Icelanders have dubbed “troll hair”. You’ll need to don a dry suit as it’s also extremely cold. However, it’s a year-round activity, so it’s ideal for any trip.
What other fun activities can you do as part of your visit to the Golden Circle?
• Go off-roading on a buggy adventure
Book an off-roading buggy adventure with Amazing Tours and see a different side to the Golden Circle. Buggies are great fun, whether you’re a passenger or driver – though prepare to get wet and muddy. Kids as young as six can participate, so it’s ideal for all the family (drivers need to be over 18). Trips depart from Amazing Basecamp Skjól, conveniently located midway between Geysir and Gullfoss. From there you’ll experience a river crossing and some fabulously bumpy roads, as well as enjoying views of Langjökull Glacier and Skjaldbreið Volcano. This chance to see Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes is one you shouldn’t pass up.
• Snowmobiling on a glacier
Iceland’s often referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Around 11% of the country is covered by glaciers and one of the most convenient for travellers to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle is Langjökull. It’s the country’s second largest glacier after mighty Vatnajökull and well-suited to snowmobiling adventures. After you’ve toured the Golden Circle, the guide from Amazing Tours will get you appropriately suited and booted. They’ll explain how to operate the snowmobile and give you a safety briefing. After that, the group heads up onto the glacier in single file and spends a remarkable hour zipping around at high speed and drinking in the amazing scenery on a carefully chosen route.
• Taste bread baked in the ground
Hverabrauð is a type of rye bread that is baked in the ground using geothermal heat. One of the best places to try it is at Laugarvatn, a stop on the Golden Circle route. It’s possible to learn how the dough is prepared, watch a loaf being dug up as a new tin is buried and – most important of all – taste the end result. It’s certainly an unusual experience as the cook is dressed in rubber boots and carries a spade which is a far cry from the chef whites you might expect to see in a commercial kitchen. But after the black sand has been rinsed off from the outside of the tin and the steaming bread emerges from its wrapper, all that willbe forgotten. The taste, particularly when coupled with locally made butter and smoked trout from the lake, is sublime.
• Diving and snorkelling at Silfra fissure
Silfra fissure opened up after an earthquake and this underwater tear in the landscape is one of the highlights of Thingvellir National Park. Silfra fissure is a magnet for hardy snorkellers and divers. The water originates in Langjökull glacier, but the rocks filter it to such an extent that it’s crystal clear. As you make your way along with your guide, you’ll be treated to the sight of blue and green algae which some Icelanders have dubbed “troll hair”. You’ll need to don a dry suit as it’s also extremely cold. However, it’s a year-round activity, so it’s ideal for any trip.
How do you get to and around the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a scenic route covering a loosely defined region. If you rent a car, to see the three main highlights involves a round trip drive of at least 140 miles. You should allow about three hours for the driving and add sightseeing time on top of that. If you don’t want to drive yourself, public transport is very limited but basic coach tours out of Reykjavik do this as a half day tour. This will feel rushed, but if you don’t have a lot of time, it is possible to squeeze the must-sees in.
However, as with most things, the more time you invest in your trip the more you will get out of it. You can opt for a full day organised tour which will enable you to spend more time at each place or seek out a specialist operator such as Amazing Tours who can combine the Golden Circle sights with another activity such as snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier or an off-road buggy adventure. This really is a part of Iceland that deserves not to be rushed.
How do you get to and around the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a scenic route covering a loosely defined region. If you rent a car, to see the three main highlights involves a round trip drive of at least 140 miles. You should allow about three hours for the driving and add sightseeing time on top of that. If you don’t want to drive yourself, public transport is very limited but basic coach tours out of Reykjavik do this as a half day tour. This will feel rushed, but if you don’t have a lot of time, it is possible to squeeze the must-sees in.
However, as with most things, the more time you invest in your trip the more you will get out of it. You can opt for a full day organised tour which will enable you to spend more time at each place or seek out a specialist operator such as Amazing Tours who can combine the Golden Circle sights with another activity such as snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier or an off-road buggy adventure. This really is a part of Iceland that deserves not to be rushed.
How do you get to and around the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a scenic route covering a loosely defined region. If you rent a car, to see the three main highlights involves a round trip drive of at least 140 miles. You should allow about three hours for the driving and add sightseeing time on top of that. If you don’t want to drive yourself, public transport is very limited but basic coach tours out of Reykjavik do this as a half day tour. This will feel rushed, but if you don’t have a lot of time, it is possible to squeeze the must-sees in.
However, as with most things, the more time you invest in your trip the more you will get out of it. You can opt for a full day organised tour which will enable you to spend more time at each place or seek out a specialist operator such as Amazing Tours who can combine the Golden Circle sights with another activity such as snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier or an off-road buggy adventure. This really is a part of Iceland that deserves not to be rushed.
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Copyright 2024, Amazing tours - All rights reserved
Copyright 2024, Amazing tours - All rights reserved