Tips for getting the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle
Tips for getting the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle
Tips for getting the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle
Tips for getting the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a must for any first-time visitor to Iceland. This iconic route is easily accessible from Reykjavik and distils the best of the country’s natural attractions into one day. You’ll want to get the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle so find out how, with this roundup courtesy of Amazing Tours.
Tips for getting the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a must for any first-time visitor to Iceland. This iconic route is easily accessible from Reykjavik and distils the best of the country’s natural attractions into one day. You’ll want to get the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle so find out how, with this roundup courtesy of Amazing Tours.
Tips for getting the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a must for any first-time visitor to Iceland. This iconic route is easily accessible from Reykjavik and distils the best of the country’s natural attractions into one day. You’ll want to get the best out of a visit to the Golden Circle so find out how, with this roundup courtesy of Amazing Tours.
Prepare to get wet
One of the biggest attractions on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss. This mighty waterfall is one of Iceland’s most impressive and even though it is often busy, it’s still a jaw-dropping sight. Typically, between 80 and 140 cubic metres of water cascade over a double drop as the Hvítá River plunges into a deep gorge. Coupled with Iceland’s infamous wind, it’s not uncommon for some of the resultant spray to drench the waiting crowd. But that’s half the fun. Don a waterproof jacket, protect your camera and embrace it.
Pay attention to the little details
Strokkur is one of the most impressive sights on the Golden Circle. This significant geyser is a regular performer and you won’t have to stand around long before it puts on a show. Usually, it erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending a plume of superheated water and steam 10 to 15 metres into the air – sometimes well in excess of that. If you’re hoping to grab a souvenir photo, keep your eyes on the ground. Just before the jet of water explodes into the air, a turquoise dome forms and then bursts.
Brush up on your Icelandic history
A visit to Thingvellir National Park is much more meaningful when you understand the site’s historical significance to Icelanders. This is one of the locations where the North American and Eurasian plates diverge in Iceland, leaving a noticeable rift. This place would be special enough if it was only about the drama of the landscape. But when you learn that this for many centuries was the site of the Alþing, the country’s first parliament, it becomes extra special.
Prepare to get wet
One of the biggest attractions on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss. This mighty waterfall is one of Iceland’s most impressive and even though it is often busy, it’s still a jaw-dropping sight. Typically, between 80 and 140 cubic metres of water cascade over a double drop as the Hvítá River plunges into a deep gorge. Coupled with Iceland’s infamous wind, it’s not uncommon for some of the resultant spray to drench the waiting crowd. But that’s half the fun. Don a waterproof jacket, protect your camera and embrace it.
Pay attention to the little details
Strokkur is one of the most impressive sights on the Golden Circle. This significant geyser is a regular performer and you won’t have to stand around long before it puts on a show. Usually, it erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending a plume of superheated water and steam 10 to 15 metres into the air – sometimes well in excess of that. If you’re hoping to grab a souvenir photo, keep your eyes on the ground. Just before the jet of water explodes into the air, a turquoise dome forms and then bursts.
Brush up on your Icelandic history
A visit to Thingvellir National Park is much more meaningful when you understand the site’s historical significance to Icelanders. This is one of the locations where the North American and Eurasian plates diverge in Iceland, leaving a noticeable rift. This place would be special enough if it was only about the drama of the landscape. But when you learn that this for many centuries was the site of the Alþing, the country’s first parliament, it becomes extra special.
Prepare to get wet
One of the biggest attractions on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss. This mighty waterfall is one of Iceland’s most impressive and even though it is often busy, it’s still a jaw-dropping sight. Typically, between 80 and 140 cubic metres of water cascade over a double drop as the Hvítá River plunges into a deep gorge. Coupled with Iceland’s infamous wind, it’s not uncommon for some of the resultant spray to drench the waiting crowd. But that’s half the fun. Don a waterproof jacket, protect your camera and embrace it.
Pay attention to the little details
Strokkur is one of the most impressive sights on the Golden Circle. This significant geyser is a regular performer and you won’t have to stand around long before it puts on a show. Usually, it erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending a plume of superheated water and steam 10 to 15 metres into the air – sometimes well in excess of that. If you’re hoping to grab a souvenir photo, keep your eyes on the ground. Just before the jet of water explodes into the air, a turquoise dome forms and then bursts.
Brush up on your Icelandic history
A visit to Thingvellir National Park is much more meaningful when you understand the site’s historical significance to Icelanders. This is one of the locations where the North American and Eurasian plates diverge in Iceland, leaving a noticeable rift. This place would be special enough if it was only about the drama of the landscape. But when you learn that this for many centuries was the site of the Alþing, the country’s first parliament, it becomes extra special.
Build in time for a geothermal bath
Geothermal activity is common across Iceland and the Golden Circle region is one of the best places in the country to experience it. Many visitors call in to the Laugarvatn Fontana spa, where you can combine a hot water bath with a dip in the adjacent lake. It’s also possible to watch how they bake rye bread underground utilising the earth’s heat to great effect. Also in the area you’ll find Secret Lagoon. Locals know it as Gamla Laugin as it is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Find it at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir.
Keep your eyes peeled for horses
Icelandic horses are a delight and for many visitors, even the chance to see one from the roadside is a real treat. With their stocky build, shaggy mane and varied colouring, they are a photogenic sight in their own right. Careful breeding and import controls mean that this is a pure breed and one that’s unique. Learn about the horse’s extra gait, known as the tölt, or perhaps experience it first-hand if you’re able to slot a riding tour into your Golden Circle itinerary.
Allow an extra day
There’s no hard and fast rule that dictates you must do the Golden Circle in a day, yet that’s often all that many tourists allocate to this area. Of course it’s entirely possible to tick off the top three in one go, or home in one particular spot and explore a little more thoroughly. But by increasing the amount of time you allow for the Golden Circle, you can experience it in a more meaningful way. Here at Amazing Tours we recommend you combine an activity such as mountain biking with a soak in geothermally heated water, for instance, and follow it up with a scenic hike or test your limits as you tackle off-road trails in a buggy.
Build in time for a geothermal bath
Geothermal activity is common across Iceland and the Golden Circle region is one of the best places in the country to experience it. Many visitors call in to the Laugarvatn Fontana spa, where you can combine a hot water bath with a dip in the adjacent lake. It’s also possible to watch how they bake rye bread underground utilising the earth’s heat to great effect. Also in the area you’ll find Secret Lagoon. Locals know it as Gamla Laugin as it is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Find it at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir.
Keep your eyes peeled for horses
Icelandic horses are a delight and for many visitors, even the chance to see one from the roadside is a real treat. With their stocky build, shaggy mane and varied colouring, they are a photogenic sight in their own right. Careful breeding and import controls mean that this is a pure breed and one that’s unique. Learn about the horse’s extra gait, known as the tölt, or perhaps experience it first-hand if you’re able to slot a riding tour into your Golden Circle itinerary.
Allow an extra day
There’s no hard and fast rule that dictates you must do the Golden Circle in a day, yet that’s often all that many tourists allocate to this area. Of course it’s entirely possible to tick off the top three in one go, or home in one particular spot and explore a little more thoroughly. But by increasing the amount of time you allow for the Golden Circle, you can experience it in a more meaningful way. Here at Amazing Tours we recommend you combine an activity such as mountain biking with a soak in geothermally heated water, for instance, and follow it up with a scenic hike or test your limits as you tackle off-road trails in a buggy.
Build in time for a geothermal bath
Geothermal activity is common across Iceland and the Golden Circle region is one of the best places in the country to experience it. Many visitors call in to the Laugarvatn Fontana spa, where you can combine a hot water bath with a dip in the adjacent lake. It’s also possible to watch how they bake rye bread underground utilising the earth’s heat to great effect. Also in the area you’ll find Secret Lagoon. Locals know it as Gamla Laugin as it is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Find it at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir.
Keep your eyes peeled for horses
Icelandic horses are a delight and for many visitors, even the chance to see one from the roadside is a real treat. With their stocky build, shaggy mane and varied colouring, they are a photogenic sight in their own right. Careful breeding and import controls mean that this is a pure breed and one that’s unique. Learn about the horse’s extra gait, known as the tölt, or perhaps experience it first-hand if you’re able to slot a riding tour into your Golden Circle itinerary.
Allow an extra day
There’s no hard and fast rule that dictates you must do the Golden Circle in a day, yet that’s often all that many tourists allocate to this area. Of course it’s entirely possible to tick off the top three in one go, or home in one particular spot and explore a little more thoroughly. But by increasing the amount of time you allow for the Golden Circle, you can experience it in a more meaningful way. Here at Amazing Tours we recommend you combine an activity such as mountain biking with a soak in geothermally heated water, for instance, and follow it up with a scenic hike or test your limits as you tackle off-road trails in a buggy.
Let someone else do the driving
Self-drive has its merits, but when you are tackling an area that’s as jam-packed with sights as the Golden Circle region, it pays to let someone else do the driving. By opting for a private tour you can fully customise your route, but that’s not the only advantage. If you don’t need to concentrate on the road you’ll be free to focus completely on the scenery without worrying that you’re getting distracted.
Venture off the beaten track
One of the many advantages of taking a bit more time to plan your Golden Circle activities is that you will discover opportunities to venture off the beaten track and do things a little differently. Specialists such as Amazing Tours know the area inside out. They bring something more unusual to the table, such as the chance to get a look at Skjaldbreiður volcano. Though many people are surprised to learn that Iceland has trees, they can also take you to Haukadalsskógur, which provides incontrovertible proof that woodland does exist here.
Make the most of summer daylight
We’re conditioned to sightseeing during the day, but during the Icelandic summer it stays light late into the evening. Capitalise on this extra daylight by booking a private rather than a group tour. Though cafés and visitor centres will close, the natural attractions themselves are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So time your visit for when most people have finished for the day and even in peak season there’ll be far fewer people around. Imagine just how much of a treat that would be.
Let someone else do the driving
Self-drive has its merits, but when you are tackling an area that’s as jam-packed with sights as the Golden Circle region, it pays to let someone else do the driving. By opting for a private tour you can fully customise your route, but that’s not the only advantage. If you don’t need to concentrate on the road you’ll be free to focus completely on the scenery without worrying that you’re getting distracted.
Venture off the beaten track
One of the many advantages of taking a bit more time to plan your Golden Circle activities is that you will discover opportunities to venture off the beaten track and do things a little differently. Specialists such as Amazing Tours know the area inside out. They bring something more unusual to the table, such as the chance to get a look at Skjaldbreiður volcano. Though many people are surprised to learn that Iceland has trees, they can also take you to Haukadalsskógur, which provides incontrovertible proof that woodland does exist here.
Make the most of summer daylight
We’re conditioned to sightseeing during the day, but during the Icelandic summer it stays light late into the evening. Capitalise on this extra daylight by booking a private rather than a group tour. Though cafés and visitor centres will close, the natural attractions themselves are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So time your visit for when most people have finished for the day and even in peak season there’ll be far fewer people around. Imagine just how much of a treat that would be.
Let someone else do the driving
Self-drive has its merits, but when you are tackling an area that’s as jam-packed with sights as the Golden Circle region, it pays to let someone else do the driving. By opting for a private tour you can fully customise your route, but that’s not the only advantage. If you don’t need to concentrate on the road you’ll be free to focus completely on the scenery without worrying that you’re getting distracted.
Venture off the beaten track
One of the many advantages of taking a bit more time to plan your Golden Circle activities is that you will discover opportunities to venture off the beaten track and do things a little differently. Specialists such as Amazing Tours know the area inside out. They bring something more unusual to the table, such as the chance to get a look at Skjaldbreiður volcano. Though many people are surprised to learn that Iceland has trees, they can also take you to Haukadalsskógur, which provides incontrovertible proof that woodland does exist here.
Make the most of summer daylight
We’re conditioned to sightseeing during the day, but during the Icelandic summer it stays light late into the evening. Capitalise on this extra daylight by booking a private rather than a group tour. Though cafés and visitor centres will close, the natural attractions themselves are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So time your visit for when most people have finished for the day and even in peak season there’ll be far fewer people around. Imagine just how much of a treat that would be.
Keep an eye on the aurora forecast
Between September and April, visitors to Iceland are sometimes treated to the sight of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. To see them, you need strong solar activity but also dark, clear skies. Though it’s occasionally possible to see them in Reykjavik, you’re better off travelling beyond the city. The Golden Circle isn’t too far away, but the absence of light pollution will enhance your experience considerably. Find a north-facing space and sit tight as you await nature’s most magical show. When the green and purple ribbons dance across the sky, you’ll be glad you made the extra effort.
Don’t settle for a standard tour
Many different tour operators can take you to see Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir, but a standard coach or minibus tour isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, why not consider booking with Amazing Tours? You’ll ramp up the thrill factor as you combine the Golden Circle with a snowmobile tour, mountain biking or an off- road buggy adventure. It’s a fun way to see the sights and make memories with friends and family members.
Why not get in touch today and find out how your Golden Circle itinerary is going to take shape?
Keep an eye on the aurora forecast
Between September and April, visitors to Iceland are sometimes treated to the sight of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. To see them, you need strong solar activity but also dark, clear skies. Though it’s occasionally possible to see them in Reykjavik, you’re better off travelling beyond the city. The Golden Circle isn’t too far away, but the absence of light pollution will enhance your experience considerably. Find a north-facing space and sit tight as you await nature’s most magical show. When the green and purple ribbons dance across the sky, you’ll be glad you made the extra effort.
Don’t settle for a standard tour
Many different tour operators can take you to see Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir, but a standard coach or minibus tour isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, why not consider booking with Amazing Tours? You’ll ramp up the thrill factor as you combine the Golden Circle with a snowmobile tour, mountain biking or an off- road buggy adventure. It’s a fun way to see the sights and make memories with friends and family members.
Why not get in touch today and find out how your Golden Circle itinerary is going to take shape?
Keep an eye on the aurora forecast
Between September and April, visitors to Iceland are sometimes treated to the sight of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. To see them, you need strong solar activity but also dark, clear skies. Though it’s occasionally possible to see them in Reykjavik, you’re better off travelling beyond the city. The Golden Circle isn’t too far away, but the absence of light pollution will enhance your experience considerably. Find a north-facing space and sit tight as you await nature’s most magical show. When the green and purple ribbons dance across the sky, you’ll be glad you made the extra effort.
Don’t settle for a standard tour
Many different tour operators can take you to see Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir, but a standard coach or minibus tour isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, why not consider booking with Amazing Tours? You’ll ramp up the thrill factor as you combine the Golden Circle with a snowmobile tour, mountain biking or an off- road buggy adventure. It’s a fun way to see the sights and make memories with friends and family members.
Why not get in touch today and find out how your Golden Circle itinerary is going to take shape?
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Copyright 2024, Amazing tours - All rights reserved