The Golden Circle is the most famous and popular tourist circuit in the nation of Iceland. Comprised of three primary attractions, the route covers a large portion of the southwestern region of the island. The majority of all tours in the country include the Golden Circle and nearly all of them originate in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík.
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Attractions on the Golden Circle
Þingvellir National Park
Established in 1930, Þingvellir National Park is one of the most significant areas in all of Iceland, if not the most significant. Þingvellir is where Alþingi, the national parliament of Iceland, was founded in 930 AD. It is the oldest parliament in the world. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its outstanding cultural value, Þingvellir is one of two world heritage sites found in Iceland.
In addition to Þingvellir’s historic past, its natural and geological features are just as impressive. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs through the park, which is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and split, creating its unique landscape of cracks and faults lined with jagged rocks. This is one of only a few places in the world where one can witness this phenomenon on land.
For more on Þingvellir National Park and its World Heritage listing, click here.
Haukadalur
The Haukadalur Valley in Iceland is home to a series of geothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs. Next to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, Geysir may be the most famous geyser in the world, as it is the one from which all others derive their name. Unfortunately, it is very rare to see it erupt these days. Its neighbor, Strokkur, is much more similar to its cousin in Wyoming, as it erupts at a more frequent rate of every five to ten minutes.
The landscape and characteristics of the Haukadalur valley are shaped by earthquakes that have frequented this part of Iceland. These earthquakes have been known to activate the geysers and hot springs from time to time. Stories of the valley’s geothermic energy can be traced back to the year 1294, when the first documented visits to the area occurred.
Gullfoss
Of the hundreds of waterfalls that grace Iceland’s beautiful landscape, Gullfoss is one of the most famous. It is also one of the most powerful, with a flow rate of up to 140 cubic metres per second. This 32m high waterfall is part of Hvítá (the White River), which drops down several steps like a staircase and then plunges down into two massive drop-offs. The run-off from Iceland’s many glaciers, as well as the frequent rain, contribute to the sheer volume of water that is carried over Gullfoss daily.
The Golden Circle derives its name from Gullfoss, which is Icelandic for “Golden Falls.” This supreme waterfall is the most highly-visited site on the well-touristed Golden Circle route.
Practical Information for Traveling the Golden Circle
Dozens upon dozens of operators offer guided tours to the main highlights of the Golden Circle and quite a few of them make extra stops along the way to some of the lesser-known attractions, such as the Secret Lagoon and the Faxi waterfall. The vast majority of these companies are based in Reykjavík, which makes the capital city an excellent base for a day trip to the Golden Circle. Some accommodations in Reykjavík can help organize and book these tours for you, and there are certain ones that even run the tours themselves.
A great option that is offered by several of these tour companies are those that will allow you to stay at Þingvellir, Haukadalur or Gullfoss for as long as you desire, just as long as you notify your tour guide and take one of the other buses to continue the journey. Most of these outfitters will pick you up at your accommodation in the early morning and will drop you off in the evening on the same day. Transportation is generally included in the price of the tour.
There are several opportunities along the way to grab something to eat and to take restroom breaks. Each of the three premiere stops along the Golden Circle have a visitor center, which include a small café, gift shop and restrooms.
While the Golden Circle is far from being off the beaten path, its attractions are vital for understanding Iceland of yesteryear and today. The gorgeous and breath-taking scenery throughout the route make it all the more enjoyable. No trip to Iceland would be complete without the decorated history of Þingvellir National Park, the geothermic distinctness of Haukadalur, and the raw power of Gullfoss.
