The Golden Circle

Iceland’s Golden Circle is a 190-mile route around 3 of Iceland’s most popular things to see: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. A trip around Iceland’s Golden Circle is a must for any Iceland holidays thanks to its magnificent views and scenery.

The Geysir geothermal area is a hot-spring haven in the Haukadalur valley that is home to the Mother of all geyser’s and the one from which all others get their name: Geysir. Geysir’s neighbour, Strokkur, also provides amazing and powerful bursts for Golden Circle visitors to enjoy; every 5 to 10 minutes the geyser will launch boiling water 40 meters into the air! This truly is a sight to behold.

Throughout the geothermal area there are 2 more Geyser’s (Smidur and Litli-Strokkur), mud pits, hot springs, and various fumaroles which can all be marvelled at upon your visit. There is also a hotel, cafe, restaurant and gift shop to purchase your Iceland holiday souvenir!

If Geysir is the Mother of all geyser’s, then Gullfoss waterfall is the Mother of all waterfalls! Gullfoss falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, and a sight not to be missed on your Iceland holiday. Gullfoss falls is made up of two tiers, plummeting 32 meters into the river Hvita. Gullfoss falls offers majestic, year-round beauty - winter visits will treat Gullfoss falls viewers to snow covered rocks and the Northern Lights high above, and summer Iceland holidays will offer visitors spectacular views of an arching rainbow over the falls under the midnight sun. Gullfoss falls truly is the epitome of wild Icelandic beauty.

Thingvellir National Park is the largest attraction within Iceland’s Golden Circle and the most historic to the country - Iceland’s first parliament, appointment of the first president and the signing of its Deceleration of Independence all took place at the Thingvellir National Park. The Thingvellir National Park is located in the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and this gives the area its stunning beauty; towering cliffs, fast flowing rivers, and deep gorges offer impressive sights as the two tectonic plates slowly pull apart. A truly unique experience at Thingvellir National Park is the ability to walk between two continents in the Mid-Atlantic Rift. Those really looking for an adventure can even snorkel or scuba dive in this ravine filled with crystal-clear water called Silfra. At the Thingvellir National Park you can also walk into the stunning Almannagja gorge and admire the magnificent Thingvallavatn lake.

Additionally, not far from Thingvellir National Park, and a great addition to your Golden Circle trip in Iceland, is the Secret Lagoon - a less touristy, geothermal hot springs that makes for a great alternative to The Blue Lagoon.

The Golden Circle is drivable within one day, either in your own car or on an organised tour. However, some visitors also opt to drive The Golden Circle over a few days to really admire the views and enjoy the magnificent landscapes. The Blue Hotel Fagrilundur is a great hotel located around 16 miles from Gullfoss falls, though some-what basic, the hotel is perfect overnight stay on your Golden Circle Iceland road trip. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel to enjoy on your Golden Circle trip, look no further than Hotel Geysir - located within walking distance to Geysir, and home to 3 restaurants, this is an excellent hotel for your luxury Iceland holiday. There are plenty more hotel options, suiting both a cheaper budget and a luxury one, that our specialist Travel Advisors can offer insight and recommendations for.

To book your Iceland Holiday, why not get in touch with us today here via our website or call us on 01635 551011.