The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland. It is also known as “The Golden Triangle,” as it consists of three most beautiful locations: a wonderful waterfall, a geyser that vents frequently, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The whole region of Iceland is hallmarked by enormous landscapes and beautiful sites. The Golden Circle Iceland is a precious beauty featuring a rare geological location. All of these locations are so close to each other that they can be visited in just one day. Best Golden Circle tour Iceland enhances its attraction to tourists, through its beautiful landscapes combined with local cuisine and hospitality. It’s a perfect one-day tour from Reykjavik for everyone who’s planning to visit Iceland. You can get the best Golden circle tour in Iceland packages from Tourism in Iceland. 

ACTIVITIES TO DO ON THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

• Swimming in Silfra
• Bathing in the Secret Lagoon
• Glacier snowmobiling from Gullfoss Café
• Local food tasting
• Rafting in Hvita
• Geysir Buggy Car ride

MUST-SEE PLACES ON THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

The Best Golden Circle tour Iceland consists of Iceland’s three most popular visitor attractions: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. This is a route of almost 250 kilometers; it starts from the capital (Reykjavik) to the center of Iceland. It’s a perfect short-day tour for people looking for a short layover or those who don’t have enough time. 

• Thingvellir National Park
• Geysir Geothermal Field
• Gullfoss Waterfall

MAP OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE 

Actually, there are so many other stops on the route of the Golden Circle, besides these three main locations. All of them are within driving distance from Reykjavik, but keep in mind that you just can’t cover all of them in a single day. 

You can also enjoy the Iceland Golden Circle tour self-drive and visit as many locations as you want. Here we are sharing the map of the Golden Circle, from which you are recommended to pick a few to enjoy your tour of the Golden circle tour in Iceland itinerary. Tourism in Iceland offers Golden circle tour packages from Reykjavik at very affordable rates for your family and friends. 

THINGVELLIR (ÞINGVELLIR) NATIONAL PARK

The famous thing about Thingvellir is that it’s the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental plates. It’s present in individual geological landscapes that change each year. Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Golden Circle. 

Thingvellir National Park is located in southwest Iceland and holds great importance due to its geological history and rich cultural heritage. This place is the origin of Iceland as a nation and the home of the oldest parliament in the world. 

Along with magnificent hiking paths, Thingvellir National Park enables its visitors to dive at Silfra Fissure. It’s an outstanding place to snorkel or scuba dive among two tectonic plates in the clearest water in the world.

SILFRA FISSURE

Silfra, meaning ‘Silver’, is an underwater ravine located within the park. It boasts visibility of almost 100 meters and a temperature that’s above freezing. All the visitors to Sifra fissures are attired in neoprene gloves, under-suits, hoodies and dry suits for thermal protection.

GEYSIR GEOTHERMAL FIELD

Another fantastic destination in the Private Golden Circle tour Iceland is the Geysir Geothermal Field in hot springs, located within the Haukadalur valley. The geothermal field consists of a total surface area of almost 3 km².

Most of the hot springs are situated along a 100-meter-wide land strip running in the direction of tectonic plate lines, i.e., south to southwest. It’s soothing to watch the hot springs and witness the steam rising from the ground. At this impressive natural wonder, you can smell the sulfur particles present in the air.

Moreover, you can experience some of the rarest underground volcanic activity. There are numerous hot pools, fumaroles, and clay pots present in the area. Rich minerals color all the surrounding hills and soil, which looks wonderful. You can feel the incredible power of the earth simply by walking along the footpaths. 

GULLFOSS WATERFALL

The next stop on the route of the small group Golden Circle tour is the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. The Gullfoss means the ‘Golden Falls’ or the ‘Waterfall of Gold.’ It shoots right from the glacial river, named Hvítá. The best thing about this waterfall is that it cascades down two gigantic steps, i.e., 11–22 meters or 36–71 feet, falling into a deep valley.

While walking towards the Gullfoss, you can feel immense power. While standing beneath a waterfall, you can feel the spray of the glacial water right on your face. During your visit to Gullfoss, never forget to witness a rainbow that gives an alluring view.

Things to do at Gullfoss Waterfall

While visiting the waterfall, you have to figure out the view by yourself. There are plenty of pathways meant for different vantage points. While selecting the way towards the waterfall, consider your safety and the fragile ecology of the area. You can enjoy the view from the very top, or else you opt for the lower path to get a closer view. Obviously, you will get countless photo opportunities from the upper view points and places along the pathways.

People who want to add an extra bit of adventure to their trip should opt for a snowmobile and ice cave tour on Langjökull Glacier. For this tour, the pickup point is Gullfoss Waterfall Car Park, and the best time for this tour is in the winter. 

You can also enjoy river rafting tours, carried out from the Drumbó Rafting Base towards the higher end of the Hvítá River. That’s the best opportunity for people who want to have fun on the White River and enjoy the wider Gullfoss area.