The land of fire and ice has more to offer, and you can experience the midnight sun magic when you’re in Iceland. Others would just want a place where they can see the northern lights and the dancing mystical green lights dancing in the sky is way better than the electricity that you see in the city, and you can get all of these when you visit Iceland. You can see more facts about Iceland when you go to this page.
What Will You See in Iceland's Golden Circle?
With the famous Golden Circle, you can take a trip between the three of the country’s most visited attractions namely, the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Þingvellir National Park. Seeing the iconic sites can be done in just a day and the loop covers around 230 kilometres of area. There are also guided tours that will give you enough time to take photos of the attractions as well. There are options to explore these trips at your own pace, especially if you know that you’re staying long in Iceland. For this, you need to rent a car so that you can be in control of the trip. In the summer, you can avoid the crowds and take advantage of the long daylight hours when you’re in self-drive mode. If you’re curious about the three attractions, please find some information about them below.
About the Þingvellir National Park
You can discover the natural beauty of Icelandic history with the Þingvellir which is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is your first stop, and you’ll know about the first settlers who put down their roots in this area in the 9th century. This is the world’s first parliament where the chieftains developed an assembly where they can settle disputes and create a fair society.
For those interested in Geology, Þingvellir is also the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which are stunning in their own right. Admire the deep valleys and the cliffs that delineate the Continental Divide while you’re there, and fortunately, allworld.com shared this guide to the other attractions where you can go. With AllWorld, you’ll know other places where you can go if you want lifelong memories from the Golden Circle. You can also reach out to them if you have questions about your itinerary.
For those interested in Geology, Þingvellir is also the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which are stunning in their own right. Admire the deep valleys and the cliffs that delineate the Continental Divide while you’re there, and fortunately, allworld.com shared this guide to the other attractions where you can go. With AllWorld, you’ll know other places where you can go if you want lifelong memories from the Golden Circle. You can also reach out to them if you have questions about your itinerary.
The land masses were formed when volcanic activities appeared when the plates began moving away from each other. It’s where you can snorkel at Silfra and look for diving sites that will allow you to swim between two continents. You can also see the largest natural lake in Iceland here, which is the Þingvallavatn.
What to Do in the Geysir Geothermal Area?
Reach the Haukadalur Valley if you’re going to do a clockwise route and see landscapes teeming with volcanic activities. Steaming vents are seen as you go near the Great Geysir and see hot water shooting out of them every six minutes. These bubbling mud pots are a delight to many onlookers, and they are a testament to Iceland’s geothermal prowess.
Gullfoss Waterfall
An iconic waterfall that’s part of the Golden Circle Route; it’s one of Iceland’s most famous attractions that take around 1.5 hours of driving from Reykjavik. It’s fed by the Hvita River, and the drop is a cascade into a rugged canyon where tourists are treated to the spectacle of nature’s raw force. Rather than creating a single cascade, the Gullfoss is made up of two distinct stages where the first drop is around 11 meters and the second is around 21 meters. You can view the deep ravine that may have originated from the violent glacial floods in the last ice age on several platforms. On sunny days, there’s the interplay of sunlight that reflects rainbow arches over the waterfalls, which add to the enchantment of the area. There are also path walks and visitor centers where the guests can eat a variety of refreshments. You can also buy handmade wool items from there and eat salads while taking a break.
Additional Attractions Along the Golden Circle
Include the Kerid crater in your itinerary where the oval-shaped lake is seen at the bottom. It has a beautiful azure look that contrasts greatly to the fiery red rocks surrounding the crater. Other artists often hold concerts here and there’s a small parking lot next to it so you can bathe in the views. Another is the Gamla Laugin or the Secret Lagoon where you can renew your energy after a full day of sightseeing. It has a swimming pool that’s been built in 1891, and the surrounding natural hot springs has a temperature of 100 to 104 F. It’s growing in popularity so if you want to go here, it’s best to book in advance.
Also, there’s the Skálholt which was once a religious epicentre of Iceland's two episcopal sees. This is where you can explore modern churches that were built on historic sites, and this is made for tourists who are into ecclesiastical history. While you’re at it, try the Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm. This unique establishment offers visitors the chance to tour geothermal greenhouses where tomatoes are cultivated year-round. Also, the farm showcases Icelandic horses, providing insights into their significance in Icelandic culture.
Also, there’s the Skálholt which was once a religious epicentre of Iceland's two episcopal sees. This is where you can explore modern churches that were built on historic sites, and this is made for tourists who are into ecclesiastical history. While you’re at it, try the Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm. This unique establishment offers visitors the chance to tour geothermal greenhouses where tomatoes are cultivated year-round. Also, the farm showcases Icelandic horses, providing insights into their significance in Icelandic culture.
Some Practical Considerations
Many believe that you need a 4x4 when visiting in wintertime. However, standard vehicles are going to suffice, and Iceland makes its roads feasible for tourists who want to do self-driving tours. Another alternative is to hire a guided tour that can cater to your schedule. Since part of the country’s gift is a volcanic landscape with natural hot springs, this is where you should immerse yourself in long hot soaks. However, remember that hygiene is an absolute etiquette here so before you dip into one, you need to wash your body with soap. More about the hot springs here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/hvammsvik-hot-springs-iceland.
Dress appropriately when hiking and don’t go off the beaten tracks. Bring a good map and never climb the glaciers without the tour guides. Also, it’s best to go on tour with experienced guides if you’re into rugged country adventure, because they will give you a lot of helpful insights so you can stay safe.
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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