No matter if you find yourself in Iceland for a week or 48 hours, the Golden Circle is a must do for any trip. Located near Reykjavik, it is a 300km loop composed of three main stops: Thingevillir, Geysir and Gulfoss (do note: there are numerous smaller stops along the way). Depending on your travel style (or time allowance) the Golden Circle can be done through a tour group or self-driven in a rental car. While we found ourselves doing the latter, this tour and this tour come highly recommended.
Debating on whether driving a car is for you? We felt extremely safe (and comfortable) renting a car and driving the Golden Circle. Roads are paved, well-marked and traffic is not a concern.
The Golden Circle can be accomplished in hours or days, depending on the places you want to see and what activities you want to cross off. We were able to make 4 stops in around 4.5 hours, even with an extended pit stop with Icelandic ponies. Can you blame me?
Here’s what you need to see on the Golden Circle:
Thingvellir Park
Thingvellir National Park was made an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. One of the three most popular sites along the Golden Circle, you’ll want to make this stop. What makes it so special? Upon arrival, you’ll be astonished by the pure beauty, but it goes so much deeper than this. The oldest existing parliament meeting IN THE WORLD assembled in 930 A.D at Thingvellir.
Thingvellir is most notable for its location in a rift valley. In fact, you may find yourself hiking (or snorkeling) between the Continental Ridge. The continental drift between the North American and Eurasian plates are found here, making the area very prone to earthquakes.
Still not sold? Game of Thrones filmed here! You may recognize some of the tall rock outcroppings which were shown on the path to the Eyrie and Arya and Clegane’s journey.
Geysir
If you, like myself, have never witnessed a geyser, this is the stop for you. The “Great Geysir” is located here; the original that all geysirs are now named after. Unfortunately, it hardly goes off anymore, but Strokkur is a great substitute. You’ll find it going off about every five minutes! It’s believed that the geysirs in the valley have been active for more than 10,000 years.
One of the many wonders of Iceland: You’ll find yourself wandering around holes of boiling water, while looking at the snow covered mountains in freezing temperatures. Still cannot wrap my head around this one!
Gulfoss Waterfall
Once you’ve seen one waterfall, you’ve seen them all, right? Well, you’re wrong. Prepare yourself to get soaked while taking in this view.
The country of Iceland originally planned to use the falls as a source of electricity. However, as the story goes, a young Icelandic woman threatened to throw herself in the falls if this were to happen. The plans were stalled and the waterfall is now protected by the country.
Kerid (Crater Lake)
While largely overlooked, this was my favorite stop along the Golden Circle. Kerid is a volcanic crater lake with crystal blue water. Found in the volcanic region of Iceland, it is the youngest crater at just 3,000 years old. Many believe that a natural explosion occurred, creating the crater, while others believe it was the location of a volcano. No matter the story, it’s a spectacular view of Iceland.
Icelandic Ponies
I mean, how can you say no? The Golden Circle is lined with Icelandic ponies. Pull over, stretch your legs, and make a few new friends.
What is your favorite stop along the Golden Circle?
To share this post, use this photo!
Leave a Reply