Golden Circle Tour Iceland
Being the most favourite tourist spots in Iceland, the Golden Circle is a classic route that’s a must-see for every Iceland visitor. It doesn’t even matter if you are one a single day trip or planning to stay for a longer time, it is a must-visit place for all. Sites on the Golden Circle are open round the year especially for visitors, but as per experts advice summer months is considered most favourable to visit golden circle because the temperatures are warmer and the road conditions are easier to manage. Considering the three main stops of the golden circle, these are Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal field, and the Gullfoss waterfall, which makes the golden circle one of Iceland’s most impressive places to visit. In addition to these main sites, you can even find the location where Game of Thrones was filmed.
Many tourists prefer booking an Iceland Private Tour so that they can get the best experience. So, without any further ado let’s get started:
- Location of the Golden Circle- It takes about 40 minutes to reach the very first stop of Golden Circle from Reykjavik. If you are planning to visit a place outside the city, the Golden Circle is the perfect spot. From warm hot springs to mesmerising waterfalls, the golden circle tour is the perfect way to offer you the best of Iceland. If you are planning to visit the golden circle it is generally advised to schedule at least 7-8 hours to visit every destination.
- Things you can See in the Golden Circle-
- Þingvellir National Park- Pingvellir National Park is the very first stop in from Reykjavik. Acts as one of the main attractions spots of the golden circle, the main feature of this beautiful park are that it lies between the North American and European tectonic plates, which technically means that you can stand between two continents at once. Being some of the rarest places to witness some of the clearest water in the world, you can even witness SCUBA dive between the plates also. Even if you are not satisfied with the clearest water amongst the globe, you can also hike up to the breathtaking Öxarárfoss waterfall which is just walking distance away from the pingvellir national park.
If we take a look at an estimated expenditure, the full-day parking costs about USD 7, which is open 24 hours. It takes about 1-2 hours to explore the place.
- Geysir Geothermal Field- The next stop after the national park is the Geysir Geothermal Field. Being one of the most popular as well as crowded stops on the tour in the golden circle, this place is well known for its Geysir along with many bubbling and steaming hot pools. Although it will be somewhat sad to know that the original geyser is no longer active, still Strokkur, is the main attractive spot here. Erupting about 50 feet in the air every 10 mins, every tourist aims for the perfect photo. Depending on how many eruptions you want to see, your visit time may vary accordingly. Its’ open 24 hours and even you can climb up the mountain to get a more aerial view of the geothermal area.
- Gullfoss Waterfall– The next location after geyser geothermal field is Gullfoss Waterfall which is only 10 minutes away from the previous location. There are two main viewing areas to see the falls, but if you are short on time we recommend seeing both. Both the viewpoints seems to be magical and can provide you with a complete view of glaciers, rainbows and other areas of interest. Like other view-points, they are also open 24X7, and it is often advised to visit this place on a clear sunny day. The total time required to visit is nearly about 1 hour.
- Kerið – It is believed that this place was formed about 6,500 ago, created by leftover material of a volcanic cone that was collapsed and later on filled with water. With green moss and red rocks perfectly merged with bright blue water, it’s just fascinating to see such natural beauty. As the area is small it takes about 30 minutes to capture this beauty in your mind forever. The entrance fees as well as parking charge sums up to around USD 4 and is also open 24 hours. It is often advised not to walk along the edge of the crater or hike down to the lake’s bottom.
- Secret Lagoon- Named as secret lagoon, but don’t be confused by its name. This lagoon is the best place to break up your tour and relax for a while in the 100-degree thermal water bath. It is only 10 minutes drive from the golden circle’s route. The entry fees for adults is around 3000 ISK and free for children below 14 years. Its open daily from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. during the summer months and the time reduces to 2 hours in winters. It takes about 1-2 hours to give yourself a relax from the tiring journey.
- Reykjadalur Thermal River- If you are still not tired with your journey and have time to hike,reykjadalur thermal river will be the perfect spot for you. The path is crafted in between mighty mountains and wonderful scenic beauty. It’s free of cost and open 24X7, and almost 2-3 hours to seek every bit of Reykjadalur thermal river.
So to take a Tour To The Golden Circle either you have two ways: self-drive or guided tour. If you’re running short of time, scheduling a half- or full-day tour guide will prove to be the best option available. Even you can book travel guides from online websites or hire them from the city. But on the other hand, if you have more time, renting a car can prove to be the best option available. You can either choose highway 1 and highway 435 which will provide you with beautiful mountain range along your way. If you just want to save your time, then Highway 1 and then highway 36 could prove to be the best option available.
