What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is one of the most famous routes in Iceland that will show you the most interesting geological sites. Because this route combines both the South and West coast of Iceland, this route allows you to see the force of nature in its full glory. The Golden Circle is perhaps one of the most visited regions in Iceland, great waterfalls, plenty of Geothermal areas, and historical sites.
Why Visit the Golden Circle?
- Natural Beauty: Here you will find mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, geological miracle of Þingvellir National Park with its unusually beautiful landscapes.
- Geothermal Activity: Experience the force of geothermal activity at Geysir Geothermal Area with a great volume of hot spring or geyser that periodically furnishes the area with water.
- Historical Significance: Thingvellir National Park is a World Heritage site and is home to the world’s first parliament, Althing.
- Accessibility: For visitors that prefer to drive, take a bus tour or any type of guided tour, the Golden Circle truly offers an easy sight-seeing Self drive tour for all ages and abilities.
Best Time to Visit
While booking the Golden Circle, it is recommended to do so during summer season because the days are long and the nights are cool. But the winter time (December-February) is wonderful for seeing winter views such as mountains covered with snow or waterfalls frozen.
Must-See Stops Along the Golden Circle Route
Þingvellir National Park
It is also noted that Þingvellir National Park with its ancient site of proper name, as occupy the list of UNESCO world heritage site and highly historical areas in Iceland. That is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates merge, resulting into a rather intriguing geography. There is also the Alþingi, the first which is considered the oldest parliament on earth and was established in 930.
Key attractions in Þingvellir National Park:
- Silfra Fissure: This is a rift valley, the water of which is perfectly transparent, therefore snorkeling and diving procedures are launched here.
- Öxarárfoss Waterfall: An attractive waterfall which tumbles down a striking steep slope.
- Þingvellir Church: A pretty Victorian church and beautiful skyline to boot – if you are into that sort of thing of course.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a geothermal region which includes boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and the most famous Geysir; Strokkur. Strokkur gushes out every few minutes, throwing boiling water up to 30 metres high in the air.
Other geothermal features in the area:
- Geysir: A Spot of “.”;
- Originally it was a more active geyser, but at present it is not.
- Blesi: A smaller geyser that goes off less often.
- Colorful hot springs: All around the area, hot springs are found painted in different colours which really makes the view magical.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Golden Falls is one of the famous waterfalls in Iceland that tourists would love to visit. Hvítá descends as a shy thin stream, but then it rolls down a 32-meter sheer cliff of the narrow canyon giving the hint of the real power of the water.
Best viewpoints and photo opportunities:
- Upper viewing platform: Covers a wide angle view of the waterfall and the area surrounding the waterfalls.
- Lower viewing platform: Lets show a more accurate picture of the kinetics of the waterfall.
Additional Stops Along the Golden Circle
While the three main stops of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall are the core of the Golden Circle, there are a few additional stops that can enhance your experience:
Kerid Crater
Kerid Crater is a crater lake that was formed by a volcanic eruption and it has very colorful cliffs. The water is very deep blue and sits perfectly on the red volcanic cliffs ideal for photography.
Skálholt
Skálholt is now an archeological site that was once the episcopal see of the Icelandic bishops. There is Skálholt Cathedral which was built in the 18th century, Skalholt we can visit Skálholt Cultural Centre which includes history of Iceland and Iceland culture.
Planning Your Golden Circle Trip
Best Time to Visit
As has been said before, the best time to travel to the Golden Circle is between June and August since it is summer. However within the off peak of travel, you may be able to witness spectacular sights at different locations like the falling foliage during the autumn or the Northern lights during winter.
How to Get There
Self-driving: Car rental is the most convenient means of transport in the Golden Circle since it affords much freedom than the other types of transport means. They let you drive in your own time and stop at your own convenient time. Guided Tours: Numerous tour operators provide day or multiple days Golden Circle sightseeing options to the tourists. This is ideal for people who do not want to drive themselves around. Public Transportation: Nevertheless there are some possibilities within PT such as bus tours, though not frequently offered.
Accommodation Options
There is a diverse range of places to stay in on the Golden Circle, from cheap guesthouses to some very plush hotels. Popular options include:
- Selfoss: A place that has a number of hotel and guest houses to accommodate the tourists.
- Flúðir: A nearby village located near Geysir Geothermal Area, offers the tourist with various options of accommodation.
- Hotel Rangá: A very comfortable hotel with elaborate scenic views of the surrounding environment.
The dos and don’ts of the Golden Circle Experience
- Dress in layers: In Iceland the weather often changes, so the layers of clothing are required.
- Bring waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear: In winter the weather is very cold and wet and t snowy so they should dress appropriately for the weather and ground, most of the time in Iceland there is watery ground and much mud.
- Respect the environment: They should not wander off the laid paths and tracks, should not drop litter anywhere, and should keep their distance from wildlife.
- Pack snacks and water: There is no shortage of cafés, restaurants and eateries all along the route of the Golden Circle and therefore food and drink are not generally a problem but it is recommended that food and water be taken if outdoor activities are planned.
- Book tours in advance: To visit the sites on the list of proposed guided tours, it’s better to organize them in advance, namely during the high season.
Using the tips above and if well-planned, your Golden Circle trip can be one of the best adventures planned.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Golden Circle
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Golden Circle:
Which kind of transportation should be used to maximize the Golden Circle?
It is far more convenient to rent a car in order to move around the Golden Circle at your own pace. This way, it enables you to make several stops than you desire and spend adequate time at each sight seeing. However, it also helpful to organize the guided tours, if you are interested in history and culture of Iceland.
How many questions do you have to answer before one is answered as a part of the Golden Circle?
It only takes a day to tour the Golden Circle but it is still better to spend two days when appreciating the features and events.
How long does it take to do the Golden Circle?
Yes, the Golden Circle can be done in one day but that will be a very tight tour. But if the guest does not mind spending many hours on the road and would like to spend some time sightseeing, it is best to spend two days.
In the way, it is important to know what is the best time to visit the Golden Circle?
I would do it early in the morning to avoid so many people distracting me as I enjoy the sceneries at the place. Yet, one might also attend in the late afternoon as the golden hour lights will be perfect for photographers.
Are there any avowals that one will enchant along the Golden Circle?
Beautiful as it is, there are still some corners of the Golden Circle, which is still waiting to be explored. Some of these include:
- Fagrifoss: A wonderful waterfall on the way to Selfoss.
- Brúarhlöð: A structure of rock formation that crosses the Hvítá River uniquely.
- Hraunfossar: A system of waterfalls originated from the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
If you embark on a tour of the Golden Circle and surroundings you will discover the true beauty of Iceland.
Conclusion
The Golden Circle is a perfect route that covers the best of Iceland including Area of Geysa, Thingviller, and Gullfoss. Still within its length of slightly over 60 miles, one gets a perfect one day trip that has been described as having a lifetime of adventures.
The three main attractions along the route include the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall because each presents a unique aspect of the geological touristry of Iceland. Thingvellir is on the World Heritage List, this is the place where two continental plates converge and where Icelandic parliament was founded. Geyser are hot springs and the Geysir area is where they all began with the original geyser and the dramatic Strokkur. The last attraction, ‘ the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, with its 2 stages of the furious raging water, always has a memorable effect.
Besides all these well-known landmarks, there are actually several more unknown attractions on the route. It is with this in mind that I can wholeheartedly recommend the Kerid Crater with its volcanic lake, as well as the Faxi Waterfall, which may slightly less popular than its larger cousin, but is no less breathtaking.
The Golden Circle explores the majestic culture of Iceland; it will appeal to lovers of natural beauty, history, or just an adventurous tourist. A visit to this site cannot be optional because for anyone and everyone it presents an excellent bang for your buck view of some of the best parts of Victoria Island. As you drive the route, each turn is followed by the new views and you meet the invite to embrace the wild, in its purest form which shapes Iceland.
Reference
- Thingvellir National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Thingvellir National Park. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1152/ - Geysir Geothermal Area
Iceland.is. (2023). Geysir and the Great Geyser. Retrieved from https://www.iceland.is - Gullfoss Waterfall
Iceland Travel. (2023). Gullfoss – The Golden Waterfall. Retrieved from https://www.icelandtravel.is - Kerid Crater
Guide to Iceland. (2023). Kerid Crater Lake: The Volcanic Wonder of Iceland. Retrieved from https://www.guidetoiceland.is - Faxi Waterfall
Iceland Travel. (2023). Faxi Waterfall: A Hidden Gem of the Golden Circle. Retrieved from https://www.icelandtravel.is - Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)
IMO. (2024). Geothermal Activity in Iceland. Retrieved from https://en.vedur.is - Visit Iceland
Visit Iceland. (2023). The Golden Circle: A Guide to Iceland’s Most Famous Route. Retrieved from https://www.visiticeland.com - Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet. (2024). Iceland Travel Guide. Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland
