Iceland’s Golden Circle is the road that goes through some of the best things that Iceland has to offer. In total it is about 300 kilometers, or 190 miles. If you are willing to make it a long day, you can do it all at once. But you might want to split it up over two or three days if you really want to take your time. We think the best way to do this is to rent a car for your Iceland visit, but there are many small and large tour groups that will help you make the journey.
Þingvellir, the Continental Divide
Pronounced “Thingvellir”, this park is Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is because it is not only where the North American tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate divide, but it is also the site of Iceland’s first parliament. This park has easy walking paths, amazing views, stunning cliffs, and even scuba diving! The Golden Circle is a must-see on any Iceland visit! Pro tip: Check out the amazing views from the parking lot restrooms.
Seeing Geysir on Your Iceland Visit
Geysir is named after the large geyser that sits at the center of this volcanically active place. This geyser is where we get the word “geyser” from! If anyone in your group loves geological marvels, you should plan to spend some time here on your Iceland vacation. While Geysir itself rarely erupts anymore, it’s neighbor, Strokkur, sets off an amazing display of boiling water every few minutes. There are also hot pots and sulfur rich springs everywhere in this park and it is amazing to walk around. Just don’t put your hand in the water! It comes out boiling hot!
Visit Gullfoss on Iceland's Golden Circle
The Golden Falls, or Gullfoss, are truly a remarkable sight. This colossal waterfall is the capstone of the Golden Circle, and the last of the three big “must-sees” of the tour. We talked about Gullfoss in our Waterfall post (insert link?) and there is good reason. These dramatic falls drop down into a small valley cut into the earth. If you are feeling brave, there is a point you can walk out to right in the middle of the falls which is open during the spring and summer months. Gullfoss is as beautiful as it is intense, and an important part of any Iceland visit.
Kerið Crater Lake, Colorful Beauty
A short side trip we would recommend on your way back to Reykjavik is Kerið, a lake that has formed in the caldera of an old volcano. You can walk around the edge of the caldera. But the best part of this is when the sun hits the surface, the whole area is lit up in a beautiful array of colors. The red and green walls of the caldera and the beautiful blue water at its bottom make this worth just a quick side trip when you are doing the Golden Circle on your Iceland vacation.
Other Things to Do On Iceland's Golden Circle
The Golden Circle has a wide variety of other places to go and things to see along it. If you are planning to use two or three days of you Iceland Vacation, make sure to check out some of the thermal baths and even a geothermal river that you can bathe in. If you are looking for a lunch place along the road, we highly recommend Lindin, which serves amazing fish and reindeer burgers!
Check out our other posts about Iceland:
Visit Iceland! Everything You Need to Know
Food and Drink on Your Iceland Trip
