Golden Circle in Iceland

The Golden Circle – One-day delight in Iceland

Golden Circle – This is the most popular tourist route and day tour in Iceland departing from Reykjavík and covering a vast area of geological and historical attractions. And for good reason! The three main points of interest are Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and seat of the first parliament; the waterfall Gullfoss and the erupting geyser Strokkur un Haukadalur. So not only do you get to see some of the most amazing natural and historical wonders of Iceland, at a convenient distance from the capital. The Golden Circle is a 300-km looped route.

Þingvellir

Þingvellir (pronounced thing-vetleer) is a historical and geological marvel. Situated right where the tectonic plates separate, the rift between continents is clearly visible in the dramatic cliffs on either side of the valley. This makes for stunning landscapes, with cascading waterfalls, majestic cliffs and fissures,filed with icy blue, clear water.

Þingvellir are of great historical importance as well. The names translates to Parliament Fields as for centuries, it was the meeting place of the Icelandic Parliament, founded in 930. Some of the biggest decisions in Icelandic history were made at Þingvellir. It was here that the Icelandic chieftains decided that Icelanders would convert to Christianity, it was where they decided to give up their independence in 1262 and where they declared independence from Denmark seven centuries later, in 1944.

Gullfoss

Next up is Gullfoss waterfall (Icelandic for the golden waterfall). It’s a magnificent reminder of the awe-inspiring power of nature, with a huge amount of water thundering down into a jagged canyon.

The power of the waterfall was enticing the entrepreneurs in the early 20th century, and plans were made to harness it and convert it to electricity. Fortunately, there were people who spoke up and protested against destroying such an impressive natural wonder, one of them even going so far as to threaten to throw herself i the waterfall. The State of Iceland acquired the waterfall in 1940 and it has been on the state preservation list since 1979.

Waterfalls in Iceland. Photo by Olga

Geysir

Geysir is an erupting hot spring (it’s actually the erupting hot spring, lending its name to geysers around the world) although these days it doesn’t do a lot of erupting. It’s neighbour, Strokkur, however, gladly puts on a show every 8-10 minutes, in an impressive spectacle of a burst of hot water. The area also has several pools of water ranging in temperature from too-hot-to-touch to boil-you-alive-in-seconds; some bubbling, other still and impossibly clear.

After Geysir, it’s time to head back to Reykjavík or continue exploring the south of Iceland. Go swimming in a warm pool surrounded by nature, go snowmobiling on a glacier or have a delicious langoustine (Icelandic lobster) dinner in a tiny fishing village on the shore.

This beautiful area with its lake, natural vegetation and visible tectonic fissures, which are popular amongst divers and snorkelers. This area is also a delight to walk around, soaking in history, geology and nature with every step. Another major stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area, Iceland‘s very own pressure valve with Strokkur letting off steam every few minutes in a 30m high aquatic burst. This hot geothermal area is fascinating with its colours, smells and energy. The third classic stop on the Circle is the mesmerising Gullfoss Waterfall. Seen from a dizzy height, this waterfall is two-tiered and plunges 32m down into the Hvítá River. Its beauty is illuminated by sunshine and rainbows but also in its winter coat of icicles and frozen spray.

There are a number of other attractions in the area to visit that would put a personal touch to your own Golden Circle tour. They are Laugarvatn on the banks of a warm lake and sheltered by a birch-covered mountain, Kerið, a volcanic crater that has hosted floating music concerts, Flúðir, home of the Secret Lagoon and Icelandic button mushroom farming.

Reykjadalur near Hveragerði, is a valley of geothermal hot springs ready for soaking in.

Conscious Tourism

As with everywhere in Iceland, the nature here is very sensitive and is not used to being trampled on by thrill seekers from all over the world, so please take care to stick to marked trails and walking paths, be sure to take your rubbish with you and leave any pieces of Iceland where you found them. International driving rules apply to Iceland as well. Stopping on the road to take pictures is not only forbidden but highly dangerous and can cause accidents.

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