If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, a tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle is an absolute must-see. Located in the southern part of Iceland, the Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that takes travellers through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. With its majestic waterfalls, hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes, the Golden Circle is a breathtaking experience that you won’t soon forget. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the best routes to take when touring the Golden Circle, as well as what to expect during your journey.
Route 1: Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park
When it comes to exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle, the most popular route starts in the capital city of Reykjavik and takes you through Thingvellir National Park. This route is full of breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and a whole lot of natural beauty.
Thingvellir National Park is home to stunning lava fields, mountains, and rivers. It also has several notable historic sites. This park was established in 1930 and is considered a national shrine for Icelanders as it was once the site of the world’s first democratic parliament.
Route 2: Thingvellir National Park to Geysir
Thingvellir National Park to Geysir is one of the most scenic and captivating routes on the Golden Circle in Iceland. It offers travellers stunning views of Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, as well as an array of captivating geological features.
The journey begins at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of great historical significance for Icelanders. The park is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and its incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a walk through the park and explore ancient lava formations, rock walls, and even dive into crystal-clear springs.
Route 3: Geysir to Gullfoss
If you’re looking to experience the beauty and grandeur of Iceland’s Golden Circle, then Route 3 is a must-see. This route takes you from Geysir to Gullfoss, two of the most breathtaking sites in all of Iceland.
Geysir is home to some of the most impressive hot springs in the world. The area is known for its intense and ever-changing geothermal activity, which produces spectacular geysers that shoot water into the sky. You’ll also find mud pools and steaming ground, as well as plenty of bubbling pools and fumaroles to explore.
Route 4: Gullfoss to Kerið
Route 4 of the Golden Circle tours in Iceland takes you from Gullfoss to Kerið. Gullfoss, one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland, is located in the Hvítá River canyon. You’ll be amazed by its sheer power as it cascades 32 metres down two tiers into a rugged canyon below. After exploring Gullfoss, you’ll continue your journey along the route to Kerið. This volcanic crater lake was formed thousands of years ago when a volcano erupted, leaving a deep caldera that is now filled with clear blue water. The surrounding hillsides are colored in shades of red and orange due to their unique mineral content. While visiting Kerið, take the time to admire the breathtaking views from the rim of the crater. Be sure to check out the nearby Faxi waterfall before heading back to Gullfoss for the end of your journey.
Photo byJan Brennenstuhl onUnsplash
