Iceland’s Golden Circle is the road that goes through some of the most astounding natural wonders in Iceland. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Iceland. In total it runs 190 miles. If you are feeling energetic you can make it a long day and see 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 rented a car for our Golden Circle Iceland trip, but there are many tours as well.
Iceland is a pilgrimage site for nature lovers, if you’ve never been, you’re missing out!
Þingvellir, the Continental Divide
Pronounced “Thingvellir”, this park is Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only is the continental divide of North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, it is also the site of Iceland’s first parliament. This park has easy walking paths, amazing views, stunning cliffs, and even scuba diving! It is a Golden Circle must-see!
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 a volcanically active area. 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. Hot pots and sulfur rich springs are everywhere in this park making it amazing to walk around.
Remember, pay attention to the signs and don’t put your hand in the water! It is boiling hot!
Visit Gullfoss on Iceland’s Golden Circle
The Golden Falls, or Gullfoss, are truly remarkable. This colossal waterfall is the capstone of the Golden Circle, and one of the three big “must-sees” of the tour. 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 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 recommend on your return 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 lights 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 many other places to go and things to see. 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!
Thinking of a trip to Iceland? Check out our Insider Tips for getting the best airfare.
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