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The Golden circle is the name commonly given to a combination of three sites of special significance in the west of Iceland. These sites are, Þingvellir National park, Geysir and Gullfoss. In addition to these stops, we also visit the volcanic crater lake of Kerið.
Our day tour will take you to all these essential stops and more as we share with you some of the highlights of Icelandic history and nature all in one magnificent route through the Icelandic countryside.
The Golden circle is one of the most popular day tours in Iceland thanks to how accessible it is and how much it has to offer. You have the Þingvellir national park which was home to the world's first parliament as well as the site of the silfra fissure were the american and eurasian tectonic plates are separating. There is also Gullfoss the golden waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland and the Geothermal paradise of Geysir where you can see frequent hot spring eruptions.
Geysir geothermal area
Gullfoss waterfall
Þingvellir National Park
Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, is a geyser in a geothermally active region of western Iceland. It is the first geyser that was ever mentioned in print and as a result the first geyser than many people would have ever heard of. As a result of this the english word ‘geyser’ is actually derived from the name ‘Geysir.
Geysir is believed to have been active for around 10,000 years and while it is unable to erupt of its own power currently its sister geyser Strokkur still erupts quite frequently.
Known as the “Golden Falls”, Gullfoss is a large waterfall in western Iceland that is fed by the Hvítá river (or white river) and drops a staggering 32 meters over three stages. As you approach the waterfall you cannot immediately see the bottom of the falls leaving you with a visual of water seemingly running into a large void into the earth.
Thanks to its stunning visuals and intriguing past the Gullfoss waterfall has become an incredibly popular tourist attraction.
Þingvellir national park (also known as Thingvellir national park) is an area of great cultural, natural and geological significance.
The two main attractions here that draw people to the location is the fact that Þingvellir is the location of the world's first parliament as well as the place where the tectonic plates of America and Eurasia are slowly drifting apart from each other. The parliament that was formed here is known as the Alþingi and it still operates today although they have moved the main operations to Reykjavik. Meetings were held here though between 930 and 1798.
Our fantastic afternoon day tour to the Golden Circle begins with our fast and efficient pick up service. You simply need to wait at your hotel or at one of the designated pick up points and let us take care of you. Once all of our guests are accounted for then we will begin our adventure into Icelandic nature and history.
Our first stop will be at the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. Gullfoss, translated as the Golden waterfall, is a large waterfall that drops a staggering 32 meters over two stages. It is fed from the white river which originates from Iceland’s 2nd biggest glacier. The unique mineral composition of the river bed causes a shimmering effect as the water cascades which is how the waterfall got its name. You will often be greeted with the sight of a rainbow shimmering over the water as the sunlight strikes it creating a very beautiful scene.
After the waterfall we will make our way to the Geothermal area of Geysir. This hot spring filled area is named after the “Great Geysir” a large geyser in the area that gave us the English word ‘Geyser’. The Great Geysir itself no longer erupts without assistance but luckily Geysirs sister hot spring Strokkur still erupts frequently meaning you will still have a chance to catch a glimpse of the display. There is also a large visitors centre here and a great spot for you to buy some lunch.
The last stop on our tour is Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. This is the site where the world's first parliament was formed when the old Viking group leaders decided to join together on a yearly basis to discuss the events and laws of the land. You can still see the seats they sat on carved into the rock. This area is also notable as being the location where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates are separating from each other creating the Silfra fissure, a popular diving spot.
At this point our day tour will sadly be over, but there will still be some lovely sights to witness from the bus as we get you back to Reykjavik.
The duration of the tour is 7 hours
There is no food included on this tour but there will be stops where you are able to purchase food.
For those who want to start their tour a little earlier in the day why not consider the "Grand Golden Circle" tour that does all of the stops but takes a bit more time doing them giving you more time at each location. Or for those looking to add a stop to a geothermal lagoon to their trip, look no further than the "Golden Circle & Secret lagoon" option. Don't forget your bathing suit!
We even have a small group option that will take you along the Golden Circle route whilst also making additional stops via our "Iceland Intro: Golden Circle" Premium minibus tour.
Professional guide
Entrance fees to Þingvellir national park
Free WiFi
Pick up and drop off
Food and drinks
Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always useful in Iceland.
All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out.
The sights on the Golden Circle Afternoon Tour are very impressive but the travelling time in between stops were also made great fun and educational by our guide Siggy! My son and I had the best day. We laughed lots and learnt about Icelandic history, sport, music and modern day culture. I think we had a couple of extra unplanned spots which were great. Thanks Siggy, you are an amazing tour guide!
Good narration on the bus about the history and geology of Iceland and plenty of time at each stop to cater for all speeds of walkers. Excellent photo opportunities. Thank you Jona and Tomek for a very enjoyable day out
Great day out, everything we wanted to see in a leisurely fashion , knowledgeable, friendly and humorous guide.
8,5 hours
Got questions? Email our friendly customer service: info@bustravel.is