Cait Kontalis

View Original

The Golden Circle in Iceland: What to Expect

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland that encompasses some of the country's most beautiful and well-known sights. If you're planning a trip to Iceland, this is definitely something you'll want to check out! 

Visit Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is often the first stop on the Golden Circle tour, and it's truly a sight to behold. The park is home to a number of glaciers and the world's largest lava field. You can also explore the ruins of an ancient Viking settlement or take a dip in the geothermal waters of the nearby hot springs.

Step In-Between Two Continents at the Iceland Plate Tectonics

The next stop on the Golden Circle is the Iceland Plate Tectonics. Here, you can see where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This is a truly unique geological phenomenon, and it's something that you won't be able to see anywhere else in the world. Some visitors even choose to snorkel between the two plates. A little too cold for me during my winter visit, but I'd imagine in the summer it's fantastic!

See the Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions, and it's easy to see why. The waterfall is absolutely massive, and the view from the top is breathtaking. Be sure to bring your camera, because this is definitely a spot you'll want to remember!

Stop at the geothermal area of Haukadalur

Haukadalur is a geothermal area that is home to the famous geysers Strokkur and Geysir. Strokkur erupts every few minutes, so you'll definitely want to stick around for a while to watch it in action. There is also a visitor center here where you can pick up a snack and gifts.

With so much to see and do, the Golden Circle is the perfect way to get a taste of what Iceland has to offer. I booked all of my day tours with Reykjavik Excursions and had positive experiences with each one.