What Is the Golden Circle in Iceland and Why Is It Worth Visiting?
The Golden Circle in Iceland is one of the most popular tourist routes in this picturesque country. In today's article, I’ll answer questions such as: Where does the name "Golden Circle" come from? What does the Golden Circle route in Iceland include? And why is it a great choice for exploring Iceland? Let’s dive in!
What Is the Golden Circle in Iceland?
As mentioned in the introduction, the Golden Circle (Iceland) is a popular tourist route – one of the most frequently and eagerly chosen. It’s located in the southwestern part of the country and not only allows you to visit scenic and culturally important places in Iceland but also covers three of the country's top attractions. What’s more, the Golden Circle in Iceland (Icelandic: Gullni hringurinn) lets you see all of these in just one day. (For example, my Golden Circle tour lasts eight hours and starts in Reykjavík, which is well-connected and easy to access.) The route is fully drivable, making it suitable for families with children, seniors, or those who prefer not to walk for extended periods.
What Does the Golden Circle in Iceland Include?
A Golden Circle tour in Iceland (Gullni hringurinn) is a journey through natural and cultural landmarks. Its core features are three must-see attractions:
● Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) – a natural treasure and a historically significant site for Icelanders, rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s geologically unique (this is where tectonic plates meet!) and historically important as the birthplace of Icelandic democracy.
● Haukadalur Valley – a paradise for lovers of lively natural phenomena like geysers. The valley is famous for its geothermal activity, with both historical and present-day evidence clearly visible. The geysers Geysir and Strokkur are still active today, shooting steam over 20 meters high!
● Gullfoss Waterfall on the Hvítá River – a highlight of the tour, and the namesake of the original Icelandic name for the route: Gullni hringurinn. An interesting and important historical fact: in the early 20th century, there were plans to turn Gullfoss into a hydroelectric power station – but fortunately, these plans were met with strong opposition and ultimately stopped.
Every Golden Circle tour in Iceland can differ slightly depending on the organizer. On my tour, you’ll also see the colorful Kerið crater and the natural hot spring Secret Lagoon. You can also enjoy a local food tasting during lunch at the Friðheimar tomato farm and experience unique attractions like snowmobiling on the Langjökull glacier or horseback riding in the surrounding area. I tailor the Golden Circle tour to my clients' preferences.
Golden Circle in Iceland – Tour Benefits
✓ The Golden Circle tour (Iceland) lets you explore both natural wonders and cultural landmarks
✓ The Golden Circle tour (Iceland) allows you to visit the most important and beautiful places on Iceland’s map in just one day
✓ My Gullni hringurinn tour is not only sightseeing – it also includes a professional photo session at each location
✓ My Gullni hringurinn tour is fully customized to each client, so it will be exactly what you’re looking for
