Grand Golden Circle Tour

A grand day tour to all of the major Golden Circle attractions makes for an exciting trip exploring Iceland’s history, culture, and nature. Experience Þingvellir National Park, Strokkur and the Great Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerið Crater, all mesmerizing scenes within a day

Description

The Golden Circle day tour is one of the most popular trips in Iceland, as it covers the most iconic and diverse attractions that the land of fire and ice has to offer.

The Golden Circle in Iceland refers to the three primary sights along a 300-kilometer (186.4 miles) route, with many other delightful, smaller-scale attractions scattered in between.

On our day tour, we will visit all of the main sights, and if time allows, we will make a few extra stops along the way, so you can see even more of Iceland. The historic Thingvellir National Park, the geothermal wonders of Geysir, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and an additional stop at the Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake. It’s an exciting day packed with adventure!

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Highlights:

• Thingvellir National Park
• Geysir geothermal area
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake (entrance fee included in the tour)

Itinerary

The Grand Golden Circle full-day tour begins with our efficient pick-up service. You only need to be on time at one of the designated pick-up stops in central Reykjavik, so we can come and collect you. Once we have everyone on board we will head out to our first point of interest.

Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake

We will first make a stop at the Kerid Crater in the Golden Circle, a volcanic crater lake that formed around 3000 years ago. It’s famous for the stark contrast in colors – maroon mineral sediment, dark lava rocks, and blueish lake water – forming a naturally eye-pleasing sight. You can also take a walk along the crater rim or follow the paved path down to the bottom of the crater to get a better view.

The origin of Kerið began almost 3000 years ago during an eruption that was said to be grand, but when the magma emptied the chamber collapsed in on itself, leaving the crater as the shape we see today.

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Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall, aka the Golden Falls, is a must-visit attraction of the Golden Circle tours in Iceland. It is an astonishing waterfall originating from Iceland’s second-largest glacier Langjökull. Its roaring cascade first runs down a gradual slope for 11 meters (36.01 ft) and then tumbles down deep into the canyon with a 21-meter (68.9 ft) magnificent, wide drop, creating impressive, beautiful mist to splash up in the air, reflecting a giant rainbow in the sunlight.

Well-paved pathways are available with different viewpoints to admire the Gullfoss waterfall. The first viewpoint is the upper deck next to the visitor center, from which you have a panoramic view of the waterfall in its entirety.

Following the path, you can walk down to the lower deck, to view another side of the thunderous drop that vanishes into the depth of the earth. Then you can see the first plunge of the waterfall from a closer distance on the lower deck. Please be aware that the path can be closed if it’s icy and conditions are not ideal.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Next up, we head out to the dynamic geothermal area Geysir, which is named after the original geyser, the Great Geysir, which is no longer active. The area is filled with steam vents, bubbling pits, and sizzling ponds, with multicolored patches dotted here and there. The main show of the site is the active Strokkur Geyser that gushes 20 meters up in the air every 5 to 10 minutes. The spectacular, lively sight is the highlight of the Geysir geothermal field.

Another feature of the area is the bubbling hot springs and the steamy muddy fields, creating a sulfuric smell. The geysers create a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland’s wonder.

There’s a visitor center close by, selling souvenirs, and local products, and offering many lunch options.

Thingvellir National Park

As one of the most famous sites and must-visits in Iceland, Thingvellir National Park has great significance in both the history and geology of Iceland. In 930 AD, the world’s first parliament was established here in Thingvellir by Vikings, making it the oldest parliament. Most surprisingly the parliament is still active and fully functioning!

Thingvellir sits right on the only visible section of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is mostly submerged in the ocean. As you walk along the pathway, you are walking in between the rift valley between two diverging tectonic plates that are home to North America and Eurasia, respectively.

Thingvellir National Park is home to a diverse range of scenery which includes the Öxaráfoss waterfall, Almannagjá gorge, Hakið panoramic viewpoint, Silfra Fissure, and the Þingvallakirkja Church. The water is crystal clear at Thingvellir as the meltwater from Langjökull glacier seeps through the underground lava field, considered to be the best natural filter in the world.

A national treasure, Þingvellir is a great place to learn about Iceland’s history and heritage, especially if you are interested in Vikings, and how the laws of the land came about. In 2004, Þingvellir National Park was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After our eventful day exploring the sights of Iceland, we will begin our drive back to Reykjavik. Along the way, you will see some picturesque scenery over the course of the 45-minute drive back to your pick-up point.

What’s included

• Professional guide
• Entrance fees to Kerið Volcanic Crater
• Free WiFi

What’s excluded

• Pickup and drop off
• Food and drinks

What do I need to bring?

• Warm, water- and windproof clothing are always useful in Iceland.
• All tickets are e-tickets so there is no need to print them out.

Important information

• The duration of the tour is 8,5 hrs
• The tour allows for lunchtime at the Geysir area

Cancellation policy

• A cancellation fee of 100% if canceled 1 day or less before departure