The Golden Circle is very popular and located in Southern Iceland. On this route are the Geysir geothermal field, Thingvellir national park, and Gulfoss waterfall. Start your tour on a perfect day from Reykjavik and enjoy these amazing spots of the Golden Circle.
The specialty of Golden Circle Area Iceland
- The Golden Circle, also called “The Golden Triangle” as it incorporates a frequently erupting geyser, a UNESCO World Heritage, and a powerful waterfall.
- It is an amazing tourist pathway. The whole region is beautiful, with unique locations and amazing landscapes.
- You will find rare geological spots not found anyplace else on the globe.
- All the 3 spots of the triangle can be visited in a day.
- These spots together provide traditional cuisine and local hospitality.
- The trio can be covered on a perfect day from Reykjavik visiting Iceland.
Activities ofGolden Circle Area Iceland
- Jet Boating
- Snorkeling
- Rafting
- Food tasting of local delicacies
- Glacier snowmobiling
- Secret Lagoon bathing
The trio of the Golden Triangle- Golden Circle Area Iceland
The 3 must-visit places of the Golden Circle Area Icelandare:
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Geysir Geothermal region
- Þingvellir/Thingvellir National Park
The entire path stretches to 155 miles and circles from the capital city to the Iceland center and back. All the 3 must-see points are drivable from Reykjavik.
Thingvellir/Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is a significant geological and historical site. The first and still operating parliament of Iceland is Althing and was established in 930 AD. At this geological site, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and are drifting apart.There are natural wonders to be appreciated at this place. A viewpoint to get the park view, footpaths down the fissures lying between the tectonic plates, a visitor center, and a souvenir shop are all points of interest within the park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and declared in 1930. Silfra Fissure has Langjokull’s melted water and a new opening between the tectonic plates in 1979. People enjoy snorkeling and underwater diving here.
Geysir Geothermal Region
This is a region with geothermal hot springs. The overall surface is about 3 sq. kms. The majority of the springs lie along a 328 ft land strip and align with the tectonic plate’s lines to the southwest from the south. The steam soaring from the floor at the hot springs and sulfur smell within the air is a natural wonder to watch and enjoy. You can view some underground activity of volcanoes with erupting geyser high above into the air. Bubbling mud, fumaroles, boiling and steaming hot springs, and colorful minerals are wonderful and amazing to the visitors.
Strokkur Geyser is another hot spring spouting geyser in Iceland. It erupts 5-10 mins to a height of 10-20 m and reaching 40 m. In the 20th century, the conduit was blocked, which was cleaned up in 1963. The geyser is erupting regularly since.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Waterfall of Gold, the Golden Falls or Gulfoss waterfall stems from Hvita, a glacier river. This waterfall cascades two times 11 m and 22 m, and descends to a deep gorge. During summer time, rainbows appear on the spray of water, which is very appealing to the eyes. This waterfall is situated on the southeast of the glacier. Hvita, a glacier river, is filled by Langjokull glacier. Northern lights during winter above Gulfoss waterfall appeal to visitors in a big way.
All these three locations are amazing and attractive naturally, geologically, and historically.
Conclusion
Golden Circle Area Iceland is a very important and well-known route of Iceland. It has three primary and very interesting spots, Thingvellir national park, Gulfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal hot springs. Each of these spots is a natural wonder, a UNESCO world heritage site, and geological site. They attract visitors to Iceland from all over the globe. Visit the Golden Circle Area starting from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Plan your tour with leading tour operators to cover the golden circle fully.
