Golden Circle

After Reykjavik, the most popular activity on an Iceland vacation is usually the Golden Circle tour easily done in half a day from Reykjavik but perhaps more interesting if taking a full-day tour or on a self-drive vacation. Generally, the distance covered on the tour is around 300 kilometres/186 miles. There are three major attractions which are all within 100 kilometres/60 miles of Reykjavik.

Thingvellir National Park is 40 kilometres/25 miles from Reykjavik and is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its historical, cultural and geological significance. It lies in a valley that is the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is also the site of Iceland’s first parliament established in 930 AD. The parliament met here until 1798. There are no real visible remains but signposts and a visit to the visitor's centre give an idea about it.  

The next stop is usually the Gullfoss Waterfall which is exceptionally beautiful. On looking at the waterfall from the viewing platform, one gets a bird’s eye view of the tumbling and rushing waters and a feel for the force and power of nature. The water falls down 32 metres/104 feet in two stages into a rugged canyon where the walls are as high as 70 metres/230 feet in height. 

Possibly the highlight of the Golden Circle on an Iceland tour is the opportunity to see geysers/hot springs in action. The highly active Geysir Hot Spring area has boiling mud pits and exploding geysers. The most active is Strokkur which spouts water 30 metres/100 feet into the air every few minutes. It has been known to reach 40 kilometres/125 feet in height. One can get fairly close to it. The other major geyser is Geysir is not far from Strokkur and is less active.