Grayline Viking Horse and Golden Circle Tour Review

The powerful Gullfoss, the explosive Geysir, and the historic Thingvellir National Park. Choose from a wide variety of tours to the Golden Circle and visit Iceland's most pop destinations featuring incredible waterfalls, breathtaking tectonic plates, and bursting geysers. Rich in civilisation, riveting history, and spectacular nature, a visit to the Gold Circle will create memories that final a lifetime. See beneath for all of the essential information on the Gilt Circle.

All Well-nigh the Aureate Circle in Iceland

The Aureate Circle—Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Geysir geothermal area—no visit to Republic of iceland is consummate without touring the main sites forth this famous route. If you take questions virtually Iceland's virtually pop and most visited places, look no farther. This is your complete guide to the Gilt Circle.

What is the Golden Circle?

The Aureate Circle is the name given to the route taken to the most popular sites in Iceland — Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (Gilded Falls), and Geysir geothermal area. Hit all these spots, and y'all've done the Golden Circle.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir became Iceland's outset national park in 1930. It is likewise a designated UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical, cultural, and geologic significance to the Icelandic people and the world. To walk through Thingvellir is to walk the fields where i of the oldest parliaments in the earth first convened in 930 Advert. Thingvellir lies in a rift valley created by the tectonic plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, slowly drifting apart. Information technology is as well home to Iceland's largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is a waterfall and gets its name from the golden color of its water as it churns up silt and sediment. The magnificent waterfalls prevarication in the Hvitá river and are fed past Langjökull, Iceland'south second-largest glacier. In total, Gullfoss is 32 meters loftier, falling two tiers that are 11 and 21 meters loftier, respectively. Gullfoss is also at the middle of one of Iceland's most famous acts of environmental activism. Dorsum in the early 20th century, developers wanted to damn the mighty waterfall to generate electricity, simply through the will and determination of Sigriður Tómasdóttir, Gullfoss was saved. Thanks, Sigriður!

Geysir Geothermal Area

Geysir geothermal area is located in the Haukadalur valley and is the breathtaking home of the infamous Geysir hot bound. To visit is to pay your respects to the progenitor of all geysers as Geysir is the geyser for which all others are named. Geysir doesn't erupt ofttimes but is surrounded by bubbling cauldrons of superheated mud, steaming pools, and Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every half dozen-10 minutes. The smells, colors, and eruptions at this pop destination are a window into all the geothermal activity happening across (and beneath) Republic of iceland, making all those hot tubs, pond pools, greenhouses, and geothermal energy possible.

Where is the Gold Circle?

The Golden Circumvolve is in southwest Iceland, simply outside of the city of Reykjavik. The nearest site Thingvellir National Park is only 43 minutes (47.4 km/29.4 miles) away from Reykjavik, and Gullfoss waterfall is the furthest out at 1 60 minutes 44 min (125 km/77.6 miles) away. The site's proximity to Reykjavik makes touring the Golden Circle a perfect solar day trip.

How to get to the Gold Circle?

Greyness Line Iceland has several Golden Circle tours to choose from that will take you to the principal attractions, so yous tin sit down back and enjoy the scenery instead. Nosotros'll get you there and dorsum again, and all of our tour guides are Gilded Circle experts—full of stories and fun facts on the region. And if yous prefer to bulldoze yourself, all the roads to the highlights of the Gilded Circumvolve are paved, and the driving time between sites is just three-4 hours. Hither is the Golden Circle map to see, where you will travel and terminate.

Instagram Alert!

Republic of iceland is a photographer's paradise. Everywhere you turn, there's another stunning vista. But if you lot desire to really be in the moment and but take out your phone or camera for the best shots, nosotros've compiled a list of the most Instagram worthy photo ops on the Golden Circle bout.

Thingvellir National Park

●    Almannagjá gorge leading down to the fields of parliament
●    Thingvallakirkja, the church building at Thingvellir
●    The Icelandic flag flight in the middle of the areas of parliament
●    Öxarárfoss waterfall

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is a wide tiered waterfall, falling ii "steps" before plummeting into the gorge below. But thanks to viewing platforms and a path that goes from the top of the falls to the bottom and so you can hit all the angles.

●    View from the peak
●    View from the bottom
●    Rainbows on top of rainbows (if it's a sunny day)

Geysir Geothermal Area

●    Steaming Geysir (Geysir last erupted in 2016, but y'all might get lucky)
●    Strokkur erupting (every ten minutes or so)
●    The mineral deposits in this geothermally active area can come in some pretty exciting colors and make for cool abstruse photos.

Where to Swallow on the Golden Circle?

The Gilded Circle is bursting with succulent food options, with many restaurants going out of their style to use local ingredients, ensuring visitors get a real taste of Republic of iceland with every seize with teeth.

●Efstidalur Two is a working dairy farm and eating house providing excellent views of Hekla volcano, fresh farm meals, and an water ice cream bar with windows looking into the dairy.
●    Did you lot know that Icelanders utilise greenhouses to grow about of their produce? Stop by Friðheimar Greenhouses and effort out their famous tomato soup made from their very ain Iceland grown tomatoes.
●Gullfoss Café is a cracking identify to refuel after walking up, downwardly, and around Gullfoss.
●Héraðsskólinn Eating house and Bistro volition accept something tasty for everyone, from pizzas and bruschetta to falafel and vegan chickpea salad.
●    Get a bite to consume later your spa day at Laugarvatn Fontana Kitchen & Buffet, where you can enjoy lunch and dinner buffets.
●  Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant Ethiopian nutrient in Iceland? Yes, delicious Ethiopian food in Iceland and the all-time cup of Ethiopian coffee around.
●Eatery Mika offers locally sourced dishes that look non only good but as well gustatory modality skillful, plus they take handmade chocolates.
●Þrastarlundur ideally situated in the town of Selfoss with plenty of tasty food options making it a great place to stop for dinner after touring the Golden Circumvolve.

Sites to See Along the Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area are the anchors of the Golden Circle but if you lot want to expand your Golden Circumvolve experience, you can check out these other points of interest:

Kerið

A volcanic crater lake. Information technology'southward a vivid blueish colour set confronting the surrounding volcanic rock. It is stunning. There is an entrance fee of 400 ISK to help with the preservation of this precious stone on privately owned land.

Skálholt Cathedral & Museum

At 1 fourth dimension, the center of religious power and scholarship in Iceland, Skálholt, is now home to a rebuilt church and museum where visitors can explore the crypt and view religious relics and artifacts.

Faxi Waterfall

Take a short detour on a gravel road to detect Faxi waterfall on the Tungufjlót river. While not as imposing as Gullfoss, this waterfall is impressive in its own right with a handy salmon ladder to assistance salmon make their way upstream to spawn. There'southward even a picnic area where visitors can have a snack while they sit down and bask the falls.

Brúarfoss (Span Falls)

Known as the bluest waterfall in Republic of iceland, Brúarfoss is a minor secluded waterfall in the Búará (Brúrar river), a tributary of Hvítá river which originates under Langjökull glacier. H2o running downwardly the center of the river appears vivid blue every bit it is concentrated within a deep scissure. The sight of this blue river flowing through the heart of volcanic stone and leaf is quite hit and well worth a visit.

Where to Slumber During the Golden Circle?

For those seeking adaptation outside of Reykjavik and close to the sites of the Golden Circle, there are several hotels and guesthouses in the towns and villages of the region.

Hveragerði

This charming village gives visitors a taste of small-town Iceland. Much of Iceland'south produce is grown in the greenhouses of Hveragerði. Make certain to make it a visit to Geothermal Park while yous're in town.

Selfoss

Road 1 or the Band Road, which runs around the entire island, passes straight through Selfoss, making it a convenient base of operations camp for your Golden Circle excursions. The town has a great swimming puddle, and all types of accommodation are available.

Laugarvatn

The village of Laugarvatn is centrally located to all Gilded Circumvolve sites, and Laugarvatn Fontana Spa calls the village home. Nearby lakes and rivers are pop for angling, and the golf game grade attracts locals and tourists alike.

Flúðir

As with other communities in the region, Flúðir is very geothermally agile and is where you'll find the largest mushroom farm in Iceland. Horseback riding, swimming, and a visit to the local folk museum are a few of the activities awaiting you when you spend fourth dimension in Flúðir.

Summerhouses

The southern region of Republic of iceland is a pop spot for summerhouses, and many are available for rent should you want cozier, home-like adaptation.

How Much Does it Cost?

While Golden Circle tours are not costless, at that place is no admission fee for any of the main sites on the Aureate Circle Iceland. There is an entrance fee to visit the crater lake Kerið and, of form, there are fees for other activities in and around the Gilded Circumvolve.

What to Do on the Gilded Circle?

At that place is plenty to run across on the Golden Circumvolve, but what is there to do? Just about anything a nature lover can dream of and more. Merely don't forget that Icelandic weather condition can modify iii times in 10 minutes, and and then, always accept a good and warm apparel with you.

• Get a taste of Icelandic subcontract life at Efstidalur farm
• Have a picnic at Faxi waterfall
• Get lunch at Friðheimar Greenhouses
• Explore Gjabakkahellir Cave
• Go whitewater rafting down the Hvítá River
• Climb up to Kerið crater
• Luxuriate at Laugarvatn Fontana Spa
• Soak in the Secret Lagoon
• Dive into the clear waters of the Silfra fissure
• Get some culture at Skálholt
• Kids will love a visit to Slakki Petting Zoo
• Witness sustainable living at work in Sólheimar Eco-Village

When is the Best Fourth dimension to Do the Gilt Circle?

Someday! But many visitors like to brand several trips around the Golden Circle at different times of year to prove to the changes in the Icelandic landscape throughout the seasons. Thingvellir National Park, in winter, is oftentimes snow-covered. In the bound, its copse are budding, and its wildflowers are in blossom. Come summertime, everything turns green, and in fall, the trees put on their fiery autumn colors.

All the seasons bring out something uniquely beautiful in the Aureate Circle sites. When to visit is really upwardly to your personal preference. Please annotation that daylight is limited at the peak of the midwinter, and there is 24-hour sunlight in midsummer.

Preparing for the Gold Circle

What to Wear

Wearing layers is rule number one for dressing in Iceland. You can feel all the seasons in one day, that is just as the weather in Iceland is. A proficient dominion of thumb is always to wear three layers:

• ●    Long-sleeved shirt
• ●    Warm fleece
• ●    Waterproof parka

Those more susceptible to common cold may desire to add together wool leggings and a thermal undershirt. Warm socks, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, and hat are too a must.

What to Bring

• ●Snacks. You volition exist doing a fair corporeality of walking and a little bit of climbing. You don't want a rumbling tummy to arrive the way of getting the most out of your trip.
• ●Water bottle. Fill upward your reusable water canteen from the tap before you begin your trip and keep information technology handy to refill when you can. In Republic of iceland, the bottled h2o and the water from the tap are the same. Stay hydrated.
• ●    An audacious spirit and the power to adapt. Icelandic weather is unpredictable and doesn't always cooperate. Recall, you lot are in Republic of iceland getting to see spectacular natural wonders. Enjoy information technology!
• ●Maps. If traveling with a Gray Line Iceland tour, you lot won't demand one, just if you lot venture out on your own, it'south a skillful idea to take a proficient road map. Mobile phones dice (especially in the common cold), and you don't want to be without backup.

The Perfect Golden Circle Bout for Y'all

Looking for a Golden Circle tour with a piffling extra? Greyness Line Republic of iceland has a variety of Golden Circle tours to choose from, making it like shooting fish in a barrel to discover the ane that's perfect for y'all.

●    Golden Circle Classic is perfect for families
●    Nature lovers & honeymooners will enjoy soaking in a geothermal puddle out in the Icelandic landscape on the Golden Circle & Undercover Lagoon Bout
●    Spa junkies should check out the Aureate Circumvolve Classic & Fontana Geothermal Bathroom Tour
●    Golden Circle & S Coast is excellent for photographers hoping to get the perfect shot of Iceland
●    Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour and Viking Horse & Golden Circle Tours are platonic for animal lovers who desire to get to know the animals of Iceland
●    Civilisation mavens won't want to miss the take chances to get to know more about Reykjavik, Iceland'south largest urban center, on the Reykjavik City Sightseeing & Golden Circle Tour
●    Adventurers will dearest our ATV Sightseeing Trail Ride on Mt. Hafrafell and Golden Circle Bout
●    Bundle up couples, and go a dose of the ethereal Northern Lights with your Golden Circle experience on the Golden Circumvolve Archetype & Northern Lights Tour
●    Gold Circumvolve Individual Tour is swell for groups
●    Delicious Gilded Circle Individual Nutrient Bout is crafted with the discerning tastebuds of epicures in mind.

Traveling the Gilded Circumvolve is an exciting way to get to know Iceland. Join us!

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Source: https://grayline.is/tours/golden-circle