Golden Circle

1. Thingvellir

This national park in southern Iceland is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this park the world’s oldest parliament, called Althing, was first founded in 930. The location may seem quite remote but the unique geology has created a natural amphitheater here, which is ideal for public speaking.
In addition to historical significance, Thingvellir is also a great place for nature lovers. It is here that the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet in the middle but move apart with a rate of about 2 centimeters every year!
In wintertime this place attracts crowds of professional photographers. Especially after the sun set and the Northern Lights dominate the sky. When the lava fields are covered with snow the landscape becomes almost surreal and offers great photo opportunities
According to the law, adopted in 1928, Thingvellir national park remains the property of the Icelandic nation under the protection of Althingi (the Icelandic parliament). The National Park was founded in 1930, on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Althing. Then the park was expanded to protect this amazing and diverse location. Since 2004 it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Diving in Thingvellir

A part of Thingvellir consist of Lake Thingvallavatn which is best known for its Silfra underwater canyon. Silfra is an exceptional dive site where you can literally dive or snorkel between the continental plates in crystal clear but icy water. The diving base is located near Lake Thingvellir.

2. GEYSIR and the geothermal area of Haukadalur

A favorite stop along the Golden Circle is the very active geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley. In the valley you can experience many boiling mud pots, exploding geysers and the bustling Strokkur.
Strokkur is currently the only active Geyser in the area. About every 10 minutes it blows boiling water up to 30 meters high.
The Haukadalur geothermal area is an area of approximately 3 km². Most of the geysers are located along a 100-meter wide strip of land running in the same direction as tectonic lines. This area became active over 1000 years ago and consists of a dozen or so geysers with hot water.
Although currently the famous Geysir is less active, he gave the name to other hot springs around the world. It was the first geyser described on the printed source and the first known to modern Europeans.
Research in the nineteenth century showed that Geysir could reach the height of the explosion of water up to 170 meters! In 2000, after an earthquake, Geyser again became active and exploded several times a day. The actual Geysir is currently dormant, but other hot springs are very active.

How do geysers explode?

Geysers in the Haukadalur valley are located in the active geothermal area. Due to the underground hydraulic system, the groundwater is in contact with the hot substracts, heats up which leads to a build up of the water pressure. When the water reaches its peak temperature and pressure, it emerges from the Geyser, often up to a height of 30 meters. The water is very hot and for safety reasons it is recommended to keep a safe distance from the hot spring. Geysers are definitely the best viewed from a distance.
The Geothermal Area of Haukadalur is one of the most popular tourist stops in Iceland. In the park there is also a Geysir exhibition and a gift shop with souvenirs, outdoor wear, a museum and restaurants.

3. Gullfoss waterfall

Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and part of the Golden Circle. The waterfall is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
It is located in the upper part of the Hvita River. The water flows cascade in two stages down. One with a height of 11 m (36 ft), and the second cascade with a height of 21 m (69 ft), to a 2.5-kilometer canyon which is below.
This slit was created at the end of the ice age, caused by flood waves and is extended by 25 cm per year due to continuous erosion from water.
At the beginning of the 20th century Gullfoss waterfalls were recognised as a good place to generate electricity. Foreign investors whom rented Gullfoss indirectly from the owners (Tomas Tomasson and Halldor Halldorsson) wanted to build a hydroelectric power station there. This would have permanently destroyed Gullfoss. However, Gullfoss had a guardian angel. Sigridur Tomasdottir the daughter of Tomas Tomasson was impressed by the natural beauty of the amazing landscape she made an impressive effort to stop the plans. Sigridur went frequently to Reykjavik to make herself heard by the local authorities. Initially her protests seem to futile and therefore she threatened to throw herself into the waterfall in protest. This tragedy fortunately could be avoided with the help of attorney. Sveinn Bjornsson. Not only was he able to succeed in cancelling the destruction of Gullfoss and making it property of all Icelanders but he also became the first president of Iceland.
To commemorate the brave Sigridur sculptor Rikhardur Jonsson made a monument that stands near the waterfall and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
Both in winter and in summer the view of the waterfall is spectacular. During the cold season, the waterfall freezes into waves of shimmering ice. On sunny days, guests can admire a beautiful colourful rainbow sparkling over the waterfall. This is definitely a place worth visiting when traveling around the Golden Circle.

4. Secret Lagoon / The Secret Lagoon

The oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland
The Secret Lagoon is one of the oldest natural “hot spring pools” in Iceland. The Icelandic name “Gamla laugin”, the old pool, refers to this. What makes this lagoon so charming is the conceptual imperfection that plays with the old and the new. To improve the water quality the watersupply in the lagoon has been updated but the water still comes from the geothermal springs surrounding the lagoon.
Not just the swimming pool but also the hot springs and small geysers around the lagoon make this a truly special place. These natural phenomena can be seen when you’d take a short break from the pool and walk around it. With an average temperature of 38-42 degrees in the pool that can be quite refreshing. Relaxing in the pool you can actually experience the Icelandic way of life, spending their free time and relaxing with friends or family in a hot springs in the open air.

5. Kerid Volcano

The Kerid Volcano (Kerið) is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Golden Circle. Kerid was created about 6500 years ago and is about 55 m deep, 170 m wide and 270 m across. Together with the volcanos Seyðishólar and Kerhóll it is known as the Grimsnes volcano system. Kerid is probably a cone volcano that exploded. When the magma was exhausted, the mass of the cone caused its collapse into the magma chamber which over time filled with water and formed a lake. Several walking paths lead around the crater and to the centrally located lake. From the top of the crater the interior and a magnificent panorama of the surroundings can be admired.
The entrance-fee to the volcano is approx. 400ISK