Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most iconic day trip, offering a perfect blend of natural wonders, history, and geological marvels. The journey begins at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Iceland’s first national parliament site founded in 930 AD. Here, visitors can witness the dramatic Mid-Atlantic Rift, with views from the so-called “edge of America” where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. Continuing the route, the geothermal waters of Laugarvatn Lake set the stage for the Great Geysir hot spring area, home to numerous boiling water springs. The most famous, Strokkur, erupts spectacularly up to 30 meters into the air several times each minute, offering an unforgettable natural display.

After spending time at Geysir, the tour continues to Gullfoss, Iceland’s most visited waterfall. Its powerful glacial waters plunge in two stages into a deep basalt canyon, creating thundering waves and dramatic mist. In the afternoon, the route winds back toward Reykjavik, passing through the fertile agricultural heartland of South Iceland. Along the way, travelers enjoy scenic vistas of lava fields, rivers, and farmland, making this day trip a complete introduction to Iceland’s unique landscapes and geological history.