Golden Circle

by coach & on foot

This full-day experience includes three of Iceland’s most famous landmarks: Þingvellir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Strokkur Geyser, collectively known as the ‘Golden Circle’.

Departing from the port, your journey begins with a drive over the moorlands of Mosfellsheiði, an undulating lava field. This will bring you to your first stop at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is surrounded by mountains and encompasses a vast lava plain of green moss and wildflowers. Þingvellir is situated in a rift valley that offers views of the Reykjanes Ridge. This is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the Eurasian and North American plates, is above sea level. Not only is Þingvellir of tremendous geological interest, but it is also regarded by Icelanders as a sacred place. It is here where the legislative parliament, the Alþingi, was founded in the year AD 930. Symbolically, it is also considered to be the place where the settlers of Iceland became a unified nation and where some of the nation’s most important historical events have unfolded.

Following your walk through part of Þingvellir, your journey continues to Gullfoss Waterfall. The ‘Golden Waterfall’ is the most famous of the country’s numerous waterfalls. Here, a huge amount of water rushes down a stone cascade into a deep ravine with incredible force, creating a powerful spectacle. On a fine day, you may also be able to see in the distance the Langjökull Glacier, the second largest glacier in Iceland.

Rejoining your coach, it is just a short drive to the Geysir geothermal area, the place where the word ‘geyser’ originates. Here you will have some time to admire the powerful forces of Strokkur, an explosive geyser which spouts a high column of boiling water every few minutes.

During the experience, a two-course, fixed-menu lunch including water, coffee, or tea will be served at a local venue.