The Golden Circle: the back story

About The Golden Circle: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Reykjavík Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s classic day from Reykjavík. At Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and met until 1798, between the two tectonic plates that shape the landscape. In the Haukadalur valley, the geyser Strokkur erupts every few minutes; at Gullfoss, the Hvítá river drops into a canyon; and the red crater of Kerið holds a blue lake. Before you go, check umferdin.is for the roads, vedur.is for the weather and safetravel.is for alerts.

Þingvellir

The national park where the Alþing met from about 930 to 1798, between the plates (thingvellir.is).

Geysir and Gullfoss

Strokkur’s eruptions in the Haukadalur geothermal area; Gullfoss, open around the clock.

Start early: the Golden Circle is busiest from late morning.

On the way

Kerið crater (service fee ISK 700), Friðheimar’s tomato greenhouses, the Fontana baths at Laugarvatn and the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir.

Our advice: stay a night at ION Adventure Hotel or near Selfoss and see the sites at first light.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Golden Circle: the back story before you go.