golden circle direct tour

Price: kr. 7.999

• Location: Reykjavík
• Length: 5:30 Hours
• Availability: All Year

Golden Circle Direct

The Gullfoss and Geysir Golden Circle bus tour take you on a day trip to see the world-famous Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls, as well as Thingvellir National Park.

The Geysir geothermal area boasts spouting springs, including Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. At Gullfoss you are given the opportunity to stand next to the amazing waterfall, watching enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep, meandering gorge.

In one afternoon you spend your time encountering a cross-section of Iceland’s natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park , an area of historical and geological significance.

Tour duration: 12:30 – 18:00

Note:  please notice that this tour is an express version of the Golden Circle, which gives less time at each location.

Visit Bus Tours for more amazing and untaped places in Iceland.

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GOLDEN CIRCLE DIRECT

Discover the Golden Circle's Treasures: A Journey of Wonders.

Want to see the sites of the Golden Circle but have a limited amount of time? Consider this express Golden Circle tour! Experience the landmarks of the classic Golden Circle in South Iceland on this unforgettable day tour. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir.

If you ask a local which tour you should take if you want a taste of Iceland near Reykjavík, they will most likely recommend the Golden Circle. Comprising the three most visited sights in South Iceland, the Golden Circle gives you a slice of Icelandic history at Þingvellir National Park, a view of Iceland’s geothermal activity at Geysir, and a peek at a roaring, powerful waterfall at Gullfoss. This tour is tailored for those that want to see the landmarks but are short on time, as the tour is just 6,5 hours long. 

Departing from Reykjavík, guests will visit the geothermal region of Geysir, a powerful reminder that Iceland is very much alive, with steam and water erupting meters into the air from the Strokkur geyser every few minutes. This is where the word geyser comes from! The tour continues to Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall, where two tiers of water crash and tumble meters below. Be sure to walk down the ladder to see a different view of the waterfall! 

The final stop is at Þingvellir National Park, known for its exceptional beauty, geological significance, and historical relevance. Þingvellier is where Icelandic democracy was born, as it’s the site of the island’s first parliament. Additionally, guests can visit where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet in Þingvellir, a unique Iceland experience.

TourID: RE24

Activity provider: Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia

BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center

Need to know.

Remember to dress according to the weather. Warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes are recommended.

We recommend bringing thermal layers, a winter hat, a scarf, gloves, and warm socks for colder days.

• Flexible Cancellation
• No Booking Fees

Tour itinerary

Golden circle, þingvellir national park.

The UNESCO site Þingvellir National Park is geologically and historically significant. Apart from being the location of the oldest parliament in the world, Alþingi was formed in 930. It is also a place where you can see the Mid-Atlantic ridge above ground. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates pull the country apart by a couple of centimetres yearly.

Geysir geothermal area is in South Iceland, near Laugarvatn Lake. The area is named after the biggest, and now mostly dormant, geyser Geysir and all geysers in the world owe their name to it. Today's biggest attraction is the active Strokkur, which shoots up a column of water up to 30 metres (98 ft.) into the air every few minutes.

Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and rightly so. The three-step waterfall is a part of the glacial river Hvítá and falls into a 62-metre (203 ft.) deep canyon.

What’s included and what to bring on this tour

It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip

• Professional local guidance
• Audio guide available in Spanish

Not included

• Food and drinks

Tour highlights

Are you wondering about something?

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip

Can I travel with my pet?

Pets are not allowed on coach tours.

I am a senior. Can some Day Tours be too difficult for me?

Nature is the main attraction on many of our excursions, meaning that some day tours require short to medium-long walks. If walking is required on the tour, it will be mentioned in the tour description.

We recommend that you find a tour suitable to your needs. Please read the tour descriptions for further information on each tour.

Can I change my dates?

We understand that your travel plans might change. You can easily change the dates for your booked tours with only one phone call: (+354) 580 5400 by stopping by one of our sales offices, or by sending us an email to [email protected]. You will need to quote your confirmation number to change your dates and give us all the necessary information.

Please remember: Your date change must be requested at least a day before the scheduled departure.

How can I make a booking for a group of people?

You can book for a group of people using our online booking system. Each booking must contain at least one adult.

Reykjavik Excursions Kynnisferðir takes pride in tailor-making and organising tours for private groups, from short trips within Reykjavik to full-circle programs. Our fleet of modern coaches consists of 80 vehicles, ranging from 6 to 70 seats and 4x4 coaches suitable for crossing un-bridged glacier rivers, reaching almost any destination in the highlands. For a tailor-made tour for groups, please send us an email to [email protected].

Where are your sales offices?

Icelandia operates a sales office at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík and a sales office at Keflavik Airport.

Similar tours

Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon

Experience the best of Iceland with this package of two of the island’s most popular tours in one day! The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. After touring the landmarks, soak in the milky blue healing water of the Blue Lagoon.

Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon

Plan for a fantastic day of seeing the classic Golden Circle landmarks capped off with a visit to the dreamy Sky Lagoon! The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. After touring the sights, relax at Reykjavík’s newest luxury bathing experience, the Sky Lagoon.

Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling

Experience the landmarks of the classic Golden Circle in South Iceland with an exciting snowmobile ride on this unforgettable day tour. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. Cap off your sightseeing adventure with a thrilling snowmobile ride on Langjökull glacier!

The Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness

Experience the classic Golden Circle landmarks before heading to the healing Fontana Wellness facilities! The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Thingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. Cap off your sightseeing day with a healing visit to Fontana Wellness.

The Golden Circle & Friðheimar Greenhouse

This best-selling tour of Iceland’s most famous south Iceland landmarks includes a visit to Friðheimar Greenhouse. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Þingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. Experience the classic Golden Circle landmarks with a sustainable twist, a stop at Friðheimar!

Golden Circle & Lava Tunnel - Combo Deal

Nature, culture, and history prevail in this combination tour, which takes you to the sites of the Golden Circle and inside the Lava Tunnel Raufarhólshellir cave. Experience a new world of Iceland's natural wonders -- Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal region, Þingvellir National Park and the raw beauty of a lava tunnel. This is an easy, guided tour with no caving experience required.

The Golden Circle & Northern Lights - Combo Deal

Want to see the sites of the Golden Circle and hunt for the northern lights but have a limited amount of time? Consider this express Golden Circle/Northern Lights tour! Experience the landmarks of the classic Golden Circle in South Iceland on this unforgettable day tour. The Golden Circle encompasses the must-see sights of Thingvellir National Park, the golden Gullfoss waterfall, and the bubbling geothermal region of Geysir. After your return to Reykjavík, a guide will lead you on a search for the elusive northern lights!

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Golden Circle Direct

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GOLDEN CIRCLE CLASSIC - (Guided in 10 languages)

Price from kr 10,490 approx € 70

See the erupting geyser & hot springs, experience the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall and follow in the footsteps of Vikings when walking down the lava canyon where the American and Eurasian continents have dramatically pulled apart in Þingvellir National Park. All this in just seven and a half hours!

STARTING POINT

Pickup available

Guiding language

Guided language, in-bus-audio guide.

Available in

Visit Iceland´s most popular natural attractions including Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, expertly guided in 10 different languages!

The Golden Circle Classic Tour

OUR BEST-SELLER, GUIDED IN 10 LANGUAGES! The Golden Circle Classic is our bestselling day tour ! This outstanding tour offers a collection of sights - not to be missed by any visitor to Iceland. Behold the iconic erupting geyser & hot springs, experience the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, and sense the ancient history of the Vikings as you follow in their footsteps down a lava canyon in Þingvellir - where the continents are being pulled apart.

We welcome you on board our all-new bus fleet that is equipped with WiFi-connected computer tablets in each seat. On the tablets, you can use our GPS Sensitive In Bus Audio Guide , available with a choice of several languages. So if you wish to know interesting facts about Iceland and the places you will visit on the tour, in a language you are comfortable, that is very possible! On the bus, there will also be a professional tour guide , ready to answer any questions that you might have about our peculiar country. In each seat, you will also conveniently find a USB Charger.

The tour starts with a stop in Þingvellir National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing and the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. This is also where the gigantic tectonic plates of America and Eurasia have pulled apart and the resulting rift valley is right there before your eyes on the shores of Iceland’s biggest lake .

The next stop is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders: Geysir Hot Springs , the home of the one-and-only original geyser. Here the ground trembles and steaming hot water spouts spectacularly skywards from the famous Strokkur Geyser every few minutes.

Now for a leisurely walk down to Gullfoss Waterfall , which is an impressive sight to behold. Here a powerful glacial river cascades down 32 meters on two levels and into a narrow canyon with a thunderous roar.

Simply put, if you only do one tour in Iceland, then this should be the one!

• Þingvellir:  the rift valley and the site of the oldest modern parliament.
• Geysir:  hot spring & geothermal area and home to Strokkur, the erupting geyser.
• Gullfoss Waterfall:  the powerful glacial waterfall known as the 'Golden Waterfall' in English.
• GPS synced audio guide:  will give you all the information you need for your journey. 

Reykjavik Terminal

Tours depart from the Reykjavik Terminal located at Skógarhlíð 10. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure along with a printed or digital copy of your ticket/voucher.

If you have booked a hotel pickup with SmartBus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green SmartBus™ which will be outside your accommodation within 30 minutes of pickup. 

Þingvellir National Park

Located on the northern shores of Þingvallavatn (Iceland's largest lake), Þingvellir (anglicized as 'Thingvellir') is the national pride of Iceland and our first National Park. It is, for one, a key location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world was first assembled there in 930 AD. For this reason, Þingvellir has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is, therefore, a protected national park due to its unique geology and natural features. From the viewing area, the Almannagjá canyon between two tectonic plates can be seen, a visual representation of continental drift.

As the first stop along the tour, you will have an opportunity to walk through the park and use the restroom if needed.

Geysir Geothermal Springs

A favorite stop along the Golden Circle is the highly active Geysir Hot Spring Area with boiling mud pits and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 meters (100 ft) into the air every few minutes. The area became active more than 1000 years ago and comprises more than a dozen hot spring holes. Although one can only see steam emerging from the surface of Geysir these days, its name was adopted to represent spouting hot springs all over the world.

Along the tour, the newly opened Geysir Center offers guests and travelers a chance to use the restroom and to catch some refreshments as well as lunch.

Gullfoss Waterfall

As one of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland, Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in the southwest of the country. The beautiful Hvítá river rushes southward in three steps into a narrow canyon with a breathtaking roar and grandeur. Furthermore, on clear days the magnificent Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest glacier, can be seen in the distance.

Guests and Travelers may use the restroom and purchase food and refreshments at this location as well.

Important information

• Please show up at our Reykjavik Terminal (located at Skógarhlíð 10) 15 minutes prior to the departure time . We kindly ask you to be ready at your pick-up point with your voucher, either in digital or printed form.
• If you have booked a hotel pickup with Smartbus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green Smartbus™ which will be outside your accommodation within 30 minutes of pickup.
• You will be traveling in a coach that holds approximately 40-65 people, but is very spacious and comfortable. The bus offers free wifi and USB charging ports.
• Lunch is not included. There are stops in Geysir & Gullfoss where you can buy food and drinks.
• Bring with you: Dress according to the weather. In Iceland, it is always wise to dress in warm, waterproof clothes. Weather changes can be sudden so expect the unexpected. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended.
• In-Bus-Audio-Guide: We recommend that you bring your own headphones, simply because they will fit you best. It is also great for the environment. If you don’t have your headphones, with you or forgot to bring them, no worries we sell earphones on board.
• The tour is available all year round (depending on weather conditions)
• Prices: Teenagers 12-15 years 50% discount & children 0-11 years old free.
• Min: No minimum number of participants.
• Age limit: No age limit.
• The tour is Approx. 7,5 hours including a minimum 45 minute stop at Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park . 
• Total distance covered during tour: 290 km.

What’s included

• In-bus audio guide with a choice of 10 languages  (English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Finnish)
• Knowledgeable local guide
• Admission to the sights
• Free Wi-Fi and USB-charger for each seat

Friendly cancellation & refund policy

Full refund if cancelled due to weather. Cancellation fee can be witheld if cancelled with short notice.

• 1 day notice: 100% charge

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Why book with us?

Þingvellir - Winter

• Allar ferðir & afþreying
• Gönguferðir
• Náttúrulaugar & heilsulindir
• Aðgangur í söfn og afþreyingu
• Hópar & sérferðir

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Golden Circle Direct

Minimum Age

"Excellent tour"

Í stuttu máli

• Geysir Geothermal Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall - Iceland’s most famous waterfall
• Thingvellir National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site

Hvað er innifalið

Reviewed 2. febrúar 2020

We really loved this tour, so well organised and our guide (Margret) was brilliant. All three stops were amazing and all had rest rooms, cafes and shops - there wasn’t a huge amount of time after seeing the attractions in each place but this is a shorter tour so we planned for this and took food with us. If you’re in Iceland with limited time, this is definitely the tour for you!

Reviewed 14. október 2019

Reviewed 4. mars 2019

Fleiri áhugaverðar ferðir

GULLNI HRINGURINN

The Golden Circle & Friðheimar Greenhouse

FERÐATVENNUR

Gullni hringurinn og norðurljós

Bláa lónið og gullni hringurinn

SNJÓSLEÐAFERÐIR

Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling

Golden Circle & Horse Riding

Golden Circle & Lava Tunnel

Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness

Golden Circle & Buggy Adventure

How to Drive Iceland's Golden Circle: A Complete Guide with Maps

What Is the Golden Circle?

Renting a car in iceland to tour the golden circle, how long does it take to self-drive the golden circle.

• Iceland's Golden Circle Map: The Classic Route

Golden Circle Routes and Itineraries

How to avoid the crowds, golden circle sights and attractions, 1. thingvellir national park, 2. geysir geothermal area, 3. gullfoss waterfall, get off the beaten path, where to eat on the golden circle, drive the golden circle like a local.

Learn everything you need to know about Iceland's Golden Circle, the most popular tourist route in Iceland. Explore the best Golden Circle attractions, like geysers, waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic craters. Learn where to eat, where to say, and whether a self-drive tour or guided tour is better for you. Choose the best route for your visit with our Golden Circle itineraries and maps. 

• Make the Golden Circle the first stop on your trip around the Ring Road with this 8 Day/7 Night Self-Drive
• Find out even more by reading the Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle

If you're traveling to Iceland for the first time, there's a good chance you'll visit the Golden Circle . Even if you've been on a Golden Circle tour before, you might want to drive it again by yourself to explore the secondary locations along the way that the tour buses often skip. If you're planning on stay along this iconic route, make sure to book accommodation in the Golden Circle .

Top Golden Circle Tours

3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking, 8-day guided northern lights winter tour of the complete ring road of iceland, 10-day self-drive tour of the complete ring road of iceland with top attractions & snaefellsnes.

The short answer is that the Golden Circle is a scenic route between three beautiful natural attractions in Iceland. The main Golden Circle attractions include:

• Thingvellir National Park
• Geysir geothermal area
• Gullfoss waterfall

Instead of driving back and forth from Reykjavik the same way, people typically drive a short circle that's just under 140 miles (230 kilometers) in length.

The Golden Circle shouldn't be confused with the Ring Road , an 828-mile (1,332-kilometer) drive encompassing the entire island of Iceland. The latter can take several days to a week to complete.

There are hundreds of different Golden Circle tours to choose from, but if you'd rather drive this route yourself, then read on for tips on how to do it.

Self-driving the Golden Circle is a great way to see everything at your own pace. First, you'll need to find a rental car . You'll want to rent a four-wheel drive, jeep, or SUV if you plan on visiting during winter. 

A four-wheel drive is important to your safety on the road when there's heavy snow on the ground. However, the Golden Circle is the most popular route in the country, so if you were to find yourself stuck in a pile of snow, help wouldn't be far off.

In the summer, you might want to consider a camping car rental (a car with a tent on its roof) and spend a night at the campsite in Thingvellir National Park. 

• See also: Camping in Iceland - all you need to know

Top Self Drive Tours in Iceland

One of the benefits of driving the Golden Circle yourself is that you choose when to begin and how long you'll stay at each attraction. Since the Golden Circle is the most popular attraction in Iceland, hundreds of different tours go there every day. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the best Golden Circle sights. 

With the flexibility of having your own car, you can choose exactly how long you spend exploring these attractions and which route to take. There are many possibilities.

If you want to rest, you can do the circle in the afternoon or evening. During the summer, nights don't get dark, so you could even go at night and visit the attractions under the midnight sun .

Driving the 140 miles (230 kilometers) of the Golden Circle can take as little as three hours if you take the shortest route. So, you could do the whole circle in about five hours with stops, but most people prefer to spend a few days to a week to self-drive the Golden Circle. (Check out our Golden Circle map below.) 

To beat the crowds, get up at the crack of dawn and leave early so you can spend the full day exploring at a relaxed pace. Perhaps you'd like to visit these attractions like the locals, and then spend a night or two in the area. 

Thingvellir National Park has a great campsite and a modern and stylish hotel. The Geysir geothermal area also has a luxurious hotel and a campsite.

By Gullfoss , you can find another hotel and multiple summer cabins along the way that you can rent for a more private experience. Nothing beats being in the clean and quiet countryside while sitting in a private hot tub on the deck of a cabin.

You could also decide to add a hike to the warm river in Reykjadalur to your Golden Circle route, and then choose to stay at a lovely hotel in the village Hveragerdi or its beautiful campsite . 

• See also:  Where to stay in Iceland

Iceland's Golden Circle Map: The Classic Route

Below is a map of the most popular Golden Circle route.

The Golden Circle route is extremely popular, and there are hundreds of ways to explore it. If you're looking for a good place to start, here are five of the most popular routes. 

5. 10 Hour Golden Circle ​Tour with Snowmobiling on Langjokull

This tour has all of the best Golden Circle attractions for travelers on a budget and looking for adventure. It includes a visit to the Langjokull Glacier - the second-largest glacier in Iceland - and an excellent spot for a snowmobile trip!

4. Three-Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland's Golden Circle & South Coast with Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

For travelers with more time to explore, a three-day tour will ensure you see all of the best Golden Circle stops. You'll also have the opportunity to do two of Iceland's most popular activities - exploring ice caves and taking a hike across glaciers. 

3. Small-Group Golden Circle Tour with a Visit to an Ice Cream Farm and Transfer from Reykjavik

Join this small-group tour to see all the most popular Golden Circle sights and attractions. This tour starts in Reykjavik and even includes a stop at an ice cream farm! 

2. Afternoon Six-Hour Golden Circle Tour to Gullfoss, Geysir & Thingvellir with Transfer from Reykjavik

With only half a day, can you see the Golden Circle? Yes! Participants on this short and affordable tour will make sure you see the top sights in just an afternoon. 

1. Four-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with the Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon  

A four-day tour is an ideal option if you have time and want to enjoy everything the Golden Circle has to offer. Stops include the famous Blue Lagoon, geysers, Iceland's black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, and, if the stars align, the northern lights! 

If you're driving the Golden Circle, you're more likely to avoid crowds and thereby enjoy greater privacy along the way. Most Golden Circle tours leave in the morning from Reykjavik , between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with afternoon departures around noon and 2 p.m. Most of them are back in Reykjavik by 8 p.m. There are select midnight sun tours available in the summer.

The busiest times at the Golden Circle's major attractions of Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir are between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., although from October to February the long daylight hours in Iceland allow for longer viewing hours.

If you leave early in summer (or spend the night in the area), you can see the attractions in broad daylight before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. These are perfect times to capture sunrise and sunset photos in the spring or fall or admire the northern lights during wintertime.

Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays

If you spend a night at one of the hotels or campsites in the summer, the midnight sun allows you to enjoy the area's natural attractions without too many other tourists around.

As we've mentioned, there are three main attractions on every Golden Circle itinerary. Let's look at each one more closely before sharing ways for you to go off the beaten path when visiting them.

The first stop on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's first national park and the only one recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It's 29 miles (47 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik.

The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and form a rift valley here. Within the park, it's possible to take turns standing on the North American and Eurasian continents. Movement between the plates is ongoing, resulting in earthquakes that separate the plates by about two inches per year. 

As a result of this ongoing activity, a fissure, Silfra , opened in the ground in 1789. It has since filled with purified glacial meltwater and has become a popular snorkeling and diving destination.

The second significant stop on Iceland's Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area, about 38 miles (61 kilometers) east of Thingvellir National Park on Route 37. This area of geothermal activity is named after the 59-foot-wide (18-meter-wide) Geysir, whose activity dates back to at least 1294, when an earthquake hit the region.

Today, Geysir, derived from the Icelandic word meaning "to erupt," is rarely active. However, you can still see where it used to spout off, as well as other, more active geysers in the area. 

Strokkur is a geyser that became active following an earthquake in 1789. It erupts about every eight minutes, shooting a water column 82 to 115 feet (25 to 35 meters) into the air.

Six miles (10 kilometers) east of the Geysir geothermal area on Route 35 will bring you to the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall . This is the third major stop on the Golden Circle in Iceland. 

If you only see one waterfall in Iceland, make it Gullfoss. This natural wonder is fed by glacial waters from the Hvita River, which flow over the two stages of the falls at about 459 cubic feet (140 cubic meters) per second in the summer, and 358 cubic feet (109 cubic meters) in the winter.

The first stage of the waterfall is about 36 feet (11 meters), and it's followed by a second, more significant waterfall with a drop of 69 feet (21 meters). Thanks to the amount of mist kicked up by Gullfoss, rainbows frequently appear at the falls. 

Gullfoss Waterfall is open year-round, but the path to the lower level observation area is closed in winter due to icy conditions. 

Beyond the three main attractions, you can also visit other points of interest along the Golden Circle, such as: 

• Reykjadalur's hot river
• The Secret Lagoon
• Nesjavellir geothermal plant
• Kerid volcanic crater

It's always a joy to explore new corners of Thingvellir National Park. No matter how many times you visit, it's possible to see something new.

There's so much more to Thingvellir than just Almannagja , Peningagja (the Money Rift), Silfra, and Oxararfoss . 

Autumn is a favorite season to explore the park when the low shrubs covering the area turn multi-colored. The ground's red, yellow, and green colors contrast nicely with a fresh snow layer.

Tours will give you ample time at each location to see the main sights, but with your own car, you can choose to go for a short hike within the national park or perhaps bring a picnic and settle down in some mossy clearing with a view over the lake. 

Most people go to the same paths in only one section of the park, next to the information center. But the park is much larger and encompasses the entire lake of Thingvellir, which would take about an hour to drive around, or a one- to two-day hike (it's about 37 miles or 60 kilometers, but the route is almost flat).

When driving yourself, there are many options for where to eat. If you're a foodie, then you might want to stop at some of the great dining locations along the way and skip the overpriced sandwiches and road burgers commonly found in gas stations.

Some of the interesting options include the Frioheimar greenhouse for tomato soup with homemade bread and cucumber salsa. All the tomatoes and cucumbers are grown on the premises.

The Ethiopian restaurant Minilik in Fludir is also a fun find in the middle of the Icelandic countryside. It's an excellent example of how international cuisine has reached more remote areas of Iceland.

If you head to Solheimar Eco Village , you can get homemade cakes and delicious coffee at Graena Kannan cafe . 

Or, if you want to find local art or do some yoga, check out the ceramic studio and cafe Bragginn Clay & Coffee , an 8-mile (13-kilometer) drive from Fludir. They're only open during summertime. On weekends they offer yoga classes, and on Thursdays, they have Irish coffee evenings.

The traditional Icelandic meat soup served in Gullfoss cafe is also delicious, and they'll give you a free refill. There's also the ice-cream barn Efstidalur that's not to be missed.

Some hotels along the way have fine dining restaurants, such as the Geysir Hotel  and the  Silfra restaurant in the Ion Hotel.

If you make an extended Golden Circle trip, you could drive to Stokkseyri and enjoy some fine langoustine at Fjorubordid or go to Rauda Husid in Eyrarbakki.

Above is an alternative one-day drive of the Golden Circle, as a local might do it. This suggestion is mainly for spring, summer, and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the days are long. 

If you want to make this a two-day trip, we suggest camping in Thingvellir National Park. Although, of course, you can also choose to spend the night in a hotel somewhere along the way.

First, have breakfast at a  restaurant in Reykjavik and grab some snacks for the road. Our suggestion is to try Braud & Co for some fresh sourdough bread or a couple of cinnamon buns. 

If you plan on making this a two-day trip, then also buy some food for breakfast the next day, or get something to put on a barbeque for the evening (if you like - you can also decide to do that later on in the trip). Grab a tent ( or rent a tent ) and leave Reykjavik around 9 a.m.

Head towards Hveragerdi, but turn left onto Route 431, which turns into Route 435. Parts of this road are gravel, so take your time and go slowly. 

The route is beautiful, and you likely won't meet many others on the way. When you get to Nesjavellir Geothermal Plant , you might want to check out their geothermal exhibition.

Continue along Route 360, a stunning gravel road that goes through the less-visited Grafningur area of Thingvellir. The road is winding with plenty of cute picnic clearings and great views of the lake. It's an excellent area to park your car at the side of the road to take some pictures or breathe in the fresh countryside air.

There are a lot of summer cabins in this area. If you are driving in autumn (late August or even early September), you can also look for wild berries to pick.

At the end of Route 360, there's another geothermal power station, Ljosafossstod , that has a free, fun, interactive exhibition daily; it's worth checking out for half an hour or so.

Then head towards Skalholt on Road 36 and then 35. On the way, make a stop by the crater Kerid, which takes about half an hour to walk around. 

You can also stop by Skalholt if you like and visit its historical church and learn about this important location in Iceland's history.

When it's time for lunch, stop at either Bragginn, Fridheimar , Kaffi Klettur, or Minilik for a delicious meal. 

After lunch, head to the Secret Lagoon in Fludir and relax for a couple of hours in hot water while checking out the small hot springs by the pool. Aim to be at the Secret Lagoon before 2 p.m. at the latest for privacy's sake, as large tour groups arrive between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Following a soak in the Secret Lagoon, head towards Gullfoss waterfall. It would be best to arrive in the afternoon as most tour groups will have left the area.

After admiring the powerful waterfall and walking down the hiking path to its rim, it's time to head towards Geysir, which should also be relatively quiet in the late afternoon/early evening. If you've become hungry for dinner, you could check out the menu at Hotel Geysir.

For dessert (or an appetizer in case you'll have dinner later), We suggest trying locally made ice cream in Efstidalur . If you only want this to be a one-day trip, then head to Thingvellir and go for a stroll there in the evening sun before making your way back to Reykjavik.

If, on the other hand, you want to camp for the night and you haven't had dinner yet, then shop for charcoal and something to put on a barbeque in the small village of Laugarvatn . The Icelandic lamb is highly recommended. 

Continue to the campsite of Thingvellir National Park (where there are barbeques available), pitch your tent, and prepare your feast.

After dinner, go for a stroll in the evening and listen to the local birds singing. The above picture was taken around midnight in June to give you an idea of how bright it's throughout the night.

The next day, you can get up early and enjoy the quiet morning before most people arrive or sleep in and go for an extended walk around the area in the afternoon. You could be back in Reykjavik in the early afternoon (from Thingvellir, it's only about a 29-mile or 47-kilometers drive to Reykjavik) or spend the whole day exploring Thingvellir National Park.

If you are looking for more activity, you could book a snorkeling tour in Silfra by Thingvellir or a horseback riding tour on the outskirts of Reykjavik and get back to the city in the late afternoon or early evening.

Grab a set of wheels, and you'll be on your way to exploring the Golden Circle firsthand!

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