A place to remember.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, one of the must-see attractions is the Golden Circle. This popular tourist route is located in the southwestern part of Iceland and offers visitors the chance to see some of the country’s most stunning natural landmarks. Here’s what you need to know about the Golden Circle:
Thingvellir National Park: The first stop on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can explore the park’s unique geology and history, including the Althing, an open-air assembly that was established in AD 930 and is considered the world’s oldest parliament.
Geysir: The second stop on the Golden Circle is Geysir, a geothermal area that is home to several hot springs and geysers. The most famous geyser is Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes and shoots water up to 20 meters in the air.
Gullfoss: The third and final stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, a stunning waterfall that plunges 32 meters into a narrow canyon. Visitors can walk along a trail that offers several viewpoints of the waterfall, or take a guided tour that provides more in-depth information about the area’s geology and history.
In addition to these three main stops, there are several other attractions along the Golden Circle that are worth checking out, including:
Faxi Waterfall: Located on the Tungufljót River, Faxi Waterfall is a smaller but equally beautiful waterfall that is often overlooked by tourists.
Kerið Crater: This volcanic crater is filled with bright blue water and is surrounded by red volcanic rock, creating a striking contrast of colors.
Skálholt: This historic site was once the center of religious and political power in Iceland and is home to several churches and other buildings that date back to the Middle Ages.
Friðheimar: This greenhouse is home to several varieties of tomatoes, and visitors can take a tour and sample some of the delicious tomato-based dishes that are grown on-site.
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route for good reason – it offers visitors the chance to see some of Iceland’s most stunning natural landmarks, as well as learn about the country’s unique geology and history. So if you’re planning a trip to Iceland, be sure to put the Golden Circle on your itinerary!