Top things to do in Iceland
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Jump aboard, to see Iceland's best tourist route. This tour should not be missed by those eager to do some classic sightseeing.
The Golden Circle Tour begins by taking you to Þingvellir National Park, an area known for its stunning landscapes, active geothermal area and rich history.
This is a Unesco World Heritage Site, located directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You can walk between these continents along the Almannagja canyon, surrounded by dramatic lava cliffs. The cultural significance of the area is fascinating too, as this was where the Icelandic parliament was first established in 930 AD by the old Viking lords.
Continuing from Þingvellir National Park, the tour heads towards Gullfoss waterfall, where you can view the 32 metre (105 ft) cascade from several elevated viewing platforms. You can even get close enough to feel the glacial spray of the waterfall on your face.
The group usually stops for a bite to eat at Gullfoss Café or the Information Centre in the Geysir geothermal area, our last natural attraction on the tour. If you prefer to use the time during the stops to enjoy the natural wonders of these places, we recommend that you bring a packed lunch instead to save time.
The Geysir Geothermal field is bubbling with geothermal activity and has boiling mud pockets, mineral-rich pools of hot water, and geysers erupting every few minutes; indeed, the word “geyser” comes directly from this particular area’s name. Geysir’s largest active geyser, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes, shooting water up to 30 metres (100 feet) into the air in a spectacular show. Make sure to bring your camera.
As we make the return journey, we pass by peaceful lakes Laugarvatn and Apavatn before the final leg back to Reykjavík which will take us through the village of Hveragerði and over the Hellisheiði mountain pass. Here, you can see columns of steam rising from the ground as a result of the geothermal activity beneath.
Witness Iceland's most popular sites. Check availability by choosing a date.
You can request a Mandarin-speaking guide for this tour