Exciting 10-Hour Golden Circle and Thjorsardalur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Book this incredible guided excursion to explore the sights of Iceland's Golden Circle route, with additional stops at waterfalls and rifts. Those eager to discover national parks and geothermal areas should book this exciting tour now.
Your tour starts when you are picked up from your accommodation in Reykjavik. You will meet the expert English-speaking guide leading the tour and the other guests.
This excursion takes you to the Golden Circle, a sightseeing route that includes three sights and some additional natural attractions that aren't usually included on Golden Circle tours.
The first stop of the tour is the Thjorsardalur valley, located in South Iceland. This valley is a site of both natural beauty and historical significance.
This picturesque valley is carved by the Thjorsa river, Iceland's longest river, surrounded by rugged mountains and lush vegetation. The area is known for its impressive waterfalls, including Hjalparfoss and Haifoss, one of Iceland's tallest.
First, you'll visit Hjalparfoss waterfall. This unique dual waterfall cascades into a serene plunge pool surrounded by striking basalt formations, creating a distinctive natural spectacle.
Hjalparfoss waterfall, meaning "Help Falls," historically provided respite for travelers and their animals after crossing the barren Sprengisandur highlands.
Next, you'll see the Gjain rift, a small, picturesque rift valley renowned for its lush, oasis-like landscape. Surrounded by volcanic rock formations, the area features a combination of waterfalls, clear streams, and vibrant vegetation.
The Gjain rift starkly contrasts the surrounding barren highlands, creating a unique microenvironment.
The last sight here is Haifoss waterfall, one of the country's tallest waterfalls, with a dramatic drop of around 400 feet (122 meters). The waterfall is fed by the Fossa River, which plunges into a deep gorge, creating a breathtaking sight.
Next, you'll head to the first sight of the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss waterfall. You'll see this epic cascade from the other side, where fewer tourists go. It's a 15-minute walk to the east side of the Hvita river where you can see the waterfall from a different angle.
You'll visit the Geysir geothermal area. Located in the Haukadalur Valley, it is home to the famous Great Geysir, from which all geysers worldwide derive their name.
Though Great Geysir is now largely inactive, its neighbor, Strokkur geyser, erupts regularly every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 66 feet (20 meters) high.
The area features boiling mud pots, steaming vents, and vibrant mineral deposits, showcasing the geothermal activity beneath the Earth's surface. A popular tourist destination, it offers educational insights into geothermal energy and Iceland's volcanic landscape.
The last stop on the tour is the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of historical and geological significance. It was the site of Iceland's first parliament, Althing, established in 930 AD.
The park also showcases the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating dramatic rift valleys.
At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
Enjoy this immersive experience exploring Iceland's Golden Circle sightseeing route and the lesser-visited Thjorsardalur valley. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
What to bring
Good to know
You will be stopping by a grocery store early in the tour so you can purchase snacks. There will be a lunch stop at the Geysir Tourist information centre which has a cafe/restaurant.
There are two hikes throughout this tour, one of them is optional taking you from the top to the bottom of Háifoss which is about an hour in length and isn't too difficult. The other is proximately 30 minutes from the car park to the eastern side of Gullfoss waterfall.
Video
Similar tours
Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.