The Golden Circle is a tourist route in south Iceland, which covers around 300 km looping from Reykjavík into the centre of the country and back again.
The three major stops on the route are the national park Þingvellir (Thingvellir), the Gullfoss waterfall (meaning “golden falls”), and the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, which is home to the geysers Geysir and Strokkur.
The next time you visit Reykjavik, make sure to set aside a day to check out the attractions of the Golden Circle. If nothing else, it will prove that there is no place on earth quite like Iceland…
Iceland: Land of fire and ice...and wide open spaces
Peningagjá (The Money Chasm) in Thingvellir National Park is a deep fissure filled with crystal clear spring water, people throw silver coins into it from a bridge above
Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir translates as 'The Fields' and was once the site of Iceland's ancient parliament
Water rushes downstream from the River Sog in Thingvellir National Park
The crystal clear waters of the River Sog
One of the most famous natural attractions in Iceland, The Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir, has been dormant since 1916 when it suddenly stopped spouting
Visitors await an eruption of the nearby Strokkur geysir
Boom: Strokkur, Icelandic for "churn" is a fountain geyser in the geothermal area beside the Hvítá River east of Reykjavik. It is one of Iceland's most famous geysers, erupting about every 4-8 minutes 15 - 20 m high, sometimes up to 40 m high.
Visitors are warned about boiling temperatures
Gullfoss (The Golden waterfall) is Iceland's most famous waterfall, and one of the natural wonders of the world.Gullfoss is also by far Europe’s most powerful waterfall. On a sunny day, the mist clouds surrounding the pounding falls are filled with numerous rainbows, providing an experience of unparalleled colour, action and noise.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located in the Grimsnes area in south Iceland. It is just one of several crater lakes in the area, known as Iceland´s Western Volcanic Zone, which includes the Reykjanes peninsula and the Langjokull Glacier. The crater lake's vivid aquamarine colour is due to minerals found in the rock.
I SO want to go to Iceland.. and you are giving me even more reasons… not good not good.. where will I find the time?
Must…get…to…Iceland. Great photos!
I need to get myself to Iceland ASAP! We were so close to visiting last year and then life happened. Here’s to hoping we make it this year. Your pictures were incredible!
Iceland is damn close to the top of my list…this looks incredible. Wonderful pictures too.
It seems if everyone has discovered Iceland but me. I’m feeling quite left out. I never thought that anything could compare to the beauty of New Zealand, but Iceland *might* give her a run for her money.
Wonderful photography, Fiona! I’ve heard great thing about Iceland and will have to make it there eventually. 🙂
So beautiful, Fiona! I love these pictures. I have always wanted to visit Iceland, but this made me realize why I have to stop putting it off. 🙂
we have yet to hear anything negative about iceland. it’s so easy to get to from the us east coast, too–maybe we need a weekend trip!
okay…clearly there is a theme here. EVERYONE wants to go to Iceland. me toooooo. group trip, anyone?!
🙂
I want to do any and ALL circles in Iceland! The pix are simply beautiful!
Absolutely gorgeous photos. Iceland is a very intriguing country. Very beautiful with a lot of amazing geologic attractions.
Yes, Iceland is on my list too… thanks for reminding me about it.
stay adventurous, Craig