Full Day Golden Circle - Guided Tour

About this experience

The Golden Circle is one of the most accessible tours in all seasons of the year. It is a journey that will bring you through Icelandic history and culture immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of this land between Geysers, tectonic plates and picturesque waterfalls.

What's included

Itinerary

1. Tour stop

   The first scheduled stop is right next to the tectonic plates that frame the Þingvellir National Park. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage, this site has a significant historical, geological and cultural significance. It was right here, in fact, that in 930 AD the Alþing: the first democratic parliament in the history of humanity took place. The tectonic fault that crosses the entire national park is also located right on the shores of the lake. Þingvallavatn which is also the largest lake in the nation. The time frame includes transportation.

2. Tour stop

   The second stop on our journey will be in the Geysir geothermal area, located in the Haukardalur valley about an hour drive from Þingvellir. This area of fumaroles was formed about 10,000 years ago as a result of seismic events and tectonic movements, forming these eruptive cones from boiling water. Geysir is the name of the main cone of this area from which the generic name of geysers from all over the world derives. Although Geysir is currently dormant, in the same area, the geyser ”Strokkur“ erupts every 5-10 minutes on average. In this area, in addition to the Strokkur eruptions, you can sense the smell and see the colors of the crystallized minerals that mark the intense geothermal activity characteristic of the island.

3. Tour stop

   The last main stop on our tour is the famous Gullfoss waterfall (golden waterfall). Located along the course of the Hvitá River whose source originates from Langjökull (second largest glacier in Iceland), Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls on the island with its 32-meter jump. Another story about this waterfall occurred at the beginning of the last century, when investors expressed their desire to build a hydroelectric power plant, thus going to “close” the waterfall. It was precisely thanks to the environmental protest of Sigriður Tómasdóttir (daughter of the owner of the land where the waterfall is located) that this project was never carried out, still giving us the opportunity to visit this enchanting place nowadays.

4. Tour stop

   Still untouched by mass tourism, the canyon of Brúarhlöð, stands out on the banks of the Ölfusá river, which originates right from the Gullfoss waterfall. This slightly less touristy canyon is a perfect destination to stop and eat our packed lunch.

5. Tour stop

   Iceland is rich in natural hot springs. In order to offer you a unique experience full of emotions, we at Elysia Tours will take you to a natural pool, outside the most touristic itineraries.

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels