Golden Circle

The Þingvellir National Park is a place where geology and history meet — and both are world-shaking, in the truest sense of the word.

Tectonic Plates

Þingvellir is located in the Rift Valley, the rift where the North American and Eurasian plates drift apart — at a speed of about 2 cm per year. You can literally walk between the continents: The Almannagjá gorge marks the edge of the North American plate, and the path through the gorge down to the parliamentary site is one of Iceland's most impressive walks. The rock walls rise on the left and right, water collects in crystal-clear crevices, and you feel the raw power of the earth.

Althing — the Oldest Parliament

In 930 AD, the Icelandic Vikings founded the Althing (Alþingi) here — the oldest parliament in the world. Every year, the chieftains (Goden) met at the Lögberg (Law Rock) to settle disputes, proclaim laws, and administer justice. Here, in the year 1000, the Christianization of Iceland was decided, and here, in 1944, the Republic of Iceland was proclaimed. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

Silfra Fissure

The Silfra is a fissure filled with glacial water between the tectonic plates — with a visibility of over 100 meters, the clearest water in the world. Here you can snorkel or dive and literally swim between two continents. The water is 2–4°C year-round (dry suit provided). Providers: DIVE.IS and Arctic Adventures, from about 120€ for snorkeling.

The Haukadalur Geothermal Area is home to the Great Geysir — the geyser that gave all geysers in the world their name. The Icelandic word "geysa" means "to gush," and that's exactly what the earth has been doing here for centuries.

Strokkur — the Star

The Great Geysir itself is largely inactive today (last major eruption in 2000). However, its neighbor Strokkur (the "Churn") is all the more reliable: Every 5–8 minutes, a fountain of boiling hot water shoots 20–30 meters into the air. The spectacle begins with a swelling, turquoise-blue bubble on the water's surface — a magical moment before the eruption breaks out. You can watch it dozens of times and be captivated every time.

The Geothermal Area

Around Strokkur and the Great Geysir, it bubbles, hisses, and steams everywhere: hot springs in all colors (turquoise, orange, rust-brown), mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and the smell of sulfur — the earth is alive and breathing. A circular path (20–30 min.) leads through the entire area. Free entry, parking included.

The Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is one of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in Europe — and the crowning finale of the Golden Circle. The Hvítá river plunges in two stages a total of 32 meters into a 2.5-kilometer-long, 70-meter-deep gorge, with an average water flow of 140 cubic meters per second in summer.

What Makes Gullfoss Special

Unlike most waterfalls, Gullfoss falls around the corner — the gorge runs perpendicular to the river, making the waterfall seem to disappear into the earth from certain angles. Only when you get closer does the view open up into the depths, and the full force becomes visible. In sunlight, rainbows span the mist — hence the name "Golden Waterfall."

Two Viewpoints

• Upper Path: From above, you overlook both cascades and the gorge — the more dramatic view.
• Lower Path: Closer to the water, right at the edge of the upper tier. You feel the mist on your face and the thunder in your chest. Often closed in winter (ice).

The History

In the early 20th century, British investors wanted to dam Gullfoss for a hydroelectric power plant. The farmer's daughter Sigríður Tómasdóttir fought against it for years — she threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if it were destroyed. She won, and Gullfoss was preserved. Her statue stands on the upper path. Iceland owes her one of its greatest natural wonders.

Drive Yourself or Tour?

Self-Drive: The route is 300 km long (circular route from Reykjavik) and takes 3.5 hours without stops. With stops and breaks: a full day (7–10 hours). The roads are well developed (Ring Road 1 + roads 35/36/37), usually cleared even in winter. A regular rental car is sufficient. Advantage: own pace, flexibility, insider tips off the route.

Organized Tour: From Reykjavik by bus or minivan (60–90€/person, 8–10 hours). Convenient, no driving stress, guide tells stories. Disadvantage: fixed times, large groups, little freedom. Best option for solo travelers without a driver's license.

Optimal Route

Reykjavik → Þingvellir (45 min.) → Geysir (50 min.) → Gullfoss (10 min.) → back to Reykjavik (1.5 hrs.). Counterclockwise, because most buses go clockwise — so you're always one step ahead.

Extensions

• Kerið Crater: A 3,000-year-old volcanic crater with a deep blue lake at the bottom. Located 15 min. south of the route. Entry: about 4€. Worth it!
• Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin): A natural thermal pool in Flúðir, right on the Golden Circle route. Less touristy than the Blue Lagoon, significantly cheaper (about 25€) and more atmospheric — steaming water between moss-covered rocks. Perfect ending after sightseeing.
• Friðheimar: A tomato greenhouse (yes, really), where you can enjoy tomato soup and tomato beer among tomato plants. Surreal, delicious, and a perfect lunch stop.