The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most popular tourist routes, and it provides a unbelievable opportunity to expertise some of the nation's most iconic natural and cultural attractions. This circular route typically starts and ends in Reykjavik and can be completed in a day. Here are the main highlights of the Golden Circle:
Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir): This UNESCO World Heritage Site is both traditionally and geologically important. It's where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making a rift valley. You can stroll between the plates alongside the Almannagjá gorge. Þingvellir was also the location of Iceland's first parliament, established in 930 AD.
Geysir Geothermal Area: Geysir is the namesake of all geysers and is known for its lively scorching springs. The most reliable geyser in the space is Strokkur, which erupts each 5-10 minutes, shooting water and steam into the air.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Often referred to as the "Golden Falls," Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most well-known and highly effective waterfalls. It's a spectacular sight because the Hvítá River drops in two cascades right into a deep canyon.
Kerið Crater: This volcanic crater, filled with a putting turquoise lake, is a unique geological feature. You can walk around the rim of the crater or descend to the lake.
Secret Lagoon: While not part of the normal Golden Circle, this pure hot spring is an optional cease for rest. It's a less crowded various to the Blue Lagoon.
Faxi Waterfall: This smaller but stunning waterfall is commonly ignored by guests. It's a fantastic spot to get up close to the speeding water.
Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse: You can visit this geothermal greenhouse, which specializes in growing tomatoes year-round. They have a restaurant the place you presumably can get pleasure from tomato-based dishes, and you can find out about their sustainable farming practices.
Local Farms and Cafes: Along the route, you might discover native farms and cafes offering homemade goods and a style of Icelandic tradition.
The Golden Circle is well accessible from Reykjavik, and a lot of travelers choose to hire a automotive and explore the route at their very own tempo. Alternatively, guided volcano helicopter tour iceland are additionally obtainable and can provide valuable information about the websites. Be positive to verify the road circumstances and climate, as they can change rapidly in Iceland, particularly through the winter months. The Golden Circle is a fantastic approach to expertise the natural beauty and historical past of Iceland in a single day..