A Guide to Iceland's Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park

Just 40km from Reykjavik is the breathtaking, UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, an area characterised by its location within a rift valley. Here, grassy slopes trail off to the horizon, providing visitors with plenty of secluded hiking paths and opportunities to slow down and snap some shots of the incredible landscape. Not only is the park a place of rugged, natural beauty, with its staggering tectonic rifts, but it is also one of the most important historical sites in the country. It was here that the world’s oldest existing parliament first assembled all the way back in 930 AD. The park also encompasses the largest natural lake in Iceland, a popular venue for fishing and scuba diving as the continental drift makes for perfect visibility.

Haukadalur

Beside the Northern Lights, the geysers of Iceland might be some of the country’s most famous features and nowhere are they more impressive than Haukadalur. The two main geysers here are Strokkur and Geysir, the latter of which is actually the origin of the word geyser. Of the two features, Strokkur is the more reliable, erupting every 5-10 minutes. Geysir is much bigger but erupts far less frequently, meaning that witnessing this spectacle is a rare treat. Other than the main two geysers, there are dozens of hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles in the surrounding area, many giving off a rather unpleasant smell, similar to rotten eggs, because of the sulphur.

Gullfoss Waterfall

The Gullfoss Waterfall is one of those natural features that literally stops you dead in your tracks as you come to terms with the sheer size and power of it. This magnificent cascade is a stark reminder of the force of Mother Nature and how small we are in comparison. Looking down into the ravine where the water plunges, the spray is sometimes so thick that you cannot even see the pool below, making it seem like the waterfall simply disappears or goes on forever. The waterfall is tiered, the first step dropping down 11m and the second a staggering 21m. There is a viewing platform just above the top of the falls, which commands unparalleled vistas and is perfect for anyone hoping to snap a couple of shots.

Kerid Crater Lake

Perhaps the most famous of the less famous sites on the Golden Circle route, the Kerid Crater Lake is a stunning, almost perfectly circular lake, which sits at the bottom of a crater. The rugged slopes that encircle the water are tinged with varying shades of mottled red, green and brown because of the volcanic rock and sparse vegetation that intertwine here. The multi-coloured earth clashes brilliantly with the aquamarine water, creating an irresistible sight for photographers. The caldera is roughly 55m deep and is one of many volcanic craters in the area, although this one is arguably the most recognisable.

Skalholt Cathedral

Relatively large in comparison with other Icelandic cathedrals, the Skalholt cathedral is a white-washed building with a black tiled roof and beautiful stained glass windows that has been preceded by almost a dozen other churches, many of which were made of wood. The earliest of these churches was built in the 12th century and all of them were either burnt down or destroyed by the weather over the course of history. The cathedral that stands here now was completed in 1963 and houses a stone coffin that contains Páll Jónsson, a bishop who died in 1211.

Laugarvatn Fontana

If all that driving has made your muscles ache then Laugarvatn Fontana is the perfect place to stop off for an hour or two. The site consists of numerous natural steam baths that have been built over geysers and is ideal for taking a quick dip and unwinding before carrying on your journey. The spa offers special rye bread tours, during which guests will get the chance to see the famous Icelandic rye bread being dug out of the hot ground and served up, hot with some butter. Even if you don’t fancy getting wet, this place shouldn’t be missed as they have a viewing deck, which offers unrivalled views of the adjacent lake and mountains.

Icelandic Horses

While this isn’t exactly an individual stop, there will be a number of places along the Golden Circle route where you can stop and see Icelandic horses. These unique equestrian creatures are smaller than average horses and standing at just 13 or 14 hands, they would be considered ponies anywhere else in the world. Other distinguishing characteristics are their longer, shaggier coats, which have been specially adapted for the cold weather, and their ability to perform two additional gaits as well as the classic walk, trot, canter and gallop that other horses can do. These two extra gaits are called ‘the flying pace’ and an ambling gait known as ‘Tolt’. These horses are very calm so you needn’t be scared of petting them when you stop to see them.

Nesjavallaleið

Again, this isn’t a stop per se but it is definitely something worth doing on your trip. This is a road that leads from Reykjavik all the way to Thingvellir National Park and is sure to be one of the most beautiful drives you have ever done. There are no stops along the route but the scenery all around you is so gorgeous that you won’t even mind and your drive will simply fly by. Be wary that this road is not very well maintained and can be completely out of action during the winter as snow makes it impassable.

Best time to visit the Golden Circle

Iceland is notorious for its unpredictable weather so it is advisable to take warm clothes and waterproofs with you regardless of when you choose to go. It also important to note that it is often much colder out in the countryside than it is in Reykjavik. Each season will offer a completely unique experience so plan your trip according to what kind of scenery you want to see and whether you prefer a warm or cold climate.

Visiting Iceland's Golden Circle in winter

Winter in Iceland poses one fundamental challenge – a lack of daylight hours. While this isn’t a problem for those seeking the Northern Lights, it can be frustrating for nature-lovers who want to explore the country’s rugged wilderness and take photos as they go. However, winter is beautiful and the blankets of white snow that cover the land are unfathomably stunning but travelling during this time means you will have limited time to admire the land each day, meaning you might need longer to see everything on your itinerary. It can also get really, really cold!

Visiting Iceland's Golden Circle in summer

On the other hand, summers in Iceland are bathed in eternal daylight as the midnight sun phenomenon comes into effect. The weather improves dramatically during this time of the year and you're less likely to get frozen by a bitter wind or caught in a sudden downpour. When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, summer is probably the best time to travel, though the months of July and August can get pretty crowded. It is also a good idea to take an eye mask with you as the constant light can make it hard to sleep at night.

Visiting Iceland's Golden Circle in spring and autumn

Spring and autumn are equally as pleasant for visiting the Golden Circle. Temperatures will be drastically warmer than winter but the summer crowds won’t be there obscuring your view and making noise. Coincidentally, these seasons are also decent for viewing the Northern Lights so if you are hoping to combine your Golden Circle trip with an evening of aurora searching then spring and autumn are ideal. If you want a white landscape, there is usually some leftover snow in early spring and a few pre-winter flakes in late autumn.