Golden Circle Direct

Description

The Golden Circle direct bus tour takes you on a day trip to see the world-famous Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls, as well as Thingvellir National Park.

The Geysir geothermal area boasts spouting springs, including Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. At Gullfoss you are given the opportunity to stand next to the amazing waterfall, watching enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep, meandering gorge.

Whether you take the morning or the afternoon tour, you will spend your time encountering a cross-section of Iceland's natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park, an area of historical and geological significance.

Highlights

Main sights and highlights

• Geysir and Strokkur the erupting geothermal geyser
• Gullfoss waterfall
• Þingvellir national park
• Friðheimar cultivation center

Geysir and Strokkur the erupting geothermal geyser

Geysir is a collection of hot springs in Haukadalur, a geothermal area in the south west of Iceland. The most famous geyser Strokkur erupts every 6-10 minutes and shoots hot water 20 meters (70 feet) up in the air.

This natural phenomenon and display of volcanic power is truly amazing. Seeing a geyser erupt is a sight that can't be missed for anyone visiting Iceland.

The geysers are in an area called Haukadalur about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Reykjavik. Once you are there you will see steam rising from the ground. Many hotsprings and hot rivers are located in the area.

Gullfoss waterfall

Gullfoss (Golden falls) is one of Icelands most majestic waterfalls. The waterfall originates in the Langjökull glacier and gets it's name from the gold hue it gives off as it tumbles downward into the canyon.

The waterfall drops down into a crevice of 32 meters (105 ft) in two steps being 11 meters and 21 meters each. On many occasions rainbows can be observed dancing across the top of this magnificent sight. Gullfoss has an interesting history that involves investors trying to harness its awesome power.

The waterfall can viewed from a few different locations. The upper deck next to the visitor center gives a great view from above. By walking down the staircase the waterfall can be viewed from the lower deck. From there the waterfall seems to vanish into the earth.

From the lower deck you can walk a path that leads towards the first plunge of the waterfall. This will give you a great view into the crevice and a feeling of the true power of the waterfall. This path can be closed if the path is icy and conditions are not good.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) is Icelands most historic site. This is where the worlds first parliament was established by the vikings in 930 AD. Thingvellir was designated as a world heritage site in 2004.

Þingvellir is also a natural treasure with it's vast lava fields and rivers leading into Icelands largest lake. The Þingvellir valley has been an inspiration for numerous painters and photographers alike.

Starting from the visitor center you walk out to the scenic deck known as Hakið where you can and witness the magnificent lava formation. You can almost witness the continental drift as you take a walk between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

As you walk down towards the valley you can read interesting tidbits about our history, viking era and how the laws of the land were established.

Itinerary

Important information

Attention! Please take into account that this is an express version of The Golden Circle, which gives less time at each location.

Pick-up starts 30 minutes prior to departure. Please be ready at your pick up point with your voucher, either in digital or printed form.

You will be traveling in a coach that holds approximately 40 people but is very spacious and comfortable. There is not a bathroom on the bus but there will be plenty of stops where facilities can be used. The bus offers free wifi.

Lunch is not included, In Geysir & Gullfoss there are shops where you can buy food and drinks.

Guidance:

• English every day (all year)
• German: Mon, Tue,Thu & Sat (all year)
• French: Thu & Sun (all year)
• Spanish: Sat (1 Jun - 31 Aug)
• Scandinavian: Mon (1 Jun - 31 Aug) & Fri (all year)