No visit to Iceland is complete without a tour of its most iconic sites on the Golden Circle. Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park all encompass the history, culture and natural beauty that make Iceland so unique. Round out your ultimate Iceland experience with a revitalizing soak in the Secret Lagoon set in a geothermal landscape in the quaint village of Flúðir.
A historical and geological wonder Þingvellir National Park is located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. It is a site of great historical, geological and cultural significance and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Þingvellir is the birthplace of the Althing Iceland’s parliament founded in 930 AD where the nation’s most powerful leaders would meet to decide on legislation and carry out brutal Viking age justice.
The tour continues across an area of picturesque scenery to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Once there, you can take several paths around the two tiers of cascading water to explore several vantage points. Extra time is allotted at this location for a lunch break at Gullfoss Café where food is available for purchase.
Next up is the home of “The Great Geysir” hot spring, which all geysers are named after. This area is an impressive collage of bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful algae deposits. Strokkur geyser puts on quite the show every few minutes blasting boiling water high up into the air.
Just off the Golden Circle is the Secret Lagoon, a spring-fed pool located near the charming village of Flúðir in South Iceland. Mineral-rich geothermal waters from nearby hot springs stay at a steady temperature of 38° to 40°C, making the Secret Lagoon’s water perfect for bathing and relaxation.
Towel and swimsuit are not included (but can be rented at the Secret Lagoon)
