We will combine all of the famous sights with a few extra stops to make your day as special as we possibly can, this means you will get to see Þingvellir national park , the geothermal wonders of Geysir and the golden waterfall Gullfoss . At BusTravel Iceland though our motto is “More nature, more fun” so we also make an additional stop at Kerið volcanic crater . You should expect a packed day full of adventure!

The Golden Circle is not only the most popular day tour we run here at BusTravel Iceland but perhaps also the most popular trip that leaves Reykjavik.

Itinerary

Our Golden Circle tour begins with a fast and efficient pick up service. You only need to be on time at the designated pick up point and we'll take care of the rest. Once we have collected all our guests we set off to the first major attraction.

Kerið volcanic crater

Kerið volcanic crater is the first stop we make. Kerið is a crater lake that became a focal point for tourist activity thanks to the breathtaking contrast of its blue waters and red lava rock surroundings. Now there are walking paths enabling guests to do the tour of the crater rim or walk down to the bottom of the crater and walk around the lake.

It was once believed that Kerið was a volcanic crater created after a large explosion but study of the area showed no evidence of any explosions of the required magnitude had occurred here. Current theories state that Kerið was in fact itself a volcano that emptied its magma reserves and collapsed in on itself.

Gullfoss waterfall

Our next stop is the Gullfoss (Golden falls). Gullfoss 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.

Geysir Geothermal Area

After the waterfall we head to the geothermal area called after the original geyser called Geysir. The Geysir area boosts with steam vents, bubbling pits, hot ponds, magnificent colours and the highlight of the site, Strokkur Geyser. Strokkur performs natural and powerful eruptions, spouting water and steam some 20 m up in the air every 10 minuets. Walking paths take you between interesting geothermal features so you don't miss out on any wonder or smell!

The Geysir area offers large visitor centre with souvenirs, local products and many possibilities for purchasing lunch.

Þingvellir National Park

The last stop (certainly not the least) is the National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site called Þingvellir (Thingvellir). Þingvellir is Icelands most important site when it comes to history and geology.

This is where the worlds first parliament was established by the vikings in 930 AD, making it the oldest parliament, still active, in the world. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, the Eurasion and the North American one.

Starting from the bottom of the Rift Valley you walk in the footsteps of the Vikings, along impressive Almannagjá all the way to Hakið. Hakið is an ideal viewing point giving you a great overview of the whole area. You can almost witness the continental drift as you take a walk between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

As you walk up to the North American plate via Almannagjá you can read interesting tidbits about our history, viking era and how the laws of the land were established.

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.

After the National Park we have around 45 min drive back to Reykjavík.