Ask anyone what Iceland's Golden Circle is best known for, and the answer will likely be: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring, and Gulfoss waterfall. Travelers give this area full marks—it is close to Reykjavik (if you're short on time), but it packs a lot into a day—sprouting geysers, tectonic plates, a mighty waterfall, plus the essential soak in the Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest swimming pool (and yes, you can have a cold beer while you do it). You are on holiday so treat yourself.
Golden Circle's greatest hits
- Þingvellir National Park, where Iceland's first parliament was established in 930 AD. Brace yourself for a surprise—thanks to its unique geography, you can walk from the North American to the European tectonic plate
- Geysir, an iconic hot spring in Iceland, where the real star, Strokkur, erupts every 5-8 minutes. Make sure your camera is ready for this incredibly fun natural spectacle
- Gullfoss waterfall, nestled in the Hvítá canyon, offers nothing short of a spectacular scenic view. When conditions permit, stroll all the way down to experience its force and beauty up close
- Secret Lagoon, where you become a little bit Icelandic by relaxing in a natural hot pool in the open air.
Sounds good? Keep on reading for more tour details.
Insta-ready natural sites
After we pick you up, we're hitting the road straight out of the city. Soon enough, we'll breeze by Hellisheiðavirkjun—just the 8th largest geothermal power station globally, no big deal, only the largest one in Iceland.
Reykjavik to Þingvellir National Park
Next on the adventure list is Þingvellir, the national park with a history dating back to 930 AD when the parliament made its debut. We won't spoil it too much, but get ready to get close and personal with some of Iceland's proudest moments in history and wander between the North American and European tectonic plates. Trust us, the experience is nothing short of thrilling.
Geysir
Back on the road, our next pit stop is Geysir. While the big Geysir has been taking a nap for a bit, Strokkur, its lively sidekick, steals the show by erupting every 5-8 minutes. Word of advice: keep a respectable distance and have your camera at the ready—it's eruption o'clock!
Gulfoss
We continue our journey and the next stop is Gulfoss, or the Golden Waterfall. Located in the canyon of Hvítá, the waterfall plummets down into a 32-meter (104.9 feet) deep crevice. From the parking area, it's also possible to walk all the way down to the falls. It’s about a 10-minute walk but please be aware the walkway might be closed off in certain weather conditions.
Secret Lagoon
As we wrap up our tour, our final destination is the Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest natural swimming pool. Fueled by geothermal energy and sourced from nearby hot springs, the pool, which maintains a constant temperature of 38/40°C (100.4/104°F) provides the perfect setting to unwind. Picture yourself soaking in the warm water, surrounded by nature views — a serene and natural conclusion to your adventure.
Return to Reykjavik full of life-long memories, and why not choose another tour with us, such as the South Coast & Iconic Glacier Hike Full Day Tour?
Choose the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Small Group Tour if you
- Only have one day for sightseeing
- Are looking for an idyllic escape
- Want to travel with a small group of like-minded travelers
- Enjoy flexibility of a small group tour
- Want to educate yourself about the geology, history, and culture of Iceland
