There’s a lot more to Iceland than the Aurora. The Golden Circle is an extremely popular tourist route, perfect for a road trip as it connects many attractions and highlights of the country. The 300km can easily be completed within 3 hours, but with so much to see and do, you’ll need to set aside several stops and a few days. Alternatively, the M1 ring road circles Iceland nicely so this is a wider route you can take. Low season runs from September-May so travel during this period to avoid crowds and peak prices. Consider our 10 recommended highlights below for your visit.
Strokkur geyser erupting. Photo by: Puripat/Adobe Stock
Reykjavik
The capital city’s Old Town is full of delightful brightly coloured wooden houses, the city itself littered with trendy cafes, clubs, and pubs, growing an incredibly vibrant nightlife. Be wary on a night out though, as your budget trip could easily be scuppered by the cost of alcohol and expensive meals. Plan your night so you visit during happy hour and budget your food. Spend a day or two here to soak up the Icelandic passion for design, technology and architecture.
While in the city, you’re bound to notice the Hallgrímskirkja church– its tower extends 73m heavenwards, making it the largest church in the country. Take the time to visit the viewing platform at the top for a stunning 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Visit a bookstore- Iceland boasts more published individual copies of books per capita than any other country in the world.
For those with a sweet tooth, a handful of Icelandic króna must be spent on the factory tour of Omnom Chocolate. Then you can spend some more in the gift shop.
Creative folk should head to the Reykjavik Art Museum.
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous thermal pool must be on your itinerary. Be prepared for it to be on many others’ though so get there early and be willing to pay for the experience. You won’t find a place like it anywhere else. While basking in the legendary anti-ageing properties of the water, cancel it out with the easy access to the swim-up bar. Benefit from the sauna, steam rooms, man-made massaging waterfall, and relaxation area. Pre-booking is required.
The Blue Lagoon. Photo by: mirceadobre78/Adobe Stock
Þingvellir National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is held in high regard in Icelandic history. The site, where the North American and European continental plates are moving away from each other, hosted the oldest Parliament in the world, first assembling in 930AD. 48 Chieftains would come together to agree on rules and regulations, and residents would give speeches on important issues. Its unique geology and natural features have proven popular over the years, especially for fishing and scuba diving. It’s the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates (within the Silfra fissure).
Gullfoss
This ‘Golden Waterfall’ of the Hvítá river drops 105 feet, fed by the second largest glacier in the country, and is well-known. If visiting on a sunny day, be sure to watch for the sunlight hitting the spray to create gorgeous rainbows over the canyon.
Haukadalur
This geothermal area is home to the original geyser, believed to be the origin of the word. Strokkur was made inactive by an earthquake, but Geysir still consistently erupts boiling water into the air every 5-10 minutes. There are also hot springs here and other smaller geysers.
Kerið Crater Lake
A stunning landscape awaits you here. A red volcanic crater formed after the magma chamber of a typical cone-shaped volcano collapsed. The remains are filled with water and shrubbery grows around the edges. Hike the 5-minute trek into the chamber to the water’s edge. This is a less-known attraction but worth the quick stop for the incredible view.
Kerið Crater Lake. Photo by: lenpri/Adobe Stock
Laugarvatn Fontana
These geothermal baths have a stunning vista of Lake Laugarvatn. Bathe in the mineral-rich waters of the natural hot springs to relax and restore your mind, body and spirit. Sit for a while in contemplation in the sauna, then take a cool swim in the lake. Enjoy traditional Icelandic food in the Local Kitchen on-site and taste fresh baked rye bread.
Skálholt Cathedral
Archaeological digs on this site revealed that 9 previous churches were built on the same foundations. The digs also uncovered the stone coffin of Páll Jónsson which is now displayed in the crypt below the church. The modern art found here is considered to be some of the most important in Icelandic 20th century art so worth seeing. The on-site Center is used for a multitude of purposes including education, pilgrimage and as a retreat.
Hveragerði
This town is often called ‘the hot springs capital of the world’. Bakers here can bake the famous black bread using holes in the geothermal ground. The pits serve as an oven and a guide can even show you how to boil an egg on the spot to go with your fresh bread. The restaurant, Kjot & Kunst, has an outdoor kitchen which uses the geothermal heat for their cooking.
Walk the Poets Trail of three streets that formed poets’ residencies between 1940–1965- Bláskógar (Blue Woods), Frumskógar (Jungles) and Laufskógar (Leaf Woods). There’s also plenty of hiking trails around the town into the mountains. Afterwards, unwind in the hot baths, whirlpools, natural sauna and fitness centre.
Geothermal Energy Exhibition
This permanent exhibition is hosted near the Hellisheiði Power Plant; the largest single site geothermal power plant in the world. Take a guided tour through interactive multimedia displays and presentations that will help you understand how Iceland is harnessing and using geothermal energy.
Skalholt Cathedral. Photo by: chbaum/Adobe Stock
Pack your bags for your Iceland trip
We work with suppliers at Keflavik Airport and within Reykjavik. Collect your hire car and travel the Golden Circle to take advantage of all that’s on offer. There’s lots to do so make sure you leave yourself with plenty of time to do everything!
Written by Jessica Juby.
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