Golden circle – Gullfoss and Geysir Tour

The golden circle is Iceland’s most popular day trip by far – and not only because it is a comfortable distance from Reykjavik.

The circular route inland takes in the famous Geysir, from which all geysers take their name; the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir national park – a beautiful area with more natural, geological and historical significance than you’d ever imagine possible.

Thingvellir (literally Parliament Plains) gets its name from the fact that settlement-age Icelanders held their Althingi parliament sessions here, which makes it the world’s oldest parliament still in existence; as the modern national parliament is still called Althingi, although it has since moved to the capital city. Because of its unique position in Icelandic history, Thingvellir was the site of the declaration of the Republic of Iceland in 1944 and also a favourite spot for drowning alleged witches and other criminals in the middle ages. Today it is known as somewhere you can literally walk along with the Eurasian tectonic plate on one side of you and the North American on the other; it is known for its many bird and plant species; and it is known for its unfeasibly clear scuba diving waters. And that’s not nearly all…

Meanwhile, Geysir hardly needs any introduction. The erupting hot spring can shoot scalding water an impressive 70 metres into the air, although you may have to wait a very, very long time to see it. Geysir’s little brother Strokkur, on the other hand, is just a few footsteps away and performs its nearly-as-impressive spouting trick every ten or so minutes. This fascinating geothermal area has more to offer too, with bubbling hot pools of Technicolor mud and an array of natural water features in all depths, colours, clarities and temperatures.

Gullfoss is the final ‘corner’ of the ‘circle’ and well worth the wait. This spectacular waterfall cascades over a grand staircase of imposing cliffs, creating the roar of thunder and throwing up clouds of spray which are slashed and streaked by rainbows on sunny days. Gullfoss means Golden Falls and gets its name from the glacial silt which turns the water a golden brown colour. In the summertime, glacial melt makes the flow even stronger, while in the winter you might just be lucky enough to witness the improbable sight of a huge waterfall frozen solid in majestic silence.

With Reykjavik Taxi Travel you can complete the circuit in whichever direction you prefer. You can make the stops as long or as short as you like. And you can add extra stops at your will. Furthermore, if you fill up the taxi you will be pleasantly surprised by the per-person price!