Private Golden Circle Classic Tour

Experience the renowned Golden Circle and explore Iceland's most precious gems on a private tour

Highlights

Thingvellir National Park
Geysir hot springs geothermal area
Gullfoss waterfall

Description

This tour takes you to some of Iceland's most iconic natural landmarks. The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, the site of the country's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the Hakið lava mesa viewpoint, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Thingvellir area and the largest natural lake in Iceland, Thingvallavatn. As you descend into the Almannagjá rift, you will pass by Thingvallabær rectory and Thingvallakirkja, a charming wooden church. Don't miss the impressive Öxarárfoss waterfall, a man-made wonder created by the Vikings to provide water for their horses and sheep during the annual assembly at Althingi.

Game of Thrones fans may recognize Thingvellir as it served as a filming location for several episodes in season four.

Continuing, you will drive through the scenic Thingvellir National Park, surrounded by picturesque farmsteads, until you reach the Geysir hot springs geothermal area in Haukadalur valley. This unique area is known for its colorful hot springs and mud pools. While the famous Geysir is currently dormant, its neighboring geyser, Strokkur, erupts every 5-8 minutes, shooting scalding geothermal water into the air. Please note that volcanic activity and earthquakes in the region may cause changes in the geothermal area.

The final stop on the tour is Gullfoss waterfall, also known as the "Golden Falls." This magnificent waterfall cascades in three tiers, dropping 32 meters into a narrow basaltic gorge. Gullfoss is a true spectacle, fed by the glacial river Hvítá, which gets its white and blueish color from the Langjökull glacier. On sunny days, the mist from the waterfall creates stunning rainbows, sometimes even double rainbows.

Experience the beauty and power of Iceland's Golden Circle on this unforgettable tour.

National Park entrance fee
Parking fees
Pickup & drop-off within the Reykjavik Capital Area
Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
Knowledgeable & experienced English-speaking driver-guide

The Thingvellir National Park was established in 1930 and was the first national park in Iceland. In 2004, it became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland due to its cultural heritage from the Viking era and the significance of its history and nature.

Þingvellir, which means “Parliament Grounds” in English, is a fracture zone located on the tectonic plates of the North American and Eurasian continents. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs through Iceland from its northeast to its southwest corner, forming a depression approximately 40 km long and 10 km wide. These boundaries are only visible above ground in a few locations in Iceland. Almannagjá, also known as “Public’s Rift,” forms the eastern boundaries of the North American plate, while Hrafnagjá, or “Raven’s Rift,” begins the western bounds of the Eurasian plate. The area between these two rifts slowly subsides, pulling apart by about 3-4 millimeters yearly.

Alþingi, or “General Assembly,” is the Icelandic parliament, which the Vikings established in AD 930. It is the oldest parliament in the world. Icelanders would gather there every summer until 1798 to set laws, settle disputes, trade goods, and carry out punishments and executions. At Althingi, the Icelandic nation agreed to adopt Christianity in AD 1000, superseding the heathen religion Asatru. On 17 June 1944, after centuries of being under the reigns of the Kingdoms of Norway and Denmark, the establishment of the Republic of Iceland was declared in force.

Please respect nature – do not throw out trash or walk on any moss.
You do not need to print out your e-ticket for environmental responsibility purposes.
Your private driver-guide can always recommend different restaurants in the area and make stops on the way so you can purchase food/snacks/drinks, but you are also welcome to bring a packed lunch.
This tour's total duration depends on the time spent at each stop.
Road conditions or adverse weather could make some stops inaccessible during winter, so the itinerary may need to be altered if necessary.
Dress according to the weather by wearing warm and wind-/waterproof clothing in layers and bring gloves and a hat.
Wear suitable footwear, preferably waterproof with a good grip, in case of slippery conditions due to ice, rain, or gravel paths.
We may occasionally need to alter the tour itinerary due to unpredictable weather and road conditions in Iceland, especially during winter. The weather in Iceland can be pretty unpredictable.