
1 / 10Golden Circle
About this activity
Explore Iceland's most iconic geological and historical landmarks on this 7-hour guided tour of the Golden Circle. Visit Þingvellir National Park where tectonic plates visibly separate, witness the geothermal wonders of Geysir and its famous spouting hot spring Strokkur, and stand beneath the thundering Gullfoss waterfall—a route that showcases Iceland's raw natural power and medieval heritage in one day.
Golden Circle
There is a reason why the Golden Circle has for a long time been one of the most popular attractions among visitors to Iceland. You will witness one of the most famous wonders of South Iceland. The historical and geological wonder Þingvellir National Park. Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss (golden waterfall).
Thingvellir National Park
At Thingvellir National Park, Iceland gave birth to its first parliament and was the first democratic national parliament in the world. It’s called Althing (Alþing). Therefore, it’s Iceland’s most important and historical and geological place. The parliament was founded in the year 930 AD and is the oldest parliament in the world still fully operating.
At Thingvellir, you can see where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and how spectacularly these plates have drifted apart. At the slow and non-violent speed, the plates drift apart at the rate of 2 cm (0.79 in) per year.
Geysir – the original geyser and Strokkur
You are in for a treat since The Great Geysir is the oldest documented geyser in all of Europe. Many other languages have adopted the geyser word (géiser, Geysir, gejzir, etc.). But the word Geysir comes from the Icelandic verb “geysa,” which means “to gush.” It is also the first printed described Geysir in all modern Europe.
The highly active Hot Spring Area of Geysir and the boiling mud pits are great for shooting photos. The old and The Great Geysir can hurl boiling water up to an average height of 70m (229ft). Even though The Great Geysir isn’t as active as it used to be, it has a brother called Strokkur, which spouts boiling water 30m (100ft) up in the air every few minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The next stop on this fantastic tour is the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, which is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s unique and famous waterfalls. The name translates directly to the Golden Falls. It comes from the glacial river Hvítá. The Gullfoss Waterfall drops amazingly down two giant steps, 11m (36ft) and 22m (71ft), and then distributes into a 2,5 km (1.6 mi) long crevasse. The crevasse was formed at the end of the Ice Age by catastrophic flood waves. Each year it is lengthened by 25cm (9.8ft) because of the constant water erosion.
There is more. We also offer several optional stops, including Efstadal dairy farm, Fridheimar Tomato Farm, The Secret Lagoon, and more.
Optional add-ons
Optional add-ons stops such as the Laugaras Lagoon, Fontana or Secret Lagoon add further diversity, allowing for both adventure and relaxation.
Please note that entry to the geothermal spa is NOT included in the tour price
Choosing Oak Travel will make many great memories.
Highlights
- ✓Walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at Þingvellir, drifting 2cm apart annually
- ✓Watch Strokkur geyser erupt boiling water up to 70 metres high from the geothermal Geysir area
- ✓Experience the roar and spray of Gullfoss, Iceland's most powerful golden waterfall
- ✓Explore Althing, site of the world's oldest continuously operating parliament (founded 930 AD)
- ✓Photography-friendly geothermal landscape with bubbling mud pools and vivid mineral-stained terrain
Insider tips
- ★Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes; position yourself upwind to avoid scalding spray but downwind for dramatic photos
- ★Arrive at Geysir early morning for fewer crowds and clearer light bouncing off steam plumes
- ★Wear waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots—the ground around geysers is uneven and wet spray reaches far from vents
Good to know
- •Tour duration is 7 hours; plan for full-day commitment from Reykjavík
- •Bring weatherproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy walking shoes (terrain is rocky and geothermal areas are slippery)
- •Private car and minivan options available; check accessibility requirements when booking if needed
- •Meeting point and pickup logistics confirmed at booking
Who it's for
Best time to visit
Visit June to August for stable weather and accessible terrain, or September for smaller crowds and good conditions. Winter trips are possible but roads may close after heavy snow. Plan midday visits to Strokkur for optimal eruption visibility.











