Golden Circle

Background

The Golden Circle is a loop from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back, about 300 km in total, whose three main stops are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur geothermal area. The name was developed by the Icelandic Tourism Board to promote travel and is not an ancient place name. Gullfoss lies on the Hvítá River, which plunges in two stages of 11 metres and 21 metres into a crevice about 32 metres deep, 20 metres wide and 2.5 km long; its flow is about 141 cubic metres per second in summer and about 80 cubic metres per second in winter. The Strokkur geyser lies in the Haukadalur valley and typically erupts every 6 to 10 minutes, usually to 15 to 20 metres and sometimes to 40 metres; the Great Geysir in the same area has been mostly dormant for many years. The English word geyser derives from the name Geysir.

Local customs

• Along the loop, first see Gullfoss falling in two tiers with mist rising from the canyon, then wait at the Haukadalur geothermal area for Strokkur to erupt, watching for the moment the water swells into a blue dome just before it bursts
• you can also visit Þingvellir National Park, another Golden Circle stop, on the way.

Travel tips

• Starting and ending in Reykjavík, you can drive the loop yourself or join a tour
• Gullfoss and the Haukadalur geothermal area are not far apart. Specific routes are subject to the official information. The ground in the geothermal area is fragile and the water extremely hot, and the waterfall viewpoints are windy and misty, so wear wind- and waterproof clothing, bring drinking water and allow plenty of time.
• In summer the waterfall is full and daylight long, ideal for a one-day loop. In winter the area around the waterfall may freeze and gather rime ice, a striking sight, but wind, snow and icy roads change quickly, so check official road conditions before setting out. Spring and autumn have relatively fewer visitors, with more variable weather.