The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle (often called the Golden Ring) is one of Iceland’s most popular travel routes, famous for its natural wonders and easy access from Reykjavík. It typically includes three main sites, all reachable within a day trip:
Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Historically important as the site of Iceland’s first parliament (Alþingi) in 930 AD.
Offers scenic rift valleys, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Home to the original Great Geysir, now mostly dormant.
Nearby Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting hot water 20–30 meters into the air.
Surrounded by bubbling mud pots and steaming vents.
Gullfoss (Golden Falls)
A stunning two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá river.
Known for its power and rainbow-filled spray on sunny days.
Easily accessible via walking paths with great viewing platforms
Travel Notes
After visiting the three wonders in one day, we drove to our campsite and took a break. We accessed the municipal swimming pool complete with to our campsite reto reflect tapped on the roof of our camper, it felt like nature itself was welcoming us to a new day of adventure. It was an unexpected delight, especially at this time of the season when rain is rather uncommon. Despite the uncomfortable confines of our camper, the first night seemed to be an adjustment for all of us. Sleeping together and feeling each other out on how we react in such a confined space. John decided to sleep in the passengers’ seat. I must say the camper was too small for 4 people, really uncomcomfortable specially for older people. I felt it right away. Nobody talked about it. .
Gulfoss
