[pipdig_banner image=”https://martinemakesmemories.com/wp-content/uploads/ARB00319-2-1440×960.jpg” pipdig_banner parallax=”yes”] De Golden Circle the most touristic tour of Iceland. The tourists who have a stopover in Iceland often combine the Blue Lagoon with a visit to the Golden Circle. The tourists who make a city trip to Reykjavík or tourists who do a 5-day tour often don’t get any further than the Golden Circle. This is why it can be very busy during your visit on this popular excursion. But what exactly is the Golden Circle? And how do you get beautiful photos without 1000 people on it? We are happy to give you some tips to avoid the crowds while it is still possible and why you should not skip this tour.

GEYSIR

One of the most famous highlights in Iceland is Geysir. What many people don’t know is that Geysir is no longer that active. In the 19th century, Geysir was in sleep mode. Tourists found this disappointing and threw stones into the geyser in the hope that it would spray again. This has ruined Geysir even more. Then soap was thrown in as a second solution. This was also not the solution. Now only a vapor can be seen above the Geysir and a smell of eggs. What attracts everyone to this place is the geyser that is located a few meters from the real Geysir. This is called the Strokkur. This is the geyser that can spray up to 20 meters high. Normally this is to be admired every 5 to 8 minutes. Sometimes it happens that you have to wait a little longer. #Powerofmothernature There is a rope around the Strokkur. You have to stay behind this in connection with safety. Even behind this, you may still get wet and it burns. So watch out! Entrance: Free Parking: in a parking lot opposite Geysir.

GULLFOSS

One of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls of Iceland is the Gullfoss waterfall. This waterfall has a huge gorge which the water splashes through down with enormous force. This creates a kind of vapor. When the sun shines on this, a rainbow often appears. This completes your picture! Gull means gold and foss is the Icelandic word for waterfall. So this is the Golden Waterfall. The waterfall is located in the Hvítá river, which means white river. 20 kilometers away is the Langjókull glacier. A lot of water from this also ends up in the Hvítá river. You can admire the Gullfoss waterfall close. Several view points have been made and there is also a path along the top which gives you another spectacular view of the Gullfoss. Entrance: Free Parking: In a parking lot 5-10 minutes walk from the waterfall

Þingvellir

One of the most beautiful national parks of Iceland is Thingvellir. The Icelanders write it as Þingvellir. The Þ is pronounced th. In history, Þingvellir was an important park for the Icelanders. This is where the Icelandic people used to gather to do business, meet, discuss new laws, trade and execute people. You will also see the punishments on the signs. They received this if people if the laws were not followed. The park is huge. Do you have a little more time? Take at least 1 whole day for this park. There’s plenty to do. There are several walking routes. During the walk through the park you will see a large gap in the landscape. These are two tectonic plates that move more and more apart every year. It is the division between the North American and the Eurasian continent. You can walk through here. If you follow the road you will arrive at a viewpoint. Here you have a beautiful view over the pingvallavatn lake. This is the largest lake in Iceland. Behind this is an information center. Diving Are you a diving freak? Then it’s cool to do this in Iceland! This will not be the underwater world that you are used to. In Thingvellir NP you dive between the tectonic plates. Entrance: Free Parking: 750ISK (€ 5,30) each visit Öxarárfoss From parking lot 2 you will immediately see a sign with the walk to the Öxarárfoss waterfall. This is about a 2 kilometer walk. It is a smaller wide waterfall surrounded by boulders. Definitely cool and worth it! Þingvallakirkja There are many beautiful and cute churches in Iceland. The Pingvallakirkja is one of them. At one point you see a beautiful white church with green shutters.

Kerið Krater

On the way to the Golden Circle you will pass Kerið. This is a beautiful crater of 55 meters deep. This was caused by a volcanic eruption about 3000 years ago. What makes this crater so special is the water in it. Is the sun shining here? Then a beautiful blue color is created. Walk around the crater or go down to the lake. If you do pass by, this is definitely worth a stop! Entrance: 400ISK – € 3,20 each person. Children up to12 years are free of charge. Parking: Free

TIPS

– The Golden Circle is popular. You are not the only one who want to see this. Unfortunately nothing can be done about this. You can take this in mind and rent your own rental car. With this you have all freedom and you can get out early before the buses full of tourists arrive. We recommend to put Geysir first on your list. There is a large circle around it. If you go early it is not busy and you do not have people on the other side on your picture. Then go to Gullfoss. This is already a bigger attraction, but still nice if it is not to busy. Finally, go to Thingvellir NP. You can walk around here for hours if you want. There are several hiking routes and things to see. This gives you plenty of time to explore the park for the rest of the day. – From June 1 to September 30 you can spend the night at one of the two campsites in front of Thingvellir NP. – Bring your own food. There are some restaurants, but there are not many. The distance is huge so it is handy to always have some food and drinks in your car or bag. – Stay near the Golden Circle. This way you can go all day and enjoy this tour as long as you want. Check this page for a nice cottage near the Golden Circle.