Grand Golden Circle Tour

Your first stop will be at the Kerid volcanic crater lake in the Golden Circle. It's known for its stark contrast in colors—maroon mineral sediment, dark lava rock, and bluish lake water—which creates a natural feast for the eyes. Kerid formed 6,500 years ago during a major eruption. As the magma drained, the chamber collapsed, giving the crater the shape you see today. You can walk along the crater rim or descend to the crater floor via the paved path for a view from the crater. In winter, the lake often freezes over.

Gullfoss Waterfall, also known as the Golden Falls, is a must-see attraction on the Grand Golden Circle Tour. It's a stunning waterfall originating from Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjökull. The roaring waterfall cascades gently down 11 meters before plunging deep into the gorge with a magnificent, sweeping drop of 21 meters, creating a stunning, beautiful mist that billows into the air, creating a giant rainbow reflected in the sunlight. Well-paved paths with several viewing points are available for admiring Gullfoss Waterfall. The first viewing point is the upper deck next to the visitor center, which offers a panoramic view of the waterfall in its entirety. Follow the path and descend to the lower deck to see another side of the thundering drop as it plunges into the depths of the earth. Please note that the path may be closed in icy conditions and when conditions are less than ideal.

You'll visit the dynamic Geysir geothermal area, named after the original geyser, the Great Geysir, which is no longer active. The area is filled with steam vents, bubbling pits, and hissing ponds, dotted with multicolored spots. The site's main attraction is the active Strokkur Geyser, which erupts 20 meters into the air every 5 to 10 minutes. Other features of the area include bubbling hot springs and steaming mud fields, which create a sulfurous aroma. There's a visitor center across the street where you can purchase souvenirs and local products and enjoy a wide selection of lunch options. You'll also have time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and relax after all the beauty. 

Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland's most famous and must-see spots, and holds significant significance for both Iceland's history and geology. In 930 AD, the Vikings established the world's first parliament here in Thingvellir, making it the oldest parliament. Most surprisingly, the parliament is still active and fully functional!

Thingvellir lies precisely on the only visible part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is largely submerged by the ocean. As you walk along the trail, you'll be walking between the rift valley between two diverging tectonic plates that are home to North America and Eurasia, respectively.

Thingvellir National Park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including the Öxaráfoss waterfall, Almannagjá canyon, the Hakið panoramic viewpoint, the Silfra fissure, and Þingvallakirkja Church. The water at Thingvellir is crystal clear because meltwater from the Langjökull glacier seeps through the underground lava field, considered the world's best natural filter.

Þingvellir is a national treasure and a great place to learn more about Icelandic history and heritage, especially if you're interested in Vikings and how the country's laws came into being. In 2004, Þingvellir National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will be dropped off at the place where you were picked up that morning. This concludes a day full of impressions and experiences that have introduced you to the real Iceland.