Golden Circle (Iceland)
The Golden Circle (Icelandic: Gullni hringurinn) is a tourist route in Southwest Iceland, covering about 300 kilometres (190 mi) looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. It is the area that contains most tours and travel-related activities in Iceland.[1]
The three primary stops on the route are the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Though Geysir has been mostly dormant for many years, Strokkur continues to erupt every 5–10 minutes.[2]
It takes approximately five hours to drive the Golden Circle and given its proximity to Iceland's capital city, Reykjavík, it is the most popular sightseeing day tour in Iceland all year round. The roads are easily accessible and well-maintained so it is a popular choice for tourists driving themselves as well as those taking guided tours. The Golden Circle is close to the villages Hveragerði, Sellfoss, Flúðir and Laugarvatn and there are toilet facilities at each of the main attractions. There is a restaurant, hotel and shop next to the Geysir geothermal area and this is a popular place for visitors on the route to stop for lunch.
Although the classic Golden Circle route includes the three aforementioned main attractions, other possible stops along the route include the Kerið volcanic crater, Skálholt cathedral, the Secret Lagoon spa in Flúðir, Fontana geothermal baths, Friðheimar tomato farm and restaurant, and the Nesjavellir and Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plants.[3]
It is also possible to combine the Golden Circle sightseeing route with other adventure activities such as horseriding, snowmobiling or Snorkelling in the Silfra fissure.[4]
The name Golden Circle is a marketing term for the route, derived from the name of Gullfoss, which means "golden waterfall" in Icelandic.
See also
References
- ^ "How to Drive the Golden Circle". Guide to Iceland. 2017-03-16. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
- ^ "The Great Geysir". Visit South Iceland. Archived from the original on 20 January 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
- ^ "Iceland's Golden Circle | Ultimate Guide and Top 9 Detours". Guide to Iceland. 2015-07-13. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
- ^ "Golden Circle Tours | Biggest Selection With Reviews". Guide to Iceland. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
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