Bending the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle Tour in Iceland is a very popular tour that is typically done as a day trip for many visitors. The tour runs along Route 1, or the Ring Road, which is considered the most important road in Iceland because it connects most towns and villages in Iceland together.

The tour, which can be self-driven or done with a guide, takes you to popular sites such as:

The Great Geysir area is the most popular geothermal hot spring area in Iceland. Here is where you will find Strokkur, Europe’s only erupting hot spring. This geyser erupts every 4-5 minutes, shooting sulfurous water over 60 feet in the air. It colors the surrounding area in hues of yellow (sulfur), green (copper) and red (iron).

Gullfoss, meaning “Golden Waterfall” in Icelandic, is the largest waterfall in Iceland. This powerful waterfall flows into a glacial river and can be viewed from two levels. One view is on the same level as the parking lot, and the other view can be reached by stairs that take you closer to the waterfall. Either level you choose, the view is spectacular. On a sunny day, the mist off the falls can create a golden veil that covers the entire area.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that allows visitors to see two exposed tectonic plates: the North American plate and the Eurasian plate. You can also walk along the North American tectonic plate and read more about the area’s formation and history. There is also a glacial spring in the park that is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers.

But “bend” the circle a bit and make stops at a few less-visited sites with just as fabulous attractions.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you can hop on an amphibious vessel and drive into the icy cold waters where you will be surrounded by icebergs. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the deepest lake in Iceland and it’s formed by melting glaciers breaking off from the Vatnajökull glacier. While on the 40-minute ride, you can see and hear blocks of ice falling off the glacier and floating towards the Atlantic Ocean. You might even get a chance to see the seals that visit the lagoon for an easy meal.

Across from Jökulsárlón is Diamond Beach, a dark strip of sand that separates the lagoon and the ocean. Here is where many blueish chunks of ice wash up onto the shore. The ice can look like pieces of glass or shards of diamonds.

Efstidalur is a family-owned dairy that offers products made with milk from the farm such as ice cream, skyr and feta cheese. The property also has a restaurant that offers beef from the farm along with other local food. Be sure to take a moment and enjoy the view of Mount Hekla.

Laugarvatn Fontana Spa is amazing for its geothermal pools and steam baths. The hot water and steam originate in the springs under the spa, making this the perfect end of the day activity. You will find a series of outdoor mineral baths, pools, saunas and steam rooms. And of course, a place for you to take a dip in the ice cold water of Lake Laugarvatn.

Pro Tip: Twice daily, a walk is taken to a geothermal bakery where rye bread is baked using geothermal heat in a pot dug into the hot black sand. You can taste this bread, with Icelandic butter, while it’s still hot!

The addition of these stops can still be done as a day trip, but why rush? The landscape along Route 1 is breathtaking. From moss covered lava fields to glaciers to icebergs to dormant volcanoes to waterfalls, you will see why Iceland has the nickname of “the land of fire and ice”.

Heimahumar "Local Langoustine" Truck located in the parking lot of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is perfect for a quick bite of lobster soup and lobster rolls. Great hot chocolate.

Héraðsskólinn Restaurant and Bistro has a large menu of local options and the menu changes daily.

Farmers Bistro is located in the middle of the Golden Circle and is the only mushroom farm in Iceland offering a farm-to-table experience.

Efstidalur of course, for the ice cream, but the burgers are also delicious.

Geysir Restaurant is an upscale restaurant located in the Hotel Geysir with great drink choices and a 3-course menu option.