The Golden Circle

From Reykjavík · 09:00–19:25

Iceland's classic loop: the rift valley at Þingvellir, the erupting Strokkur geyser and the Gullfoss waterfall – with lunch among the tomato vines and dinner back in town.

1. 09:00 Reykjavík – Leave downtown Reykjavík in the morning.
2. 09:55 Þingvellir National Park – Walk through the Almannagjá rift between the North American and Eurasian plates, where Iceland's parliament first met in 930.
3. 12:15 Friðheimar – Lunch inside a geothermal tomato greenhouse in Reykholt – the tomato soup with fresh bread is the classic. Booking recommended.
4. 13:55 Geysir & Strokkur – Strokkur erupts every few minutes – stand upwind and wait for the blue bubble.
5. 15:05 Gullfoss – The 'Golden Falls' drop in two steps into a deep canyon; the lower path gets you close to the spray.
6. 16:50 Kerið crater – A walk around the rim of a red volcanic crater with a turquoise lake at the bottom.
7. 17:50 Hveragerði – Ölverk – A geothermal-powered brewery and pizzeria. Pick up a few bottles to enjoy back at the hotel – the driver stays on soft drinks.
8. 19:25 Reykjavík – Park the car, then dinner and a nightcap downtown – see the Reykjavík evening route.

Part of Eat & Drink Iceland by Hovdenak Distillery.