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The History of the Golden Circle
The concept of the Golden Circle as a defined travel route began to emerge as the government sought to showcase what unique natural wonders for tourism the country could display. The parliament's elected representatives and local tour operators realized that the country’s most notable natural attractions, Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, which were already starting to draw attention, could be connected into one unified route. This was not only done to promote these sites but also to boost tourism in a country that hadn’t yet tapped into tourism and Iceland as a potential global travel destination. The name 'Golden Circle,' however, was not branded yet, as the route remained nameless until tourist marketers came up with the name 'Golden Circle' in the 90s. The Golden Circle route was, however, developed in the 1970s as a convenient loop from the capital, Reykjavik, making it accessible for visitors to take in some of Iceland’s monumental sites and extraordinary landscapes in just a day. But the route offered more than just convenience or beauty for travelers. The Golden Circle was especially significant due to its historical, geological, and cultural heritage. These sites are closely connected to Iceland's natural beauty and rich history. With each landmark having its own remarkable story to tell, together they contribute to some of Iceland's most unique identities.
In the following years, the Golden Circle route remained relatively unknown amongst international travelers, as tourism in Iceland was still in its "early" years. During the 1990s, the route became more popular as Iceland saw considerable growth in tourism and infrastructure improved significantly, making these natural wonders more accessible to visitors. At that time, marketers recognized opportunities to name the route ‘Golden Circle,’ which is believed to reference Gullfoss waterfall (Golden Falls). The Golden Circle has now become Iceland's most famous attraction, and its landmarks, along with the Blue Lagoon, are the most visited destinations in Iceland, with around 1 million international visitors on an annual basis.
The iconic route covers approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) in total, connecting three of Iceland’s popular and historically significant natural wonders: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. The Golden Circle route begins in Reykjavik, with a 45-kilometer (28-mile) drive along Route 36 to Þingvellir National Park, a journey that typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on road conditions and traffic. From there, you’ll head east on Route 36 toward Geysir Geothermal Area, which is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) away, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to reach. The final stop, Gullfoss waterfall, is just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Geysir, a short 15- to 20-minute drive. For the return trip to Reykjavik, simply follow Route 35 south to Route 1, the famous “Ring Road.” From there, it’s about 100 kilometers (62 miles) back to the capital, completing the loop.
Þingvellir
Þingvellir (pronounced Thing-vel-lir) is the first stop on the Golden Circle, and for good reason. The history here is as deep as the geological significance of the area. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only home to Iceland’s first parliament but also to the location where the North American and Eurasian plates meet, allowing you to literally stand between the two continents as the earth’s crust slowly separates beneath your feet.
Þingvellir was the original site of the annual parliament gathering in 930 AD, considered the first democratic assembly of its kind and therefore the oldest parliament in the world. Here, the early settlers gathered annually, not only to resolve disputes and debate laws but also to envision the future of their community. You can almost feel the weight of history once you walk through Almannagjá, imagining the voices of these early lawmakers rising against the backdrop of towering lava rocks.
Þingvellir is not only historically relevant but also sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Almannagjá Gorge is the most dramatic example of this tectonic activity. It is one of the clearest examples of the boundary between two continents, and it is possible to hike there while taking in the view of the earth literally splitting beneath your feet. This stunning rift valley serves as a lesson in geology, slowly pulling apart at a rate of about 2 cm (0.8 inches) per year. Amidst this geologically rich environment lies Lake Þingvallavatn, covering an area of 84 square kilometers (32 square miles), making it the largest natural lake in Iceland. The lake’s significance goes beyond its size—it’s a treasure in the Icelandic psyche, offering a rare glimpse into the interplay of geology, history, and culture.
Geysir Geothermal Area
After exploring the historical and geological wonders of Þingvellir, it's time to experience one of Iceland's most famous natural phenomena: the Geysir geothermal area. Located in the Haukadalur Valley. Geysir is the namesake for all geysers around the world; although it is now mostly dormant, it used to erupt regularly with enormous force, sending water up to 70 meters into the air. The name Geysir was originally adopted from the Icelandic verb “geysa,” which means “to gush.” Geysir was known for its eruptions, but from around 1900 it became more unpredictable, erupting two to four times a day some years and much less frequently in others. It stopped erupting regularly in the 1960s due to changes in the area's geothermal conditions. During that era and up until the 1980s and early 1990s, locals began using soap to force Geysir to erupt in an attempt to lure in more tourists to the area. Each eruption required 40 to 50 kilograms of soap. After the soap injection, the surface of the water decreased, eventually triggering the geyser to erupt 20–30 minutes later. However, the negative environmental impact and disruption to the geyser's natural behavior eventually led to the discontinuation of this method. Currently, Geysir is mostly inactive, with a brief exception in 2000 on Iceland’s National Day, June 17th, when an earthquake in the area temporarily revived the dormant geyser, causing it to erupt 2-4 times daily throughout the year; however, these eruptions were less powerful than before, with the boiling water only reaching about 15 meters high. Although Geysir remains inactive, that is not the case for its active neighbor, Strokkur, which erupts every 5–10 minutes, sending a plume of water as high into the sky as 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet), although it can occasionally reach up to 40 meters (131 feet) during particularly strong eruptions. The geothermal area in Haukadalur is home to bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, steaming vents, and a moon-like lava landscape. It also stands as a powerful reminder of the region’s crucial role in Iceland’s sustainable energy production. Geothermal power plants harness the heat from the Earth's interior to provide renewable energy to the country. This aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints.
Gullfoss waterfall
The last stop of the Golden Circle is the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Gullfoss, which translates to ‘Golden Falls,’ is one of Iceland’s most monumental landmarks, located in the Hvítá River in the southwest part of the country. Gullfoss has one of the largest water flows of any waterfall in Europe, with approximately 500 cubic meters per second of water cascading down its two wide tiers, making it one of the most powerful and water-rich waterfalls on the continent. The first tier drops about 11 meters (36 feet), and the second tier falls approximately 21 meters (69 feet), making the total drop about 32 meters (105 feet). The waterfall cascades into a deep canyon, which is about 70 meters (230 feet) wide and 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. The canyon’s sheer cliffs provide dramatic views of the falls as the water surges into the gorge below.
In the year 1907, there were plans to harness Gullfoss for hydroelectric power. In fact, an Englishman named Samuel Howell sought to buy the land and turn the waterfall into a power plant. But the local residents were not keen to sell; nonetheless, Tómas Tómasson, a sheep farmer and the owner of the Gullfoss land at that time, leased it to Howell without realizing there was a loophole that allowed him to proceed with his plan. However, Tómas's daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, continued to fight fiercely to protect Gullfoss, even traveling frequently 100 km (62 miles) by foot to Reykjavik to speak directly with the government. Sigríður’s impassioned campaign to preserve the waterfall is an inspiring story of Icelanders’ deep connection to their land. Her efforts ultimately led to Samuel Baldwin Howell abandoning his plan in 1929, as the costs of the dispute became excessive for the businessman, and development plans were stalled. Today the entire land is protected, and her legacy is honored with a small memorial near the falls, reminding visitors that this natural wonder was nearly lost. Combined with its history and breathtaking beauty, Gullfoss holds a special place in Iceland’s heart. Though a natural feature of the landscape, it's somehow captured the hearts and imaginations of hundreds of thousands of people and has become a must-see for both visitors and locals alike. Its beautiful three-tiered drop has a gentle, soothing power, and regardless of the season, it is always mesmerizing, even when frozen in a sculpture-like stillness during winter. After a scenic drive from the main highway, through meandering hills and rugged landscapes, Gullfoss is hidden from view until the very last moment, tucked as it is down into a river gorge. Even with a crowd, the first-time visitor feels a sense of discovery at the gorge's edge, as if they are the first to see the fall's beauty. Close-up and enveloped in its mists or at a distance on a viewing platform, Gullfoss is a delight to behold.
Resource: goldencircle.is