If it’s your first time in Iceland, there’s a good chance you’ll want to book a tour of the Golden Circle. After all, it’s one of the country’s most famous sightseeing routes with some standout natural attractions. In this article, we’ll explore what you can expect on a guided Reykjavik Excursions Golden Circle tour, describing key stops and approximate timings as well as offering tips and practical guidance so that you get the most out of your visit. ## What kinds of Golden Circle tours do we offer? Our Golden Circle schedule from Reykjavik is pretty flexible, so you should find a tour that fits in well with your existing plans. Many of our options work alongside the Golden Circle Direct tour. With departures at 10am and 12.30pm, the latter especially suits those who are keen to have a leisurely start in the capital or who wish to do a city-based activity first, such as LAVA Show, FlyOver Iceland or Whales of Iceland. Some of our combo tours pair the Golden Circle Direct tour with another activity which takes place in the morning before returning to the BSÍ terminal in time for the 12.30pm departure. These include a visit to the Lava Tunnel, an ATV quad bike tour or seasonal options such as the Reykjavik Christmas Walk. Alternatively, some activities fit best at the end of the Golden Circle tour. For example, book the 10am Golden Circle Direct tour and once you return to the BSÍ terminal, switch to another bus to round off your day with a soak at upscale Sky Lagoon on the outskirts of the capital or iconic Blue Lagoon over on the Reykjanes peninsula. Our super jeep and snowmobile adventure and standalone glacier snowmobile ride similarly slot in after the Golden Circle visits. You might choose to pair the Golden Circle tour with a stop at the Friðheimar tomato farm, where you can see firsthand how harnessing geothermal energy has revolutionised Icelandic agriculture. Alternatively, you could choose to ride an Icelandic horse across the beautiful countryside before continuing on through the Golden Circle. Another favoured option is to add on a magical Northern Lights hunt afterwards. This thrilling combination is available during aurora season, which runs from late August to mid-April, and follows the 12.30pm Golden Circle departure. The chance to see these ethereal green and purple arcs, curtains and ribbons as they dance across the sky is one you should seize if the forecast looks promising.

Golden Circle stops and timing

The Golden Circle stops and timings differ a little according to which version of the tour you choose. The express tour by its very nature is the speediest way of saying you’ve seen the top three attractions, taking about six and a half hours in total. If you’re keen to spend a bit more time, this is a sample from our popular Golden Circle with Friðheimar tour, which lasts about eight hours. Departing Reykjavik’s BSÍ terminal about 9am, you can expect to reach Friðheimar by about 10.15am. You’ll stay until about 11am and from there it’s about 15 minutes’ drive to Geysir. This is the longest stop of the day so plan to grab a bite to eat. You’ll depart for Gullfoss around 1pm; from there it’s about 10 minutes by coach to Gullfoss. The hour at the waterfall will pass by in a flash, but if it’s a fine day, don’t forget to admire Langjökull glacier in the distance. Settle back and relax for the hour-long journey to Þingvellir National Park, the final stop of the day where you can spend another hour before departing for Reykjavik. Traffic permitting, drop offs should be complete by 5pm. How long you spend on the bus within Reykjavik depends a lot on where you choose to be picked up. If you prefer to get onboard straightaway in the morning, the BSÍ terminal is easily walkable from Reykjavik landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja. For convenience, you can also alight before your designated stop if other passengers are already doing so; be sure to tell your guide as you depart from Þingvellir National Park.

What’s included in your Golden Circle tour?

Your group tour gets you from downtown Reykjavik to the three main stops on the Golden Circle route and then back to the city again. There are no entrance fees to Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss waterfall or Þingvellir National Park, though it’s worth noting that if you were driving yourself there’d be a parking fee to pay at all three. You might choose to bring snacks and a packed lunch, but there are restaurants along the way with plenty of time at Geysir to enjoy a meal. If you’ve opted for the popular Friðheimar version of the tour then you’ll definitely want to savour a cup of their delicious tomato soup while you’re inside the greenhouse. Souvenir purchases can also be made at Friðheimar, Geysir and Gullfoss.

Is it possible to take a private Golden Circle tour?

In short, yes. We offer a private Golden Circle tour option for those who want to fully customise their day and visit off the beaten track stops, or simply want the luxury of spending time only with your own travelling companions, rather than a busload of strangers. (Although, we know how easy it is to make friends on our tours so a group tour can be a highly social day out.) Weather permitting, as well as the three key stops on the Golden Circle there’ll be time to venture into the Highland region in a super jeep to get a closer look at Langjökull (its name means Long Glacier), Iceland’s second-largest glacier. Faxi falls and Kerið, a 3000-year-old crater lake, are also potential stops, but the driver will pull off where it’s safe and legal to do so in order for you to take photos along the way.

Reykjavik Excursions’ Golden Circle tour tips

Throughout the guided Golden Circle itinerary, you’ll enjoy an informative commentary and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Nevertheless, we have some general advice that might give you a clearer picture of what to expect:

· The Golden Circle attractions are accessible year-round, except in the unlikely event of a road closure due to bad weather. However, for safety reasons it’s not always possible to walk all the way along the lower path to Gullfoss when it’s icy – if the barrier’s down, respect the instruction not to progress beyond it. · The weather varies considerably according to the time of year. In general, we’d advise you wear layers that can be added if needed and left on the coach if not. In winter, crampons which pull over the soles of your hiking boots will help give you better grip on icy surfaces. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are a must, as is a hat and gloves. If you’re pairing the Golden Circle with a lagoon, don’t forget your swimsuit, of course. · The Golden Circle is one of the most popular and therefore – especially in summer – one of the busiest areas of the country. That shouldn’t impact your viewing experience, however, as the main sites are large enough to be able to accommodate a lot of people. · Manage your Golden Circle day tour expectations: on the basic tour, you’ll stop at Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park, but pass by some of the second-tier attractions such as Kerið crater. To stay a little longer, it’s worth adding on another activity; check our combo tours for inspiration. · Restrooms are available at all three main stops as well as visitor attractions like Friðheimar.

Tips for your time at Geysir

· Be prepared to watch Strokkur more than once, particularly if you’re trying to grab a snapshot to show friends and family. It’s easy to mistime your photo or video and leave out the all-important doming at the start. · Patience really pays off. There are a few benches close to Strokkur: wait for a seat if you didn’t bring a tripod as this will help you keep the camera steady as you video the eruption. · When you get off the tour bus, be sure to make a note of the car park position carefully. That’s because there is more than one entrance and exit to the visitor centre and restaurants but they are easily confused. · A boardwalk has been built to the left of the original entrance which may be easier for those with impaired mobility. However, the alternate route to the right passes more of the bubbling hot springs and several of the smaller geysers.

Tips for your Gullfoss stop

· Another of our Iceland Golden Circle day trip tips is that with an hour at the waterfall, you have time to walk all the paths – and you’ll want to do so because the views are extraordinary from any angle. · However, if you wish to take things at a more leisurely pace, choose the lower path and prepare to be wetted by the spray. It’s the most interactive way of viewing the waterfall and the closest you’ll get to the water. · Allow plenty of time to retrace your steps if you aren’t fit as the last section of the walk back to the car park involves a series of metal steps. If you need a stop on the way back to the coach, there’s a seat halfway up but it’s worth noting that the top path is flatter if you can’t manage steps. · Pack a waterproof outer layer, it will come in handy for the spray even if it’s a fine day but remember Iceland’s weather changes often. · Some souvenirs in the guide shop tend to be slightly cheaper than at Geysir, but you’ll probably find you get a better deal back in Reykjavik.

Tips to maximise your time at Þingvellir

· Duck down into the Almannagjá gorge – to the right of the visitor centre as you walk from the main car park. A short way down you’ll find the signpost showing how far you need to walk to visit various attractions. · If you make it as far as Öxarárfoss on your Golden Circle tour, look carefully at the rocks that surround it and you might see the face of a troll. · Read up on the area’s history (or if you haven’t, listen carefully to your guide on the bus) before joining the tour so you fully appreciate the cultural significance of this place, especially sites such as the Lögberg. · Take in the view from the loo before you get back on the coach – the building has a scenic outlook that’s worthy of the detour.

As you can see, a Golden Circle tour makes an excellent introduction to Icelandic history and geography. Whether you add on an activity or opt for the express version of the tour, be sure to reserve your spot with Reykjavik Excursions. Now you know what to expect on your Golden Circle tour, we’re sure you can’t wait to experience it in real life.