I was in Iceland for a few days and did a few excursions during my stay. One of the most popular day trips in the country is a trip around the Golden Circle.
I wrote about my experience exploring the Golden Circle.
Iceland's Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is probably the most popular excursion in Iceland. Its proximity to Reykjavik makes it a go-to choice of visitors who are just spending a few days in the country but want to get a glimpse of its natural beauty.
You can read more about my trip here: budget and itinerary for Iceland
Golden Circle Day Trip from Reykjavik
Many visitors opt to rent a car to explore Iceland. It's a viable option for those who are just going to do the Ring Road or the Golden Circle. You can rent a car for a day for around US$160 or ISK (Icelandic Krona) 22,000. It's cheaper if you travel with other people and maximize the occupancy of the vehicle. You can rent a car in advance and just pick it up on the day of your trip. You can also rent one when you arrive in Iceland.
Alternatively, you can book a day tour here: Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik
Joining a tour is an affordable option for solo travelers. It's also convenient because you'll have a guide, public transportation, and you won't have to pay additional fees.
Exploring the Golden Circle
I joined a group tour because it was cheaper than renting a car since I was traveling alone.
There are the places our group visited:
Þingvellir
This unique spot (national park and UNESCO World Heritage) site is where you'll see the slow drifting apart of the tectonic plates. Iceland's parliament conducted meetings in this location for several centuries. It is also the place where the country declared independence from Denmark.
Geysir
One of the stops is a Geyser. You can wait for a few minutes to see it spout water several meters in the air.
Gulfoss
This waterfall is the highlight of the Golden Circle tour. It's also known as the "Golden Waterfall". The thousands of liters of water from Hvítá River cascade and fall into the Gullfossgljúfur canyon. Get a closer look of the waterfall by walking down to the platform. Be prepared to get wet!
Kerid Crater Lake
This crater lake is roughly 3,000 years old (young by geological terms). It's relative youth gives its surroundings a reddish hue. You can walk around the crater or get close to the lake.
This tour was the most relaxed during my multi-day stay in Iceland. I visited other regions such as the following:
