Iceland-Golden Circle & Kerið Crater
Apr/May 2022
If there is one day trip that feels like a perfect introduction to Iceland, it is the Golden Circle. Our tour with Wake Up Reykjavík took us from Reykjavík into some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes — from tectonic plates and steaming geothermal fields to powerful waterfalls and a volcanic crater lake. The beauty of the Golden Circle is that you don't have to travel incredibly far from Reykjavík to experience the raw forces that have shaped Iceland.
Þingvellir National Park — Where Continents Meet
One of the most famous locations is Þingvellir National Park, which was used in several Game of Thrones scenes is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a landscape of dramatic rifts and rocky cliffs. Walking through the park, you can actually see the geological forces at work in the landscape. It is also where Iceland's historic parliament, the Alþingi, was established in 930 AD, making it one of the most significant cultural sites in the country. There was something special about walking through a place where Iceland's political history began while surrounded by such an extraordinary natural landscape.
Geysir Geothermal Area — Iceland’s Earth in Motion
Next came the Geysir geothermal area, where the landscape literally bubbles and steams beneath your feet. Although the original Great Geysir is largely dormant today, nearby Strokkur is very much alive. Every few minutes, the geothermal spring erupts dramatically into the air. And the funny thing is that you never really know exactly when it is going to happen.It happens so quickly that you almost have to watch it twice to appreciate it fully.
Gullfoss — The Golden Waterfall
From Geysir, we continued to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls. The Hvítá River rushes through a narrow canyon before plunging down two enormous tiers. The sheer force of the water is incredible. Standing near the viewpoint, you can hear the roar before you fully see the falls. On a clear day, the spray catches the sunlight and creates beautiful rainbows across the canyon. This is where the name Golden Circle really feels appropriate.
Kerið Crater — A Different Side of Iceland
The final stop was Kerið, a volcanic crater lake that gave us a completely different perspective of Iceland's volcanic landscape. Unlike the dramatic waterfalls and geothermal activity earlier in the day, Kerið is quieter. The crater is made up of striking red and orange volcanic rock surrounding a vivid blue-green lake. Walking around the rim gives you a chance to appreciate the crater's scale and the contrast between the colourful volcanic rock and the water below. After spending the day surrounded by waterfalls, geysers and huge open landscapes, Kerið was a beautiful way to finish the tour.
