Golden Circle Route

The Golden Circle Route is a popular tourist route in Iceland, covering approximately 300 km in length and looping through the southern part of the country. The route usually takes around 6-8 hours to complete by car, but visitors can also take guided tours that stop at the major attractions along the way.

The main attractions along the Golden Circle Route are:

Thingvellir National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historic site where visitors can see the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Geysir Geothermal Area: This geothermal area is located in the Haukadalur valley and is home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, as well as other hot springs and geysers.

Gullfoss Waterfall: This two-tiered waterfall drops into a canyon and is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls.

Other notable attractions along the route include Kerið volcanic crater lake, Secret Lagoon hot springs, and Faxi waterfall.

The Golden Circle Route offers visitors a chance to experience some of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, including geothermal activity, waterfalls, and historic sites, all in a short amount of time.

• Almannagjá: This is a canyon located in Thingvellir National Park and marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
  
• Þingvallavatn: This is Iceland's largest natural lake and is located in Thingvellir National Park. It is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and swimming.
  
• Geysir Geothermal Area: In addition to the famous Strokkur geyser, visitors can also see other hot springs and geysers, including the original Geysir, which gave its name to this natural phenomenon.
  
• Gullfoss Waterfall: This two-tiered waterfall drops into a canyon and is considered one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls.
  
• Kerið Volcanic Crater: This is a volcanic crater lake that has a striking blue-green color and is surrounded by red volcanic rock.
  
• Secret Lagoon: This is a natural hot spring and Iceland's oldest swimming pool. Visitors can relax in the hot water and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
  
• Skálholt: This is a historic site that was the seat of the Icelandic bishop from the 11th to the 18th century.
  
• Hveragerði: This is a geothermal town known for its hot springs, geothermal park, and hiking trails.
  
• Overall, the Golden Circle Route has many points of interest that offer visitors a chance to experience Iceland's unique geology, history, and natural beauty.
  

The best time to visit the Golden Circle Route in Iceland is during the summer months of June through August, when the weather is relatively mild, and the days are long with almost 24-hour daylight. This allows visitors to have more time to explore the attractions and take in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

During the summer months, the temperatures in Iceland can range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), which is quite comfortable for outdoor activities. The high season for tourism in Iceland is during these summer months, and visitors can expect crowds at popular attractions.

However, if you prefer a quieter experience with fewer crowds, the shoulder season of May and September can also be a good time to visit the Golden Circle. During these months, the weather can be cooler, but the crowds are smaller, and the prices are generally lower than during the peak summer months.

The winter months of December through February are also a popular time to visit Iceland, but the weather can be quite challenging, with snow and ice making driving conditions more difficult. However, this time of year can be a great opportunity to see the Northern Lights and experience the winter wonderland of Iceland.