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Iceland is a place of an abundance of adventures. With its rugged landscape, numerous waterfalls, beautiful geothermal spas, and volcanoes, the possibilities are endless. With so much to see and do, travelers have to know where to start to get the best out of the country. This brings us to the different routes that have been carved out in Iceland to separate one group of adventurers from another. Two of the most popular routes are the Golden Circle and the Diamond Circle, and each of these routes features unique natural attractions and stunning scenery that’s hard to ignore. One should experience both routes, no doubt, but one has to start from the most exciting, and here’s a little guide to make the decision-making process easier.
Brief Information About The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular route that stretches for 190 miles and passes through some of the most interesting natural attractions in Southern Iceland. Many visitors to Iceland come to this part of the country and spend the entire day driving through the scenic road and stopping at different attractions along the way. A tour of this route usually begins from Reykjavik and takes visitors into the Southern parts of Iceland through some of the most visited parks, geysers, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
What Does Iceland’s Golden Circle Have To Offer?
The scenery of the open road is perhaps the first thing visitors to this route will enjoy, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg compared to what lies ahead.
A Golden Circle Tour is a great way to see all that this part of Iceland has to offer, but most tours do not cover all the attractions in one go. Visitors will have to decide what they wish to see and then choose a tour that covers their preferences. For more freedom to enjoy the attractions, travelers are advised to go individually.
The Golden circle comprises three major attractions, which are - Thingvellir National Park, The Great Geysir & Strokkur Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall. The list may seem small, but within these attractions are several other interesting things one can enjoy.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first national park in Iceland. The park is a combination of cultural history and stunning natural features. The largest natural lake in Iceland is found in this park, but besides this, visitors can also spend their time hiking or exploring the Langjokull glacier, Almannagja gorge, and Oxararfoss waterfall.
The unique Silfra Fissure, which offers the opportunity for snorkeling and touching two continents at the same time, is also located within Thingvellir National Park.
Fontana Geothermal Baths
The Fontana Geothermal Baths in Golden Circle also offer the opportunity for visitors to enjoy some relaxation in its natural waters. There are three steam rooms within this geothermal area, as well as a sauna and bathing pools.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir Geothermal Area is the popular second stop on a Golden Circle tour. Here, visitors will be met with the Great Geysir, which is known for shooting boiling water up to 70 m into the air. Although there have not been eruptions at the geyser in recent years, it still attracts people who come to see the stunning landscape and also learn about the history of the geyser. Research suggests that the Great Geysir has been active for up to 10,000 years. It was even the first documented geyser in European literature.
While the history is interesting, it can get boring here, but all that disappointment can be made up for at the nearby Strokkur Geysir. There, visitors will be guaranteed sights of boiling water shooting up to 40 m into the air every 6 to 10 minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Iceland is known for its many scenic waterfalls, and Gullfoss is one of the most impressive. This waterfall is located less than 10 km from Geysir in the Golden Circle, and visitors here will be presented with sights of stunning canyons, scenic grassland, and rushing water. Opportunities for rafting are available here at the Hvita river, and it is an opportunity to get close to the falls and feel the spray.
Additional Attractions to see on a Golden Circle Tour
- Langjokull Glacier: The second-largest glacier in Iceland. Visitors often visit this glacier on a snowmobile to witness its unique natural features.
- Kerid Crater: An oval-shaped formation characterized by a beautiful lake and surrounding rocks.
Brief Information About The Diamond Circle
The Diamond Circle is a 155-mile-long route in Northern Iceland that encompasses several attractions, from geothermal lakes to stunning canyons and several impressive waterfalls. On a non-stop drive, it takes approximately 4 hours to drive the entire road, but this will deprive one of the unique things they can experience; hence a full day is required to explore this route to the fullest.
What Can One Enjoy On Iceland’s Diamond Circle?
The Diamond Circle is the perfect place to see many of the natural attractions Iceland is known for. The Diamond Circle route may be slightly less-longer when compared to the Golden Circle, but it is super exciting as there are a lot of stops on the way. A Diamond Circle Tour is a great way to get this experience, and each of these stops on the way is important as it leads to one of these unique natural attractions;
Godafoss
One thing to keep in mind on a Diamond Circle trip is that there are many waterfalls to see along the way, and Godafoss is one that cannot be forgotten. This 12 m-tall horseshoe-shaped waterfall has a width of 30 m, and although it may not be as tall as the rest, its scenery is what makes it worth visiting. A short hiking trail is located around the waterfall for those who want to see it from different directions.
Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn is a waterbody that’s characterized by its unique blue color and surrounding volcanic formations. While the scenery is something to enjoy here, Lake Myvatn is also a great place for birdwatching.
Dettifoss and Selfoss
Dettifoss is not just popular in Iceland but all over Europe as it is the second most powerful waterfall on the continent. The waterfall is 44 m high and 100 meters wide, and its roar can be heard from several miles away.
Whether visitors choose to explore the waterfall from the east side or the west side, they will still be met with a lot of scenery and also touched by the sprays.
After exploring the mighty Detifoss, also check out the nearby Selfoss. It may be smaller, but it also offers spectacular views.
Hverir Geothermal Area
Hverir is one of the numerous geothermal areas in Iceland to witness the unique shooting into the air of steam. Located at the base of Namafjall Volcano, this geothermal area features an otherworldly landscape that is even more amplified by the smell of hydrogen sulfur that fills the air.
Husavik
Adventures to have in the Diamond Circle do not always have to revolve around natural attractions. The small fishing village of Husavik offers something different. Here, visitors will be opportune to explore the oldest settlement in Iceland and enjoy interesting activities such as eating delicious food and watching whales.
Additional Things To See In The Diamond Circle
- Hverfjall: A stunning crater formed approximately 2,500 years ago by a volcanic eruption.
- Asbyrgi Canyon: A horse-shoe-shaped formation full of beautiful trees, grasses, and rivers. It is one of the popular stops on the Diamond circle ride.
So, Which Experience To Try First?
The Golden Circle can be easily reached from Reykjavik. This perhaps is what has made it more popular with visitors. The Diamond Circle, on the other hand, is a bit difficult to reach and takes between 6 and 10 hours to reach from Reykjavik. The distance, however, is worth it as there are lots of things to see on the adventure.
Both tourist routes have unique things to offer. While the Golden Circle offers the opportunity to snorkel between two continents and see some impressive geysers, the Diamond Circle has the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. Hence, one cannot decide which to visit by just the attractions. Accessibility is perhaps the factor that visitors can use to make this decision. While the Diamond Circle has more adventurers, one has to ask themselves if one is willing to skip the Golden Circle and take the long trip from the capital to Northeastern Iceland.