Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're planning to spend the night in the relatively small region, the Laugarvatn area
is a good base, or choose from accommodation scattered along Rte 35.
DIY GOLDEN CIRCLE
It's very easy to tour the Golden Circle on your own (by bike or car) - plus, it's fun to tack
on additional elements that suit your interests. In the Golden Circle area signs are well
marked, roads well paved, and the distances relatively short (it takes about four hours to
drive the loop without any add-on stops). You can also cobble some of it together by bus
(and buses do go into highlands not accessible by 2WD). The excellent Uppsveitir Ár-
nessýslumap details the region.
The primary points of the Golden Circle are Þingvellir (a meeting-point of the continent-
al plates and site of the ancient Icelandic parliament), Geysir (an erupting geyser), and
Gullfoss (a pounding waterfall carving through a canyon). DIYers can add the following
elements to their tour:
Laugarvatn
Located between Þingvellir and Geysir, this small lakeside town has two must-
tries: Lindin, an excellent restaurant, and Fontana, a swanky geothermal spa.
Þjórsárdalur
Largely untouristed, the quiet valley along the Þjórsá river is dotted with an-
cient Viking ruins and mysterious natural wonders like Gjáin. Ultimately it leads up into
the highlands (a main route to Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the famous
Laugavegurinn hike).
Reykholt &
Flúðir
On your way south from Gullfoss, you can go river-rafting on the Hvítá
river from Reykholt or swing through the geothermal Flúðir area, to its new natural spa
and to pick up fresh veggies for your evening meal.
Eyrarbakki
and
Stokkseyri
South of Selfoss, these two seaside townships are strikingly
different than others nearby. Feast on seafood and check out local galleries that inform-
ally set up shop each year.
Kaldidalur Corridor
Not all rentals are allowed to drive this bumpy dirt track (Rte 550),
but if you have a sanctioned vehicle, you can explore this isolated road that curves around
hulking glaciers. It starts near Þingvellir and ends near Húsafell, so if you have time, do
the traditional Golden Circle in reverse, then head westward, where many more adven-
tures await.
Kerlingarfjöll
You'll need a 4WD (or to go by bus) to travel beyond Gullfoss, but if you have
one, it's worth continuing on to this highland reserve, a rising hiker haven, about two
hours beyond the falls.
