Golden Circle Express for Cruise Ships

Description

Golden Circle day tour from Reykjavik covers some of the “must see” places in Ice­land. The best nature you have ever seen, ranging from lava fields, waterfalls and geysers to hot springs and craters.

Passengers are picked up at the port in Reykjavík. Departure is approx. 40 min. after arrival of the Cruise Ship.

After our pick up in the morning, we start by driving directly over Hellisheiði mountain area to Hveragerði. Hveragerði is know for it‘s earthquake in 2008. One of the worst in the towns history. We will learn all about it in the Earthquake Center in Hveragerði.

After a short stop at Hveragerði, we continue through the Geysir geothermal area, straight to Gullfoss - The Golden Waterfall, Europe’s second most powerful waterfall. It is located in Hvítá - “White River”, one of Iceland’s major glacier rivers. Hvítá travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power.

After the beautiful Golden waterfall then we drive back to the Geysir - geothermal area. There, you have enough time to discover Strokkur, one of the most active geysers in the world. It spouts hot water and steam at a height of 20 – 25 meters every 5 – 8 minutes.

Finally we drive towards the National park of Þingvellir, Iceland‘s first national park, This is the birthplace of a nation as well as of the first Icelandic democracy when the Viking chieftains decided to establish their first parliament (Althingi) or “general assembly“ in 930 AD. Many events took place in the area, including the introduction of Christianity in the year 1000 AD, the declaration of independence from the Danish Kings on June 17, 1944. Besides its historical and cultural importance, the park displays a unique geology and natural landscapes. There, one can learn and understand the tectonic activity or the so-called the continental drift, the boundary between North American and Eurasian plate tectonics. Thingvellir is one of the only sites on Earth where the effects of two major tectonic plates drifting apart can be observed. Notorious for its outstanding natural beauty, Thingvellir National Park served as one the main filming locations of Game of Thrones in Iceland. There, you can experience the site the same way encountered or seen by the cast of the White Walkers and the trail of the Wildlings from North of the Wall.

After an astonishing day with nature and history on our minds, we start going back „home“. Estimated arrival back to the port is between 14:30-15:00 PM.