The Golden Circle on the Rocks

The entire area is very active and you will see a lot of water right next to your path. For your own safety be careful since the water is usually boiling hot. While the old Geysir is inactive, Strokkur, which is also located in the Geysir hot spring area spouts every 5-10 minutes, with the water reaching about 15-20 meters from the ground. So have your camera ready when strokkur erupts. The old Geysir was apparently able to reach up to 170 meters, but research done in 1846 showed that it reached about 50 meters, which still is very impressive.

Þingvellir national park has a geological significance, since you can see the Eurasian and American plate meet here. For now this only allows us to walk between the continental plates by going down Almannagjá canyon. Once you have made your way down you can find Thingvellir church ( "Þingvallakirkjan") and the cemetery of Thingvellir. If you continue walking you get to Silfra rift . The rift is part of Thingvellir lake ( "Þingvallavatn") which is Iceland´s largest natural lake with a surface of 84 km² and it is up to 114 meters deep.

The Gullfoss waterfalls, or golden waterfalls at the edge of the highlands where Hvitá river plunges down 32 meters in two steps. At Gullfoss you find two parking lots on different levels. One up high which gives you a very good overview over the waterfall. Up there you also find the Gullfoss service area, with a restaurant and cafe where you can also purchase souvenirs. From there you have a few paths bringing you closer to the waterfall and also stairs to the lower plateau. At the lower parking lot you have a different view which is not less impressive. If you have time you should read the information boards.