Golden Circle Private Tour
Waterfalls, geysers, and ancient parliament grounds on Iceland's most celebrated scenic route
The Golden Circle Private Tour takes small groups of up to four passengers through Iceland's most iconic natural and historical landmarks in a single, unhurried day. From the thundering cascades of Gullfoss to the bubbling geothermal field at Geysir, every stop on this route reveals a different face of Iceland's extraordinary landscape.
The journey begins at Þórufoss, a lesser-known 18-meter waterfall that rewards visitors with dramatic scenery and a sense of quiet discovery. The waterfall gained international recognition as a filming location for HBO's Game of Thrones, serving as the home of the Children of the Forest. In winter, it freezes into a striking curtain of ice.
Þingvellir National Park anchors the historical heart of the tour. It was here in 930 AD that the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, convened for the first time. The park also sits on the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the rare places on earth where continental drift is visible above the waterline.
The geothermal field at Geysir has been active for roughly 10,000 years and gives its name to spouting hot springs worldwide. While the Great Geysir erupts infrequently, the neighboring Strokkur reliably shoots water up to 30 meters into the air every few minutes. The day concludes at Gullfoss, where the Hvítá river plunges 32 meters in two dramatic steps into a canyon carved over millennia.
Tour Highlights
Visit Þórufoss waterfall, a Game of Thrones filming location set against raw Icelandic scenery.
Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Iceland's parliament in 930 AD.
Stand on the visible boundary between two tectonic plates, one of the rarest geological experiences on the planet.
Watch Strokkur geyser erupt to heights of up to 30 meters every few minutes at the Geysir geothermal area.
Marvel at Gullfoss, a two-tiered 32-meter waterfall plunging into a canyon with walls reaching 70 meters high.
Travel in a private vehicle limited to just four passengers for a more personal and flexible experience.
Optional stops at Fontana steam bath, Secret Lagoon, Friðheimar tomato farm, and Kerið volcanic crater are available on request.
Itinerary
The tour begins at Þórufoss, an 18-meter waterfall on the river Laxá í Kjós, east of Lake Þingvallavatn. The site is notable for its Atlantic salmon population, its winter freeze, and its role as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, Þingvellir is where the Althing first convened in 930 AD and where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The park's lava fields, ravines, and geological formations tell a story spanning millennia.
The Haukadalur valley has hosted hot spring activity for around 10,000 years. Visitors can observe Strokkur erupt every few minutes and learn about the Great Geysir, which lent its name to geothermal phenomena worldwide.
Known as the Golden Falls, Gullfoss carries glacial meltwater from Langjökull down two cascades — 11 meters and 21 meters — into the Gullfossgjúfur canyon. During summer, up to 140 cubic meters of water surges through every second.
What Is Included
Included
- Private vehicle for 1–4 passengers
- Professional guide throughout the tour
- Visits to Þórufoss, Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss
- Flexible pacing suited to small groups
Not Included
- Admission fees for optional stops (paid on-site)
- Meals and beverages
- Entry to Secret Lagoon, Fontana, or Kerið (optional and extra)
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Place
Small group sizes fill quickly. Secure your private Golden Circle experience today and explore Iceland's most celebrated landscapes at your own pace.
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