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HomeFollow the Tracks of the Golden Circle
Explore the Golden Circle and then drive a snowmobile on the second biggest glacier in Iceland.
Highlights
- Þingvellir: the rift valley and the site of the oldest modern parliament.
- Geysir: hot spring & geothermal area and home to Strokkur, the erupting geyser.
- Langjökull Snowmobile: snowmobile on the second largest glacier of Iceland.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: the powerful glacial waterfall known as the 'Golden Waterfall' in English.
- GPS synced audio guide: will give you all the information you need for your journey.
Description
Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings as you walk down into the rift valley where the American and Eurasian continental plates are pulling apart at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament. Witness the steaming geothermal springs as the ground trembles, and hot water spouts spectacularly skywards from the famous Strokkur Geyser at the home of the one-and-only original geyser and Iceland's most iconic natural attraction. Experience the magnificence and power of Gullfoss Waterfall, a set of glacial river cascades falling 32 meters into a narrow canyon with a thunderous roar. The best part? This is all done within 8 hours!
Where the central highlands start, with their uninhabited, pristine nature, you will board one of our custom-made Super Trucks that are capable of driving across rough snowy terrain thanks to its enormous tires. The drive to the snowmobile base camp at the foot of the Langjökull Glacier is a unique Arctic highland experience, and the snowmobile tour that follows is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Ride across the eternally frozen snow and ice fields of one of the bigger glaciers in the world on a guided snowmobile tour, exploring one of the last real wilderness areas in Europe and indeed the world.
This is one of our all-time favourites and a classic Icelandic day tour!
Itinerary
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Departure from Reykjavík Terminal expand_more
Tours depart from the Reykjavik Terminal located at Skógarhlíð 10. Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes before departure along with a printed or digital copy of your ticket/voucher.
If you have booked a hotel pick up with Smartbus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green Smartbus™ which will be outside your accommodation within the 30 minutes of pickup. -
Visit to Þingvellir National Parkexpand_more
Located on the northern shores of Þingvallavatn (Iceland's largest lake), Þingvellir (anglicized as 'Thingvellir') is the national pride of Iceland and our first National Park. It is, for one, a key location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world first assembled there in 930 AD. For this reason, Þingvellir has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is, therefore, a protected national park due to its unique geology and natural features.
From the viewing area, the Almannagjá canyon between two tectonic plates can be seen, a visual representation of continental drift. As the first stop along the tour, you will have an opportunity to walk through the park and use the restroom if needed.
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Visit to Geysir Hot Springsexpand_more
One of the most favourite stops along the Golden Circle is the highly active Geysir Hot Spring Area with boiling mud pits and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 meters (100 ft) into the air every few minutes. The area became active more than 1000 years ago and comprises more than a dozen hot spring holes. Although one can only see steam emerging from the surface of Geysir these days, its name was adopted to represent spouting hot springs all over the world.
Along the tour, the newly opened Geysir Center offers guests and travelers a chance to use the restroom and to catch some refreshments as well as lunch.
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Take a Snowmobile Tourexpand_more
After arriving at Gullfoss, you will be driven up to Langjökull glacier by the Mountaineers of Iceland in their large off-road vehicle. Upon arriving at their base camp, you will be fully outfitted receive the appropriate equipment, such as helmets, overalls, overshoes, gloves and a hat so that you can fully enjoy the snowmobile ride on the vast wintery snow-scape.
After the nearly 3.5 hours snowmobiling tour and you head back to Gullfoss Waterfall where you will then have plenty of time to walk down and enjoy the views of one of Iceland's largest waterfalls.
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Visit to Gullfoss Waterfallexpand_more
As one of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland, Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in the southwest of the country. The beautiful Hvítá river rushes southward in three steps into a narrow canyon with a breathtaking roar and grandeur. Furthermore, on clear days the magnificent Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second-largest glacier, can be seen in the distance.
Guests and Travelers may use the restroom and purchase food and refreshments at this location as well.
What's Included
In-bus audio guide with a choice of 10 languages (English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Finnish)
Knowledgable local Iceland tour guide
Admission to the sights
All necessary equipment for snowmobiling (helmet, gloves, snow-suit)
Free Wi-Fi and USB-charger for each seat
What's Excluded
Pick-up and Drop-off at the hotel can be booked as an extra service with our SmartBus™ service. Otherwise, you are advised to be at our Reykjavik Terminal 15 minutes before the tour departure time.
What to bring
For the In-Bus-Audio-Guide: Bring your own headphones. Otherwise, headphones are available for purchase on every bus from our hosts.
For your comfort: Dress according to the weather. In Iceland, it is always wise to dress in warm waterproof clothes. Weather changes can be sudden so be prepared for all weather conditions. Waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves, and warm socks/waterproof shoes are recommended.
Know before you go
All unique clothing and all the equipment needed for the trip is provided so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. No special skills nor former snowmobile experience is required.
You need a valid driver's license to drive a snowmobile.
You will be sharing a snowmobile with someone. However, there is an extra cost if you would like to be a single rider.
Please show up at our Reykjavik Terminal (located at Skógarhlíð 10) 15 minutes before the departure time. Please be ready at your pick up point with your voucher, either in digital or printed form.
If you have booked a hotel pick up with Smartbus™, If you have booked a hotel pickup with SmartBus™, please be at your chosen pickup location 30 minutes before the departure of the tour. Look for the Green SmartBus™ which will be outside your accommodation at within the 30 minutes of pickup.
You will be travelling in a coach that holds approximately 40-65 people but is very spacious and comfortable. It is featured with lavatory facilities as standard. The bus offers free Wi-fi and USB charging ports.
Lunch is not included. In Geysir & Gullfoss there are shops where you can buy food and drinks.
Available all year round (depending on weather)
Two people share the same snowmobile, single person per vehicle at extra cost.
Age limit: 6 years & only one child is permitted per adult on this tour
Bring with you: Dress according to the weather. In Iceland, it is always smart to dress in warm, waterproof clothes, weather changes can be sudden, so expect the unexpected. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended.
In-Bus-Audio-Guide: We recommend that you bring your headphones, simply because they will fit you best. It is also great for the environment. If you don’t have your headphones, with you or forgot to bring them, no worries we sell earphones on board.
Local Tip: Upgrade your tour to “Single Rider” on the snowmobile for more driving time on the glacier.
Duration: 11.5 hours including the snowmobile tour and a stop at Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. In Geysir & Gullfoss there are shops where you can buy food and drinks.
Accessible for those with limited mobility
Infant seats available
Pro Tip: You can rent a warm and waterproof jacket and/or winter boots in the online check out if you did not come prepared for Icelandic winter.
Meeting Point
Skógarhlíð 10, Reykjavík, Iceland
Language
English, Icelandic
Activity Level
Easy
Cancellation Policy
- Fully refundable in case of any cancellation upto 2 days before the tour.