The Golden Circle: Waterfalls, Geysers, and Hypothermia Lite

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park – Where the Earth Splits and History Happens

Thingvellir is the first stop on most Golden Circle tours, and it’s a doozy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet or, more accurately, pull apart. Walking through the park, I felt like I was on the set of some epic fantasy movie. The landscape is stark, rugged, and dotted with cracks and fissures that make you wonder if the Earth might just open up and swallow you whole.

Aside from the geology, Thingvellir is also where Iceland’s first parliament was established back in 930 AD. Imagine a bunch of Vikings gathering in this dramatic, windswept valley to discuss laws and trade agreements. It’s like Game of Thrones, but with fewer dragons and more debating about sheep.

The highlight for me was standing on the edge of a massive rift, staring down into a crevice filled with impossibly clear water. The guide cheerfully explained that you can snorkel here if you’re willing to brave the freezing temperatures. I briefly considered it but decided my body temperature was better off not plummeting to “Arctic penguin” levels.

Stop 2: Geysir – Nature’s Hot Tub… Gone Wild

Next up was Geysir, the original geyser that gave all other geysers their name. It’s not very active these days (retirement, I guess), but its little sibling, Strokkur, more than makes up for it. Every five to ten minutes, Strokkur shoots boiling water up to 30 meters into the air, and let me tell you, it’s both mesmerizing and mildly terrifying.

I stood with the crowd, camera at the ready, as the water bubbled and steamed ominously. Then, without warning, it erupted, drenching everyone who was standing downwind. I was one of the lucky ones, just a light mist for me, but others weren’t so fortunate. Watching tourists frantically wipe their cameras while pretending they weren’t annoyed was a highlight of the day.

Pro tip: If you visit Geysir, wear waterproof everything. Or, better yet, just accept that you’re going to get wet and embrace it.

Stop 3: Gullfoss – The Waterfall That Stole My Soul (and My Body Heat)

Gullfoss is the crown jewel of the Golden Circle, and it’s easy to see why. This massive, two-tiered waterfall roars with such intensity that you can feel the spray from hundreds of meters away. It’s stunning, dramatic, and completely worth the inevitable hypothermia.

As I approached the viewing platform, the wind picked up, carrying icy droplets that felt like tiny daggers against my face. By the time I reached the edge, I was soaked, freezing, and grinning like an idiot. There’s something about standing in the presence of such raw, untamed power that makes you forget how miserable you are.

The guide mentioned something about the waterfall’s history, something involving environmental activism and a woman named Sigríður, but honestly, I was too busy trying to snap a photo without my fingers falling off to pay much attention. Sorry, Sigríður. I’ll Google you later.

The Weather: A Character of Its Own

Iceland’s weather is a trickster god, and the Golden Circle is its playground. One moment, the sun was shining, making the landscape look like a postcard come to life. The next, the sky turned gray, and the wind whipped up, threatening to knock me over. At one point, it started hailing, which felt both rude and oddly appropriate.

Dressing for the Golden Circle is a lesson in humility. I thought I was prepared, layering up like an onion, but Iceland had other plans. By the end of the day, I was a soggy, windblown mess, clutching a scarf that had somehow turned into a waterlogged noodle. But honestly? It was all part of the experience.

The People-Watching Goldmine

As with any popular tourist destination, the Golden Circle is prime people-watching territory. There was the overly enthusiastic couple taking selfies at every stop, the serious photographer lugging around a lens bigger than my head, and the group of teenagers who spent the entire tour trying to outdo each other with dramatic poses. My favorite, though, was the man in shorts and flip flops who looked utterly unbothered by the freezing wind. Sir, I salute you.

Lunch Break: The Tomato Farm

Midway through the tour, we stopped at Fridheimar Tomato Farm, which, as you already know, is a cozy little slice of heaven. After braving the elements, the warm greenhouse and steaming tomato soup felt like a hug in food form. I won’t go into too much detail here since I’ve already written a love letter to that soup, but suffice it to say, it was a much-needed reprieve.

Why the Golden Circle Is Worth It

Despite the cold, the wet, and the occasional hailstorm, the Golden Circle lived up to the hype. It’s not just about the individual stops, it’s about the journey, the landscapes, and the way Iceland’s raw beauty sneaks up on you when you least expect it. One minute you’re shivering by a waterfall; the next, you’re staring out at a field of moss-covered lava rocks, feeling like you’ve landed on another planet.

Sure, it’s touristy, and yes, you’ll probably have to elbow your way through a crowd or two, but it’s worth it. The Golden Circle is one of those rare places that manages to live up to its Instagram reputation—and then some.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, the Golden Circle is non-negotiable. Just be prepared for the weather, the crowds, and the overwhelming urge to take a million photos. And if you find yourself cold, wet, and wondering why you didn’t just stay in the warm embrace of your hotel room, remember this: adventure rarely happens when you’re comfortable. Sometimes, you have to brave the cold to truly appreciate the warmth.