If Iceland had a greatest hits album, the Golden Circle would be its chart-topping anthem. Imagine standing beside a geyser that sprays boiling water 30 meters into the air, gazing at a thunderous waterfall that plunges into a glacial canyon, and walking between two tectonic plates that shaped Earth’s geography. Now, add to that a tomato greenhouse flourishing in the subarctic darkness, and you’ve got the perfect Icelandic adventure.
With TPO.Travel’s Golden Circle & Friðheimar Tour, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re experiencing the essence of Iceland in one epic day.
What Is the Golden Circle, Anyway?
The Golden Circle isn’t an actual circle (though it forms a nice loop from Reykjavik), but it is a powerhouse trio of Icelandic wonders:
- Þingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Home to hot springs and Strokkur geyser
- Gullfoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s most iconic cascades
Throw in a unique stop at Friðheimar Greenhouse, where tomatoes grow in volcanic soil under artificial sunlight, and you’ve got a tour that offers nature, science, history, and a bit of lunch—all in one itinerary.
Start the Day with Earth’s History at Þingvellir
Just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is your first stop—and it’s not just breathtaking, it’s historically and geologically mind-blowing.
This is where the Alþingi, the world’s oldest existing parliament, first assembled in 930 AD. That’s over a thousand years of history echoing through this valley.
But Þingvellir also tells a story far older than politics. It sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly drift apart. You can literally walk between continents here, something you won’t experience on any other continent.
As you take in the moss-covered lava fields and rift valleys, your guide will share tales of Iceland’s past—from Viking gatherings to volcanic eruptions. It’s a place where history and geology hold hands.
Feel the Heat at Geysir Geothermal Area
Next up: Iceland starts to boil, steam, and hiss—and you’ll be right in the middle of it.
The Geysir geothermal field is where the word “geyser” was born. Though the great Geysir itself is now mostly dormant, Strokkur, its lively sibling, steals the show. Every 5 to 10 minutes, Strokkur explodes into action, blasting boiling water 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet) into the air. Don’t blink—you’ll miss it!
The ground around you bubbles and gurgles. Pools of steaming water shimmer in alien blues and oranges. It’s like being on another planet, and yes—your camera will be working overtime here.
The TPO.Travel guide doesn’t just let you wander; they’ll explain why Iceland is one of the most geothermally active places on Earth. You’ll learn how the island heats its homes, bakes its bread in the ground, and even uses geothermal water for greenhouses (a hint at what’s coming later).
Gullfoss: The Roaring Queen of Icelandic Waterfalls
Just a short drive away, you’ll reach the dramatic and powerful Gullfoss—literally translating to “Golden Falls.”
This isn’t just any waterfall. It’s a three-step cascade fed by glacial meltwater from the nearby Langjökull glacier, tumbling with ferocity into a 62-meter-deep canyon carved by time.
You can get close—really close—to the falls via the viewing platforms. Feel the mist on your face, hear the roar in your chest, and marvel at the raw, untamed power of Icelandic nature.
What’s more inspiring is the story behind its preservation. In the early 20th century, there were plans to turn Gullfoss into a hydroelectric dam. But a farmer’s daughter named Sigríður Tómasdóttir fought to save it, even threatening to throw herself into the waterfall if it was destroyed. Thanks to her, Gullfoss still flows wild and free.
Friðheimar: A Taste of Green in a Land of Ice and Fire
After a morning of roaring waterfalls and erupting geysers, it’s time to slow things down—and eat.
Welcome to Friðheimar Greenhouse, where tomatoes grow year-round in Iceland’s challenging climate. How? Through geothermal energy and greenhouse technology.
Inside, it feels like summer. Rows upon rows of tomato vines stretch toward artificial lights. Here, science meets sustainability, and the results are delicious. You’ll learn how this family-run farm uses volcanic soil, warm water from underground springs, and buzzing bees to grow juicy produce even in the dead of winter.
You can even eat in the greenhouse. The café offers a menu that revolves around—you guessed it—tomatoes. Try the famous tomato soup with homemade bread, or a tomato-based Bloody Mary. There’s even tomato beer and tomato ice cream, because why not?
This stop isn’t just about food—it’s about seeing how Iceland thrives using nature’s gifts, and how innovation keeps the island sustainable.
Why Choose TPO.Travel for the Golden Circle & Friðheimar?
With so many tour options out there, what makes TPO.Travel the ideal choice?
1. Expert Local Guides
TPO.Travel’s guides are more than just drivers—they’re storytellers, historians, and locals who know Iceland inside out. You’ll hear Viking legends, scientific explanations, and personal anecdotes that turn sights into stories.
2. Comfortable Transportation
Our modern, Wi-Fi-enabled buses make the long drives fly by. Relax, recharge, and enjoy the ride between stops in climate-controlled comfort.
3. Flexibility and Personal Touch
Unlike rigid group tours, TPO.Travel offers private and semi-private options, meaning you can move at your own pace, ask questions, and tailor the experience to your interests.
4. More Than Sightseeing
This isn’t just a scenic drive. It’s a deep dive into Icelandic culture, geology, agriculture, and cuisine. With TPO.Travel, you don’t just look—you learn, taste, feel, and remember.
Tips Before You Go
- Dress in layers: Iceland’s weather changes fast—bring a waterproof jacket.
- Wear sturdy shoes: Trails near Gullfoss and Þingvellir can be muddy or icy.
- Bring your camera: There’s a “wow” moment at every turn.
- Book in advance: The Golden Circle is popular year-round, especially with limited access to Friðheimar.
Iceland in a Day? Yes, You Can.
The Golden Circle & Friðheimar tour isn’t just a checklist of famous places—it’s a perfect introduction to Iceland’s character. It’s where lava meets ice, history meets innovation, and nature meets human resilience.
With TPO.Travel guiding the way, this tour becomes a memory you’ll treasure long after your boots are dry and your tomato soup cravings return.
So go ahead—step into the wild, eat in a greenhouse, and feel the earth move beneath your feet.
This is Iceland at its finest. And we’ll take you there.