Private family friendly Golden Circle

Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) is one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant sites. Located about 45 kilometers northeast of Reykjavík, it sits in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating dramatic landscapes of lava fields, cliffs, and fissures.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known as the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament, the Alþingi, founded in 930 AD. For centuries, chieftains and communities gathered here to make laws, settle disputes, and celebrate culture, making Þingvellir a symbol of Iceland’s identity and democracy.

Þingvellir is a place where history, culture, and geology intertwine- an essential stop on Iceland’s Golden Circle route.

At Efstidalur Farm, tradition and taste come together in a charming countryside setting. This family-run dairy farm, operated for generations, is famous for its homemade ice cream, made fresh on-site using milk from their own cows. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of flavors, from classic favorites to seasonal specialties, while sitting in the cozy ice cream barn with windows overlooking the cows in the stable below. The farm’s welcoming atmosphere makes it more than just a stop for dessert—it’s a glimpse into Icelandic rural life and sustainable farming. Beyond ice cream, Efstidalur also offers fresh farm products, a café, and a restaurant, making it a perfect stop along the Golden Circle. Tasting their creamy, locally made ice cream is a sweet highlight that blends Icelandic tradition with unforgettable flavor.

The Geysir Geothermal Area in Iceland’s Haukadalur Valley is one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. It is home to hot springs, steaming vents, and bubbling mud pots, with powerful geothermal activity shaping the landscape. The Great Geysir, which gave its name to all geysers worldwide, has been active for more than a thousand years, though it erupts only occasionally today. Nearby, the reliable Strokkur geyser steals the show, erupting every 5–10 minutes and shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air. Visitors can wander marked paths to witness the raw power of Iceland’s geothermal energy up close, surrounded by colorful mineral deposits and the smell of sulfur in the air. Just a short drive from Þingvellir and Gullfoss, the Geysir area is a highlight of the Golden Circle, blending natural spectacle, geology, and history in one unforgettable stop.

Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural treasures and a highlight of the Golden Circle route. Fed by the mighty Hvítá River, the waterfall plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon, dropping a total of 32 meters. On sunny days, mist from the cascade often creates shimmering rainbows, adding to its magical beauty. The name “Golden Falls” comes from the golden hue the water takes on when sunlight reflects off the glacial sediment it carries. Beyond its natural splendor, Gullfoss also carries cultural significance: in the early 20th century, it was saved from being harnessed for hydroelectric power thanks to the determination of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, whose efforts helped preserve it as a natural wonder for future generations. Today, visitors can enjoy multiple viewing platforms, feeling the roar and spray of the falls up close. Gullfoss is a breathtaking symbol of Iceland’s raw power and untouched beauty.

At Friðheimar, visitors enjoy a truly unique dining experience inside a working greenhouse where thousands of tomatoes are grown year-round with the help of geothermal energy and natural Icelandic sunlight. Lunch is served among the lush vines, with specialties like their famous unlimited tomato soup and fresh-baked bread, accompanied by tomato-based delights such as salsa, chutney, and even tomato beer. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, blending sustainability, innovation, and Icelandic hospitality. Dining here offers not only delicious farm-to-table food but also insight into how Iceland harnesses green energy and modern technology to grow fresh produce in its northern climate. Friðheimar is more than a meal- it’s an authentic taste of Iceland’s ingenuity.

Kerið Crater is a striking volcanic caldera lake in Iceland’s Grímsnes region, about 3,000 years old. Unlike many craters formed by explosions, Kerið was created when a cone volcano collapsed into its empty magma chamber, leaving behind a vivid oval-shaped basin. Its steep red volcanic slopes contrast beautifully with the turquoise water at the bottom, creating one of the most colorful natural sights in Iceland. About 55 meters deep and 270 meters across, the crater can be admired from the rim or explored via a path that leads down to the lake’s edge. Surrounded by rugged lava fields and moss-covered rocks, Kerið offers an otherworldly landscape that feels both raw and serene. Part of the Golden Circle area, it’s a short but memorable stop where geology and beauty meet.