Iceland's Golden Circle Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

based on 16 reviews

Duration:3 hours to 6 hours (approx.)
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland

From $39.99

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Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Take a self-guided tour through the most breathtaking landscapes Iceland has to offer. Start in Reykjavik and drive the famous Golden Circle, home to astonishing vistas, sparkling waterfalls, and historic structures dating back to the Viking age. As you drive, learn the history of this fascinating nation, including legends of Vikings, elves, and magic! If you want to truly experience Iceland, there’s no better place to start than here.

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Your tour of Iceland's famous Golden Circle begins in picturesque Reykjavik. From here, you'll drive out into the stunning Icelandic wilderness toward the island nation's most beautiful sights. As you drive, you'll also hear tons of history and mythology, including the settlement of Iceland, Viking traditions, and Norse myths of Loki, Odin, Thor, and more! Note: This 153-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Iceland in 3-6 hours.
2.
The settlement of Iceland is generally believed to have begun in the second half of the ninth century, when Norse settlers migrated across the North
3.
The first major landmark you'll see is Helgufoss, a serene and sparkling waterfall at the end of a quick hiking trail. It's just far enough from major tourist destinations to offer not just some great scenery, but also a bit of peace and quiet. Afterward, you'll hear more about Viking traditions like music, dances, and poetry.
4. Thingvellir National Park
Then you'll have the chance to visit Thingvellir, a historic site and national park boasting some of Iceland's most incredible landmarks. The park occupies a rift valley created by the separation of tectonic plates, giving it a dramatic geology like nowhere else on earth. Here, you'll be able to hop out of the car and walk through the park, admiring its many wonders.
5. Oxararfoss
Next, you'll reach one of Thingvellir's main attractions: Öxarárfoss. This pristine waterfall flows from the river Öxará over the Almannagjá. The pool at its base is as clear as the river which feed it, but legend has it that the waterfall turns red on New Year's Eve every year.
6.
Then there's the Silfra Dive Site, a phenomenal spot for underwater adventures. Here, you can dive and snorkel right where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Once you continue beyond the park, you'll hear all about the Aurora Borealis and the ancient legends people created to explain those northern lights. You'll also get to know some of Iceland's most famous mythical creatures, such as trolls and the Hidden People.
7. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Up next is an essential Iceland experience: the Geothermal Baths. These natural steam baths, fed by hot springs, aren't just soothing. They're also packed with minerals that the locals swear carry healing properties. Past these, you'll hear how Vikings kept themselves squeaky clean. Then you'll get to know Egil, a viking folk hero (or anti-hero, depending on who you ask) whose fascinating tale blends history and mythology together into an iconic Viking saga.
8. Geysir
Your route takes you next to Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir. As one might guess from its name, this is a geyser which has been known to send eruptions of hot water and steam over 200 feet into the air! It's been dormant for a while, but could become active again at any time. Its neighbor, Strokkur, is much more predictable, erupting every 5-10 minutes!
9.
Much-visited geothermal geyser that erupts every 8–10 minutes & reaches heights of 20 meters.
10.
After that is one of the Golden Circle's most popular attractions: Gullfoss. This 100-foot waterfall really earns its name, which means "Golden Falls" in English. Once you're done admiring this impressive waterfall, you'll hear about the important role of magic in ancient Viking mythology and culture. Then you'll find out what ultimately became of Egil the folk hero and learn the truth behind a couple stereotypes about Vikings.
11.
As you drive, you'll next have the chance to visit the Secret Lagoon. This is one of the best geothermal pools in Iceland and is absolutely beloved by locals. Whether or not you opt for a soak, your tour will introduce you next to a particularly bizarre Icelandic folk tale, then explain the importance of greenhouses on this remote, rocky island.
12. Fridheimar
Getting hungry? Friðheimar is your next stop. This country-style, family-run restaurant offers tomato-based dishes from onsite greenhouses. If you plan to stop by, however, you should call in advance, as this little establishment is remarkably popular.
13. Skalholt
Your route brings you next to Skálholt Cathedral, one of the most important historic sites in Iceland. This church dates all the way back to 1106! The current structure isn't that old, but the land and its history most certainly are. Continuing past the cathedral, you'll hear lots more about the role of religion in Iceland and the sometimes bloody conflicts it created during the Viking Age.
14.
Sólheimar is an eco-village in Iceland and is renowned for its ecological, artistic, and international community ethics. Its current population size is about 100 people. The village of Sólheimar locates in the south-western part of Iceland, the municipality of Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur.
15.
Finally, you'll reach Kerid Crater. 3,000 years ago, a huge volcano collapsed, leaving behind this impressive crater. It's a must-see spot, and a great location for photos! After visiting the crater, you'll head back toward Reykjavik. Along the way, you'll get acquainted with modern day Iceland, some more recent history, and what the future might look like for this unique nation. Your tour will conclude just outside Reyjavik.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
• How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio.
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : 544ceciliab
This was perfect! We were traveling with teens and our elderly parents. All enjoyed and all could easily hear/understand the narrator.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-27 08:32:26

Posted By : Jessica_G
Was great to have a self driving tour and commentary! There was a lot about the history and current culture of Iceland. However, the app wasn't great with directions (apps like GPSy in the US have warnings well in advance and then tones when the turn has come up). We also couldn't turn up the sound enough on our rental car's terrible sound system.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-19 17:54:41

Posted By : william_n
despite the occasional wandering away from the path due to the app not updating in a timely manner, was an excellent tour, definitely will repeat in the future!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-11 14:55:16

Posted By : Alison_P
Was so amazing! Nice roads in the fall so don't worry about rough driving. And amazing cool stops. Stories were great!!! Having the freedom to stop asking the way was great!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-29 08:59:22

Posted By : Michael_G
This was the best $24 ever spent on travel. There were over 100 narrated stops all of which were activated by your physical location in regard to GPS. The app was easy to download and easy to use. The narration was extremely informative and interesting. We wished that there were more Iceland tours from this Guide.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-10 16:16:17

Posted By : mdmike9702
The commentary was amazing …we learned so much about Iceland and thus was our second visit. We wanted to take the guide with us on our upcoming drives here in Iceland. We’d really love it for the Western Fjords. Please consider doing more for Iceland. It was tge best $24 that we’ve ever spent traveling. The GPS trigger worked perfectly.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-04 14:46:17

Posted By : Mark_S
We did it backwards. Maybe you can start it that way. We just had to figured it out ourselves. Thanks
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-07-22 19:06:28

Posted By : Leslie_H
After realising that it would not work until you were on the route covered by the app, it was easy to use and enjoyably informative. Much better way to explore the various sites in your own time by Hire car over a number ofdays to suit yourself. Good dialogue and highly recommended.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-07-20 05:18:57

Posted By : rkZ6343WG
The audio tour was an economical way to see the Golden Circle if you have a rental car. The first waterfall listed (Helgufoss) is on a very bumpy road and the gate at the end to access the walking trail is closed. One of the natural spring baths recommended was basically a small pool/hot tub. I have seen other larger more natural ones advertised (e.g. Blue Lagoon).

We loved the Strokkur geysir, the crater, and the Gullfoss Falls were fantastic.

The recording got out of sync a couple times with the surroundings, but was generally good.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-06-29 10:34:42

Posted By : Lauren_R
This was definitely worth the cost. You just have to be comfortable driving outside the US because of the different signage.

The tour needs a few tweaks, but we overall were glad to have purchased it over just driving to the different sites. We probably also preferred it over a bus tour since it gave us more flexibility (and a much much lower cost).

The app worked well and the tour itself worked well with the GPS. There were a couple of driving directions that were missing or miss-timed which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

The tour will be best in the summer so that you have tons of daylight. Spring and fall will be better than winter, but will want to start your journey in the morning, but you don't have enough light. We did it in May and had enough light even into the late hours of the night. Dress warm and have waterproof shoes and a jacket available, especially for the waterfalls!

We skipped a few of the sites, and the tour still took us 8+ hours!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-05-28 12:58:06

Retrieving available

Tickets

Iceland's Golden Circle Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.

2.

3.

4. Thingvellir National Park

5. Oxararfoss

6.

7. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

8. Geysir

9.

10.

11.

12. Fridheimar

13. Skalholt

14.

15.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Iceland's Golden Circle Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1.

2.

3.

4. Thingvellir National Park

5. Oxararfoss

6.

7. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

8. Geysir

9.

10.

11.

12. Fridheimar

13. Skalholt

14.

15.

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY