GOLDEN CIRCLE & FONTANA STEAM BATHS
This new tour is ideal for those who want to combine history, natural phenomena and relaxation.
You visit three of Iceland´s most famous places - Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot spring area and Þingvellir national park as welll as making a short stop at a country gallery in Laugarvatn where you are welcomed by homemade rye bread with smoked, local trout and a drink. Afterwards you are escorted down to the lakeside in order to enjoy a just recently renovated natural steam bath, Fontana.
Tour code: DTB-8
GOLDEN CIRCLE & FONTANA STEAM BATHS
During this 9 hour tour you visit Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the oldest existing parliament in the world, the Alþingi, and major events in our history. Thingvellir is a place of fascinating natural beauty, one of the most geologically spectacular, set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right on Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn. The Great Atlantic rift is clearly visible; a rift that is slowly pulling Iceland apart along tectonic plates and you can literally walk between the American and Eurasian continental plates.
Explore the world-famous Geysir geothermal field and Gullfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls. The Geysir geothermal field has spouting springs of various formations, bubbling hot water and exploding geysers. Strokkur, the Great Geysir’s little brother, is spouting to a height of about 25 meters (82 ft) and erupts at about 5-7 minute intervals. Included in this tour is also the admission to the Geysir museum.
At Gullfoss you are given the opportunity to stand next to the amazing waterfall, watching its enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep, meandering gorge. The mighty Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) is perhaps the most beautiful in the country. We walk around Gullfoss Falls, where the river Hvitá tumbles 32 meters (105 ft) in a double cascade. When the sun is shining, you’re likely to see a rainbow through the massive spray that forms.
During a short stop at a country gallery in Laugarvatn you are served homemade rye bread with smoked, local trout and a drink. Afterwards you are escorted down to the lakeside in order to enjoy a just recently renovated natural steam baths, Fontana. Read more about Fontana under "Trip Guide".
Tour code: DTB-8
GOLDEN CIRCLE & FONTANA STEAM BATHS
Laugarvatn FONTANA is composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms that complement each other to create a healthy, natural and unique spa experience. Laugarvatn FONTANA’s three steam rooms, collectively called GUFAN, have been built over the natural hot spring that has been used for decades. The temperature of the steam varies depending on weather conditions, and is usually between 40°C (104°F) and 50°C (122°F); humidity is high. Special grates in the floor of the steam rooms allow guests to see, hear, and smell the natural hot spring as it flows under the rooms straight from the ground, creating a unique and totally natural experience.
Next to the steam room is YLUR, a Finnish-style sauna. The temperature inside YLUR will be between 80°C (176°F) and 90°C (194°F), with a lower humidity than the steam room. Next come the three interconnected outdoor mineral baths, named LAUGA, SÆLA, and VISKA. Filled with natural spring water, the baths will vary in both depth and temperature. There will be areas for relaxation and others where there is more movement, both of water and people. Stone artwork created by renowned Icelandic artist Erla Thórarinsdóttir will enhance each visitor’s experience. At the south end of the baths is VISKA, a hot tub. It is built at a slightly higher level than the mineral baths, providing a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings while the mineral-rich, healthy water nourishes both body and soul.
Completing the ensemble are VATNID and STRÖNDIN — the water and the beach. Visitors will reach VATNID through a gate and over a small pool. STRÖNDIN has warm sand, which has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other joint illnesses. VATNID provides an opportunity to cool down between visits to GUFAN and YLUR, a temperature shift that is both healthy and strengthening.
Tour code: DTB-8
GOLDEN CIRCLE & FONTANA STEAM BATHS
Departure: Daily, all year, at 09:00
Duration: 9 hours, 09:00-19:00
Distance: 260 km - 161 miles
Pick up: 30 minutes prior to departure from all hotels and most guest houses in Reykjavik
Drop off: After day tours may sometimes not be right in front of your hotel or guesthouse due to narrow streets and actual coach size used during the tour.
Included: Bus fare, guidance in English, admission to Geysir multimedia show, light refreshments & admission to the Fontana steam baths.
Online bookings: Until 72 hours prior to departure
Price per person:
Adults: EUR 99
Children discount:
Teenager 12-15 years (1/2 price) / Children 0-11 years (free)
Tour code: DTB-8