Self-Driving Audio Tour of Iceland's Golden Circle

Encounter heroes, villains, and magic with this self-guided tour of Iceland starting at Reykjavik. Using the app as an audio guide you’ll visit beautiful natural locations such as a waterfall, geothermal baths, and an erupting geyser – all seeped in the country’s vibrant history of might and magic.Itinerary:Tourist Information and Booking Centre 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!

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.Vinaskógur, the Friendship Forest Next, you'll see Vinaskógur, the Friendship Forest. As one of the few remaining forests in Iceland, this would stand out regardless of its history. But Vinaskógur actually owes its existence to the late Queen Elizabeth of England! It marks friendship and collaboration between the two nations which were at one time far from allies.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.

Seat of Parliament: Walking Detour While walking along the Thingvellier detour, you'll stop at what was once the seat of Iceland's parliament. This also just so happens to be the oldest parliament in the entire world! Continuing past it, you'll learn more about how this landscape formed and what makes Iceland's national parks unique.

Oxararfoss: Walking Detour 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.

Silfra Dive Site: Walking Detour 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.

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.Strokkur & 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!

Gullfoss Falls 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.Secret Lagoon 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 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.

Skálholt Cathedral 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.Sólheimar Ecovillage Next, you'll pass the totally unique Sólheimar, an eco-village renowned for its ecological, artistic, and international community ethics. Home to about 100 people, this village grows their own food, makes organic soaps, creates art from recycled materials, and much more. Then, you'll learn about Iceland's volcanoes, an early Viking visit to North America, and Icelandic myths about the end of the world.

Kerid Crater 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.Please note Pre-tourHow it works: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions. Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. To begin touring, go to the Starting Point and launch the app. The audio starts automatically. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience. Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

Good value(Driving): Purchase only one tour for the entire vehicle instead of taking the bus and paying for each person. You will see a significant saving. Connect your phone to car speakers by a wire or bluetooth. Enjoy the tour by listening together as you drive.Flexible Schedule: Once the app/tour is on your phone, you can use it any day and at any time. You can use it over multiple days. And, also use it on your next trip here. This tour never expires.Preview the tour: You can use it before the trip at home (highly recommended), use it during the trip, and use it after you come back.Don't miss a thing: You will get everything with the app - a complete itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated audio stories, story script, images, videos, deep dives, hidden gems, exciting locations, recommendations for hikes, adventure, activities, treks, and stop-by-stop direction during tour.

Private tour: You can use it in your car or rental car. No worries about groups or crowds. Start the tour app on your phone. And it will direct you step by step. You can stop for as many breaks as you like. Take a break for Instagram photos, and take a break for lunch/snacks. Go on a hike. The tour will wait for you and start when you start again. You can even do the tour over multiple days. Go at your own pace.

Easy to use: The stories play themselves as soon as the GPS is activated. It requires no use of your hands at all. You can get HELP by calling, chatting, or emailing any time of the day.

Offline: There is no need for a cell signal or Wi-Fi while touring. App’s GPS map works offline.After the tourExpiration/go again: The tour will last for the rest of your life on your phone. It is available for use on any day of your next trip.Use pictures for a photo book: Create a photo book using clean (no crowd) app images of each spot to make a memorable trip. All the photos and the correct sequence is ready in the app for you to use.Social media: Share clean (no crowd) images with friends/family.