One of the most solid car rentals in Iceland with a very broad selection of cars and great service. The one I have personally used the most.

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Places don't get much more dense with history than this one here in Iceland. Thingvellir National Park is where the Althing, an open-air assembly representing all of Iceland, met from 930 to 1798 to set laws and settle disputes. The park includes remains of the Althing, like turf and stone booths, and evidence of agricultural use from the 18th and 19th centuries, a pond were people were drowned and more. If you're into both beautiful nature and Icelandic history, don't miss Thingvellir.

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: A national park with immense history in south west Iceland.

• Best season: Open all year around and each season has it's charm (if you're here during peak fall, this place is incredible).

• Best time of day: Any.

• Nice to know: This is a big area with many attractions so I would spend at least 1-2 hours here. Here are my favourite spots: Slifra (river), Öxarárfoss (small waterfall), Lögberg ("Law rock") and the main canyon you walk through from the Visitor Center. I would park there and then walk to those attractions from there.

This geothermal spa is perfect when you're covering the Golden Circle. It's a family friendly option (children 9 and under get in for free) if you want something a bit more fancy than the local swimming pools. Towels and swimsuits are available for rent.

It consists of two pools, a hot tub with a great view of the lake, steam room, sauna, and the lake. It's super nice to jump into the lake when you're getting a bit too toasty in the hot tubs.

They also do some fun rye bread tours which show you how to bake bread the traditional way (in the ground using geothermal heat) and of course you'll get a taste of the bread when it's ready!

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: A geothermal spa on the Golden Circle.

• Best season: Any.

• Opening hours.

• Nice to know: You can jump into the lake to cool down! It's free for kids 9 and under.

Efstidalur II is a cozy restaurant in Iceland known for its delicious Scandinavian cuisine, especially their tasty burgers, lamb dishes, and homemade ice cream. The restaurant offers a unique farm-to-table experience, as it is run by four siblings who are also dairy farmers. Guests can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, and stunning views of the surrounding area. With reasonable prices and a great selection of drinks, Efstidalur II is a must-visit spot for those exploring the Golden Circle region.

Brúarfoss waterfall in Iceland offers two parking options for visitors. The new Brúarfoss Parking lot, opened in April 2023, provides easy access to the waterfall with just a 5-minute walk. For those looking to explore more and see additional smaller waterfalls along the trail, there is also the Brúarfoss Trail - Parking lot available. Both options offer convenient parking for visitors to enjoy the stunning blue waters of Brúarfoss.

Friðheimar restaurant, run by a family team of tomato-loving experts, offers a unique dining experience surrounded by tomato plants. They grow tasty tomatoes year-round using eco-friendly methods and serve up delicious dishes like their famous tomato soup. You can also explore the greenhouses, watch the local bees, and take home tomato-inspired goodies from their little shop. It's a cozy spot where food meets nature in the heart of Iceland.

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: A tomato-themed dining experience.

• Best season / time of day: Please check Google Maps and/or their website.

• Nice to know: Make sure you book a table in advance!

One of the biggest attractions in Iceland which geological studies suggest began to form about 1150 AD. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, is a geyser in south-western Iceland, that has actually stopped erupting (last erupted in 2016 but is still technically active) but remains one of the most famous hot springs in Iceland. Luckily, it's neighbour, Stokkur, is still going off every 6-10 minutes.

Fun fact: The English word geyser (a periodically spouting hot spring) actually derives from Geysir. The name Geysir itself is derived from the Icelandic verb geysa which means "to go quickly forward".

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: A hot spring (not to be entered) that used to be the most famous geyser in Iceland.

• Best season: Any.

• Best time of day: Any.

• Nice to know: Geysir itself is actually no longer active, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts about every 6-10 minutes.

With two cascading drops totaling 32 meters in height with immense power, this iconic waterfall is a popular for a reason. A part of the Golden Circle, Gullfoss ("Golden Waterfall") is a stunning natural wonder located in Southwest Iceland. Bring some rain coats and lens wipes and start threading the trails for the best views!

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: One of the most popular and iconic waterfalls in Iceland.

• Best season: Late spring to mid summer for the most power but honestly any time of the year (but some viewpoints might be closed or icy during winter).

• Best time of day: Sunrise/sunset for the least people and best light.

• Nice to know: You can both see it from the west side (a few options) and east side (just over 1 km / 0.6 miles one way). There's most likely going to be way more people on the west side but it's still super pretty from both sides.

Bitra Guesthouse is a cozy and affordable accommodation option in South Iceland, located just 15 minutes east of Selfoss. With 17 bright and cheery rooms offering single, double, triple, and family options, guests can enjoy stunning views of Mount Hekla. The shared bathrooms are spacious and well-maintained, and a delicious breakfast spread is provided each morning. Guests also have access to free WiFi and a terrace for enjoying the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer. Originally a women's prison and juvenile detention center, Bitra Guesthouse has been beautifully renovated into a welcoming guesthouse for travelers exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast regions.