wtm003

My husband and I are planning to visit Thingvellir National Park in June as part of our Golden Circle self-drive day, but wondering if an hour or two is really enough time? Any opinions on how much time we should spend since we're skipping the tours so we're not rushed? Thanks!

SusanInToronto

We found that a couple of hours were good. We probably could have spent longer, but we were good with what we did. Have fun!

PegS

Two hours is probably enough unless you really fall in love with the place. The most interesting part is the beginning, and rest is lovely (waterfall, church, etc.) but not necessarily singular enough to feel you'd need to really linger.

wtm003

Thanks!

PegS

I also don't know where you're from, but there are definitely other places in the Golden Circle where you can shave off time. For instance, if you've ever been to Yellowstone you might find--as I did--Geysir eminently skippable. OTOH, it was hugely frustrating looking for Bruarfoss, but once we found it it become one of our favorite sights of the entire trip. So if you have time, you might want to see if you can squeeze it in, knowing that you might get lost a bit!

wtm003

Thanks PegS. I'm from Colorado and have been to Yellowstone, RMNP and the Utah parks so that's why I was struggling with how much time I'd need in Thingvellir. Good to know about Geysir and I've added Bruarfoss to the list. I'm glad we'll have long days to try to fit it all in.

SusanInToronto

What we really enjoyed on our Golden Circle day was a late lunch at Friðheimar Farm. The restaurant is in the tomato greenhouses, and we really enjoyed it. (It really was the best tomato soup I've ever had, and the tomato ice cream was wonderful!) We had planned to go to the Secret Lagoon or Fontana Spa, but my husband forgot the bag with our bathing suits at the B&B and we didn't want to have to drive back for them. As it turned out, we had a full day even without the spa experience.

wtm003

Susan, we're planning on eating at Friðheimar Farm. Did you make a reservation? I hate being tied to a certain time but have read that it's recommended.

SusanInToronto

We did make a reservation, and I was glad we did. I doubt that we would have got a table otherwise. We had made a late reservation - 3 PM, which worked out well for us. Definitely have the ice cream - so good.

wtm003

Thanks Susan! I'll make a reservation and have the ice cream too.