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Self drive the golden circle in iceland (full 2024 itinerary).

My sister and I took our dad on a 60th birthday surprise trip to Iceland and it was amazing!

It’s been high on his bucket list for years, and I’ve always wanted to visit, so we were all very excited. 

We spent 4 nights, 5 days in Iceland exploring part of the island (you need a lot longer to do the entire ring road in Iceland!). 

One of the highlights of any trip to Iceland is to drive the Golden Circle, especially if you’re short on time. You’ll get a great introduction to some of Iceland’s best attractions, and trust me, you’ll want to return in the future! 

Below is a guide on how to self-drive the golden circle in Iceland, since that’s exactly what we did!

Travellerspoint

What is Iceland’s Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is probably one of the world’s most famous road trip routes! 

It’s a 300km route (186 miles) that takes you to three of the most iconic attractions in Iceland; the Geysir Geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. 

These attractions make the famous Golden Triangle in Iceland, however, there are plenty of other awesome places to see. 

Get ready to see some of the country’s most unique landscapes, rich culture, and geothermal sites if you’re planning a road trip around the Golden Circle.

When is the best time to visit Iceland’s Golden Circle?

There isn’t technically a bad time to visit the Golden Circle, as the attractions can be viewed all year round.

However, if you’re looking to do a bit of hiking or to visit the hot springs then Spring/Summer is the best time to visit. 

You’ll also find that many campsites shut during the winter months or run restricted services which can be a pain. 

Now if you’re wanting to see the Northern lights during your trip to Iceland that’s a different story, as you’ll want to visit between October and March.

Why should you self-drive the Golden Circle In Iceland?

In my opinion, driving yourself around the Golden Circle is the best way to admire its scenic landscapes and beauty. 

It’s possible to take a pre-arranged tour around the Golden Circle Route in Iceland if you really want to. 

However, it’s important to note that the tours all typically leave at the same time. Unfortunately, that means they all arrive at the popular sites at the same time, so you’ll encounter a huge build-up of crowds. 

This is especially the case at iconic attractions such as Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir! 

Now, if you drive yourself you’re in for a treat as it has so many benefits. 

For starters, you can time your visits to the more popular attractions, so you can avoid the crowds. This means setting off early, and then returning late when the tours have already finished.

You can also see the sights at your own pace and don’t need to stick to any tour itinerary. They might only allow you only 20-30 minutes at each destination and that just isn’t enough time to fully take the beauty in! 

If you’re not a confident driver - don’t worry. Driving in Iceland is actually easy and FUN! 

The roads are big and open, and you’ll constantly be treated to amazing views. Also, if you do decide to visit during the offseason, you’ll feel like you have the roads entirely to yourself

Campervan rental or car?

This is the big question, and it all depends on your budget, the duration of your trip, and how confident a driver you are! 

Many people choose to hire a campervan for their Iceland road trip for a variety of reasons.

It's no secret that the cost of visiting Iceland can be expensive , and this route helps save money on accommodation. As well as offering more flexibility, and the opportunity to camp in beautiful locations. 

Now if you’re not bothered about space and don’t mind slumming it, you can legally sleep in your car.

However, you can only do this on a campsite, as you’re not allowed to wild camp in Iceland.

You can actually drive the full Golden Circle in just one day, so if you’re planning to do that - hiring a car is all you need. 

However, I’d recommend spending at least a couple of days in this beautiful country. 

Now, of course, there are pros and cons to both! 

Pros and cons of a campervan rental

Pros of iceland campervan rental.

• Save lots of money on accommodation
• Very convenient and gives you the ultimate flexibility when driving the Golden Circle in Iceland
• There are views everywhere - and you’re likely to be sat higher up in a campervan!

‍ Cons of Iceland campervan rental

• High upfront cost 
• You're likely to have bad weather in Iceland so be prepared for a few stormy nights in the van
• Be prepared for rough road conditions if you’re travelling up to the highlands 

Pros and cons of hiring a car 

Pros of hiring a car in iceland.

• Only a small vehicle, so parking is much easier at popular attractions 
• Cheapest vehicle to rent in Iceland - best for travellers on a budget 
• Much higher availability with renting cars & more economic in terms of fuel 

Cons of hiring a car in Iceland

• Will have to set up a tent for space 
• Can’t access Iceland’s F-roads unless you rent a 4x4
• Very limited storage and space

When it comes to driving the golden circle from Reykjavik, I’d recommend Blue Car Rental .

From my personal experience, they are the best option when it comes to hiring a car in Iceland .

If you’re planning to hire a camper, then popular choices include Camp Easy , Happy Campers , and JS Campers . 

We have a whole guide on hiring a campervan in Iceland which will help!

Golden Circle Road Trip Itinerary 

With so many awesome Golden Circle attractions to choose from - how do you choose the best ones to visit?

Well, luckily for you I’ve come up with the perfect Golden Circle Itinerary after road tripping Iceland myself! 

So, let’s dive into the places you just HAVE to visit. 

Stop 1: Reykjavik

Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and the largest city in the country. It’s also the world’s Northernmost capital which is pretty cool! 

You can either start or end your Golden Circle route here (or both) depending on where you pick your rental up from. 

Before you head out on your road trip, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Reykjavik. It’s a city full of art, culture, and spectacular scenery of course. 

One of the most popular sights to visit is Hallgrimskirkja Church which is visible from anywhere in the city. It’s a truly unique building, and at the top, you’ll find a viewing platform which offers panoramic views of the city.

You also need to visit the National Museum of Iceland , Árbæjarsafn , and the Saga Museum during your stay. 

However, the city’s number 1 attraction is Perlan , where you’ll get to make your way through an ice cave, and learn all about Iceland’s glaciers! 

If you have time I’d also recommend heading out on a whale-watching tour too! If you’re a fan of marine life you can also visit the ‘Whales of Iceland’ exhibition .

Stop 2: Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is another awesome spot along the Golden Circle.

It makes up part of Iceland’s Golden Triangle and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

This national park is one of the country’s most significant geological sites as it’s where two tectonic plates meet.

You’ll be able to see where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates come together, and it’s a pretty astounding sight!

Aside from this, there are plenty of other things to do in Thingvellir National Park. 

This includes heading to the visitor centre, before making your way to the viewpoint just behind. 

After you’ve enjoyed the astounding views, follow the wooden walkway through the Almannagjá fault, and you’ll get to enjoy some of Iceland’s more hidden waterfalls. 

However, the highlight has to be the Silfra Fissure! It’s the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive between two tectonic plates, so it’s a must for any Iceland itinerary!

We visited when it was snowy.

There is no entrance fee to the park itself, although you will have to pay 500 ISK ($3.85) to park.

You’ll also find some exhibits available at Thingvellir National Park Visitor Centre which you can pay for. 

Stop 3: Geysir

This is probably one of the most famous attractions in all of Iceland! 

Here you’ll find a bunch of geysers that erupt including ‘the Great Geysir’ and ‘Strokkur Geyser’.

Strokkur is by far the most popular and can get super busy.

For this reason, you’ll want to start your itinerary early, so that you can arrive here before the crowds do.

This geothermal geyser erupts every 8-10 minutes and can reach heights of up to 20m.

Trust me - you’ll want to have your camera ready for this one!

Make sure you spend some time at the Great Geysir too. Although currently dormant, its basin is enormous and it used to be Iceland’s tallest geyser. 

Before 2000, the Great Geysir erupted regularly and reached heights of 170m. Although this is no longer the case, it’s still impressive to look at. 

During your visit here you’ll also want to see Blesi Hot Spring, which is divided in two and looks like a funky pair of glasses. 

There are no entrance fees to enter the Geysir Geothermal Area, so this is another of Iceland’s FREE natural wonders. 

Stop 4: Gullfoss

Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most popular waterfalls and it doesn't disappoint!

The name literally translates to ‘Golden Falls’, and if you manage to witness the sunlight catching Gullfoss just right - you’ll understand why! 

It’s a two-tier waterfall that has a cumulative height of 32m, and its power will take your breath away.

From the parking lot, you can either head to the upper or lower viewpoint, but I recommend doing both! 

For the lower viewpoint, you’ll need to head down some stairs and then you’ll get to see the falls drop into the canyon!

From there retrace your steps, and head to the upper viewpoint. From the top, you’ll get to see the Hvita River flowing down over a series of rocks, which is the waterfall's first drop. 

There is even a viewing platform at the falls so make sure you head up there too! 

Gullfoss waterfall can also be visited in any season which is always a bonus.

We visited in winter, and the falls were super powerful and surrounded by snow. It was a photographer's dream! 

Gullfoss is another FREE attraction, which is crazy considering it’s one of Iceland's most popular attractions.

I’m not complaining though! 

Stop 5: Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Hrunalaug was once a pretty “secret” hot spring in Iceland, but since more people have discovered and shared it on social media - that’s no longer the case. 

More and more people seek out this place each year, but luckily it’s not included on any tour bus itineraries so you’ll get fewer crowds in general. 

However, Hrunalaug Hot Spring is very small, so it only takes 4 or 5 people to make this place feel “crowded”. 

I’d definitely recommend visiting this spot though as it’s incredibly scenic. Once you’ve arrived at the parking lot, it’s about a 5-minute walk to get to the hot springs. 

There are actually three springs here and a small concrete building where you can change!

Out of the three, the long rectangular pool next to the building is by far the hottest. Although if you’re looking for scenic views and great photographs - head to the other two first. 

This hot spring is located on private property, so there is no ‘entrance fee’ as such but there is a donation box at the parking lot. 

The farmer relies on this honour system for upkeep, so I'd recommend donating! 

Stop 6: Secret Lagoon Iceland

The Secret Lagoon is Iceland's oldest natural swimming pool! Known locally as ‘Gamla Laugin’, this impressive place has been around since 1891. 

It’s located in the geothermal area of Hverahólmi, right next to Flúðir village, and is a must-visit whilst driving the Golden Circle. 

The nearby hot springs (Básahver, Litli Geysir, and Vaðmálahver) provide 100% of the water supply here, so the water flows continuously. 

Not only is the water clean and rich in sulfur, but it also stays at 38-40°C (100-104°F) all year round.

So, it doesn’t matter what time of year you decide to road trip the Golden Circle as you can always warm yourself up here!

The entrance fee to the Secret Lagoon is 3000 ISK ($23) for adults, and children aged 14 and under are free! However, if you’re wanting to hire swimsuits or towels, that will be extra.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Blue Lagoon, then this is your place although I’d recommend visiting both if you can! 

Stop 7: Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is the remnants of a volcano that formed over 6,000 years ago! 

The magma chamber then emptied and collapsed, before filling with water to create the beautiful Kerid Crater lake that we see today.

As you get to this site, you’ll see a boardwalk that leads to an awesome viewpoint of the crater. 

There is also a loop walk that will take you all around the crater, and you can even head down to the lake itself. 

The caldera is an impressive 55m deep, making this a place you don’t want to miss during your Golden Circle road trip. 

However, the thing that really catches your eye about this place is the colour. The lake is a stunning turquoise and is surrounded by red volcanic rock. 

I’d recommend allowing yourself at least an hour here. This gives you plenty of time to walk around the crater, head down to the lake, and take plenty of awesome photographs. 

There is a small entrance fee to visit Kerid Crater which is 400 ISK ($3). Children under 12 are also FREE! 

Bonus stop: The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon isn’t a typical Golden Circle loop stop, but if you’ve still got your vehicle, it’s worth visiting. 

It’s one of the most iconic attractions in Iceland, and attracts up to 4,000 people a day! Luckily though, as the Blue Lagoon is HUGE you’ll always be able to find a little corner to yourself.

This geothermal spa is considered to have regenerative qualities due to the amounts of silica and sulfur within the water. 

The temperature of the lagoon usually stays between 37–39° C (98–102° F), so it’s perfect no matter the weather. 

The cheapest package costs from 8,490 ISK ($65) and includes entry to the Blue Lagoon, a Silica mud mask, use of a towel, and a drink. 

As the Blue Lagoon is so popular, you’ll want to time your visit carefully. 

I’d recommend heading to the lagoon either early morning or late evening as this is when you’ll avoid the crowds from the tour buses. 

I visited during the late evening on one of the last slots of the day and had a very peaceful experience. 

Iceland Golden Circle Accommodation

Driving the golden circle in a campervan is one of the most popular ways to see Iceland so there are plenty of campsites located along the route. 

Þingvellir National Park Campground is one of the most popular campsites as it offers scenic views of Thingvellir (or Þingvellir) National park. Not only that, but you’ll find plenty of awesome hiking trails nearby! 

If you're looking for something a bit quieter then SKJOL campsite is a great option. Located just 4km (2.4 miles) from Geysir, it offers incredible views of the hot springs and the glacier from afar! You’ll also find a restaurant on-site that serves delicious pizza. 

You’ll also find a couple of FREE camping spots if you’re looking to extend your trip after visiting all the famous Golden Circle stops. 

These include Bakkafjörður camping ground and Gata Free Camping which is just an hour’s drive outside of Reykjavík. 

If you’re not in a campervan, then you’ll need to source some accommodation for your trip. Thankfully there’s a great range of hotels and Airbnbs along this route! 

Here are some great options when heading along the Golden Circle in Iceland. 

Litli Geyser Hotel - a 5-minute walk from the iconic Geysir

Litli Geyser Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re wanting to spend more time at the world-famous Geysir hot springs. 

Not only is this site just 200 yards away from the hotel, but the staff can also help book tours and activities in the local area. This hotel also has an on-site restaurant and offers free parking for guests. 

Hotel Gullfoss - a 5-minute drive from the famous Gullfoss Falls

Now, this has to be one of the most special places to stay in Iceland. Not only is the hotel located just a 5-minute drive from the iconic falls, but it’s also situated by the Hvita River so the scenery is spectacular. 

A daily buffet breakfast is served at the hotel, and guests also have access to free WiFi. Make sure you keep an eye out for the Northern lights too (depending on when you visit of course).

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur - near Kerid Crater 

Blue Hotel Fagrilunder is situated in Reykholt which is along the Golden Circle. It’s just 96km (59 miles) from Iceland’s capital and just a 20-minute drive from Kerid Crater.

A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property, and guests are welcome to hop in the hot tub! 

Final thoughts 

Driving Iceland’s golden circle route yourself is without a doubt the best way to explore this beautiful country. 

You can of course take a golden circle tour but it doesn’t allow you the same flexibility. If you hire a car and head around the route yourself, you can decide where to visit and at what time. 

I’d also recommend hiring a camper if you’re planning to drive the Golden Circle!

Although upfront costs aren’t particularly cheap, at least this way you can save on accommodation if you’re planning to spend a couple of days in Iceland.

Read more: 

• Top 10 Campervan Rentals in Iceland

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The Ultimate Guide to Drive Yourself Iceland’s Golden Circle (Map with stops)

Are you considering visiting the Golden Circle in Iceland? If so, are you thinking about self-driving the Golden Circle or hiring a tour? Either way our Golden Circle Iceland Map will help you see the best things there is to do in the Golden Circle.

This guide covers all the tips, Iceland’s most iconic beautiful attractions, what to pack and photos from our experience self-driving the Golden Circle in Iceland. The Golden Circle is the perfect day trip for visitors with a short layover or in Iceland or for the people who want to see Iceland’s main highlights in a short period of time.

After spending some time at the Blue Lagoon is recommendable to drive the famous Golden Circle from Reykjavik.  You can see the main and most beautiful landmarks in less than 300 km route. The driving distance of the Golden Circle is around 3 hours but you can easily spend a whole day depending how much you stop along the way. It can take you anytime from 6 to 8 hours.

➳ Read More: Driving Iceland’s Ring Road

You might need to either rent a car or take a tour. We chose to do a self driving tour of the Golden Circle ourselves with our sweet ride from Lagoon Car Rental . You can pick up your rental car either from the airport or in the city of Reykjavik.

We chose to self-drive the Golden Circle as it allowed us to go on our own pace and add a number of spectacular additional stops along the Golden Circle. In our I celand’s Golden Circle Map we have included all the stops you must make during your self driving tour. 

It is not hard to drive in Iceland, you just need to be careful of the many narrow roads. There are not many people in the country so traffic is not a big thing, specially when visiting off season, like we did.

Keep in mind that during summer sheep or horses can be walking across the street. During winter it is mostly to keep an eye out for icy roads. We recommend to always check the weather and road conditions in Iceland as it changes drastically from hour to hour.

Gas or Diesel is not cheap in Iceland in comparison to the United States, but a full tank should be more than enough for you to complete the Golden Circle.

If you do not feel comfortable driving in Iceland but you still want to visit the most popular stops on the Golden Circle then it might be best to get a guided tour. Iceland is an extremely popular tourist destination if tons of different options for tours. We strongly recommend booking a tour in advance in order to get the best one for you, especially if you only have a couple of days in Iceland.

What is the Golden Circle?

Before getting more into our Golden Circle route is important to know what is the difference between the Golden Circle and the Ring Road of Iceland. The Golden Circle is a circuit that includes some of the most beautiful things to do in Iceland relatively close from Reykjavik. While the Ring Road of Iceland is a national road runs around the entire island and connects most of the inhabited parts of the country.

Both routes are recommended as both have different landscapes worth being seeing. The Ring Road is more recommended if you have at least 7 to 10 days to explore the whole country while the Golden Circle is perfect for those visiting for a short period of time or have a long layover.

Things to do in Iceland Travel Video:

➳ Find all:   Hotels in Reykjavik

Map to self-drive the Golden Circle Route:

In this Golden Circle Iceland map with stops you will find the best spots, less visited stops and the most popular stops on the Golden Circle route. The map will help you create the perfect Golden Circle itinerary for your next trip to Iceland.

What you should know about driving the Golden Circle in Iceland:

It all depends when you are visiting Iceland. If you go in the Summer or early Fall you will not have problems at all besides ships crossing the road. But if you are planning on visiting in Winter you might have to take extra precautions.

In the winter though, roads can get icy and it will be snow everywhere. Some of the roads might be close as well. During Winter you should also look out for snowstorm as the weather in Iceland changes drastically very quickly.  We recommend to use  Vegagerdin  to check real time road conditions. They even have a handy  smartphone app .

How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?

To visit all the stops in the Golden Circle you need less than a day but if you want to visit all the stops in this article you might need a full day or maybe even two. We did it all in one day but it was because we have daylight 24 hours and we started our last hike at midnight.

Some stops take a lot longer than others, depending on what you want to see and do. You could spend a whole day hiking through Þingvellir National Park or just see the main highlights, while there are other locations where 30 minutes will be more than enough.

What to wear when visiting the Golden Circle

In Iceland more than other destinations it is super important to dress according to the weather to be able to enjoy your vacation. Depending on the time of the year is the what you should wear but in general terms, Iceland is always cold, it gets colder. The enjoy the Golden Circle stops to the fullest it is very important that you dress adequately so try to always bring at least the following:

• A waterproof Jacket (there are a lot of waterfalls)
• Water resistant hiking boots or shoes
• Waterproof gloves
• thermals fleece pants and shirt
• Waterproof pants
• Thick winter sucks

➳ Read More:  Our complete guide on what to pack and wear in Iceland

What to visit in the Golden Circle?

Iceland is full of beautiful and breathtaking landscapes. Self driving the Golden Circle will give you a taste of what the whole country has to offer. We have split the locations into the most popular Golden Circle stop and the less visited Golden Circle stops to help you best experience this side of Iceland.

The Most Popular Golden Circle Stops

These four stops along the Golden Circle are the most famous and definitely a must-see when driving the Golden Circle route. All of this stops are included in our Iceland Golden Circle map.  No trip to Iceland is complete without self driving the Golden Circle.

Þingvellir National Park

We started driving the Golden Circle going NE on Route 36 towards our first stop, Þingvellir National Park . It is free to go inside the park but you will have to pay a parking fee.

Þingvellir National Park  is one of the most popular stops on the Golden Circle route. It is located about 40 km from Reykjavik. I will try to enter as early as possible to avoid the crowds near the entrance. We stayed for about an hour and a half exploring more of the park, but you could easily spend a full day walking one of the main hiking trails, going scuba diving or even horseback riding.

The Þingvellir National Park is along the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates were they are slowly separating creating a deep fissures where you can walk or even swim through. If you would like to snorkel or scuba dive on one of the fissures, Silfra is the place for it.

Oxagarfoss Waterfall: It is within the Þingvellir National Park and it is a beautiful waterfall worth visiting while at the park as it is a popular tourist attraction when visiting The Golden Circle.

Geysir At Haukadalur :

Our next stop on the Golden Circle road trip was Haukadalur, which is about 60 km from Þingvellir National Park. There are two famous geysers here called Geysir, the original namesake for all geysers, and Strokkur. Strokkur Geysir is one of the most popular Golden Circle stops and it is located in the geothermal pools of the Haukadalur Valley.

Geysir no longer erupts after an earthquake shut it down, but a second one called Strokkur still erupts with scalding water shooting 15 to 20 meters into the air approximately every 4 to 10 minutes. 

We stayed for less than half an hour as it only takes a few minutes to walk from the parking place to the Geysirs. There are several smaller geysers in the area.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall. is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland and a major highlight of the Golden Circle. It is located just a short drive from the Strokkur Geysir. Gullfoss Waterfall is a powerful and massive 100 feet (32 meters) waterfall. The mist that the waterfall produces gives a high chance to spot a rainbow on sunny day. There are many viewpoints to see different perspectives of Iceland’s most popular waterfall.

We recommend you to go down the stairs and do the whole pathway to get even closer to the waterfall. Be careful as the area near the waterfall gets windy and you might get soaking wet. We spent 2 hours walking around and taking several photos at this fantastic location on the Golden Circle route.

Kerið Crater

The last stop along the Golden Circle Route is Kerið Crater Lake. The beautiful red volcano is covered in bright green vegetation. You can walk around the entire cone of the volcano to get the best photo of the contrasting colors. A short 5 minute hike down to the water gives you an up close view of the deep blue waters. Entry to the crater costs 400 ISK. It was a typical cone-shaped volcano until the tip collapsed into an empty magma chamber and not it is filled with water.

We spent about an hour walking both around the crater lake as well as taking the stairs down to the bottom of the lake to get another perspective on one of the coolest Golden circle stops.

The Less Visited Golden Circle Stops

The following points of interest along the Golden Circle are the less visited stops but still worth visiting. If you end up with some extra time make sure to see these locations along the Golden Circle. Many people have in the list Braurfoss Waterfall but in reality this place is temporarily closed. 

Icelandic Horse Petting

You cannot leave Iceland without petting the beautiful fuzzy friendly Icelandic horses. If you are self driving the Golden Circle, you will definitely see the beautiful Icelandic horses. They are all across the island, just make sure to pull safely off the road for a photograph. Some of the stops even have food that you can buy to feed the horses!

Faxi waterfall

One of the less visited Golden Circle stops is Faxi Waterfall, which is located only 20 km from Gullfoss.  It is a beautiful little waterfall on the ride back to Reykjavik when completing the Golden Circle Route. It is less tourist option so you can get much closer to the falls and more easy to get photos free of other people. Faxi Waterfall is easily accessible from the parking lot. While it is not as breathtaking as some of the other waterfalls in Iceland it is a lovely stop along the Golden Circle route.

Glymur Waterfall

The hike to the second highest waterfall in Iceland takes 2 hours. You have to walk through glacier cold river water for a few meters so prepare yourself. It is a solid medium level hike that anyone can do if you are able to put a few of you height fears behind you. Glymur Waterfall is definitely not one of the most popular Golden Circle stops but it is worth doing it. 

Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Reykjadalur Hot Springs is a good alternative to the Blue Lagoon. The hiking trail is located about 40 minutes from Reykjavik. It is an easy stop if you are self-driving the Golden Circle.

The hike to the natural hot springs is about 3 kilometers, but you will get fantastic scenic views along the way. It will be a great added stop on your Golden Circle itinerary.

⇟ More articles from Iceland that might interest you:

➳ Read More:  Insider Guide: Iceland Road Trip Tips and Tricks

➳ Read More:  20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Iceland this Summer

➳ Read More: The Ultimate Camping list for Iceland Over the Summer

➳ Read More:  22 Top Things to do in Iceland over the Summer

➳ Read More:  Complete Guide for Driving the Ring Road of Iceland

➳ Read More:  Ultimate Packing List for Iceland During the Summer

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Thoroughly Travel

The Ultimate Self-drive Golden Circle Road Trip Itinerary

Everything you need to know about driving iceland’s golden circle route in 2023, plus self-drive directions, accommodation and restaurant recommendations and an iceland golden circle map..

(Updated 2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission on anything purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. Learn more on our Disclaimer page .

A 190 mile (300km) circular route, Iceland’s Golden Circle encompasses three of Iceland’s most popular natural attractions . The appeal of the Golden Circle stems from the fact that the route can be completed in one day, making it a great day trip from Reykjavík. A trip around the Golden Circle includes watching boiling-hot water explode from a geysir, witnessing water cascade over one of the best waterfalls in Iceland and walking between tectonic plates. Read on to discover the best stops on Iceland’s Golden Circle route in this self-drive road trip itinerary.

Time needed: 1-2 days.

When to go: Late November-December for snowscapes / June-July for warmer weather and lush green scenery.

Weather: Averages of -10°C-5°C in the Winter and 8°C-20°C in the Summer.

Language: Icelandic.

Currency: Icelandic króna.

What is Iceland’s Golden Circle?

Iceland’s Golden Circle (or gullni hringurinn in Icelandic) is a popular route between 3 of Iceland’s most visited attractions. Conveniently located within striking distance of Reykjavík , Iceland’s capital, The Golden Circle is a shorter alternative than driving Iceland’s Ring Road (which circles the entire country and takes about one week). Unlike this epic route, The Golden Circle can easily be done in one day . In fact, the whole circuit only takes about 3 hours of driving, but you’ll probably take longer to enjoy the stops on the way. The journey covers around 140 miles (230 kilometres) and it is possible to stay over on the route to enjoy the trip in 2 or more days. The Golden Circle gets its name from one of the route’s main attractions, Gullfoss Waterfall, which literally means Golden Falls in Icelandic.

Can you drive The Golden Circle yourself?

Yes! There are a variety of ways to experience The Golden Circle and by far the most popular is to hire a car . This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, as well as allowing you to time your visits to avoid the crowds.

If you’re going to drive the route yourself, we’d recommend you save our Thorough Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle article so you can refer to it as you go. It’s got lots of interesting information about the sights you’ll see, as well as some great tips and recommendations. This itinerary is going to focus more on actually driving the route and provide you with everything you need to know before you go.

Hiring a car vs hiring a campervan

If you’re looking to drive the Golden circle yourself, you’re going to need to hire a car . It’s not necessary to hire a 4×4 to drive the Golden Circle but, if you’re going to be driving further afield, it might be a good idea to get one. It’s generally recommended to hire a 4×4 car in Iceland if you travel in Winter, when rain, snow and ice can affect the quality of the road and driving conditions may be more challenging.

Iceland’s roads are generally of a good quality, if not narrow and winding in places. As you leave the beaten path, the roads become more gravelly or muddy. It’s totally safe to drive in Iceland, but it’s a good idea to read up on the things to know before you go . And before driving in Iceland, you should brush up on Iceland’s driving laws too.

Alternatively, adventure seekers should consider hiring a campervan . We’re big fans of a camping trip, having chosen this as our method of transport in both Australia and Costa Rica . Hiring a campervan in Iceland is a great option for those looking to travel Iceland on a budget, or looking for cheap accommodation in Iceland. Camping in Iceland is very affordable and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a rugged Nordic landscape. If you’d like to hire a campervan in Iceland, you might need to consider visiting in the warmer months of Spring, Summer and early Autumn, as a lot of campsites close during winter and the weather can make roads trickier to drive.

The Golden Circle Route

So what is there to see on the Golden Circle? The 3 main stops on the Golden Circle are:

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir Geothermal Area

Doing the main three Golden Circle attractions means you only need to drive one road there and back. You can go over the uplands to Gullfoss and work back towards Reykjavík via the Geysir Geothermal Area and Þingvellir National Park, or hit them in order on the way out to Gullfoss, which is the furthest point. Alternatively, you can add more stops and detours along the way. If you add a few more stops along Reykjavik’s southern road, you can turn the route into a full circuit, starting and ending in the capital.

Interactive Map of Iceland’s Golden Circle

Use the filters on the tab on the left hand side of the map to see attractions, accommodation, restaurants and more.

Golden Circle self-drive directions

To drive the Golden Circle clockwise:

• From Reykjavík take road 1 towards Borgarnes and, after driving through Mosfellsbær, take road 36 towards Þingvellir National Park.
• After Þingvellir continue on road 365 towards Laugarvatn and then take road 37 towards Geysir.
• The final main stop of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss Waterfall. Continue on road 37 in the direction of Gullfoss.
• From Gullfoss you have two options to get to the ring road (road 1) heading south:
• Option 1: Take road 30 towards Flúðir and then onto Selfoss.
• Option 2: Take road 35 towards Selfoss, passing Kerið Crater.
• Re-join road 1 towards Reykjavík.

To drive the the Golden Circle anti-clockwise, simply reverse these directions.

The three main stops on the Golden Circle

1) þingvellir national park.

If you’re doing the route clockwise, the first stop will be Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park , which is located in a rift valley that marks the meeting place of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here you’ll find long stretches of lava rock, icy lakes and towering volcanoes surrounding the park. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Europe’s oldest parliament, which dates back to 930 AD. The main attraction at Thingvellir National Park is the opportunity to walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates . The park is the only place in the world where these plates can be seen above ground. As you drive towards the park’s entrance you’ll see cracks in the lava fields, which have been caused by earthquakes, and rifts which have been caused by continuous seismic activity. While you’re here, take some time to explore the park, and don’t miss seeing Þingvallavatn , Iceland’s largest natural lake.

Learn more about Þingvellir National Park in our Thorough Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle

Did you know that in Thingvellir National Park, you can SCUBA dive between the European and North American tectonic plates?! Located within the park, the Silfra Fissure offers adventure-seekers a once in a lifetime opportunity. With clear waters giving you 100 metre (328 ft) visibility, the fissure is said to have the best underwater visibility in the world. The water temperature remains a pretty chilly 2°C (35°F), but this is the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive between 2 continents, so you’re bound to want to tick it off your bucket list. And don’t worry if you’re not PADI certified – you can join a Snorkel Tour of Silfra Fissure with free underwater photos!

2) The Geysir Hot Spring Area

The next main attraction on a journey around the Golden Circle is the Geysir Hot Spring Area , a geothermal area set within the Haukadalur Valley. This geothermal area consists of several geysers, boiling mud pits and steaming vents and chimneys. Here you’ll find two very famous geysers: Geysir , a dormant hot spring, and Strokkur, which erupts every 6–10 minutes, shooting boiling water 15–20 metres (50-65ft) into the air. If you’re lucky, you might even see a double eruption, where the geysir erupts twice consecutively. If you’re travelling in Winter, you may find the entire pavement covered in a layer of ice, which can be fun to skate around. Make sure you take good, grippy shoes as you won’t want to slip.

Learn more about the Geysir Hot Spring Area in our Thorough Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle

3) Gullfoss Waterfall

The final, and furthest, stop on the out-and-back Golden Circle route is Gullfoss Waterfall . In Winter, you’ll find the river half frozen, with vast columns of ice hanging over the falls. But, due to the increase in rain and snow in Winter, you’ll also see a huge amount of water still cascading over the double drop, which falls a total of 32 metres (105 ft). Whereas in Summer, the waterfall is framed beautifully by lush vegetation, and rainbows can often be seen dancing in the spray. There are informational boards along the walk, which is part path, part wooden boardwalk, so it’s perfectly easy and safe to walk along to the two look-out points.

Take some time to learn about Sigríður Tómasdóttir . Widely regarded as Iceland’s first environmentalist, this incredible woman was an Icelandic activist whose campaigning helped preserve Gullfoss waterfall, protecting it from industrialisation.

In English, Gullfoss means Golden Waterfall , which is testament to the way the sunlight reflects off the snow-scape at sunrise and sunset. Photographers should try to visit between 10:00-11:00 and 15:00-16:00 in winter for that perfect golden glow. The low sun casts a beautiful golden light over the Gullfoss Nature Reserve ( Friðland við Gullfoss ) and makes the snow sparkle.

If you’re peckish, the Gullfoss Panorama Restaurant is a great stop for lunch. The tomato soup is delicious and the café has wonderful panoramic views.

Other stops on the Golden Circle Route

There are a few natural attractions that are within striking distance of Thingvellir National Park that are not to be missed. Öxarárfoss Waterfall is a small but mighty waterfall. Water cascades 13 metres (44 ft) over the cliffs of Almannagjo Gorge into a rocky pool. There are numerous hikes and viewpoints, as well as the Hrafnagjá Observation Deck , which offers panoramic views over the park.

Between Thingvellir National Park and the Geothermal Area, you’ll pass the small village of Laugarvatn . Here you can have a little break and visit the Gallery Laugarvatn , which features a wide display of Icelandic handicraft items. Or schedule some time in the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths . Featuring a natural pool, steam rooms and fresh-water lake, this spa is the perfect place for a relaxing break. You can also try geothermal rye bread ( rúgbrauð ) here. Attend a dough preparation demonstration, learn about the history of geothermal bread, which is left up to 24 hours in the earth to bake, and try some too.

Book a Hot Spring Rye Bread Experience here!

On the south east section of the Golden Circle route, you have two options between the Gullfoss and Selfoss: Road 30 and Road 35 .

Road 30 passes by the Gamla Laughin Secret Lagoon , the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. This geothermal pool was made in 1891, and features water which trickles down from hot springs and geysirs into warm pools. Nearby sits Flúðasveppir Farmers Bistro , the only mushroom farm in Iceland with a menu featuring home grown produce.

Road 35 passes by Faxafoss . Also known as Faxi Waterfall , this large cascade has been described as a small version of Gullfoss. At 80 meters (262ft) wide and 7 meters (22ft) high, Faxafoss is an underrated waterfall on the Golden Circle route. Nearby you’ll find Friðheimar Farm , a visitor-friendly tomato farm, renowned for its fresh produce and tomato soup. You can also meet Icelandic Horses  on a visit to their stable and learn about the history and nature of this unique breed of horse.

The main attraction on the southern part of the Golden Circle is Kerið (Kerid) Crater . A popular addition to the traditional Golden Circle Route, Kerid Crater is a volcanic crater lake that forms a complete oval with a small turquoise lake at the bottom. It is surrounded by fiery red and orange rocks and can be found in the Grímsnes area in Southern Iceland. The vibrant blue colour of the water comes from the minerals which form in the caldera, which is approximately 6,500 years old.

Another stop on the Golden Circle is actually the start and end of the route: Reykjavík . A 45 minute drive from Keflavík International Airport, the trendy capital city of Iceland is the perfect base for your Golden Circle adventure. Literally translating to Smokey Bay , Reykjavík is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to only around 150,000 inhabitants. It’s believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in the country and you can discover more about the culture, history and mythology of Iceland on a walking tour of all the main sites. Either use our interactive map of Reykjavík in this article to plan your walking route, or consider taking a Walking Tour of Reykjavík with a Viking .

Read next: The Thorough Guide to Reykjavík

Detours from the Golden Circle Route

If you decide to spend more than one day driving the Golden Circle, there are a couple of easy detours you can add into your itinerary too.

Adventure seekers should consider heading to Langjokull Glacier , which sits just north of the Gullfoss Waterfall. Here you can snowmobile on the glacier or walk inside the glacier , which is the the second largest ice cap in Iceland.

Alternatively, you can head east into the Southern Highlands, where you’ll be met by the Þjórsárdalur (Thjorsardalur) Valley . If you love chasing waterfalls, this is the area for you. There are 4 waterfalls of note in the area: Haifoss , Granni Waterfall , Hjalparfoss and Þjófafoss . All are close to each other and don’t require much hiking. They’re also a lot less touristy than some of the more well-known falls in Iceland.

Another popular stop on the Golden Circle is Sólheimar Ecovillage . This small village is a short detour from Road 35 and is home to only around 100 people. Literally meaning Home of the Sun , it is renowned for its ecological, artistic and international community ethics and makes for an interesting stop.

And finally, you could head to Ljósafoss Power Station . Lying on the River Sog, this power station began operating in 1937 and brings the principles of electricity, hydropower, and geothermal and renewable energy to life.

Golden Circle Self-drive Road Trip Itinerary Tips

• Set off early. Tours typically leave around 08:00 and start arriving at the three main attractions by 10:00. If you want to avoid the bus-loads of crowds, arrive at the very beginning or end of the day.
• If you travel in Summer you’ll have a lot more light, but there will be a lot more visitors to compete with too. In Winter, sites tend to be busy in the daylight hours of 10:00-16:00. Whereas in Summer, sites tend to be busy from 09:00-19:00, but you can visit in the early morning or evening and it will still be light.
• If you want to snorkel or dive Silfra Fissure, do the route anti-clockwise. This way you arrive at Thingvellir last and can go home to dry off and warm up after your activity.

Where to eat along the Golden Circle

There are so many tasty and unique Icelandic dishes to try on a visit to Iceland. A few delicacies you can’t miss include Skyr yogurt, Pylsur (lamb hotdog), Snúður (cinnamon filled bread roll) and Pönnukökur (Icelandic pancakes). Iceland’s cuisine revolves around lamb and dairy, due to having so much land for agriculture. Being an island, you’ll also find a lot of seafood. Be sure to try plokkfiskur (mashed fish stew), Harðfiskur (dried fish), Humar (Icelandic lobster/langoustine). And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try Brennivín, a distilled liquor, sometimes called Svarti dauði, meaning Black Death . It is possible to find more controversial meats in Iceland, such as puffin, shark, whale and reindeer, but it’s up to you to do your research into how ethical and sustainable these options are.

Discover the best restaurants along the Golden Circle in The Thorough Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle

Where to stay along the Golden Circle

There’s a large variety of hotels and accommodation in Iceland but, as it is a very popular destination, they can book up quickly. Most visitors to Iceland choose to base themselves in the capital, Reykjavík, which will work perfectly if you plan to drive the Golden Circle in one day. There’s a large variety of hotels and hostels within walking distance of the city centre, known as the Miðborg district. You can find a variety of options of where to stay in Reykjavík in our Thorough Guide to Reykjavík .

Camping in Iceland is an excellent way to save some money and immerse yourself in nature. Wild camping is illegal, so you need to book ahead and only stay in designated campsites. NorCamp is a great resource for finding campsites and they have an app too. Bear in mind that a lot of (but not all) campsites close in winter, so you’ll want to plan a visit in summer if you’re interested in camping. For a full list of campsites along the Golden Circle route, check out our Thorough Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle .

Useful resources – apps and websites for driving in Iceland

For checking the weather: Veður

Google Play: Download here

App store: Download here

For Emergency Services: 112 Iceland

For driving in Iceland: SafeTravels

For Iceland’s road rules: Iceland Road Guide

For Iceland’s road conditions: Vegagerðin (Road.is)

For directions: Offline Google Maps

A Google Maps alternative: Waze

For camping: NorCamp

For booking accommodation: Booking.com

For parking: Parka

For finding cheap gas: Gasvaktin

For road trip music: Spotify

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Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle: The Ultimate Golden Circle Self Drive Tour for an Amazing Day

Posted on Published: March 18, 2020  - Last updated: July 5, 2021

Categories Blog , Europe , Iceland , Road Trips , Travel Guides

The Golden Circle is a famous driving route in Iceland. It’s popular because it’s absolutely stunning, and it’s conveniently located near the capital city of Reykjavik . Even if you’re only spending a short amount of time there, I highly recommend that you get out of the city and explore Iceland’s natural wonders. After all, it’s the main reason why Iceland is such an incredible destination. One of the easiest ways to see the beauty of Iceland from Reykjavik is to embark on a Golden Circle self drive tour.

Table of Contents

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

Renting a Car in Iceland

Traveling around the Golden Circle route is easy to do on your own. All you have to do is rent a car. We highly recommend renting a car when visiting Iceland. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, spending as much time as you like at each spot. You can take a closer look at any attraction you happen to pass on your journey. You can move around the entire country with ease, without any restrictions. Compare car rental prices in Iceland to get the most affordable rate.

Don’t worry about booking a 4WD car if you’re traveling around the Golden Circle route. The roads are all paved and they’re easy to navigate. There will be lots of signs along the way pointing you in the right direction. However, I always recommend downloading an offline version of Google Maps to your phone as there will be moments where you don’t have any cell service on your journey. This likely won’t be a problem on your Golden Circle self drive adventure, but it can’t hurt.

A Golden Circle Self Drive Tour Itinerary

The Golden Circle route consists of three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir National Park), Geysir, and Gulfoss. Departing from Reykjavik, the first stop on our Golden Circle self drive tour is Thingvellir National Park.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It’s the site of Iceland’s first parliament (AlÞingi) in 930 AD. The first parliamentary proceedings laid the groundwork for a national identity and a united cultural heritage. It also led to the founding of the nation of Iceland.

Iceland’s First Parliament

When the assembly met each summer, people set up temporary buildings called “booths”. These were walls of rock and turf with a temporary roofing. They lived in these booths for two weeks during the meeting. Even ordinary people gathered here during the meetings to sell their wares, perform, look for work, share news, play games, and have feasts. It was quite the annual event. Many major events in Icelandic history occurred at this site.

The Rift Between Two Tectonic Plates

Thingvellir National Park is the only place in the world where two individual tectonic plates are visible above ground. Most tectonic plate boundaries are only seen underwater. At Thingvellir, the ridges of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates tower above the ground. You can walk between them. The rift runs right through Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland.

At the Silfra Fissure, a crack between the North American and Eurasian plates at Þingvallavatn, you can snorkel or scuba through the middle. Though Justin and I didn’t get in the water this time around, we’ll have to check it out next time. I suggest booking a snorkeling tour at the Silfra Fissure.

Hitting the Trails at Thingvellir National Park

When you arrive at the visitor center, you’ll have to pay a small amount for parking. There’s a pretty big parking lot and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding space for your car. I recommend that you check out the visitor center. You can purchase a trail map there if you wish, or you can wing it like we did.

From the visitor center, we walked down a boardwalk and then a path that winds between the tectonic ridges. Cross the river and check out Þingvallakirkja Church. The original church at this site was one of the first churches built in Iceland. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 1118. The church that you’ll see was built in 1859. You’re able to take a peek inside the church, too.

Visiting Oxararfoss, Thingvellir’s Waterfall

We walked back to the main path. A little further along, there was some water flowing down the river. Even though you can hike the entire way to Öxarárfoss, we decided to walk back to the car and drive to a closer parking lot. Justin and I wanted to make sure that we left enough time to visit the other two sites along our Golden Circle self drive tour.

We drove north on Route 36 from Thingvellir until we saw a small parking lot on the right side of the road. From there, we hiked down a rocky path between the tectonic ridges. At the end of the path, there was a boardwalk that led to Öxarárfoss (the waterfall at the national park).

Afterwards, we did a little more exploring on our own until we were caught in the rain! This was only our first day out of Reykjavik, and we were glad that we brought our rain jackets. Iceland’s weather can be so unpredictable. Thankfully, this was the only day out of two entire weeks that it rained (we were very lucky). Thingvellir National Park is one of those places that looks pretty no matter what. I’m sure it looks gorgeous in the winter, too. If it rains when you travel to Iceland – it probably will – embrace it!

Although we had lots of snacks to keep us going, you can stop for a meal on the way in Laugarvatn. Stop at the restaurant, Lindin, where you can ask about their vegan option. I discovered this restaurant in my personal research for the trip, though I haven’t actually been there myself.

In the Haukadalur geothermal area, you’ll find a site with famous geysers. In fact, all geysers are named after the largest one in the area, Geysir. Unfortunately, Geysir rarely erupts anymore. However, there’s a slightly smaller one called Strokkur that erupts very regularly.

You can see the hot water burst from the surface once every two to ten minutes. While we were visiting, Strokkur erupted a few times. The water shoots anywhere from 15 to 40 meters high. It’s quite the sight!

The Eruption of Strokkur

There’s no telling when Strokkur will erupt. As the anticipation builds and builds, the water bursts into the air loudly and violently. It was my first time seeing anything like this before. It’s definitely one of those bucket list items that you must see in your lifetime.

You can walk around the marked paths to see other bubbling waters and sulfuric hot springs. There’s also a gift shop and restaurant across the street, which is where you’ll park your car for free.

Gullfoss, or the Golden Falls, is a gigantic and stunning waterfall. It was a little too rainy and misty for us, so we don’t have the greatest photographs. I’m sure you can imagine how beautiful it would look on a sunny day. I did enjoy the moody atmosphere as the raging waters plunged over the cliff edge. There are paths along the waterfall so you can get a closer look. We didn’t spend too much time here due to the rain, but it’s quite a magnificent stop.

More Places to Visit

While we enjoyed the casual pace of the day checking out these three attractions on our Golden Circle self drive tour, there are some other places that you can add to your journey. Most notably, the Secret Lagoon is a geothermal pool where you can go for a relaxing soak.

The Secret Lagoon was founded in 1891, and it’s the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. There’s also a walking path around this geothermal site, and Secret Lagoon even has its own little geyser that erupts once every five minutes. You can book your ticket in advance to the Secret Lagoon or include it as part of a Golden Circle Day Tour from Reykjavik.

Rather Visit the Golden Circle on a Tour?

If you aren’t renting a car in Iceland or you find yourself with only a few days in Reykjavik, don’t worry. You can book a day tour of the Golden Circle without having to do any driving yourself. For those with a limited amount of time in Iceland and those who don’t want to drive, this is the perfect option. You’ll get to see Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss all in one amazing day.

Want to see more photos of the Golden Circle?

View all of our travel photography in one place! You can browse and buy any of our pictures, including prints, gifts and more.

Where to Stay After Driving the Golden Circle Day Tour

After touring the Golden Circle self drive route, we made our way to Selfoss for our overnight stay at Gesthus Selfoss . Relaxing in our own private hot tub at this beautiful cottage was the perfect way to end the day. If you’re making a lengthier road trip around Iceland like we did, I suggest ending your day in Selfoss. Then, embark to the South Coast of Iceland on the following day.

Stay in a cozy cottage at Gesthus Selfoss at the end of your Golden Circle self drive trip. Book your stay at Gesthus Selfoss or read more reviews from fellow travelers.

Golden Circle Itinerary Map

Embarking on a Golden Circle itinerary and you’re a visual learner? Looking for some guidance? Here’s our Golden Circle map with all of the attractions that I’ve listed above, visually represented.

Have you ever visited the Golden Circle?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Allison Wong

Saturday 22nd of July 2017

Hey Lauren I was browsing for Iceland road trip and found your post here! I'm planning to cover your exact spots in a day... but in winter with shorter day light. Wish me luck!

Saturday 11th of February 2017

We did very much the same tour, though we had a diving session as well and this was really amazing! Highly recommend if you return to Iceland=)

Marcelle Simone Heller

Monday 8th of August 2016

It's so important to be able to go on internet where ever you are. We always seem to forget to do research in advance and to get a good offer for roaming. How was the cell phone connection in Iceland going to remote places?

Ruth - Tanama Tales

Sunday 7th of August 2016

Wow! This is what I call an epic tour! I try to do my own self-walking or self-drive tours as much as possible. I love the freedom they afford. Plus, it is good to have some room for the unexpected. For what I have read, the infrastructure in Iceland is perfect for self-drives.

Saturday 6th of August 2016

We just came back from Iceland and did a self drive tour of Golden Circle too. It was our favorite part of the trip. Your photos really show how beautiful the drive is!

Planning Guide: Self-Drive the Golden Circle in Iceland

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: January 6, 2023

The Golden Circle refers to a trio of attractions in Iceland not far from the capital city, Reykjavik. The route is jam-packed with history, natural wonder and immense beauty. The best part? You can experience it all in a single day, and you can drive yourself. We’re going to show you exactly how. Let’s talk about how you can self-drive the Golden Circle in Iceland.

In This Guide

Here’s what we’re covering in this guide. We invite you to read the full post or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

What is the Golden Circle in Iceland

• How to see the Golden Circle

Choose Your Golden Circle Driving Route

Plan your golden circle itinerary.

• Tips for a Self-Drive Golden Circle Tour
• Golden Circle Costs (including comparing costs of self-drive vs tour)

Expand your Golden Circle Itinerary

The Golden Circle refers to a travel route in Iceland with stops at three attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring Area and Gullfoss waterfall. These three attractions provide a glimpse into the diverse and unique natural wonders that make Iceland such an amazing place to visit.

Generally speaking, the Golden Circle route starts and ends in Reykjavik; the largest city, capital city and city closest to the country’s only international airport (Keflavik International Airport). Since nearly every Iceland traveler starts their trip in Reykjavik , nearly every Iceland itinerary can include a tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle. And most do!

The trio of sites on the Golden Circle is an efficient way to spend a day in Iceland.  If you have a short trip to Iceland or even a stopover, the Golden Circle is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time.

It can also be a great way to kick off a longer trip. It’s a great start to a journey along the southern coast or a longer Ring Road roadtrip.

If you’re looking for hidden gems, though, the Golden Circle is not that. This route is extremely popular and the sites can get quite crowded. However, they’re outdoor and quite spacious. In our opinion, even visiting during peak travel season (late July), we did not find the crowds to be unbearable or to substantially detract from the experiences.

Let’s take a deeper look at the three Golden Circle Attractions.

Thingvellir National Park

Let’s start at Thingvellir, where history and geology collide (not unlike the tectonic plates below the national park). 

Thingvellir National Park is one of the most historically significant locations in all of Iceland. It was the meeting place of the country’s first and the world’s longest running parliament, which began in the year 930. Even after the Commonwealth was disbanded, the site remained a popular meeting place and continues to host national celebrations to this day.

The geological history at Thingvellir is just as notable. The continental divide of North America and Europe cuts right through Thingvellir National Park. You can actually see where the Eurasian and North-American tectonic plates meet. You can even walk between the continents — or scuba dive between them if you’re brave enough!

A visit to Thingvellir National Park looks something like this …

• Arrive at Hakid overlook and soak up a sweeping view of the national park and its waterways
• Walk between two tectonic plates as you make your way down through Almannagjá Gorge
• Visit Thingvellir Church & Residences, the only historical buildings ever built on the land
• Short hike to Öxarárfoss waterfall which falls over the edge of the North American tectonic plate

Think that Thingvellir looks a little familiar? You might recognize the location from Game of Thrones.  Several of the show’s scenes were filmed there. The most recognizable is Almannagjá Gorge which served as the pathway leading to The Bloody Gate at the entrance of the Vale of Arryn.

You can find our detailed Thingvellir National Park planning guide here.

Geysir Hot Spring Area 

Iceland is a literal hotbed of geological activity. In fact, Iceland is considered the most active volcanic region in the world! In addition to 130 volcanos, geothermal activity is responsible for the numerous hot springs and geysers in the country.

Most of the geysers in Iceland are located in the Haukadalur Valley. Part of this area is known as Geysir Hot Spring Area, which is named after the most famous geyser in the area: Geysir. 

P.S. It’s no accident that these words “geysir” and “geyser” look so similar.  Check out our guide to Geysir Hot Spring Area for a quick etymology lesson and more details about this attraction.

While Geysir is the most famous geyser, it’s not the one most come to see. In fact, Geysir is now considered dormant. It’s nearby Strokkur geyser that is the star of the show. This active geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes and sends plumes of water and steam to heights of 50+ feet into the air.

Geysir Hot Spring Area is also home to several smaller geysers and hot springs. These are not hot springs you can swim in, though. The water in the area is so hot that it will burn your skin immediately, so definitely don’t touch it.

Gullfoss Waterfall 

Iceland is littered with waterfalls, so it’s no surprise that one made its way into the most popular tourist route in the country.

Gullfoss is the second largest waterfall by volume in Iceland, dumping an impressive 4,200 cubic feet of water per second. That’s over a million gallons a minute!

Gullfoss is unique in that it doesn’t fall from a tall mountain or steep peak. In fact, the area surrounding Gullfoss is quite flat. Instead, the waterfall cascades from a valley down into a cavern. Instead of standing at the base of the falls and looking up, you can walk right to the top of this waterfall and look down. 

There’s two places to observe Gullfoss. The upper viewing area is just a short walk on a paved walkway from the parking lot, making it easy for tourists of all mobility levels to see.

In the summer, you can also walk along a lower path which leads all the way to the second viewing area at the edge of the waterfall. It’s a bit more physically demanding, but totally worth it if you’re able.

We have lots more information and details about these two viewpoints in our guide to Gullfoss waterfall . 

How to see the Golden Circle in Iceland

All three Golden Circle attractions are found relatively close together and are all a pretty short distance from Reykjavik. The convenient location is what makes these three attractions specifically so appealing. 

In this section, we’re going to discuss the two main ways you can see the Golden Circle, assuming you’re starting in Reykjavik.

Option 1: Drive the Golden Circle

The best way to see the Golden Circle at your own pace is to drive. It’s about 145 miles total to visit all three attractions, starting and ending in Reykjavik. That’s about 3.5 total hours of driving, but it’ll be broken up as you stop at the different sites along the way. 

The Golden Circle route follows primarily major roads and does not require a 4×4 vehicle. All of the sites are well marked and listed on Google Maps for detailed driving directions. There is ample parking available at all three of the Golden Circle attractions.

It’s possible to drive the Golden Circle all year. In winter months, the roads and parking lots are plowed and accessible. Of course, road closures can happen occasionally for extreme weather, so do check for that if you’re visiting in the winter.

Driving yourself of course requires that you have a car. Iceland being an island and all, everyone arriving by plane will not have their own cars. If you plan to drive in Iceland, you’ll need to rent a car. We don’t have a full guide to renting a car in Iceland, but we found this post from Two Wandering Soles super helpful.

Option 2: Take a Golden Circle Tour

If you don’t want to or can’t rent a car, that’s okay! Renting a car is expensive and, in our opinion, isolating. We personally spent 15 months backpacking the world and did not once rent a car, so we fully support your preference. 

Typically we’d recommend leaning into public transportation, but unfortunately the transit infrastructure in the countryside in Iceland just isn’t there. (It’s great in the city, though!) Instead, the next best option for seeing the Golden Circle is to take a guided tour. 

Tours sometimes get a bad rap, but we think they can be a really great and relaxing way to see a destination. You’ll usually get way more information from your tour guide than you otherwise would. It’s also relaxing to sit back and let someone else deal with the driving, planning and schedule.

Even if you don’t love the idea of tours, it’s definitely better to take the tour than to skip the Golden Circle entirely.

We personally didn’t take a tour, but we encountered many other tour groups at the Golden Circle destinations. There are tons of Golden Circle tours available, which include a variety of durations and add-on activities. Here are a few to get you started. 

Up until this point, we’ve discussed the Golden Circle as if it were a clear route, but the truth is that it isn’t exactly black and white. The three main attractions are pretty universally agreed upon, but after that there’s a lot of wiggle room. While there may be one “Classic” route, much of the details remain open to interpretation.

If you take a quick peek at Google Maps, you’ll immediately see that the three attractions on the Golden Circle don’t actually form a circle at all. The three stops are located more-or-less in a straight line east of Reykjavik. 

When it comes to planning your driving route, there are three main options: 

• Classic Golden Circle Route | Visit the three main attractions in the traditional order and drive a full loop route 
• Out-and-Back “Golden Line” Route | Visit the three main attractions in the traditional order but return the same way you came. 
• Reverse Golden Circle Route | Visit the three main attractions in reverse order, typically not driving a full loop

Let’s look closer at these three route options.

Classic Golden Circle Route

• Attraction Order : Thingvellir National Park > Geysir Hot Spring Area > Gullfoss waterfall
• Link to Route in Google Maps : Here
• Route Shape : Loop
• Total Driving Miles : 150

The classic Golden Circle route starts in Reykjavik, stops at the three attractions in order from closest to furthest, and then returns to Reykjavik on a different road, forming an actual circle. Most travelers and tour groups will travel the Golden Circle in this order, and we’d typically recommend it as well for a few reasons. 

First, is the timing of your day. Of the three attractions, Thingvellir will likely take the longest amount of time. Doing that first gives you a more relaxing afternoon at the next two attractions without feeling like you need to rush to fit in Thingvellir later.

Second is flexibility for your return trip. This route forms an actual loop, so you’ll be driving past different things on the way back than what you saw on the way out. Based on how much time you  have or want to spend on your journey, you can choose to make additional stops along the return leg.

After the three main attractions, there are no “official” stops the remainder of the journey back to Reykjavik. There are, however, plenty of cool things that you can see along the way. Here are a few possible stops to add to your Golden Circle road trip after you’ve seen the main sites:

• Faxi Waterfall
• Secret Lagoon
• Skálholt Cathedral
• Kerid Crater

That built out route could look something like this . This journey includes more stops, but only adds about 15 miles of driving. 

Out-and-Back “Golden Line” Route

• Route Shape : Line
• Total Driving Miles : 145

The fastest, most direct way to see all three of the Golden Circle attractions from Reykjavik is to skip the circle concept all together and follow a basic out-and-back route.  We’ll call this the “Golden Line” route. You can simply visit each of the attractions in classic order and return on the same route you came.

This modified take on the traditional route is a good option for travelers who are just looking to visit the three main sites and then move on to other plans. It’s a perfectly fine route if you don’t need to see extra sites or scenery on your return journey.

Honestly, once you’ve finished the three core Golden Circle attractions and are leaving Gullfoss, it doesn’t really matter which way you come back. Whether you make the loop in the classic route or return the say way you came, it’s only a difference of 6 miles. It just comes down to preference, and whether you’d be more comfortable driving the same way you know or prefer to see something new on the way back.

I mostly go out of my way to point out this “Golden Line” route because if you’re simply following Google’s instructions, this is the route it will give you. If you’re not paying attention, you may end up taking this route when you actually wanted to take the loop route. 

Reverse Golden Circle Route

• Attraction Order : Gullfoss waterfall > Geysir Hot Spring Area > Thingvellir National Park  
• Route Shape : Line (loop optional)

You may also choose to visit the Golden Circle attractions in reverse order. The most appealing reason to visit the Golden Circle attractions in reverse order is to avoid (or at least reduce) crowds.

While everyone is starting their day at Thingvellir, you’ll be enjoying some solitude at Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir Hot Spring Area. By the time you reach Thingvellir, you’ll likely cross paths with the masses, but you can’t win ’em all. 

While seeing the Golden Circle in reverse has some perks, it’s not perfect. Sure, you might catch a break with some crowds, but it’s not guaranteed. During the summer months of high tourist season (May – August), you may be stuck with crowds regardless of what order you visit.

We would typically only recommend the reverse Golden Circle route for someone who doesn’t plan to linger long at the attractions or make extra strops. This option is for the traveler who wants to see lots of places quickly, plans to take really good photos, or just really doesn’t like crowds. 

You have the best shot at avoiding the most crowds if you arrive at Gullfoss as early as possible. That means you’ll want to take the shortest route from Reykjavik, which is the one that passes Thingvellir and Geysir on the way. In other words, you’ll be driving the same route there and back. 

Of course you could drive the longer loop route on your way there if you wanted. You might not be making any extra stops, but it could still be nice to see something different on your way there. It only adds about 6 miles to your drive.

To get to Gullfoss on the loop route, you’ll follow Route 1 from Reykjavik and then take Route 35 north. Here is a link to that route.

Once you’ve chosen your route and any additional stops along the way, it’s time to put it all together and plan out your full itinerary. 

Based on the route you choose, the order of attractions may vary so I won’t put together a detailed itinerary for every scenario. But I do want to explore some of the key elements you should consider when you’re planning your day. 

How much time to spend at each Golden Circle Stop

Generally speaking, we suggest allocating your time as follows:

• Thingvellir National Park — 2-3 hours. This gives you time for an hour of walking between the top sites, and allows time to read all the signs, take lots of waterfall photos, and grab coffee or a snack from the visitor center.
• Geysir Hot Spring Area — 1.5-2 hours. We’d break that up as one hour watching Strokkur geyser, 30 minutes exploring the rest of the hot springs and geysers, and then a flexible 30 minutes for amenities at the visitor center.
• Gullfoss waterfall — 1-2 hours. One hour is enough time to walk to both observation areas and have time to soak it all in (hopefully not literally). Photographers trying to get really good photos or waterfall enthusiasts may end up lingering another 30 minutes – 1 hour here.

How Long Does the Golden Circle Take

If you add up our recommended times for each attraction above, that comes out to 4.5 – 7 hours at attractions. The driving in between attractions takes roughly 3.5 hours. So, that means you should plan on spending a total of 8 – 10.5 hours on the Golden Circle. 

This is intentionally a generous estimate. The main perk of driving is that you can take as much or as little time as you need, so your exact experience will of course vary. The route is really flexible and can truly be what you make of it. 

For context, Golden Circle guided tours range in duration from 6 – 12 hours. The longer trips usually involve an activity (such as diving at Thingvellir) or additional further stops (such as the Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon or Kerid Crater). 

When to Start the Golden Circle

All three of the main Golden Circle attractions are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can technically visit at any time, but the attractions are best seen during daylight hours from dawn to dusk.

However, many of the amenities at the attractions, such as visitor centers and food service do not open until roughly 9 AM. We recommend arriving at your first Golden Circle attraction a little before that, around 8:30 AM.

Arriving roughly 30 minutes “early” will give you a head start in front of visitors planning to arrive at opening time. You’ll likely get some solitude to begin, but then also be able to benefit from the services such as food and drinks or visitor information at your first destination. 

If you plan to visit Thingvellir first, there is a free walking tour that begins at 10 AM and starts at Thingvellir Church. If you arrive at 8:30, this will give you plenty of time to explore a bit and have a leisure walk from the parking lot over to the church. 

Where to Eat on the Golden Circle

Each of the three Golden Circle attractions offer some sort of food/snack/beverage available for purchase. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available. 

• Thingvellir National Park: The Visitors Center offers grab-and-go options including pre-made sandwiches, packaged chips and snacks, hot coffee and tea, and a variety of bottled beverages. There are picnic tables available outside.
• Geysir Hot Springs Area : Geysir Center is located directly across from the hot springs and offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, soups and pizza. There’s also a market section for grab-and-go snacks and a full coffee bar. Ample indoor seating is available.
• Gullfoss Waterfall : There is a small restaurant located inside the visitor center that offers sandwiches and soup. We’ve read amazing reviews of the lamb soup here, which people claim is the perfect way to warm up after the falls. (We’re vegetarian, so cannot confirm.) Indoor seating is available.

We personally would recommend planning to have lunch at Geysir Hot Spring Area. We found that they had the best selection of food items, plenty of seating and were best suited for the high volume of visitors. That said, it does get crowded at lunch time so prepare to wait in line and/or plan to eat during an off time.

Note for vegetarians! During our visit in July 2021, there were vegetarian options at all three stops on the Golden Circle. Our personal favorite was the cold vegan kebab wrap available from the cooler section at Thingvellir. There is vegetarian pizza and sandwiches available at Geysir Hot Springs Area and a vegetarian sandwich at Gullfoss.

Where to get Coffee on the Golden Circle 

If you’re the kind of person who can’t imagine the thought of leaving in the morning without a concrete plan for where you will get your coffee fix, then you’ve come to the right place! We too would never start out day with that kind of uncertainty. 

Fear not. You can absolutely purchase coffee at every stop on the Golden Circle!

The best coffee on the Golden Circle is at Geysir Hot Spring Area. There is a full coffee bar inside that offers hand-crafted espresso beverages like lattes and cappuccinos, including a few flavored options like mocha, vanilla and caramel. They also ofter Iced Coffee which was a welcomed offering for our summer visit.

If you can’t wait for Geysir, you can also find American drip coffee and machine espresso beverages at Thingvellir and hand-crafted espresso beverages at Gullfoss.

Where to go to the Bathroom on the Golden Circle

As you’ve surely gathered by now, the Golden Circle attractions are designed for tourists and offer all of the basic amenities, including bathrooms.

There are public bathrooms available at all three of the Golden Circle attractions. Here are the locations and prices for bathrooms on the Golden Circle. 

• Bathrooms at Thingvellir National Park : There are three bathroom locations at Thingvellir National Park: 1) near the visitor center, 2) near the base of Öxarárfoss waterfall and 3) near the P5 parking lot. You can find the map here which indicates bathrooms with the “WC” icon. There is a fee for the bathroom location near the visitor center, but the other two locations are free to use.
• Bathrooms at Geysir Hot Spring Area : The bathrooms at Geysir are located inside Geysir Center (the main visitor center) and are free to use.
• Bathrooms at Gullfoss Waterfall : There is a small, separate bathroom building near the cafe which is open 24/7 and costs a small fee to use. There are also bathrooms inside the cafe which are free to use when the cafe is open.

Where to get Gas on the Golden Circle

We must confess that we are not car people. We didn’t have a car for 10 years prior to our visit to Iceland so planning for gas wasn’t something we were quite used to. It’s really important in Iceland though, especially in the countryside, as there may often be long stretches without a gas station.

Fortunately on the Golden Circle, there are plenty of opportunities to get gas. 

The best option, of course, is to fill your tank in Reykjavik before you leave. There are many gas stations in the city and a quick Google Maps search will help you find the closest one to you. You will not likely go through an entire tank of gas on the Golden Circle alone.

Let’s be real though. We all go into things like this with the best intentions, but it doesn’t always work out. Maybe you woke up late and wanted to get going or maybe you just forgot. Here’s where you can find gas along the Golden Circle. 

• Gas Station between Thingvellir and Geysir : There is not a gas station super close to Thingvellir National Park, but there is a place to stop about halfway between Thingvellir and Geysir on Route 37. You can find the exact location here . 
• Gas Station at Geysir Hot Spring Area : There is a gas station located beside Geysir Center, the main visitor center at Geysir Hot Spring Area.
• Gas Station Near Gullfoss Waterfall : There is no additional gas station near Gullfoss. The closest gas station to Gullfoss is actually the gas station at Geysir, which is only 10 minutes (6 miles) away.
• Gas Stations on the Southern Loop Portion of the Golden Circle : If you’re driving between Gullfoss and Reykjavik on Route 35 and Route 1, you will pass several gas stops. There is a gas station about 30 minutes after Gullfoss on Route 35 here , as well as gas stations in the towns of Sellfoss and Hveragerði.

10 Tips for a Self-Drive Golden Circle Tour

We hope your Golden Circle plans are shaping up nicely.  We wanted to share our 10 best tips for a self-drive tour of the Golden Circle. Several of these were mentioned in passing throughout this post, but we wanted to put them all in one place.

• Save your map and directions in advance . Wifi will not be available on the full Golden Circle route and cell reception can be spotty. Either download the region in Google Maps so it’s available offline (here’s a guide on that) or take screenshots of the route before you go. 
• Vegetarians, pick up lunch at Thingvellir . If you go to Thingvellir first, pick up the vegan kebab wrap and bring it with you to Geysir. It makes the perfect picnic lunch while you watch Strokkur erupt.
• Omnivores, eat at Geysir & Gullfoss . Geysir has the most food options and largest seating area. We’d recommend getting a light lunch while you’re there, but save room for the lamb stew at the cafe at Gullfoss.
• Visit in the summer … or winter . Visiting in the summer gives you the most daylight, pleasant temps for these outdoor attractions, and the best chance that everything at the sites will be open. However, all three attractions are open year long and the roads are typically plowed, so don’t rule out a winter Golden Circle trip.
• Bring waterproof gear . We suggest having a light rain jacket and waterproof backpack cover (if you have a backpack) with you at all times in Iceland.
• Bring layers . I typically say wear layers, but if you have a car you can bring them instead. I’d suggest wearing a light long sleeve base layer  and having a cozy sweater and thicker jacket at the ready.
• Get coffee at Geysir . The best coffee on the Golden Circle is at Geysir Hot Spring Area. We’d highly suggest picking up an iced coffee on a warm summer day.
• Buy snacks at Bónus before you leave Reykjavik . Is it even a road trip if you don’t have snacks? For the best price and selection of snacks, hit up Bónus and stock up. There’s one in the main shopping district on Laugavegur.
• Go to the bathroom by the waterfall at Thingvellir . The bathroom by Öxarárfoss waterfall at Thingvellir is free, but the one by the visitor center can cost $2 USD per person.
• Take your time . There’s a lot to see and do on the Golden Circle, but it’s definitely possible to see and do it all in a day. Don’t rush through attractions to save time for later attractions. 

Golden Circle Costs

When considering a self-drive Golden Circle road trip, cost is an important metric. Below we’ve detailed average costs for everything you can expect to pay for during a self-drive Golden Circle trip.

If you add all of these costs together, a party of two can expect to spend somewhere around 29,600 ISK ($230 USD) for a day exploring the Golden Circle. Of course you could cut that cost down by not buying food and souvenirs, but this is just an average example. 

Golden Circle Cost Breakdown

Fixed Costs:

• Parking Fees: 750-1000 ISK ($6-8 USD) per car
• Entry Fees: 0 ISK ($0 USD)

Flexible Costs:

• Food: 1500 – 2500 ISK ($12 – $20 USD) for lunch and ~600 ISK ($5 USD) for light breakfast per person
• Coffee: ~650 ISK ($5 USD) per person
• Rental Car : ~13000 ISK ($100 USD) a day, but this varies greatly based on the type of car and season.
• Gas: 6613 ($51 USD)*
• Souvenirs: 1000 ISK ($8 USD) for a magnet, 3000 ISK ($23 USD) for a t-shirt or upwards of 20,000 ISK ($154 USD) for an Icelandic sweater

Average Total Golden Circle Cost for 2 People: 29,600 ISK ($230 USD)

*Gas estimate is based on 150 miles driving in a car that averages 25 miles per gallon and uses the average price of a gallon of gas in Iceland as of March 21, 2022.

Is it Cheaper to Rent a Car or Take a Tour for the Golden Circle

A basic Golden Circle guided tour will cost around $65 – $85 USD per person (something like this or this ). Keep in mind that these prices cover your transportation, parking, and any entrance fees. Food and souvenirs will still cost extra.

A Golden Circle guided tour for two people will likely cost around $200 in total expenditures. If you rent a car and drive yourself around the Golden Circle, it will likely cost about $230 for two people in total expenditures.

That said, for two people, it costs roughly the same amount to self-drive the Golden Circle as it does to take a guided tour.

If you are renting a car during your time in Iceland anyway, we’d definitely recommend driving the Golden Circle on your own.  We don’t think it’s worth spending extra money on a tour when you already have a car, and driving yourself gives you more flexibility in your schedule and itinerary.

However, we don’t recommend renting a car just for the Golden Circle. I f you weren’t planning to rent a car, we suggest you go on a guided tour for roughly the same price. It’s just not worth the trouble or time to rent a car just for this excursion alone.

If you have a larger party, this advice changes. If you have more than two people people in your party, the cost scale quickly tilts in favor of renting a car and driving your whole group.

The Golden Circle is a great day trip from Reykjavik. It’s easily possible to see all three Golden Circle attractions (and more) in a day and return to Reykjavik that evening. But what if you want to see and do more?

If you’ve already rented a car and gotten as far as Gullfoss, it might make sense to extend your Golden Circle itinerary to include a few more stops, particularly along the southern coast. This will likely (though not definitely) mean that you need to stay a night or two outside of Reykjavik.

Here are a few of our favorite attractions that you might want to add to your itinerary to build out your Golden Circle adventure.

Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls

If you even remotely liked Gullfoss on the Golden Circle, you will likely love these two waterfalls.

During the summer months, you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss for a unique and stunning perspective on the backside of water. You might even discover a hidden waterfall in a cavern just a short walk away. 

Then there’s the mighty Skogafoss . You can get soaked by the spray at the base of the falls or even climb the stairs up the cliff for a breathtaking view from above. 

During the summer months when there’s lots of daylight, you can actually visit all three Golden Circle attractions, plus Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss in a single day. It’ll be a long day, but it’s possible.

It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Gullfoss to Seljalandsfoss, and then Skogafoss is only 30 minutes further. It’s then about 2 hours back to Reykjavik from Skogafoss.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach & Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve

Iceland’s southern coast is where stunning views, incredible wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes collide to create one of the most amazing regions in the country.

There’s no better way to see the southern coast than from the top of a cliff at the second southernmost point on the island. That place is Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve .

Here you’ll find a promontory with a unique archway cut though it, a darling lighthouse and the cliffside home of a local puffin colony. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of nearby glaciers, endless seascapes and miles of black sand coastline.

Speaking of black sand, Iceland’s most famous black sand beach  is located just a stone’s throw from Dyrhólaey. Reynisfjara spreads over a mile of coastline with the notoriously moody ocean on one side and towering, naturally formed basalt columns and caves on the other.

These two, top-tier destinations are a bit further from the Golden Circle — about 2.5 hours from Gullfoss. If you choose to add these destinations, you may want to plan to stay a night in Fludir (not far from Gullfoss) or the seaside town of Vik (right by Reynisfjara).

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

If you don’t have the “Ice” part of the Land of Ice and Fire in your itinerary yet, you just might need to add a stop at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

This postcard-perfect lagoon is filled with giant floating icebergs that have broken off a nearby glacier. You can take a boat ride through the lagoon, be dazzled by the ice at diamond beach and maybe spot a few seals if you’re lucky. 

This icy wonderland is not exactly close to the Golden Circle though. It’s nearly a full five hours from Gullfoss, so it’s not exactly a “Golden Circle Add-On,” but it’s so good that it’s worth mentioning. If you’re interested in extending your time on the southern coast, you could visit the Golden Circle and all of the above listed attractions by staying a couple nights in Vik. 

Well that’s a wrap on the Golden Circle, folks!

We personally chose to tackle the Golden Circle and southern coast over three days and three nights and it made for a spectacular adventure. We were traveling with a nearly-one-year-old toddler and thought this made for the perfect balance of exciting adventure and casual ease. 

Now it’s your turn to plan your very own journey. Remember, the Golden Circle isn’t black and white, so make it an experience that fits your travel style.

Whether you’re in Iceland now or planning your dream trip, we hope you have an amazing adventure.

Monday 20th of March 2023

Thank you for sharing your valuable information. I

Friday 19th of August 2022

Thank you! This was our favorite guide to the Golden Circle. Perfect advice.

Sunday 21st of August 2022

That's so great to hear!! I'm so happy to hear it was helpful. I hope you enjoyed your visit!

How to Experience Iceland’s Golden Circle Route (Self-Drive + Map)

The Golden Circle route is a must-do when you travel to Iceland! If you're considering renting a car, use this self-drive guide.

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Curious about the infamous Iceland Golden Circle route, and wondering whether you can make a road trip out of it and do it yourself? You most certainly can, and I highly recommend it for enjoying many of Iceland’s most famous wonders at your own pace!

Spanning just under 200 miles, the Golden Circle route is a driving route in southern Iceland that is packed with every natural wonder you could hope to see all in one convenient, easily accessible package. One of the reasons this drive is so popular is that it begins so close to downtown Reykjavik, with the first stop on the route just a short 45-minute drive away. Ask anyone who’s ever been to Reykjavik , and one of the first things they’ll tell you they did while they were here was hit the road for this legendary drive.

From geysers, to waterfalls bigger than you ever thought waterfalls could possibly be, to greenhouses as inviting and warm as your grandma’s kitchen while she’s making your favorite meal, it’s truly hard to believe that so many amazing sights could coexist in the same space.

Arguably the best part? While you can take a tour, Iceland’s Golden Circle can also easily be done as a self-drive. If you plan to rent a car and do the drive yourself like I did, allow yourself an entire day, at least, to really take in all of the sights, stop for pictures (because you’ll be stopping EVERYWHERE), and enjoy.

I ended up spending just shy of two days exploring the Golden Circle, with an overnight stay at Iceland’s Bubble Hotel. My itinerary and the best Golden Circle stops can be found below along with their coordinates (trust me, you’ll need them along with a downloaded Google Map – keep scrolling for mine at the bottom of this post!).

Read on for how to self-drive Iceland’s Golden Circle route!

RELATED: Where to Stay in Iceland – The Bubble Hotel

How to Get Around in Iceland: 2 Self-Drive Options

You can get around Iceland a number of ways, from public busses, to flying, to taking organized tours.

However, for the purposes of this guide, you will need to have your own transportation to self-drive the Golden Circle! There are two main options for getting your own transportation in Iceland:

1. Rent a Car in Iceland

Renting a car in Iceland will allow you the greatest flexibility and freedom during your trip, though it’ll no doubt be a little costly depending on how far in advance you book, and the time of year you plan to visit.

In the summer months, you won’t necessarily need a 4×4. But, in the shoulder and winter months, a 4×4 will typically be the recommended approach, especially if you plan to drive on any F-roads. When driving a rental car in Iceland, be mindful of the rules and your specific coverage policy. Little things that you might not think twice about – like pulling over off the side of the road – are actually a big deal in Iceland as the ground can be unstable or prone to erosion.

Use Kayak to compare rental car prices in Iceland!

2. Rent a Campervan in Iceland

Renting a campervan for your self-drive Golden Circle tour is an option too. Having a campervan in Iceland will mean that you do not have to pay for a hotel or Airbnb for most or all of your trip, which can save you a good amount of money!

A campervan will make exploring scenic drives like this one and others more comfortable and straightforward, with everything you need contained in the vehicle.

Check out camper vans and pricing at Cozy Campers Iceland .

Iceland Golden Circle Route Self Drive: Day 1

Þingvellier national park.

64.2559° N, 21.1304° W

First up on the Golden Circle Loop is Þingvellier National Park . There are several reasons why this park has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of which is that the park actually marks the point where two continents meet – the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. If you’re coming from Reykjavik, you will enter the park by way of the literal edge of North America, and as you gaze over the large valley that comprises Þingvellier down below the viewing platform, you’ll see the cliffs of Eurasia on the far opposite side. If you’re adventurous, you can actually scuba dive in Þingvellier’s Silfra fissure –the glacial water found between the two continental plates (I didn’t – if there’s one thing that freaks me out, it’s scuba diving).

In addition to the insane geographic wonder this place has to offer, it also played a significant role in helping to shape Iceland’s history. In fact, take a stroll through Þingvellier and you’ll be walking on the ground where the nation was born. And, Þingvellier (literally “fields of parliament”) played host to Iceland’s parliament–the AlÞing–for over 9 centuries.

Laugarvatnshellir

64.2163° N, 20.8836° W

Not one of the main attractions on the Golden Circle but definitely worth a stop if you have the time, Laugarvatnshellir is a small cave off the main route between Þingvellier and Geysir. Some backstory–about 100 years ago, two Icelanders built a home directly into the side of the cave and started a family here. Although the cave’s been uninhabited for decades, the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland has recently worked to restore the site to its understated but intriguing greatness. Just so you know, the roads leading up to this “house” are unpaved and difficult to drive. I recommend going for it if you rented a 4×4, but until the roads get fixed, it might be too much of a time suck to maneuver if you have a smaller vehicle. We rented a Duster 4×4, and my boyfriend got a kick out of driving through the dips and puddles (though I didn’t find it quite as amusing from the passenger’s seat…).

64.3104° N, 20.3024° W

Easily drawing the biggest crowds on the entire Loop, Geysir is located on a geothermal field about an hour’s drive from Þingvellir. Geysir is famous for its natural geothermal activity, and you can get up close and personal with boiling mud pits, hot springs, and an active geyser, named Strokkur, that shoots water 100 feet straight up into the air every 7 minutes or so. The boiling hot springs and Strokkur (when it’s not exploding) are eerily deep and piercingly blue, and honestly just fascinating to experience. I was in awe the whole time, standing eagerly among other excited travelers waiting for each unannounced water explosion and trying to snap a good photo. To really see just how epic this geyser is, I recommend taking a good DLSR camera with you, speeding up the shutter speed, and shooting rapid-fire during the entire explosion. You might end up getting a shot like the one above (taken by my boyfriend !) in the process.  

64.1775° N, 20.4449° W

If you asked me before my trip to Iceland whether one of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting a tomato farm in the middle of nowhere, I’d honestly think you were insane. 1. Of all of Iceland’s natural wonders, visiting a tomato farm wasn’t high up on our initial list of must-do visits, and 2. I kind of hate tomatoes. 

But, if there’s one thing you will be while you set out to drive the Golden Circle loop, it’s hungry. We came across Friðheimar  when searching for a nearby lunch destination while we were at Geysir. This farm, located in Reykholt, specializes in tomatoes and runs the entire operation inside of a warm, glowing, inviting greenhouse–a sharp contrast from the cold, unpredictable weather just outside its doors. Friðheimar is responsible for producing 18% of the entire country’s tomatoes, and is just one example of how Iceland is using climate-controlled greenhouses to drive sustainable initiatives and grow its own produce.

Realistically, if you’ve just visited the Geysir, you should probably head to Gullfoss (read below) first before making your way south towards Friðheimar and the rest of the loop, as it’s fairly close. However, since we didn’t find out about the farm until 2:45, and it’s only open to visitors each day from 12 – 4 pm, we booked it there in between sights to grab a bite before they closed their doors. If you do make it, you’ll enjoy a menu that (naturally) uses green and red tomatoes as the star ingredients. Go for the bottomless tomato soup and bread (served with delicious Icelandic butter, sour cream, and cucumber salsa), and don’t leave without trying their green tomato bloody mary. As someone who never orders bloody marys, this was probably my favorite cocktail in all of Iceland.

64.3271° N, 20.1199° W

After we were full off of as many bowls of tomato soup as we could possibly eat, we raced against daylight to head back up the loop to check out Gullfoss. Gullfoss is the third and final main attraction on the loop, and it is seriously more massive than I can even begin to describe to you. Upon arriving in the parking lot, it’s a bit unassuming, because you can’t yet see the waterfall from where you’re standing. But a short 5 minutes’ walk up the path and down the stairs changes everything. I was speechless at the enormity of Gullfoss, and this was easily my boyfriend’s favorite stop. Keep walking up the path to get up close and personal with the top of the falls, but be careful–the rocks are slippery and, as is typical of Iceland, there are no real barriers separating you from falling in if you’re not careful. We went on a rainy day, but Gulffoss’ official site provides a crazy beautiful 360-degree panorama if you want to see the falls in sunshine.

Skólabraut 4, 801 Reykholt

After Gullfoss, we were in need of a glass of wine and a slice of pizza, and Mika was both highly rated and, more importantly, close by. Known prominently for langoustines and handmade chocolates, we came instead for a giant pizza drizzled with raspberry-chili sauce, and it was pretty good, in addition to being unique. Unfortunately, we forgot to take a picture because it was late and we were exhausted, but it was definitely tasty! 

The Bubble Hotel

If you have enough time to take 2 days exploring the Golden Circle instead of 1, this is where you need to turn in for the night. After spending a day taking in mesmerizing waterfalls, geysirs, and landscapes, imagine checking in to a transparent bubble hotel in the middle of the forest under the magical Icelandic night sky, complete with warm, cozy beds and ultimate seclusion. That’s what we did, and you can–and should–too.

Check out my full experience recap of our stay in the Bubble here

Skálholti, 801 Selfossi

To start off day 2 of our Golden Circle Loop tour, we made our first stop at Skalholt, a spot that’s equally as important as Þingvellir in terms of helping shape Iceland’s story. Today, you’ll only see a roughly 50 year-old cathedral (the 10th of its kind to stand in the same spot you’d see today) and some buildings, but historic events in Iceland here date back as far as the 11th century.

64.0413° N, 20.8851° W

Our last stop on the Golden Circle brought us to Kerið Crater. If you thought you’d seen more than enough jaw-droppers for one 48-hour period, think again. Kerið is a stunning crater lake situated inside a volcanic caldera (essentially, a large depression in the earth caused by magma evacuating a chamber after volcanic activity or an eruption). Imagine a bright, almost fake-looking sapphire blue lake surrounded on all sides by rare, vibrantly red volcanic rock. You can walk around the perimeter of the crater, but there’s also a staircase that takes you down to the basin if you want a closer look.

Icelandic Ponies

And finally, a road trip anywhere in Iceland wouldn’t be complete without stopping to say hi to some Icelandic ponies. Please tell me you agree, because my boyfriend definitely didn’t, and I had to beg him to stop on the side of the road after seeing one too many of these adorable little guys pass us by. Finally, he pulled over, and I ran across the street like a little kid to go see some of these unique species  up close. I knew they’d be friendly, but I didn’t know just HOW friendly, as all 8 of them came strolling up to the gate immediately to greet me. It was just bliss, though I’m not sure the boyfriend agreed, as he wouldn’t even get out of the car except to take this photo.

Golden Circle Self-Drive Map

Are you going to try Iceland’s Golden Circle self drive? Let me know if you find this guide helpful!

Read This Next:

• City Guide: Off Duty in Reykjavik
• Where to Stay in Iceland: The Buubble Hotel

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Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

Recent Adventures:

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• Updated on: December 20, 2021

5 Responses

omg! these places are wonderful O_O , I really need to visit all these amazing places . Great post .

They were absolutely life changing. I loved every single second of our trip on the Golden Circle loop. Thanks for reading–hope you get to visit it soon!

Ahhh Iceland is so beautiful! My husband and I went recently and are already planning a trip back soon! Thanks for all this helpful info!

How cool! I’d love to plan a trip back to Iceland in the near future. Hoping I get to soon! You guys are going to have a blast!

Hi Great post. If we driving to Vik after Gulfoss, is kerid on route or out of the way.

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Iceland Golden Circle: A Self-Drive Itinerary

12/19/2023 by Kristin Addis 12 Comments

Iceland is the perfect destination for nature-loving travellers who are short on time. Even in 48 hours, you can experience jaw-dropping waterfalls like Gulfoss, impressive geysers like Strokkur , and a national park (Þingvellir). These stops are along the stunning Golden Circle drive, as well as in the area surrounding Reykjavík. Since you can self-drive Iceland’s Golden Circle in just one day (with about 3 hours of actual driving), it’s ideal for anyone with a long layover.

We’ve put together the best 48-hour Golden Circle itinerary so you can make the most of your trip to Iceland:

Table of Contents

Iceland Golden Circle Self-Drive Itinerary:

One thing that I loved about Iceland was that all of the national parks are free. The rumors that Iceland is expensive are true, so it’s a relief that these incredible locations will not set you back at any krona.

Þingvellir National Park holds a lot of cultural, historical, and natural significance for Iceland. Not only does it mark the convergence of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates but it’s also where the Icelandic Parliament was established.

There are several rift valleys throughout the park with incredibly clear water, some of which you can dive and snorkel in . Others are full of rocks, beautiful green grasses, and lush foliage.

The area became a World Heritage Site in 2004 and borders Iceland’s largest lake. One could easily spend an entire day just in this park and we devoted several hours to it.

Having fun trying to pronounce these names yet? Here’s an easier one: Geysir.

The Strokkur geyser shoots water 15 and 20 meters into the air every 5-6 minutes . Sadly, the larger one, Geysir is no longer active… but I sure wish I’d been able to see it! These spots are busiest in the afternoons so come early (or late) to dodge the crowds.

The area was formed by earthquakes and the bubbling, sulfuric pools are simultaneously beautiful, crystal clear, and billowing with pungent fumes. If you’ve ever been near an active volcano crater before, you’ll know I’m referring to that rotten egg smell. You will become very familiar with this smell during your trip to Iceland.

These geysers and bubbling pools are super cool to see and not far from the next attraction:

This is a pretty incredible waterfall, seeming to fall sideways in a staircase fashion into a crevice that is 105 feet (32 meters) deep. It seems to appear out of nowhere and vanish just as quickly.

This waterfall is notable not only for its massive size but also for the great measures taken to preserve it.

The waterfall owner’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, is credited as Iceland’s first environmentalist thanks to her determination to preserve the waterfall. When European investors attempted to dam the waterfall to provide power, and profits, she threatened to throw herself into the waterfall.

Today, it’s one of Iceland’s most visited sights.

Kerið Crater Lake

Just a note on the crater lake, since Maksim and I decided to skip it (you’ll see why later in this post). The lake is notable for its red rather than black volcanic rock and is only half as old as most of its volcanic surroundings.

If you have time, you can make this your last stop on the Golden Circle before making your way back to Reykjavik.

Beyond Iceland’s Golden Circle:

Kleifarvatn.

The next morning, we decided to head a bit south of Reykjavik and explore an even more spectacular lake en route to yet another geothermal area that’s more popular with hikers.

The drive there was a beautiful adventure in itself, full of moss-covered stones and a seriously cool-looking sky:

The drive around the lake is beautiful, full of lookout points and places to stop. There are epic rock formations, black sand coves, and vast volcanic hillsides all around. It’s a truly incredible area that’s often quieter than the main attractions on the Golden Circle. It’s a vast lake, so you can easily spend all morning or afternoon exploring the area.

This area is full of geothermal fields and bubbling mud pots, including the famous Seltún. There were fewer tourists here than at the Strokkur/Geysir geyser and, while none of these shot up in the air, it’s still an incredible spot. Really, you feel like you’re on another planet! If you’re a hiker, then you will love Seltún.

The area is also known for its soil, which you can see in the photos. It appears green, red, and yellow in places. It’s also where German scientists proposed a hypothesis on the formation of sulphuric acid in nature based on a visit in 1845. Pretty cool stuff!

Say hi to the furry residents

No trip to Iceland is complete without some playtime with the furry Icelandic horses, which were developed in Iceland and kept pure thanks to stringent import and export laws. They are small but hearty and rarely suffer from diseases.

They’re mainly used for sheep herding and are notable for their thick, soft fur and manes. Seriously, these horses have the best hair.

You’ll see them everywhere as you drive around Iceland. I have to admit, at first I was a little shy about getting close to them but this one really wanted me to pet him, so I obliged.

It was a little awkward making friends with someone who has way better hair than I do, but we were able to put our differences aside.

Maksim and I ended up here when he stopped by a gravel road and pointed, “There, I want to go down there.” ( map )

I wouldn’t have even thought of it had he not been so curious… and I’m glad I went along for the ride.

This was the only spot during those first two days that we had entirely to ourselves. We explored an incredible black sand beach with black stone cliffs, where we climbed for at least an hour. It almost looked like a giant bowling ball had carved it out. There are also remains of an old fishing village.

Final stop: the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is best to visit en route back to the airport. It’s on the way, plus you will have the most relaxed flight home after. Just be aware that is an extremely popular tourist destination and does get quite crowded! Those beautiful blue waters are worth it though.

The water is warmer in some places than others so move around to get the best spot. You can also buy a few drinks for around $10 each, which is about what I’d pay back in Los Angeles, so I didn’t think that was too bad!

The lagoon also has clay mud you can rub on your face if you feel like it. Fair warning; I have naturally dry skin and it did dry me out, but most masks tend to.

A final lagoon tip: if you want to get your hair in the water, coat it with conditioner first as the sulfuric water can leave it feeling dry and crispy.

When you land

Maksim and I booked an airport transfer that got us close to our hotel and, on the way back, we included a stop at the Blue Lagoon.  You can also pick up your car from the airport or take a public or private bus to reach Reykjavík. Keflavík airport is about 50 kilometres or a 45-minute drive away from the city centre.

Where to rent a car

I recommend renting from SADcars  because t hey’re pretty affordable .  They do have a full-to-full policy, meaning you’re given a car with a full tank of gas and expected to return it full. Their cheapest cars go for 55€ per day, including third-party liability and CDW insurance. Other car rental companies have similar (if not slightly more expensive) prices, starting at 60-65€ per day.

The roads along the Golden Circle are flat and pretty easy to self-drive barring bad weather, so a 4×4 isn’t necessary. However, you should really purchase extra insurance. Iceland is known for extreme weather and cars are often damaged. The winds alone can bend back car doors like it’s nothing (always hold the door when you’re opening it!).

Where to stay

Maksim and I stayed at a wonderful Airbnb rental that was warm, cozy, and well-situated. There are tons of them in Reykjavik and apartment rentals (and small guesthouses) remain my favorite way to travel in Europe. If you’re looking for something more romantic, check out these honeymoon in Iceland tips .

Read More: The Perfect Ring Road Itinerary  and  What to Pack for Iceland

About kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Cameron Cobb says

01/22/2016 at 9:17 pm

Great list, Kristin!

This is almost exactly the path I took when I had a rental car (also from Sad Cars which was great) for 48 hours. Starting my trip in Iceland it’s given quite a bit for the rest of my trip to live up to. It’s such an incredible place. Thank you for all the resources! I can’t wait to return and dive between the tectonic plates now that I’m advanced scuba certified!

Kristin says

01/24/2016 at 6:43 am

Definitely makes it hard to find a place this varied and beautiful again. It ups the game like crazy for other destinations but i also like that it pushes me to keep exploring more remote, different places.

Ashley says

04/20/2016 at 1:34 pm

Great post! You mentioned a gravel road to get to Selatangar, but it also sounds like you did not have a 4×4 car is that correct? Was the gravel road that bad? Would the gravel road be obvious (any landmarks to look for)? Any clarification would be appreciated! Thanks 🙂

04/23/2016 at 12:02 pm

We did have a 4×4 and you can’t take the road unless you have one

Nadia Bui says

06/22/2016 at 9:36 am

Hi Kristin,

Would you recommend a solo female traveler to do this alone? I am heading there by the end of September and wondering if it is safe enough for me to drive around myself. I am from Southern California with limited experience in driving in the snow. Thanks.

06/23/2016 at 4:00 am

You can definitely take day tours if you’re not comfortable with driving in the snow. Otherwise I’d suggest staying at a hostel there and making friends and splitting a car with them. It’ll be easier than you think!

03/27/2017 at 8:48 pm

Hi. Fantastic information and amazing photography! I am wondering what type of camera you use whilst travelling please?

03/28/2017 at 2:34 am

I’ve got all my gear listed here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/gear/

Camila says

04/22/2017 at 7:39 am

Hi there! Thanks for such good posts on Iceland. Have you been there in June? 🙂 Best, Camila

04/24/2017 at 4:12 am

I was there in October

Driving the Golden Circle: A Guide to Iceland’s Most Iconic Route

The Golden Circle is by far the most popular day trip in southern Iceland. The circular route runs for about 186 miles and starts and ends in the capital city, Reykjavik. Some of Iceland’s top scenic attractions are along this route, making it a highlight of any short or long visit to Iceland.

The Golden Circle is a great introduction to the country and all of its natural wonders. Iceland is famous for its dramatic landscape, and this mini roadtrip shows off some of its best, including gorgeous waterfalls, volcanic craters, glaciers, geothermal activity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Add to this the famous Icelandic ponies roaming throughout the land and you’ll quickly see just how magical Iceland really is.

This guide will take you through all the basics of self-driving the Golden Circle with some additional tips and stops along the way. Of course, you can take a guided tour of the Golden Circle, but driving it yourself gives you more freedom, and the added bonus stops are worth their weight in gold.

Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my  Affiliate Disclosure  for more details.

With the ease of the Golden Circle being a direct circular route from Reykjavik, it’s a straightforward way to explore the wonders of Iceland, even if you’re only staying a short while.

How long does it take to drive the Circle Circle?

An average tour of the Golden Circle should take about 6-8 hours, but if you were to do it without stopping it would end up somewhere between 3-4 hours.

I’ve added a few extras to the usual itinerary to make it an even more exciting adventure. Depending on the weather and tourism levels, I would factor in a full day for this trip, between 8-10 hours. You’ll want plenty of time to take in the unique and breathtaking scenery; the worst thing you could do is feel rushed.

When can I visit the Golden Circle?

This guide is for a self-drive tour any time of the year. Yes, you can even drive the Golden Circle in the winter and you don’t need a 4×4 to do it. However, I would highly recommend 4×4 in the wintertime if you are heading off the main route.

One of the scariest moments we had on the trip was visiting waterfall þórufoss, as a person that has never driven in snow nor in a snowstorm, it was challenging enough in 4×4. Going back on the main road we slid on the ice, my friends yelling brace! We were all good but I couldn’t have managed that in a smaller car.

The paved roads are well-maintained and the convenience of this route to the city is what makes it so popular. There’s still a lot of tourism in the winter for those chasing after the Northern Lights, but it won’t be as busy as the summer months.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll have unlimited daylight at your disposal, meaning you can start later in the day and still have enough time for everything. In the winter, the daylight hours are very limited, so you never want to miss a chance to get out the door before sunrise.

The great thing about driving the Golden Circle yourself is that you’re more likely to avoid crowds and enjoy more privacy along the way.

Keep in mind that most Golden Circle tours leave in the morning from Reykjavik between 8-10am, with afternoon departures around noon and 2pm and most of them return to the city by 8pm. If you can, work your schedule around this to avoid the tour buses as much as possible.

Why is it called the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle gets its name from one if its main attractions, Gullfoss – which translates from Icelandic to Golden Waterfall – along the roughly circular route. It is also sometimes called the Golden Triangle, due to the three main attractions. There’s a story that says Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the president of Iceland from 1980-1996, was the first person to use the expression ‘Golden Circle’ and it just sort of stuck.

In the north of Iceland, you’ll also find another popular circular driving route called the Diamond Circle. In the summer, many people will use the Golden Circle as a starting point for driving the full Ring Road around Iceland and up to the Diamond Circle.

What are the highlights of the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle has three major attractions you’ll want to visit; Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur Geothermal Field and Gullfoss. But you’re not limited to just these three! The area around the Golden Circle has many other attractions that can make your day even more enjoyable, like soaking in the geothermal hot springs.

Next I’m going to guide you through each stop along the way in the order you might visit them.

Thingvellir

Your first stop along the Golden Circle, driving in a clockwise direction, is the National Park Þingvellir, spelt Thingvellir in English. This was Iceland’s first national park and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an important stop from a cultural and geological perspective.

Around fifty years after Iceland was first settled, Thingvellir became the location for Iceland’s first parliament, known as Althing, in 930 AD and continued there until 1798. Thingvellir was chosen as the parliament’s meeting location because of how easily reachable it was from all the different regions of Iceland in the summer months.

It was this location where laws were passed, judicial hearings took place and it’s where the foundation for Iceland’s cultural roots were formed. So from a cultural standpoint alone, Thingvellir is an important stop.

But then you have the fact that Iceland sits right on the middle of two continental plates, the Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate. Thingvellir just so happens to be found in the rift valley of these two plates, that are slowly drifting apart from each other.

This means that part of your experience in Thingvellir National Park is that you can see and walk in the cracks that have opened up in the earth. There are even opportunities for a truly unique experience of snorkeling and diving in these fissures.

Silfra at Thingvellir

Usually when you think of Iceland, you think of cold, so scuba diving doesn’t necessarily come to mind when you’re considering a trip to the Arctic. However, within Thingvellir National Park, you’ll find the home of one of the top ten scuba sites in the world.

Silfra provides a unique scuba diving and snorkeling experience unlike anywhere else. No matter what time of year you visit, you can actually plunge into the clearest water on earth, with wet suits of course.

The water that reaches the fissure has taken 30 to 100 years to get there, filtering through lava rock along the way. This is what provides visibility for up to 100 metres. If you’re up for it, book ahead of time to experience underwater tunnels, terrain, and caverns that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

If scuba diving isn’t your thing, then there’s a ten minute walk from the parking lot that will also take you to a lovely waterfall called Oxararfoss. The walking paths through Thingvellir are free, however there is a small parking charge to be paid by credit or debit card. Plan on spending 30-90 minutes at the park, depending on the weather conditions.

Game of Thrones fans will be excited to know that a number of scenes from the show were filmed in the national park, as well as other locations around Iceland.

Friðheimar Tomato Farm

After leaving the Thingvellir National Park, the next major highlight of the Golden Circle is about an hour’s drive. Before you reach that, though, you’ll probably want to stop for a hearty lunch! And for that I can’t recommend Friðheimar enough. This is a unique highlight to your day you don’t want to miss.

Friðheimar is a tomato farm and restaurant located in the area of the Golden Circle that’s growing increasingly popular so book a table! They’re able to grow tomatoes all year round, despite Iceland’s long, dark winters, with artificial lighting in the greenhouses.

From the moment you walk into this geothermal tomato farm, everything looks and smells of tomatoes. It’s a great choice for vegetarians and vegans in Iceland and the food is extraordinary. The one and only Friðheimar Tomato Soup is served on a buffet with sour cream, home baked bread, cucumber salsa, butter and fresh herbs. You won’t believe how fresh everything tastes.

Money-saving tip: the soup is unlimited and you can eat as much as you like !

Don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a Bloody Mary, which they obviously specialize in with all the tomatoes. It was the best Bloody Mary I’ve had in my life, in a uniquely gorgeous setting of tomato vines. Alternatively, they make their own beer flavoured with tomatoes.

Greenhouse visits are also available all year round for pre-booked groups and you can even take away delicious food souvenirs such as tomato jam, cucumber salsa and tomato drinks. And if you want to visit the Icelandic ponies, pre-book a visit to the horse stables.

You will not regret this enriching, wholesome stop at Friðheimar!

Haukadalur Geothermal Field

Jump back into the car for the much shorter journey from Friðheimar to the next major sightseeing destination: Haukadalur Geothermal Field, also referred to as the Geysir Geothermal Area.

The major geothermal wonders of this area are Iceland’s famous geysers, Strokkur and Geysir. In addition to these you’ll explore mud pots, hot springs and fumaroles (steam rising, essentially).

Geysir is believed to have been erupting for at least 10,000 years, but is fairly dormant in modern times. If you’re lucky enough to see the spectacular eruption, you’ll witness boiling water and steam reaching over 400 feet in the air. But if you don’t get to see Geysir, never fear, Strokkur will save the day!

Strokkur is just 50 metres from Geysir and usually erupts every five to ten minutes, so this is what you’re really there to see. The eruption is smaller than Geysir, averaging around 50ft in the air, but it’s still an impressive sight to behold.

Visiting Haukadalur Geothermal Field is another free stop along your way and there’s free parking on site too! Next to the car park, there’s a large gift shop and plenty of toilet facilities so I recommend taking advantage of the bathroom break and food opportunity as well.

Because Strokkur spouts often, you’ll have ample opportunity for a photo, just make sure and stick to the marked paths for safety. I found this stop to be the most crowded, with lots of tour buses so I spent the least amount of time here.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss waterfall is the last of the three major highlights of the Golden Circle. Gullfoss means ‘golden falls’ and is where the Golden Circle name comes from. Gullfoss is a favourite waterfall in Iceland and is only a ten minute drive from the geysers.

Gullfoss is on the Hvítá River, with two main car parks, offering different views of the falls. With views at lower and higher elevations, there are steps that links the two and both viewpoints are definitely worth seeing.

It’s also possible to walk along the edge of the river above the falls, but this will depend on weather conditions and time of year you’re visiting. This area is very windy and can be extremely cold in the winter months so you might not spend as much time as you think you will.

The water originates in glacier Langjökull flowing down to the sea as glacial river Hvítá. The falls then cascade down across two levels. The first is around 36 feet in height and the second is around 70 feet in height, so it’s not just one tall, straight waterfall. In the summer, about 4900 cubic feet of water pass over the falls each second.

In the summer there’s a good chance of seeing a rainbow in the spray of the waterfall if you visit in the afternoon and in the winter you’ll have a beautiful snow covered landscape.

It’s free to visit and park at the falls, and you’ll also find a visitor centre, shop and café on site.

What else is there to see around the Golden Circle area?

Secret lagoon hot spring.

Is there a better way to unwind after a long day than in a hot spring? And although the secret is out on this fantastic spot, you’ll be amongst locals.

If you’ve followed this guide on a visit outside of the long days in summer, you’ll be happy to know that you should be arriving at the Secret Lagoon for sunset (if you time it well!) – and there’s nothing better than watching the sun set over the horizon while lounging in a hot geothermal pool.

The Secret Lagoon , known locally as Gamla Laugin, is one of the oldest natural pools in Iceland. It was made at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area in the town of Flúðir in 1891, and is a special place with rich natural resources of warm water that comes from the hot springs.

The Secret Lagoon will be a different experience for you if you’ve already visited the Blue Lagoon, as they keep the vibe simple and natural, with a more local feel. You’ll definitely find less tourists at this location, despite being just off the Golden Circle.

The water in this geothermal pool gets very hot so you’ll have to be careful. This is because there’s actually three active geysers which spout every few minutes, showing off for the guests. Their names are Vaðmálahver, Básahver, or Litli Geysir and they provide 100% of the water supply in the lagoon.

The warm, clean water is rich in sulphur, stays at 38-40 Celsius all year round and only takes 24 hours to complete a cycle of water replacement. You’ll be able to watch the boiling water in the little pools surrounding the main pool and it only adds to the magical ambience.

There is an entrance fee that includes access to the change rooms, lockers and showers. Make sure and have your swimsuit and travel towel, but if for some reason you forget yours, both are available for hire for an extra charge.

Please note that it’s required in Iceland to shower fully naked prior to entry to any of the swimming pools and there are not private cubicles. This is good to keep and mind and be prepared if you find this uncomfortable.

Should I drive back to Reykjavik at the end of the day?

If you’ve stayed at the Secret Lagoon past sunset (in the winter), you’ll now want to head back to the capital, where you started from. It’s an easy hour and a half drive, but it will be dark, so you’ll want to drive slow and be careful, especially since you’ll be so relaxed from the hot springs. There won’t be any stops along the way, so this will be a straight shot.

If you’re following this route in the summer, you’ll have more daylight hours to stop along the way home if there’s any special spots that pique your interest. A notable stop is Kerið Crater, a volcanic caldera on the way back to Reykjavik.

Just remember to never pull off on the side of the road suddenly. The roads in Iceland usually only have one lane in each direction with no shoulder, so it can be dangerous to stop without leaving space.

Be sure not to confuse the Golden Circle with the Ring Road, which is an 828-mile drive around the entire island of Iceland that can take up to a week to complete. If you’re visiting in the summer, and you want to continue along the Ring Road instead of returning to Reykjavik via the Golden Circle, that’s another option for you at the end of the day.

Thingvellir National Park has camping options or if you want to stay in a hotel, make sure and research this ahead of time and book in advance. Iceland isn’t really the best place for spur of the moment plans.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the Golden Circle and are ready for your trip! The Golden Circle is a bucket list item for many people and you won’t regret the time you took to visit all the attractions on the magical island of Iceland!

Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

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The ultimate self-drive guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s top sightseeing trail and can be combined with various activities. The route is a popular tourist route in Iceland and it is an easy and efficient way to see three of Iceland’s top attractions in a day.

How long is the drive around the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle in Iceland is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) long and can be completed in a day trip from Reykjavik. The drive itself takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the stops you make along the way, and the road is well-maintained and easy to navigate. However, it’s important to note that the driving conditions can vary depending on the weather, and it’s recommended to check the road conditions before starting your journey.

What are the Golden Circle routes in Iceland?

The classic Golden Circle tour consists of Iceland’s three most popular tourist attractions: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. It usually takes about 6-8 hours to complete this route, including stops for sightseeing and lunch. There are two other common variations that visitors can take along with the classic Golden Circle route.

The extended Golden Circle route: This route includes the three main attractions of the classic Golden Circle, as well as several additional stops, such as the Kerið crater, Skálholt church, and the Fontana geothermal baths. It can take up to 10 hours to complete this route, depending on how much time you spend at each stop.

The Secret Circle route: This route takes you off the beaten path and includes lesser-known attractions such as the Faxi waterfall, the Brúarfoss waterfall, and the Langjökull glacier. It’s a great option for those who want to avoid the crowds and experience a more secluded side of Iceland. This route can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, depending on how many stops you make.

What do you see on the golden circle tour in Iceland?

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the location of Iceland’s first parliament, the Althingi, which was founded in 930 AD. This National Park is one of the most important in Iceland, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to the Silfra fissure, a deep crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, where visitors can snorkel or dive in crystal clear water. The Geysir geothermal area is known for its geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots and is located in the geothermal valley of Haukadalur. The most famous geyser, after which all others are named, is the Great Geysir, which can shoot boiling water up to 70 meters high. Although the original geysir is dormant, Strokkur, its little brother, erupts every five minutes, shooting up a plume of water around 20-30 metres high. A great view of the entire area can be seen from the top of the hill. Gullfoss waterfall, also known as the Golden waterfalls, is one of the most popular attractions on the Golden Circle route in Iceland. The waterfall is a breathtaking sight with two cascading tiers that drop a total of 32 meters into a narrow canyon. There are also several viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of the waterfall from different angles. The waterfall is fed by Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull. Visitors can also make stops along the way to explore smaller attractions such as the Kerið crater, Friðheimar greenhouse, and the Secret Lagoon hot spring.

What is the best time to drive the Golden Circle Iceland?

The best time to drive the Golden Circle in Iceland is during the summer months, from late May to early September. During this time, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with long daylight hours that allow for more time to explore the attractions. If you leave early in summer and best to spend the night in the area, preferable at Stekkar Lodge , you can see the attractions in broad daylight and the perfect time to capture sunrise and sunset in the spring or fall or admire the northern lights during wintertime. The peak tourist season in Iceland is from June to August, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time. However, the shoulder months of May and September can also be a great time to visit, as the weather is still relatively mild, and there are fewer tourists. It’s important to note that the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, even during the summer months. In the winter months, the Golden Circle can be more challenging to navigate due to snow and ice, and some roads may be closed.

Is Iceland Golden Circle tour worth it?

Yes, the Iceland Golden Circle is definitely worth it. The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions. It offers visitors a chance to see some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, including geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs, all in one day. The Golden Circle route is well-maintained and easy to drive, making it accessible to almost anyone. It’s also a great way to experience Iceland’s unique geothermal activity and learn about its geological history.

• ← The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road
• The 7 Best Things to do in Iceland in October →

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The Best Iceland Golden Circle Self Drive Itinerary

Renting a car and driving in Iceland is one of the best ways to see the country. Sure, there are buses and tours, but nothing gives you that same freedom and sense of adventure as driving yourself to Iceland’s attractions.  Iceland’s Golden Circle is one of the most popular places to visit due to its proximity to Reykjavik and its stunning natural features. If you’ve got your rental car and are ready to hit the road, here is the best Golden Circle Self Drive Itinerary!

þórufoss Waterfall

þórufoss (Thorufoss) Waterfall is only about 40 minutes from downtown Reykjavik and makes an excellent first stop on the Golden Circle. It’s actually not a common stop for most Golden Circle itineraries, so you’re likely to only have to share the site with a handful of people. The powerful falls and moss-covered lava landscape is the perfect introduction to the incredible sites you’re going to see on the rest of your self drive Golden Circle tour! 

Important Info: þórufoss Waterfall is just about 5 minutes off Road 36 (the main road). There are no fees for parking or viewing the falls, and there are no other facilities available here.

Öxarárfoss Waterfall

Just about a 15 minute drive from þórufoss Waterfall takes you to the parking lot for the Golden Circle’s next great waterfall! The hike to Öxarárfoss Waterfall is beautiful but does require you to climb down some rocks. If this is a problem for you, you can still reach the waterfall by parking in the National Park in lot P2.

Definitely take the time to read the informational signs at this site. The area has played an important, though dark, role in Iceland’s history. It’s pretty interesting!

Important Info: The parking lot off of Road 36 is free parking. However, there are no restrooms or facilities on this side of the falls.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) is a highlight for many visitors to the Golden Circle. This area was once the seat of government in Iceland, dating back to the year 930. It became a protected National Park in 1928 and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. The site is also home to many interesting geological features, such as the large rift that runs through it, which demonstrates the concept of continental drift. 

Important Info: Depending on where you want to go in the park, there are a few different parking lots you can choose from. It costs 750ISK for a day-long parking pass. If you wish to save money on parking, keep your car in the free lot near Öxarárfoss Waterfall, and hike into the National Park.

Flosagjá Fissure

One of the most popular sites to visit in Þingvellir National Park is the Flosagjá Fissure. This is another area where the Eurasian continental plate has drifted away from the North American continental plate. The Flosagjá Fissure is much like the Bridge Between Two Continents site that can be found near Keflavik Airport, however the Flosagjá Fissure is filled with the most crystal clear water. You can even snorkel or scuba dive in this rift at a different site called Silfra. You can find Flosagjá Fissure by following the signs in Þingvellir National Park.

Important Info: Please do not throw coins into the water.

READ » Planning an Epic Iceland Stopover: Things to do Near Keflavik Airport

Efstidalur Ice Cream

Undoubtedly one of the tastiest spots on your Golden Circle self drive itinerary is Efstidalur. You’ll certainly work up an appetite after your first few stops, and will be looking for a stop after leaving the National Park driving through the small town of Laugarvatn.

Just off the main road and up a dirt hill is this adorable family-run Icelandic cattle farm. On the farm, there is a large public building with a cute ice cream shop and a large restaurant on the second floor. The ice cream is made in-house with milk from the farm’s cows. There are many different flavors to choose from, and the best part is that you can watch the cows from inside the ice cream shop!

Important Info: Efstidalur’s ice cream shop is open from 10am to 10pm. Parking is free, and there are also free restrooms for customers. The price for one heaping scoop of ice cream is 450ISK.

Strokkur & Geysir

After filling yourself with delicious Icelandic ice cream, it’s time to continue your Golden Circle drive. The next stop you’ll come to is the fascinating geothermal Geysir Hot Spring Area. Here, water from deep beneath the Earth’s crust heats and bubbles up to the surface. This area is full of hot streams, bubbling mud pits, and two of Iceland’s most interesting geysers. 

Geysir became active more than 1000 years ago, spurting hot water and steam into the air for centuries. Unfortunately , this geyser does not erupt very often anymore. However, if you want to see an eruption, you’re not totally out of luck. Just a few steps away is another geyser named Strokkur. This bad boy will erupt every few minutes, and can shoot hot water up to 30 meters into the air!

Important Info: Across from the geothermal field is a large parking lot where you can park for free. There is also a visitor’s center where you can grab food, browse the gift shop, use free restrooms, and take a rest from all the driving. There is no entry fee for this site. 

Gullfoss Waterfall

If you loved the first two waterfalls on your Golden Circle self drive itinerary, prepared to be blown away by Gullfoss waterfalls! This site is like two giant waterfalls in one. The way the water cuts through the Earth is just magnificent to see. And you can feel the powerful rumble of the falls the closer you get ( and you can get pretty dang close… )

There is an upper lookout area and a lower lookout area. At the upper lookout, you can look over the top of the waterfalls and get an overall view of Gullfoss. But the lower look out is much cooler. You take the stairs down and follow the muddy dirt track to the lookout, which is built right alongside the water. Please do exercise caution at the lower lookout. One wrong step and you are totally done-zo, my friend.

Important Info:  There is free parking both at the upper and lower lookouts. The lot at the upper lookout is larger though. There are toilets available, but they do have a small fee. This is a very popular stop, so expect there to be a good amount of people.

Faxi Waterfall

Congratulations! You’ve reached the furthest point on your Golden Circle adventure! Time to start looping back around towards Reykjavik. The next stop is another waterfall that many people miss. It’s not right along the main roads, so most organized tours don’t stop here.

Faxi waterfall is admittedly a bit underwhelming after coming from Gullfoss, but the lack of crowds is what gives this site its charm. In fact, when I visited, my friend and I were the only ones there! If you’re craving a people-free break, Faxi is the place to go!

Important Info: There is no fee for this site. No restrooms or other facilities. 

Secret Lagoon

At this point, you’re probably getting tired of driving. Perhaps you’re even a bit chilly from Iceland’s windy and unpredictable weather. Maybe you’ve even been hoping for a chance to check out some of the famous hot spring pools in Iceland. Well, this is just the perfect stop!

The Secret Lagoon is a popular alternative to the ever popular Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland. This smaller and much cheaper site is fed by actual hot springs and attracts a much smaller crowd of tourists. There is a large changing room for you to change and store your belongings. A locker is included in your entrance fee. The water is very comfortably warm and makes a perfect relaxing stop after a long day of sightseeing.

Important Info:  The Secret Lagoon is open from 10am to 10pm every day. The entrance fee is 2800 ISK for visitors aged 15-66. Anyone younger can enter for free, and anyone older gets a discounted price of 1400 ISK.

READ » 21 Important Things to Know Before Visiting the Blue Lagoon

Kerið Crater

Kerið Crater is another spot on the Golden Circle that demonstrates Iceland’s fascinating landscape. This crater is an old volcanic caldera that dates back over 3000 years ago. It is believed that when this volcano finally erupted, the empty magma chamber collapsed and turned into this crater. Rather than the black lava rock you find around most of Iceland, Kerið gleans a more reddish tint, from the abundance of iron in the earth here.

Visitors to Kerið Crater can walk the path that goes completely around the upper edge. You can also walk into the crater and put your feet in the lake that has formed within. 

Important Info: Kerið crater does have an entrance fee of 400 ISK per person. Parking is free. There are no other facilities available. 

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Visiting the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River was one of my favorite things in Iceland. While not technically part of the Golden Circle, you can still make this stop on your way back to Reykjavik from your Golden Circle drive, or you can easily add it to a South Iceland day trip.

The river is fed by natural hot springs in the Reykjadalur Valley. The hot water is perfect for enjoying in the cool air and is one of Iceland’s most truly natural sites to enjoy geothermal waters. It takes about 40-60 minutes to hike to this special spot, but that makes it one of the few sites in Iceland that are not heavily visited by other tourists.  

Important Info:  The path to Reykjadalur is gravely and can be loose. It’s best to wear shoes with decent traction to avoid falling.  There are no restrooms along the path or at the thermal river. There is a small restroom in the parking lot near the coffee shop.  Parking is free, and there is no entrance fee for the thermal river.  

READ » Reykjadalur Hot Springs: Everything You Need To Know About This Hidden Gem in Iceland

Tips For the Golden Circle Self Drive in Iceland

When to visit the golden circle.

Summer is the best time to visit, as you get 24 hours of sunlight, and you have the maximum amount of time to visit all the sites! However, summer is the busiest time with tourists, so visiting in the late spring or early fall can help with crowd size.

If you have time, I recommend splitting the Golden Circle drive into two days. This way you don’t have to rush yourself to get to every site. And it gives you time to adjust to driving as the weather changes.

Golden Circle Weather

Weather around the Golden Circle can vary a bit more than in Reykjavik. Be prepared for pretty much anything from rain to cloud to  sun  to fog. Pack extra clothes and shoes in the car in case you get wet. Drive slower in rainy, foggy or snowy weather. You’ll need to adjust your itinerary timing with the weather.

Golden Circle Driving Tips

The Golden Circle is made up of both paved and loose gravel roads. Some of the smaller roads will also be riddled with potholes. Between the unpredictable weather and winds, and the gravel roads in Iceland, extra car insurance is a good idea. It will  help ease your anxiety to have good insurance while you listen to the gravel hit the underside of your rental car.

There are a few gas stations out on the Golden Circle, but it’s best to start the day with a full tank of gas. The gas prices tend to be higher as you get further outside of Reykjavik.

As you drive, you’ll find many small turn off areas where you can pull to the side and park your car if you’re interested in taking photos of the scenery. Take advantage of these spots to rest and enjoy Iceland’s incredible landscapes. 

General Tips for the Golden Circle

• Bring a packed lunch to save money. There are several places to stop and have a meal, but if you’re trying to do Iceland on a budget, packing a lunch is always the way to go!
• Stay on the designated paths. PLEASE! Iceland’s terrain is beautiful but fragile. The more people who stray off the paths, the more damaged the land becomes. Please be respectful of the land and walk only where you’re allowed.

• Save money on a GPS system by downloading the map of the Golden Circle on Google Maps. This will allow you to use the navigation feature to get to each spot without using any expensive data while abroad. There are also many other apps that have offline maps of Iceland you can use.
• Keep an eye peeled for the loop-square. This symbol marks points of interest and  are  probably worth pulling over for. I don’t know if it’s actually called that, but that’s what I named it. 

• There are lots of horses and sheep fields in the area. You can pull aside and pet the horses if they let you. There was a small farm on the Golden Circle that encouraged visitors to stop by. The horses were happy to exchange pets for treats.
• Some sheep may be loose outside of their fields. For the most part, they stick to the sides of the roads. But keep an eye out and don’t run over them.

Iceland’s Golden Circle is a fantastic introduction to everything amazing in Iceland. The waterfalls, the volcanos, and the incredible landscape can all be enjoyed in just this one small section of Iceland! With such an easy drive from Reykjavik you can’t miss out on this Golden Circle self drive itinerary!

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26 Comments

Haha I love how you named the car Clint. There are so many gorgeous water structures you guys came across, I really can’t wait to visit some day!

Of course! Do other people not name their cars??

Iceland is a geological and picturesque wonderland. I did not know that once it was a part of both North America and Eurasia and the rift that separated the two continents is filled with a crystal clean stream. The waterfalls are so different and breathtaking. Icelandic horses are tame, I would give them some tasty treats and pet them. Thank you for sharing an amazing story and awesome pictures.

I think I’ve reached a point where I’m brave enough to tackle driving in a foreign country 🙂 My husband and I both want to visit Iceland while we’re living in Europe, and the Golden Circle drive seems like the perfect destination (hello, waterfalls)!

It’s not a difficult place to drive in the summer! People aren’t aggressive drivers in Iceland. Just read up on some of the different road signs before you go, and you’ll be a bit more comfortable.

Driving the Golden Circle is on my list for quite some time. Your tips are super helpful and I love that you added all the parking possibilities, parking fees, restrooms and other important information. Thanks!

I just like to help people be as informed as possible!

Such a great list – lots of gorgeous waterfalls, lagoons and springs to choose from! And who would have thought to eat Icelandic ice-cream in the cold? Would love to self-drive around the Golden Circle one day. Thanks for the information.

It actually wasn’t too cold around ice cream time!

Your post brought back wonderful memories of a similar drive we took many years ago. We arrived into Reykjavik one Easter weekend to find the country shut down for the one of the few religious holidays observed! The guesthouse we stayed at recommended we rent a car and drive the ring road. So easy to drive unless you’re distracted by the beautiful landscapes!

The landscape can certainly be distracting when you drive!

I haven’t been to Iceland yet and it is high on my list. We’d love to drive the Golden Circle and check out all the waterfalls and parks. I’m all about the less crowded Secret Lagoon! Thanks for the tips. I think I’d opt for the extra insurance too!

Did you say amaretto cherry ice cream? I’m in! I love the fact that your list includes some of the lesser known spots on the Golden Circle. I had planned to do this drive when I visited, but had to cut it due to weather delays in other areas. I will use your list when I go back.

Oh no! So sorry to hear you didn’t make it to the Golden Circle! At least it’s a strong reason to return to Iceland 😉

I love taking self guided tours when I visit a new place. The Golden Circle looks amazing! So many beautiful landscapes in one area! The geyer is awesome and the waterfalls are beautiful. The crater is so unique!

I’ve been to Iceland twice and would gladly go a third. Looks like you got to see a ton on your road trip. That ice cream place is open pretty late and they give such a huge portion! I also think the price for the amount you get is a great deal 🙂

I’d love to visit Iceland again! There’s still so much to see!

This is something we’ve wanted to do for a while now, I love the idea of renting a car and exploring all the sight, the popular and lesser known place. I love that there are other hot springs as the blue lagoon seems pretty expensive and this would be a great spot to stop off too as you said.

Renting a car gives you so much more freedom!

Wow, what a great self-drive itinerary. As I love road trips and therefore I would go for this beautiful road trip. Thanks for sharing the details of road conditions, rough and unpredictable weather.

so jealous! Everytime I see photos of Iceland I know I need to visit. will defo be using this guide when I do get round to visiting!

I done Iceland’s Golden Circle over 10years ago but on a tour. I have always wanted to go back and do it by car. As I agree with you nothing gives you that same freedom and sense of adventure. Also I wanted to see how much it has changed. I think my favourite place was Þingvellir National Park is the Flosagjá Fissure. You definitely making want to go back more

What an exciting trip through Iceland! I loved how you highlighted the more natural locations to check out, like the waterfalls and hiking trails. Also, you won me over with the local horses, ha. If I ever find myself in Iceland I’ll definitely take your advice of downloading the map! Thanks!

Glad to see you saw some blue skies! We were lucky on our recent trip too. I need to check out that ice cream shop next time, yum. And I loved Thorufoss!

This places all look gorgeous! Awesome list you shared with us. Fascinating beauty and incredible nature. Thanks for sharing.

Wonderful Itinerary with an Awesome destination. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post

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I’m Brianna and I’m possibly the funniest person I know. I’m a total goofball who loves to travel. I fell in love with the world in 2007, when my family and I moved to Sydney, Australia. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to see the world. I'm an ordinary adventurer here to show you how the average person can travel the world.

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Iceland Golden Circle Itinerary: The Ultimate Self-Drive Travel Guide

• 26 September 2022 15 April 2023

As the first stop along Iceland’s Ring Road, the Golden Circle route is a short trip that’s earned its title as one of the best places to visit in the country. Filled with beautiful landscapes, famous geysers, and awe-inspiring glacial waters, this popular route is definitely worth visiting. Read on for a comprehensive Iceland Golden Circle itinerary , featuring all the best places to stop along the way.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

Kerið Crater

When is the best time to drive the golden circle, what is the golden circle.

The Golden Circle is a famous route between several of Iceland’s main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Due to its incredible natural wonders and proximity to Reykjavik , it’s basically a given that most tourists will drive all or part of the circular route during their trip.

The drive covers about 250 km (155 mi) around southwestern Iceland, depending on where you stop along the way. Part of the route is along Highway 1, the main road that goes around the entire country. The short drive can be completed in one full day, but if you have some extra time, it’s worth spending the night so that your journey isn’t as rushed.

Iceland Golden Circle map

Self-drive vs. Golden Circle tour

There are essentially two ways to travel the Golden Circle: on a guided tour or on your own.

If you choose a Golden Circle tour, you’ll enjoy the convenience that comes with having somebody else do all of the planning. These tours usually last between 8 and 10 hours and visit all of the most popular attractions on the route. Booking a tour is also a good idea if you’re short on time and want to squeeze in all of the main sights.

This day tour through GetYourGuide is a great option because it only costs $64 USD and offers hotel pickup as well!

If you’re not into tours, self-driving the Golden Circle is also fantastic. You get to set your own pace, spend as much time as you want at each stop, and visit the places that interest you the most. The freedom that you get from road tripping on your own is the best!

To tackle the drive on your own, you’ll need a rental car or campervan — I booked a 4×4 with a pop-up tent from Northbound . I highly recommend getting a vehicle you can sleep in and staying in campsites because you’ll save a ton of money on hotels.

⇉ Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Iceland: A Road Trip Guide

Iceland Golden Circle itinerary

The first stop on your Iceland Golden Circle itinerary is Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city.

Most people only spend a short time in Reykjavik, but there’s still a few cool things to check out. Some popular activities include climbing to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja, wandering down Rainbow Street, taking a food tour, and soaking in the hot water of the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon .

Once your plane arrives in Reykjavik, I’d recommend spending the rest of the day there before heading out on your drive. That way, you’ll be able to get an early start on the Golden Circle the next morning.

⇉ One Day in Reykjavik, Iceland: 9 Incredible Things to Do & See

• Þingvellir National Park

Once you’ve gotten a good night’s rest in Reykjavik, your next stop is Þingvellir National Park.

Þingvellir (or Thingvellir) National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Iceland’s first National Park. From here, you can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at the same time in what’s known as a rift valley . It’s also the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible on land.

Here are some of the top things to see at Thingvellir National Park:

• Þingvallavatn : Iceland’s largest natural lake
• Almannagjá Gorge : Game of Thrones filming location and place to hike along North American tectonic plate
• Öxarárfoss waterfall : Landmark waterfall with basalt columns
• Silfra : One of the world’s top 10 dive and snorkel sites

After Thingvellir National Park, the next stop on your Iceland Golden Circle itinerary is Brúarfoss.

Brúarfoss Waterfall can be reached via a two-hour roundtrip hike. The journey is relatively flat and follows the river’s milky blue waters. I thought the hike was very scenic — I even saw some wild Icelandic horses on my way back!

The Brúarfoss hike is actually a series of three separate waterfalls: Hlauptungufoss, Miðfoss, and Brúarfoss. Make sure to keep walking after the first waterfall, because it’s not very obvious that the track goes on. I wouldn’t have known about the other falls unless I had Googled it in advance!

There is free parking and the track never got too crowded. The area around Brúarfoss waterfall was secluded and super peaceful.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The next stop on your Iceland Golden Circle itinerary is the Geysir Geothermal Area within Haukadalur Valley. Here, you’ll find a wide range of geothermal activity, including mud pits, hot springs, and fumaroles. The Geysir hot spring area is also home to two of Iceland’s most famous geysers, Strokkur and Geysir.

(Our English word “geyser” actually comes from the name Geysir, meaning “to gush”!)

Of the two main geysers, Strokkur is the one that erupts more frequently. You can catch it erupting around every 5 to 10 minutes. Eruptions from Geysir, on the other hand, are more rare, but seriously impressive when they happen. Boiling water from Geysir’s eruption can reach over 121 m (400 ft)!

Besides the geysers, the Haukadalur Geothermal Field has a lot of other cool things to offer as well. Bubbling pits and colorful pools of water are interspersed amongst rolling hills that bloom with wildflowers in the summer. The natural beauty of the area definitely makes it worth a stop!

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s largest and most famous waterfalls. And in my opinion, one of the most stunning!

The waterfall has an upper and a lower section, each with its own viewing platform. There is a walking path connecting the two sides, which are both absolutely worth a stop.

During the late afternoon on sunny days, you’ll probably see a few dozen rainbows within the spray coming off of the falls. This is why Gullfoss is also known as Golden Falls! You can expect to get pretty wet walking near the spray, so make sure to wear a rain jacket and waterproof pants .

Gullfoss has a souvenir shop, visitor centre, and cafe near the parking lot. The cafe has free wifi and tasty treats, making it a good place to stop and recharge before you head off again.

Friðheimar is a restaurant within the Golden Circle that serves tomato-based dishes. (Seriously, everything on the menu has tomatoes in it — from the drinks to the desserts!)

I ordered a tomato espresso tonic, tomato soup, and an apple and green tomato crumble. Everything was very tasty, even the tomato coffee, which I honestly was not expecting. The soup is all-you-can-eat and comes with freshly baked bread and some sides. My meal came to 5,390 ISK ($41.70 USD), which is pretty expensive but worth it for the novelty.

The coolest thing about this restaurant (other than the delicious food) is that all of the tomatoes are grown in their on-site greenhouses. My waitress told me that Friðheimar actually supplies the majority of the entire country’s tomatoes!

⇉ How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost? My 12-Day Budget Breakdown

Kerid Crater is a collapsed volcano that has since turned into a crater lake. The blue color of the water is striking, especially on a sunny day!

The entrance fee to Kerid Crater costs 400 ISK ($3.09 USD). From the parking lot, there is a simple loop track around the crater’s exterior ridge. You can also walk down near the shores of the crater, where there is another short loop.

At this point, you can either head back towards Reykjavik to complete the Golden Circle or make your way towards Vik and Iceland’s southern coast .

Iceland Golden Circle FAQ

How long does it take to drive the golden circle.

The Golden Circle route takes about 4 hours to drive without stopping — although you’ll definitely be wanting to stop several times along the way!

Many companies offer day tours of the Golden Circle that last about 8 hours. If you’re touring the area on your own, I’d recommend staying overnight to have a more relaxed experience. I stayed at Skjól Camping and really enjoyed it!

Is Iceland’s Golden Circle worth it?

Despite having a reputation for being mega touristy, I actually really enjoyed my Golden Circle drive. Sometimes tourist attractions are popular for a good reason!

The waterfalls and geothermal areas I visited were unreal. Like the rest of Iceland, the Golden Circle area is filled with unique landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re visiting in the summer and want to avoid crowds, try timing your tour of the Golden Circle either very early or very late in the day. The sun is up all day, so you have more time to spread out your sightseeing!

What are the stops on the Golden Circle?

The main stops on the Golden Circle include:

• The Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir
• Gullfoss waterfall

Of course, there are lots of other things to do along the way. You can soak in hot springs and a Secret Lagoon , eat at a tomato-themed restaurant, or go for a hike! The area has much more to offer than just quick photo stops.

Just like the rest of Iceland, the Golden Circle is great to visit at any time of year. There are certain considerations to keep in mind for each season, though!

In the summer months, Iceland’s weather becomes much more pleasant. June through August are the warmest months, and you can often spot lupins and other wildflowers blooming. Summer also means that Iceland experiences its midnight sun , giving you the entire day to explore. Because summer is a popular time to visit, there will be lots of other tourists and prices on accommodation and tours will be higher.

In the winter months, you’ll get to experience the magic of Iceland under snow and ice. You’ll come across far fewer tourists and you’ll get the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. If you’re renting a car , you’ll need to be a confident driver and be aware of road conditions as storms and snowfall can turn dangerous. Certain roads, like the ones in the Highlands, are closed completely in the winter as well.

Other places to explore near the Golden Circle

Thorufoss is an epic waterfall that’s a short 5-minute detour off of the Golden Circle route. Located on Route 48, the falls are 18 m (59 ft) high and were used as a Game of Thrones filming location. From the parking lot, it’s an easy five minute walk to the viewpoint, where you can get sweeping views of the waterfall and the Laxá í Kjós river.

Thríhnúkagígur Volcano

Thríhnúkagígur is a super cool extinct volcano to the south of Reykjavik. You’ll start off with a scenic hike and then board an elevator into the volcano’s crater itself . This day trip is a unique experience, but you need to buy tickets in advance .

Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjöll is the most alien and otherworldly place I’ve ever been. The mountain range is located within the Icelandic Highlands, an area that’s completely barren and devoid of human life.

To get there, you need to drive a few hours down the road past Gullfoss. The road goes from being smooth to being an unpaved F-road, so you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle with good traction. Once there, Kerlingarfjöll has a network of various hiking tracks to explore.

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Thanks for reading this Iceland Golden Circle itinerary! I hope this travel guide has helped you plot your road trip route. There’s still a ton more Iceland blog posts coming out in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.

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Golden Circle Iceland in 2 Days – Self Drive Tour & Map

The Golden Circle in Iceland normally takes you from Reykjavik to 3 highlights: the waterfall Gullfoss , Þingvellir National Park , and Geysir in the Haukadalur geyser basin . In this itinerary, we want to introduce you to the other highlights along the Golden Circle of Iceland. These highlights will allow you to extend your drive along the Golden Circle in Iceland to 2 days or 3 days.

If you’re interested in just the highlights of the Golden Circle, or if you’re short on time, check our 1-day itinerary along the Golden Circle.

Check our guide: The Golden Circle in Iceland in 1 day

2-Day Itinerary for Extended Visit to the Golden Circle

Our itinerary below will take you to all the main stops on the Golden Circle of Iceland. But next to that, we also added some other stops we admired during our travels to Iceland. Details on those stops can be found further down in this article.

This tour around the Golden Circle of Iceland took us 2 days to complete. But the days were quite full, so if you want to take more time, you can take 3 days. In the tables below we’ll give you the details on what we did on each day. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment so we can get back to you. If you used our itinerary, we’d love to hear from you!

Day 1: Þingvellir and Reykjadalur Valley

We did the Golden Circle of Iceland at the beginning of our road trip along the ring road of Iceland. After we arrived in Iceland, we stayed at Reykjanesbær, close to the airport. We start our itinerary from there, but you can also start from Reykjavik.

Day 2: Nesjavellir, Kerið, Bruarfoss, Gullfoss, and Geysir

On our second day along the Golden Circle in Iceland, we did quite a lot of stops. It was a wonderful day, but to be fair: this day was quite heavy. At the end of the day, we were really tired and our feet were sore. If you want to be more at ease, you can leave out the hike at Nesjavellir or take 2 days to complete this itinerary.

Main Stops on the Golden Circle in Iceland

There are 3 main stops that everyone is doing, along the Golden Circle in Iceland. Those 3 are the Gullfoss waterfall, the geysers Strokkur and Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park. Those stops are discussed in detail in our article about the Golden Circle. So check that article for details.

Avoiding the Crowd with Other Sights

In this post, we’ll focus on the other stops along the Golden Circle. These are less popular with tourists, but still worthy of your time. If you want to take a break from the crowded Reykjavik or one of the main 3 stops, you can take a visit to one of those less-visited stops.

Reykjadalur Valley Hot Springs

Reykjadalur Valley means valley of steam. And that’s no lie. You start from the parking lot walking uphill. On the way up you’ll cross steam vents, geothermal pools, and mud pots. But that’s not all! After about an hour of hiking you’ll reach a thermal river where you can bathe, so don’t forget your swimming clothes 👙.

Discover the Reykjadalur Valley and the thermal river in our article on Reykjadalur Valley. We’ll explain where to park, how to hike to the river, point you to a hidden waterfall at the end of the valley and give you tips.

Itinerary, parking, hiking and where to bathe: Reykjadalur Valley Itinerary

Kerið Crater

The crater Kerið is a volcanic crater located next to the Golden Circle of Iceland. At the bottom of the crater, there is a volcanic lake. You can hike around both the crater and the lake, making this an ideal quick stop on your trip.

There is a small entrance fee if you want to visit Kerið Crater, but parking is free. There are no restrooms though, so keep this in mind. If you’re interested to learn more, check our article on Kerið crater.

Entrance, hiking and visiting details: Guide to visiting Kerið Crater lake

Bruarfoss Waterfall and Midfoss

Bruarfoss and Midfoss are two waterfalls that are located close to the Golden Circle. The parking lot to start the trail is on the road directly next to the Golden Circle, but the location of the waterfalls is more remote. To reach the waterfalls, you’ll have to hike for about 1 hour (1-way).

The hiking trail is worth it though. On this trail, you’ll see two beautiful waterfalls that aren’t visited a lot. If you plan a visit or want to learn more, check our article on Bruarfoss and Midfoss waterfalls.

Full details in our article: Waterfalls Bruarfoss and Midfoss

Nesjavellir Geothermal Area

Nesjavellir is a geothermal area in the south of Iceland. The area is known because of the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant, the second biggest geothermal power plant in Iceland. But the area is also a great destination for hiking.

On the hiking trail we did in Nesjavellir, we experienced a variety of different landscapes. You’ll see all colors of rocks and earth, mosses and plants and steam coming out of the ground. Check out the itinerary of our hike in our article on Nesjavellir.

Golden Circle Iceland Map & Route

On our map below you can find the route and all the stops along the Golden Circle mentioned in the article above. You can use this map as a base for your travel plans to the Golden Circle of Iceland.

Save Golden Circle Iceland in 2 Days for Later

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Hi there 👋! My name is Steven. I write for our travel blog and focus on the technicalities behind the blog (hosting, SEO…). My focus is to provide useful information I found lacking when preparing our own travels. That’s why I love making maps to enhance the articles. I hope you find what you seek on our website. And if there is something I can help with, make sure to reach out 🙂!

12 comments

Steven, I found this very helpful with the maps and how much time to allow for each attraction. thanks, Marie

Thanks a lot for your nice comment :). I’m happy to hear you found it useful!

Hi Steven. I am planning a tour of the golden Circle and have found your article very helpful. However, I wish to do this for 4 days, a road trip. So if i incorporate the main3 : Gullfoss waterfall, the geysers Strokkur and Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park and then i include the extended sites you have mentioned, will that allow me to stretch this to 4 days:Reykjadalur Valley Hot Springs, Kerio Crater and Bruarfoss Waterfall and Midfoss.

Any advice you can provide will be very helpful.

Hi Arafat, sorry for my late reply. Somehow I missed your comment. Indeed, if you extend the trip, it’s perfect for a 4 day road trip. We did it in 2 days, but it was really heavy and we had to rush a bit and one of the days we were out until 8 PM. So 4 days gives you more time to enjoy each of the sights.

We’d love to do this two-day tour by car. Do you recommend a hotel half way through the trip?

Hi Wayne, yes a hotel would be great. We stayed in Geysir when we did the Golden Circle.

I find car rentals expensive. Is an SUV required or can the circle be done in atypical rental car?

Hi Mike, sorry for the late answer. Seemed that I missed your comment. But a regular car is fine for the ring road. If you want to go to one of the more rural areas, I’d recommend an SUV. Indeed rental cars are expensive in Iceland :(.

Which month have you done the trip? Greetings Franziska

Hi Franziska, we did our trip to Iceland in June 🙂

thank you so much for the information. It is very useful in the planning stages of our trip in July.

I’m happy to hear our information is useful to plan your own trip 🙂

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Iceland Self-drive tour: Guide to Golden Circle

The Golden Circle Iceland is the most popular route for tourists visiting and driving around Iceland. It is the best way for travelers to see some of Iceland’s top attractions in a limited time frame. In fact, you can self-drive the Golden Circle and see some of the islands’ most awe-inspiring locations in as little as half a day. However, we recommend giving yourself more time to fully enjoy the experience.

This 190-mile loop starts in Reykjavik and takes travelers through three Icelandic hotspots on easy-to-drive and well-maintained roads. It’s rare to find a place where you can visit so many attractions in such a condensed area, making it incredibly appealing for people who aren’t able to take super long vacations and looking for a trip they can do in under a day.

To make your trip as seamless as possible and ensure you don’t miss anything you’ll need to plan everything out in advance. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to self-drive the Golden Circle by rental car. Beyond top attractions, routes, and tour activities we will also talk about road conditions, how to rent a car, what type of car to rent, when you should visit the Golden Circle, and also include a route map.

Related links: Rent a car in Iceland ; Iceland self-drive tips and blogs

Table of content

• So, what actually is ´Golden circle´ ?

The Map of Golden Circle

• Can you drive Golden Circle in one day ?
• How are the driving and road conditions on the Golden Circle ?
• What is the best time to visit Golden Circle ?

What rental car is the best for the Golden Circle

• How much does it cost to drive the golden circle ?

What to see and do when visiting the Golden Circle

• Golden Circle Detours: activities recommendation
• Where to stay in the Golden Circle? Tips for finding accommodation

What is Golden Circle? Quick facts to start with

The Golden Circle is a driving route in Iceland that connects three of the countries most visited sites. As the name implies, the route is roughly circular and starts and ends in Reykjavik. The great thing about starting in Reykjavik is that it’s super accessible. You can pick up your car rental right at the Reykjavik airport and be straight on your way.

The three primary attractions that you’ll visit when driving the Golden Circle are:

Thingvellir National Park

• The Geysir Geothermal Area (containing the Strokkur geyser)

Gullfoss Waterfall

The Golden Circle got its name from Gullfoss Falls, which translates to the golden waterfall. On a sunny day, the waterfall appears a goldish brown color, and that is how it got its name. Because it’s so popular, it’s very well-maintained throughout the entire year, even in the winter, which is very important to consider since some of Iceland’s more remote areas can become inaccessible in the winter.

Another great thing about renting a car and driving the Golden Circle is that it’s short. Compared to the Ring Road, which circles the entire country and takes a few weeks, you only need a day to explore the wonders of the Golden Circle. And, the attractions are more condensed so you won’t need to travel long distances between each.

Can you drive Golden Circle in one day? How many miles is it?

The Golden Circle can be driven in one day. If you drove it straight through, you could get around the entire route in about 3 hours, but that would mean not seeing anything. The whole loop is about 190 miles in length or 300 kilometres (remember that in Iceland, we use kilometres).

If you leave first thing in the morning, then it is technically possible to spend around 6 hours on the loop, with short stops at each of the three attractions, but we would recommend giving yourself a full day and staying over in a few places to get the full experience. The last thing you want on a vacation is to rush the whole thing. This is especially true when you self-drive the Golden Circle. You want to give yourself the flexibility to take your time, enjoy the sites and spend longer in places if you decide to. Plus, you can go at off-peak times to avoid tourist traffic.

You can also take guided day tours which will take you around the Golden Circle in a coach. These tours will stop at each site, but you’ll be on their schedule, meaning you’ll have limited time to get off the bus and check things out before moving on to the following location. Since so many people take these day tours, you’ll be visiting during peak hours, so places will be more crowded.

The driving and road conditions on the Golden Circle

If you’ve heard about the variable road conditions in Iceland, then you’ve heard right. Due to the constantly fluctuating weather and the remoteness of some locations, you don’t always know what you’re going to get. The good news is the Golden Circle is the exception.

Since this route is so well-traveled, it is also the most well-maintained series of roads in the whole country. You can access all three of the main attractions on the Golden Circle via almost entirely paved roads. It’s super straightforward to drive, so if you’re worried about tricky driving situations, then you can rest easy.

During the summer season, you shouldn’t run into any issues with road conditions. But there is slightly more risk during the winter. Flash snowstorms or drops in temperature can leave roads extremely slippery or snow-covered. While the roads are typically cleared quickly, it could still impact your trip and slow your itinerary. And, although unlikely, there is a risk of road closures if the weather gets really bad. You can find information about current road conditions at road.is .That all said, you shouldn’t have any issues accessing all parts of the road, regardless of when you come. This makes it much easier to choose a rental car since there are fewer variables to concern yourself with, like F-roads or 4X4 vehicles .

What is the best time to visit Golden Circle?

There is really no best or worst time to visit the Golden Circle. It just depends on what you enjoy and when you crave an adventurous Icelandic getaway.

Compared to other Iceland itineraries, this one is great in the winter since you won’t need to deal with being in remote areas or on unmaintained roads. Winter also means fewer tourists and the chance to see the northern lights! You’ll also get to enjoy the scenery covered in snow, which adds an extra magical aspect to it.

In the summer, Iceland is green and mild. You can spend longer times outside without needing tons of layers and take advantage of their almost 24 hours of sunlight. It is also a great time for camping, staying in cabins, and hiking.

When choosing the best rental car for your Golden Circle road trip, there are a few crucial factors you’ll need to consider. As we touched on above, the conditions of the Golden Circle are generally good, meaning that you won’t necessarily need anything too heavy-duty to drive this route.

If you’re coming solo or as a couple, then a 2WD compact or economy car will suit you just fine throughout the majority of the year. If your group is larger than three people, then you’ll want to go with a bigger vehicle, like a full-size or 4X4 rental car , that has more space for luggage.

Since the Golden Circle is such an easy drive, you also have the option of a more luxury car or renting an electric car . If you’re coming in the winter, we recommend a 4WD regardless, which can handle the roads if they get slippery. But if you come in the summer, you might want to consider a campervan or motorhome .

How much does it cost to drive the golden circle?

You’ll be happy to know that the attractions along the Golden Circle are free to visit, so you will not need to account for entry fee costs. At Thingvellir National Park, you’ll have to pay a small fee for parking, but there is no parking cost at the Geysir Geothermal Area or Gullfoss Waterfall.

All you will need to consider is the cost of your rental car, accommodation, and food.

You should budget around $80USD or so for food per day (or 10,500 ISK). This may seem high, but Iceland’s food is very expensive since most food is imported.

Accommodation costs will vary based on your personal budget. There are many accommodation options along the route, including nice hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and camping, so you can choose whatever fits into your budget best.

Car rental price will also vary depending on the time of year you visit and the type of vehicle you want to rent. You can get a quote for the exact date and time of your trip by visiting Hertz.is .

Here are the main things to see and do when visiting the Golden Circle:

Thingvellir National Park is an excellent place to explore for those who love the outdoors. You can go hiking, visit the waterfall, and even snorkel between tectonic plates. Something unique about this national park is that it’s where the continental plates of North America and Europe meet, so you can actually see two continents at once.

The Geysir Geothermal Area

The Great Geysir in this area is the one from which all other geysers were named. The main geyser in this geothermal area is now dormant, but another one, Strokkur, is still active, sending boiling water up to 100 feet into the air every few minutes.

The true gem of Southwest Iceland is the Gullfoss Waterfall. It is found in the Hvítá river canyon and is fed by the Langjökull glacier. This tiered waterfall has a total height of 105 feet, and it was even listed as one of the top 10 waterfalls in the world by World of Waterfalls.

Golden Circle Detours

There are also some short detours that you can take that are definitely worth visiting if you have the time. These include:

• Solheim Eco-Village: a small village of around 100 people devoted to community living with eco-friendly housing and organic gardens.
• Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River: Hike up the Reykjadalur thermal river and enjoy bathing in these natural sulfur hot springs.
• Secret Lagoon Iceland : The oldest swimming pool in Iceland fed with warm water straight from natural hot springs.
• Kerid Crater: This crater was formed by a cone-shaped volcano that erupted and then collapsed in on itself. It’s now filled with water.

Activities you can add to your trip when visiting the Golden Circle

1. silfra snorkeling in thingvellir national park.

Snorkel between two tectonic plates in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! (Don’t worry, you’ll get a dry suit to keep you warm).

2. Laugarvatn Fontana Hot Spring Spa

Enjoy steam rooms, mineral baths, and ice-cold plunges in the lake at this relaxing wellness spa.

3. Secret Lagoon Iceland Hot Spring

Fed with water from a natural hot spring, this geothermal pool is more family-friendly and less crowded than the extremely popular Blue Lagoon.

4. Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier

The meeting point for this adventure is close to Gullfoss Waterfall and gives you a chance to build some adrenaline when snowmobiling on the glacier.

Where to stay in the Golden Circle? Tips for finding accommodation when visiting the Golden Circle

Depending on how long you allocate for your trip on the Golden Circle, the best accommodation option for your group will vary. Here are some of our top tips:

• If you plan to drive the entire Golden Circle in a single day, then the most straightforward option is to stay in Reykjavik. Unless you have other self-drive plans to see more of the south coast or head up north.
• If your itinerary takes you away from Reykjavik, you can book accommodation on your route using Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Airbnb.

If camping is your thing, then you might consider renting a camper , which will serve as your transportation and accommodation. Keep in mind you will have to pay for a campsite if you take this option.

Tips for booking accommodation

Once you know the type of accommodation you need and where you plan to stay, you will need to make your bookings. Here are a few things to keep in mind when booking accommodation in Iceland;

• If you’re visiting in the summer, booking in advance is essential (at least one month in advance).
• Before booking accommodation, compare the prices via multiple search engines to get the best price (the earlier you can do this, the more options you’ll have).
• If you’re camping, don’t worry about booking a spot. In Iceland, you can simply drive in and pay on-site. If you plan to camp all over the country, we recommend getting a camping card which will give you a discount at most campsites.

Golden Circle self-drive tour

So now you have everything you need to know to make your Iceland self-drive trip around the Golden Circle a success. This route is one of the best ways to see some of Iceland’s greatest gems without having to stray too far, and it’s super easy to drive.

Always make sure to book your rental car online and in advance to ensure that your pick is available (especially in the summer). If you’re unsure of the best rental car for your road trip and need some more advice, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Book now and get a 5% discount on your rental car price.

Recommended cars

Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Sfdi | group: o6 (sfdi).

• Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. NOTE: Allowed on-road no.35 and 550. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features

• 4 Large Luggage
• 4 Wheel Drive
• 38 C0 2  g/km
• Adjustable Steering
• Cruise Control
• Electronic Stability Control
• Power Steering
• Power Windows
• Remote Locking

Land Rover Defender or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Pfan | group: g6 (pfan).

Suitable for highlands, Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 25 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• 3 Large Luggage
• Petrol or Diesel
• 234 C0 2  g/km

Renault Captur Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 2WD

Cgai | group:p6 (cgai).

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• Traction Control

Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Ugdc | group: v1 (ugdc).

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Fmdn | group: d2 (fmdn).

• 7 Large Luggage, 2 Small luggage

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• 2 Small Bags
• 7 Large Bags
• 217 C0 2  g/km

KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Ifar | group: o (ifar).

• 156 C0 2  g/km

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Driving Iceland's Golden Circle: All You Need to Know

Imagine coasting through stunning countryside to see spouting geysers, thundering many-tiered waterfalls, and dramatic cliff faces. All at your own pace. If that sounds incredible, then you're ready for an iconic adventure with a  driving tour  of Iceland’s Golden Circle.

This iconic route represents one of Iceland’s most popular day tours , where you can discover landscapes rich with history and folklore. And inbetween attractions you can find reasons to stop at any number of fascinating locations. Think photogenic Lutheran churches, Icelandic horse farms, and restaurants dishing up Icelandic cuisine.

• Relax and let someone else book your hotels and plan your itinerary: choose from these  Golden Circle self-drive tours
• Prefer someone else to take the wheel instead? Consider a private tour , a small group tour or a multi-day tour

When you're ready to hit the road, bookmark this handy guide to the route. It’s packed with insider tips on must-see attractions and handy local restaurants to help you make the most of your trip.

What is the Golden Circle?

In the strictest sense, Iceland’s famous Golden Circle is a popular route between 3 of Iceland’s most visited attractions. Starting in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, you’ll drive into the southern uplands and back, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

You’ll find, though, that many tour routes take in extra attractions along the way. You could visit a geothermal greenhouse on one trip, or a natural hotwater spa with another.

Golden Circle map

Can you drive it in one day? How many miles is it?

The whole Golden Circle route can easily be done in one day, as the classic journey covers around 230 kilometres (140 miles to you and me). You can actually drive the route in just over 3 hours. But, of course, you need to factor in time to enjoy the attractions, take photos and stay fuelled as well.

Many guided coach tours will take the best part of a ‘9-to-5’ day to visit most stops on the route. But if you’re going self-guided, then you can choose exactly how long you want to stay at each attraction. And you can even start early or finish later for quieter sightseeing.

How to drive the Golden Circle in Iceland

While you can join a group tour of the Golden Circle, you may prefer to explore at your own pace and in your own style with a self-drive. For this, you’ll need to rent a car, or even a 4x4 if you’re planning to drive onward to the Icelandic Highlands.

Hiring a car puts you in control of your trip. You can start early (or late) and explore at times that suit you best. In summer, you could even use the long daylight hours to avoid the crowds often created by larger coach tours.

• Find out more about our friendlier take on coach tours,  small group minibus tours , with 16 travellers at most

When you go with self-drive, though, how you experience the Golden Circle in Iceland is totally up to you.

What to see in the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle has many attractions, but it’s mainly known as the route that connects:

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
• The Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir
• Gullfoss Waterfall.

Each has its own special charms, which we've highlighted below.

Þingvellir National Park

Discover a fascinating mixture of Icelandic history and natural beauty. Þingvellir (pronounced ‘Thingvellir’) is one of the most famous stops on the Golden Circle. It’s also Iceland’s first National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site , too. If you’re travelling the Golden Circle clockwise from Reykjavik, it’ll be your first stop.

Þingvellir is a keystone of Icelandic cultural history. The first settlers put down their roots in South Iceland in the 9th century CE. As their society developed, they decided an assembly could help ease disputes and create a fairer society. Þingvellir was chosen as the assembly site because the region was accessible from all the most peopled areas.

In 930, it became Iceland’s -- and the world’s -- first parliament. And the nation's shared cultural heritage has grown ever since.

Then there's the landscape. Geology buffs should note that Þingvellir National Park is also the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which creates some stunning geological sights. You can admire its deep valley, the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible on land, or the sheer cliff face that’s actually the corner of the North American continent.

Indeed, Iceland's land mass was formed from the magma that bubbled up as these two plates moved away from each other. That's why you can still see volcanic activity and landscape throughout the country. You could say these factors make Þingvellir National Park a natural starting place for your tour of Iceland.

Here's the top things to do in Þingvellir National Park:

• Marvel at Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake
• Witness Langjökull glacier
• Snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra, one of the world’s top 10 dive sites
• Hike along the North American plate and through Game of Thrones scenery at Almannagjá gorge
• Watch the thundering waters at Öxarárfoss waterfall

Geysir geothermal area

Continue driving clockwise, and you’ll arrive at Geysir geothermal area, within the Haukadalur Valley. Your drive will take you past more volcanic landscapes of steaming vents and chimneys. As you get closer to the Geysir geothermal area, the activity becomes more dramatic.

Here, against a vivid landscape, you’ll find 2 bubbling geysers of note – Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir. Great Geysir (or simply 'Geysir') is the earliest documented geyser in European literature, and has been active for around 10,000 years! Don't expect much from it now, though: Geysir is considered all but inactive, stirring only when earthquakes inspire bursts of activity for a few months at most.

For action, though, look no further than nearby Strokkur. This geyser erupts every 6–10 minutes, shooting hot water as high as 40 metres (131 ft) into the air. Just make sure you (and your camera) are waterproofed. As you walk through the surrounding Haukadalur Valley, you can also admire the many hot springs, smaller geysers and bubbling mud pots.

Gullfoss waterfall

A short drive away lies Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Watch as water thunders over 2 drops, falling a total of 32 metres (105 ft) and admire the rainbows that shoot from the spray. From your viewpoint, you can admire the Langjökull ice sheet.

During the summer months, when there’s no ice on the ground, you can walk up to the edge of the falls and feel Gullfoss’ spray on your face. It's an incredible, invigorating experience.

While you’re here, you could also raft the Hvita river, an exhilarating experience that allows you to experience the power of the falls up-close. Or, learn about Sigridur Tómasdóttir, known as 'Iceland's first environmentalist'. This local woman campaigned to protect the falls from property development, and ultimately paved the way for the falls to be forever protected as a national conservation area.

Other Golden Circle attractions 

While Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall may be the most well-known Golden Circle attractions, there are some noteworthy detours too.

• Fontana Geothermal Baths . Located in the town of Laugarvatn, between Þingvellir and the Geysirs, you can truly relax and unwind at the Fontana Geothermal Baths. Fontana spa uses the natural waters from the area’s hot springs to create 3 steam rooms, traditional Finnish sauna and shallow kid-friendly bathing pools
• Kerið Crater . Kerið Crater forms a complete oval and has a small lake at the bottom. The rocks surrounding the crater have fiery reds and oranges combine with bursts of black and green while the lake below adds to the pallet with its sky-blue waters. You could take a thousand photos of this beautiful site.
• Langjökull Glacier . For the adventure of a lifetime, head to Langjökull Glacier on a snowmobile. You can experience Langjökull Glacier at any time of year as there’s always snow. If you’re on a self-drive, you can get picked up from and returned to Gullfoss waterfall.
• Sólheimar . On the drive from Þingvellir and the Geysir Geothermal Area, stop off at the ecovillage of Solheimar. Visiting this village allows you to learn more about how the community maximises the potential of every resident, regardless of their age or disability, and supports their cause.
• Þjórsárdalur (Thjorsardalur) Valley . While not officially part of the Golden Circle, Thjorsardalur allows you to get off the beaten track. Here, you’ll find thundering waterfalls like Hjalparfoss, Haifoss, Glanni and Pjofafoss.
• Skálholt . This little village is rich with history and is considered by some as Iceland’s first town. Skalholt was home to the country’s first bishop and school. It’s worth stopping to admire its quaint cathedral or visit the nearby Secret Lagoon.

Where to eat when driving the Golden Circle

Driving the Golden Circle provides plenty of photo opportunities. And if you're a fan of Instagramming your food as well -- no judgment here, honest! -- you may want to get a few pictures of some traditional and contemporary Icelandic cuisine while you're there. Along the way, eats such as Skyr yoghurt, fresh seafood like lobster tails, and locally grown farm produce could be a real feast for your senses.

Our travel consultants recommend the following places to eat:

• Skyrgerðin . Try traditional sky yoghurt at Skyrgerðin, housed in Hveragerði´s former Skyr yoghurt factory.
• Friðheimar Farm . Get a light lunch of special tomato soup and home-baked bread at Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm. The tomatoes are all grown on-site, pollinated by imported Dutch bees in a greenhouse powered by the earth's internal heat. Non-drivers can even sample a geothermal Bloody Mary at the greenhouse bar. 
• Efstidalur . This family farm is in the heart of the Golden Circle, on the way from Haukadalur (Geysir) to Þingvellir. Stop by for a special 'farm to table' experience, where dairy, meat and veg from the farm is served up in the farm restaurant.
• Lindin . Indulge in chocolate desserts in a cosy setting at Lindin, located in the quaint village of Laugarvatn. Lindin also serves home-cooked Icelandic meals too.
• Gallerý Laugarvatn . Roughly halfway between Geysir and Þingvellir, this cafe and handcraft gallery offers magnificent mountain views and the chance to pick up a handmade souvenir after you've had a snack.
• Tryggvaskáli . Whether you like authentic Nordic dishes, seafood or burgers, this restaurant comes highly rated. Head over the bridge and into Selfoss, when you're at the southernmost point of the 'circle'.
• Kaffi Krús . If you're thinking of a casual bite in Selfoss, rather than a restaurant meal, try Kaffi Krús. Here you'll discover warm, hearty dishes like pizza, pasta and burgers. Perfect for satisfying kids and parents alike.
• Fjöruborðið . If you're willing to make a slight detour, Fjöruborðið in Stokkseyri is a Nordic Visitor staff favourite. Delight in langoustines in garlic butter (prepare to get a bit messy!), creamy tomato and langoustine soup, or traditional homemade cakes.

How much is the Golden Circle? Is it free?

While it doesn’t cost anything to enter the Golden Circle, you will need to rent a car and pay entrance fees at some of the sites. The total cost will depend on how long you rent a car for, the type of accommodation you stay at, how many ticketed sites you visit, and where you eat.

Where should you stay?

As noted before, you can do the whole Golden Circle in one day. Most journeys start and end in Reykjavik, where you can find hotels and guest houses to suit all budgets. With so many options to choose from, the only trick will be finding the right place to launch each day of your stay in Iceland.

At Nordic Visitor, we’ll sort all the lodgings for you. So, you don’t have to worry about researching and planning your route. We’ve carefully vetted and tested all of our chosen hotels and guest houses , which means you’ll always have a comfortable stay at competitive rates.

As a local travel agency, we have special relationships with our accommodation providers and tour organisers. So we will craft a personalised itinerary that provides a seamless getaway, with each day's activities and accommodation organised for you. We do all the heavy lifting so you can just enjoy dreaming of your Iceland trip.

When should you visit the Golden Circle?

The Land of Fire and Ice is a year-round destination, so it's really down to personal preference. Tour Iceland in the summer and you'll enjoy longer days. For a time, the sun barely sets at all, so you don’t need to worry about squeezing everything in before dark.

Top tip : self-drive in summertime means you can time your visits to avoid any coach tour crowds.

On the other hand, driving the Golden Circle in winter means you could see the northern lights or the jaw-dropping beauty of icy cliff-walls created by the freezing spray of Gullfoss. Decide how you’d like to spend your time in Iceland before you book a winter or summer break.

• Book one of our self-drive tours with the Golden Circle included
• Related: Driving the Diamond Circle in North Iceland

Is the Blue Lagoon part of the Golden Circle?

Technically the Blue Lagoon is not part of the Golden Circle, but you can easily visit both. Many tour companies offer a two-in-one day tour. But personally I feel this is a little demanding on your time: a trip to a spa experience should not be rushed.

A trip to the Blue Lagoon probably takes at least 4 hours including drive time, and you could easily spend a bit longer there. When self-driving the Golden Circle, meanwhile, you should spend at least 8 hours on the route and attractions. It just gives you more time to enjoy each attraction at your own pace. 

That's why I suggest that you'd be better off spending one full day on the Golden Circle, and another half-day enjoying the Blue Lagoon. It can often a good idea to spend half a day relaxing at the Blue Lagoon as a bookend of your trip. That is, either go there after your arrival at Keflavik, or before heading to the airport for an afternoon or evening flight home.

• Thinking about not driving? Take a look at our Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon multi-day tour

Arrange your Golden Circle self-drive trip with us

Our dedicated travel consultants will arrange all the fine details of your self-drive Golden Circle adventure. We’ll plan your route so that driving time and sightseeing time are perfectly balanced.

When you book with us, your car rental comes with basic insurance, 2-driver allowance, a hand-drawn map, and unlimited Wi-Fi and mileage. All this, plus our 24/7 helpline, means your drive is stress-free.

• Save time on planning: book one of our self-drive tours with the Golden Circle included  and let your own travel consultant manage all the paperwork
• Explore a summer self-drive option with the  Golden Circle and South Coast .
• View the winter self-drive alternative,  Golden Circle and South Coast - Winter .

We’ll also satisfy any special requirements on request. You can add extra destinations from your wishlist to your self-drive tour. Why not spend one final day indulging in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, or cap off your trip with a city tour of chic Reykjavik, finishing with a five-star dining experience?

Check out our driving tours -- they all feature the Golden Circle.

Greg Perkins is from Edinburgh, Scotland, but he adopted Iceland as his second country when Scotland (typically) managed not to qualify for football's Euro 2016 tournament. His passions include travel, English literature, and board games. Among his top travel experiences are sailing along Geirangerfjord with classically trained singers providing the soundtrack, seeing Sólheimajökull glacier up close in South Iceland, and witnessing the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's Doubtful Sound fjord.

Find Greg on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

GOLDEN CIRCLE & SOUTH COAST

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Golden Circle Self Drive Tours

See the wonders of nature in action on a Golden Circle self-drive tour in Iceland. Visit the Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and more.

Golden Circle Self-Drive Tour: Iceland’s Most Famous Route

Want to experience hot springs, a glacial waterfall, geothermal pools and volcanic terrain all in a short amount of time? On a Golden Circle self-drive tour, Iceland ’s incredible natural diversity is on full display – all condensed into a simple journey from Reykjavik.

A road trip on the famous Golden Circle route in Iceland promises epic photo opportunities, as well as activities like soaking in thermal springs and snowmobiling on a glacier. Visit the roaring Gullfoss waterfall , the Geysir geothermal area and a true gem of Icelandic nature and history – Þingvellir National Park .

What’s more, when you book a trip to Iceland with Nordic Visitor, you get hand-picked accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline. 

Get in touch with us and we'll happily plan your perfect Iceland adventure. You can reach us via our toll-free numbers, contact form or LiveChat.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts
• 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

Drive the Golden Circle in Summer

Get behind the wheel and prepare to be amazed. These flexible self-drive tour packages include the Golden Circle as well as journeys on the Ring Road. Accommodations, car rental, maps and more included.

Iceland Full Circle Classic

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Watch hot springs spout during the day, watch for northern lights at night. These self-drive tours include a 4x4 rental car for safe winter driving, a flexible itinerary and other perks for an incredible road trip.

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter

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As a travel agency with offices in Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Stockholm and Lucerne, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Europe. Choose from a variety of carefully curated tours that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights.

You can also make customisations to your itinerary by adding extra nights, optional activities, or upgrades to your tour. Or ask your personal travel consultant for advice and they will tailor your itinerary. This way you get a travel experience that is perfectly suited to you. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will arrange all the local details for you. You get accommodation, activities, transport, and other services included in your package. If you need to rework your itinerary, we’ll handle it for you so you can relax and look forward to your getaway.

Different ways you can experience Iceland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Iceland below.

Multi-Day Tours

Guided small groups, privately guided, northern lights packages, self-drive winter, best seller, what is the golden circle.

In a nutshell, the Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route in Iceland. If you’re flexible with your definition of shapes, then this drive is indeed a circle, starting and ending in Reykjavik.

The Golden Circle route forms a loop through southwestern Iceland via a few different highways, including Route 35 and Route 1, the renowned “Ring Road” . It’s a must for all first-time visitors as it encompasses a few of Iceland’s most famous sights:

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park , where Iceland’s parliament was founded in 930 AD and where two tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart.
• The spouting hot springs of the Geysir   geothermal area, where you can finally witness first-hand the erupting Strokkur geyser from all those amazing Instagram pics.
• The mighty waterfall Gullfoss . As its name means “Golden Falls” in Icelandic, this may very well explain the golden part of route’s name.

There’s a lot more on the route to see than those 3 places though, which truly makes this route worth its weight in gold.

Good to know : Not only does Nordic Visitor rent a car and book your accommodations for you, we also give you a handy booklet on arrival with your own personal itinerary and details of Iceland’s best attractions to visit on your road trip.

• How about a visual aid? See the Google Map of the Golden Circle here

How long is the Golden Circle tour?

The classic Golden Route is around 230 km (140 miles) in total. Can you do the Golden Circle in a day? Absolutely – if you got in a car and drove the whole journey without stopping, it would take you a little over 3 hours. But you’ll want to stop for photos and have an occasional snack and loo break, right?

So to answer the question, “How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?” we would say to give yourself at least 8 hours. Setting aside a full day for this allows you to factor in some unplanned stops, for example, at little dairy farms that sell homemade ice cream.

Good to know: Nordic Visitor actually marks these little ice cream stops – and other notable diversions – on your road map. We even highlight your driving route and overnight locations!

• Discover the Golden Circle on one of these classic Iceland holiday packages

What is the best way to see the Golden Circle?

There are numerous guided day tours from Reykjavík around this route all year round, though we find that driving yourself around the Golden Circle is the best option for flexible sightseeing – read more in our how-to guide . Plus, it’s an easy route to drive as the popular attractions are easily located just off the main roads.

This is especially true for anyone serious about photography, families with kids – who may need more bathroom breaks – and travellers who free time for hiking.

What is the best way to drive the Golden Circle?

Starting from Reykjavik , you could drive clockwise or counter clockwise, depending on how you want to time your attractions and activities. There really is no right or wrong direction, though most tours tend to go clockwise as you’ll reach the major sites sooner – by car, it’s about 55 minutes from Reykjavik to Þingvellir National Park.

For example, driving clockwise from Reykjavik you first head northeast, stopping at Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss in that order. Then you head down to the south coast at a leisurely pace on your way back to the capital city, with optional stops at places like the Friðheimar greenhouse, the Kerið crater and small towns on the way.

An advantage of doing the Golden Circle clockwise is if you’re taking your road trip further east along Iceland’s south coast – an extension we wholly recommend. There’s a lot more to South Iceland beyond the Golden Circle !

Good to know : The best way to drive the Golden Circle is to do it safely. Nordic Visitor provides customers with handy information about driving in Iceland , so you'll be well prepared for the traffic rules and road signs.

• Wondering how to work the Golden Circle into your itinerary?  Check out these 5 best road trips in Iceland

When is the best time for a Golden Circle tour?

Summer in Iceland , namely June through August, is the busiest time of the year on the Golden Circle. While sparsely populated Iceland can never really be considered “crowded”, these are the months with the most organised bus tours to the attractions.

If you’d like fewer people in your photos, consider departing Reykjavik earlier in the morning. Or take advantage of the “midnight sun” and extend your drive later into the evening to capture the Golden Circle during golden hour.

• Summer, winter, spring or fall? Read our complete guide about the best time to visit Iceland

Can you drive the Golden Circle in winter?

Yes! Just as ice cream is Icelanders’ favourite treat year-round – even in the colder months – you can do a driving tour of the Golden Circle any time of year. It’s just as beautiful with snow on the ground.

The advantage of booking a Golden Circle self-drive tour between October and April is that you’ll encounter fewer crowds at the attractions and potentially even catch a brilliant northern lights show in the evening! Of course, you will need to account for limited daylight hours between November and January.

Good to know : The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, but Nordic Visitor’s travel consultants are skilled at quickly modifying itineraries in the event of poor winter road conditions. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency phone support for extra peace of mind on the road.

• Do you know what to pack for Iceland? Get our advice on what to wear in Iceland

See what services we offer, and what our other travellers say about us, below. Then keep reading for details about the major and minor attractions of the Golden Circle.

— THINGS TO SEE

Highlights of the golden circle, þingvellir (thingvellir) national park, gullfoss waterfall, geysir geothermal area.

• Langjökull glacier
• Kerið volcanic crater

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Scott, United Kingdom

Iceland full circle classic - winter, november 2023, we had an amazing time.

We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it. Iceland is an amazing place and I am sure we will be back and will use Nordic Visitor again!

James, United States

Iceland full circle classic, september 2023, experience of a lifetime.

I primarily wanted to use Nordic Visitor as a resource for creating our 14-day trip itinerary, to help weed through what seemed to be an endless array of choices, and to help us to get the very most out of our time in Iceland. Yes, we could have pieced it together ourselves but I needed an advocate in Iceland, an advisor, and maybe a resource for us if issues were to arise. That piece of mind was important to my wife and me and I'm glad we chose them to frame our trip. It made it much easier to piece in the parts that were important to us to see and experience. That allowed us to just enjoy the trip and not get bogged down in the details of planning each and every moment.

There are so many things I could say about our experience, an experience of a lifetime and after posting snippets of our trip on social media I have found that several friends of mine want to know how we planned this trip. I told them the same thing I am saying here, save a little money if you want and plan it yourself or trust a reliable source like Nordic Visitor and let them give you the trip framework and essential advice. I would do it the same way if I were doing it over.

Dean, United States

Highlights of the ring road - private, july 2023, went off without a hitch.

Everything was well-organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been better. I highly recommend him to anyone considering a private guide as an option. He's extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. He knew all of the best places to go and was entertaining and delightful as well. Accommodation was all spectacular.

Christopher, Australia

Winter highlights - private, november 2023, warm and engaging guide.

Great tour. The sights are of course amazing and the tour made the most of our time, weather and our interests/priorities. Driver and guide David managed all of these very well. He was also very knowledgeable and personally warm and engaging. Could not have asked for more.

Jerine, Canada

Natural wonders of iceland, august 2023, perfect for solo traveller.

A beautiful itinerary, exceptional guide and perfect weather made this a trip I will never forget. Nordic Visitor made the process easy, and Iceland opened her arms. My 10-day small group tour was perfect for a solo traveller who wanted to see it all. 

Cynthia, United States

Best of south iceland, april 2023.

Working with Nordic Visitor was wonderful. Our travel consultant, Heddy, was quick to respond when we had a question or concern. She helped us plan a fabulous itinerary. Everything we booked through Nordic Visitor was fantastic. I have already recommended Nordic Visitor to friends, and I will continue to do so.

Kimberly, Canada

Iceland road trip, october 2023, trip of a lifetime.

Overall this was an amazing experience! A trip of a lifetime that I could never have planned myself. Any questions I had during planning were answered faster than expected and I felt safe and well looked after during the trip. Trip was smooth and hassle free.

Patricia, United States

Scenic south iceland, august 2023, 5-star experience.

Not only did we absolutely love every stop on the Scenic South Iceland tour, but prior to the tour we stayed for 4 days in Reykjavík. I appreciated Nordic Visitor's recommendations for things to do and places to eat there and felt highly supported by Marko, our travel consultant, in every regard to booking our flight and own hotel, day trips I was interested in, and taking public transport around. A definite 5-star experience!

Janice, United States

Winter highlights & northern lights, march 2023, i will certainly travel with nordic visitor again.

I cannot thank Nordic Visitor enough for providing me with a wonderful and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was seamless, from the pickup at the airport, to the excellent hotels, delicious food served and our friendly, knowledgeable guide, Jakob. Nothing was too much trouble - we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience in Iceland, and all came away with wonderful memories of many of the amazing sights of such a scenic country. We were even lucky enough to see the northern lights. I will certainly travel with Nordic Visitor again and would recommend them to anyone thinking about visiting the countries where they offer tours. Thank you Nordic Visitor!

David, Australia

Iceland full circle classic - winter, october 2023, many thanks to nordic visitor.

Absolutely amazing. No issues whatsoever. We saw it all from North to South and much of in between. From reindeer to whales and more beautiful waterfalls and volcanic bits than you could hope to see in a week. Every hour the scenery seemed to change dramatically. Just a great experience. Many thanks to Nordic Visitor.

Robert, United States

Romance around iceland, july 2023, best vacation we have had.

Everyone at Nordic Visitor were very responsive to all questions we had during our 30-year anniversary trip to Iceland. We had airline travel issues and the representative adjusted our itinerary so we were able to see the whole island. The accommodation were beautiful and everyone was so friendly. This was the best vacation we have had, we left Iceland relaxed!

Seth, United States

A new year's to remember, december 2022, an amazing and unique experience.

Our tour was great! Went for our honeymoon and it was everything we wanted. First night we got to see the northern lights which were fantastic! Second day, most certainly our longest, visited several sites (Geysire & Þingvellir) and went snowmobiling on a glacier. Such an amazing and unique experience. The walking tour around Reykjavik was surprisingly educational and our guide pointed out things that we ordinarily would have missed. The NYE dinner was delicious and going out to see the firework displays by (what seemed to be like) everyone was something. Practically had to dodge fireworks! Our 4th day was spent at the Blue Lagoon; perfect after a night of partying! Our last day was nice and relaxing, did some final shopping before we headed off to the airport. Hope to go back & visit Iceland again!

What is included in the Golden Circle tour?

As we mentioned earlier, the core of the Golden Circle is three popular attractions: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot springs and the beautiful waterfall Gullfoss.

In our Golden Circle travel guide below we’ve broken down what makes each site so special, along with a list of other points of interest you may want to fit in to your Golden Circle day trip.

This is the largest attraction on the route, so give yourself at least an hour to park the car and check out the main features. Iceland’s first national park, Þingvellir — often spelled as Thingvellir for English readers — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noteworthy for several reasons.

Firstly, it’s an area of remarkable geology and natural beauty. Þingvellir National Park is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Rift and is characterised by its rocky cliffs and deep fissures — visible scars of the slow separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here you’ll also find Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvallavatn.

Secondly, Þingvellir is the site where the first Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament, was founded in 930 AD. Today you can stand next to Lögberg (The Law Rock), where Viking Age settlers would meet to make – and enforce in grisly manners – the laws of the land. Executions were carried out here too, at spots like Drekkingarhylur (The Drowning Pool).

To experience both the geological and historical significance noted above, walk “between continents” on the popular pathway in the Almannagjá gorge. And don’t miss the stunning panorama from the Hakið viewpoint near the park’s visitor centre. Feeling adventurous? There are also guided snorkelling tours in the Silfra fissure (best booked in advance).

• Feeling some déjà vu at Þingvellir? You’ve already seen it if you watch Game of Thrones

This is the place where you can witness up close (but not too close) the sheer force of Iceland’s geothermal activity. This is also where you’ll want you camera on the ready.

The Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley is best known as the home of The Great Geysir, a previously powerful but now inactive geyser. The geyser eruption you see today in all the Instagram posts is actually from nearby Strokkur, which bursts at regular intervals of 8 – 10 minutes. Get ready for a show… the hot water shoots as high as 40 metres (131 feet)!

After you’ve admired the erupting geyser, as well as the bubbling pots along the marked pathways, head back across the road for a quick lunch, a postcard or some local information at the large Geysir Centre complex. Oh, and if you’re visiting in winter, step carefully on the icy ground around the hot springs.

• Hot tip about hot springs: See other must-see geothermal attractions in Iceland

This attraction puts the gold in the Golden Circle. Gullfoss means “Golden Falls”, and though much of the landscape here is a vivid mossy green – accented by frequent rainbows in the mist, it’s said that the falls glow in a lovely golden hue at sunset. Regardless of colour, this waterfall is quite impressive as the glacial-fed Hvítá River plunges 32 metres (105 feet) over two tiers into a deep canyon.

From the parking lot by the visitor centre and cafe there are two ways to experience this marvel: from the overlook at the top, and via the stairs and pathway down to the edge overlooking the falls. Choose the latter option for the thunderous sound and excellent photo vantage points. A rain jacket and waterproof lens protection would be wise here.

Like Geysir, the path at Gullfoss can be quite icy in the colder months (and is sometimes partially closed for that reason), and the wind gusts can be strong, so do watch your step.

• Go chase more waterfalls! See our list of top 10 waterfalls in Iceland

Other highlights of the Golden Circle route

What is there to do on the Golden Circle besides those 3 core attractions? Plenty! If you’re up for an adventure, or maybe just want to relax at a thermal spa or sample locally-grown Icelandic foods, leave a few hours for little detours to experience these other attractions below.

• Langjökull glacier --  This feeds the mighty Gullfoss, but it’s also a popular spot for guided super jeep and snowmobiling tours. You can add those to your Nordic Visitor tour in advance if you’re interested.
• Laugarvatn Fontana Spa --  For much-needed relaxation, this small geothermal spa delivers. Enjoy the steam baths, sauna and views over Lake Laugarvatn from the warm outdoor pool.
• Efstidalur farm --  Craving something sweet on the way between Þingvellir and Geysir? Stop at this dairy for the creamy, delicious homemade ice cream .
• Friðheimar greenhouse --  Taste fresh tomatoes grown from geothermal power, nibble on their freshly baked bread and sip one of their signature Bloody Mary drinks (if you’re not the driver) made with Icelandic honey. Go see the pretty Icelandic horses outside, too.
• Secret Lagoon in Flúðir --  Take a dip in some natural hot springs! Called Gamla Laugin (“The Old Pool”) by locals, this is a great place for geothermal bathing surrounded by nature. We know because we tried it .
• Skálholt: This small village was home to Iceland’s first bishop and boasts a quaint cathedral.
• Kerið (Kerid) crater  -- Where else can you pull off the road and stand on the rim of a 3000-year-old volcanic crater? Check out its milky blue crater lake and red sandy slopes.
• Selfoss : You’ll pass through this town on the southern leg of the circle, so it’s a good place to stop for petrol, refreshments or other road trip essentials.
• Hveragerði & Reykjadalur --  Also on the south coast, the village of Hveragerði is another good place for a pit stop. And if you’ve got a couple hours to spare, there’s a fabulous hike (and a natural hot spring to bathe in!) in Reykjadalur (“Steam Valley) behind town.

Note: The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is not actually part of the Golden Circle, but it's super easy to add to your holiday in Iceland since it's located close to Keflavik International Airport.

Want to see more of the Golden Circle and beyond? Nordic Visitor offers a wide range of tours in Iceland that can be customised to your liking, with extra nights and optional activities added to your itinerary on request.

— THINGS TO DO

Activities along the golden circle route.

• Snorkel between continents in the Silfra fissure
• Zoom across Langjökull glacier on a snowmobile
• Soak in the thermal springs at the Secret Lagoon
• Taste fresh, geothermally-grown tomatoes at Friðheimar

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Icelandic adventure.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir was declared a national park in 1930. A law was passed designating Þingvellir as “a...

Gullfoss, or the ‘Golden Waterfall’, is a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that drops 32...

The famed hot spring Geysir is located in the Haukadalur valley in southwestern Iceland. It was...

What to pack

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all type..

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Are you prepared for your road trip? Learn the rul..

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Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle Route: Perfect Itinerary [2024]

Home » Blog » Europe » Iceland » Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle Route: Perfect Itinerary [2024]

The Golden Circle route is one of the top attractions in Iceland, and for a good reason. It’s easily accessible to all travelers whether you’re visiting for just a few days or staying much longer. This guide has everything you need to plan your tour of the Golden Circle, plus some secret spots off the beaten path that you’ll want to check out.

One of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland is the route known as the Golden Circle. It’s one of those “must things to do in Iceland” that appears on just about every itinerary. 

So what is the Golden Circle exactly?

In short, it is a famous driving loop that passes by three main sights:

• Thingvellir National Park:  the place where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet
• Geysir:  a geothermal valley with a frequently-erupting geyser
• Gullfoss:  a massive waterfall

These three attractions are well-developed and easily accessible for people of most ages and abilities, making it a good addition to most visitors’ first trip to Iceland, even if you’re only in the country for a short time.

Golden Circle Iceland Guide

Where is the golden circle.

• How to plan your route
• Golden Circle map
• How long does it take?

Golden Circle main attractions

• Off-the-beaten-path attractions on the Golden Circle
• Bonus stops  near  the Golden Circle
• Golden Circle itineraries
• Tour vs. Self-drive
• Recommended Golden Circle tours
• Best time to visit the Golden Circle

Golden Circle FAQs

Where to eat on the golden circle, where to stay on the golden circle.

• What to pack

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We’ve traveled to Iceland 3 times now and spent weeks living in a campervan, traveling around the country. We’ve been able to explore a lot of what Iceland has to offer!

We’ve complied our experience to create the  perfect Iceland itinerary . Our itinerary is for 7-9 days and meant to be explored while traveling in a campervan. It includes the  highlights of the southern coast of Iceland. 

We’ll send you our complete 7-9 day customizable itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  perfect Iceland itinerary  today!

This popular driving route in southwest Iceland loops from Reykjavík past three major attractions and back to Reykjavík.

How to plan your Golden Circle route

We’ve driven the Golden Circle route twice and have gathered all sorts of tips for the main attractions. Plus, we’re sharing some off-the-beaten-path stops you’ll miss out on if you don’t know what you’re looking for. (And in our opinion, some of these hidden gems are even cooler than the big names!)

In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about planning your Golden Circle trip while in Iceland.

Golden Circle route map

How long does the Golden Circle route take?

• Golden Circle distance:  246 kilometers (153 miles)
• Golden Circle drive time  (return trip to Reykjavík): 3.5 hours (this does not include time at stops or additional attractions along the way)
• Our recommendation:  allocate between 6-10 hours, depending on how many additional stops you’d like to include

In short, you can easily drive the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavík, and get back to town in time for dinner. Alternatively, you can take your time and stretch it out over two days if you’d prefer.

The total drive time from Reykjavík to the three main attractions and  back  to Reykjavík is just about 3.5 hours. That said, you’ll need to account for the time spent at each stop as well as any additional stops you’d like to make along the way.

We’d recommend allocating between 6-10 hours for this route so you don’t feel too rushed. 

If you really want to take your time and see some of the lesser-known sights, you may even want to plan to spend the night along the Golden Circle route so you have ample time for exploring. (This is what we did!)

The loop to just the three main attractions is roughly 153 miles (247 km). If you add in time spent at each attraction, it can add up to a good portion of your day. Plus, you’ll need to add on more driving distance and time if you want to include more stops along the way (which we’d highly recommend!).

Distances between main attractions

• Reykjavík to Thingvellir: 47 km (29 miles) / 40 minutes
• Thingvellir to Geysir: 60 km (37 miles) / 50 minutes
• Geysir to Gullfoss: 10 km (6 miles) / 10 minutes
• Gullfoss to Reykjavík (via Selfoss): 130 km (80 miles) / 1 hour 50 minutes

Good to know: Another factor to consider is whether you will be doing the Golden Circle as part of a longer road trip, or whether you need to return to Reykjavík. Personally, we  continued along the Ring Road route  after completing the Golden Circle, so we did  not  need to drive back to Reykjavík.

The Golden Circle truly only encompasses three main attractions, which we’ve listed below. 

However, there is much more in this area that is worth seeing. If you have the time, we’d highly recommend looking at our list of “off the beaten path” attractions to add to your route to make it more interesting.

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park

Located 47 kilometers (29 miles) east of Reykjavík, this is most visitors’ first stop on the Golden Circle, and for good reason. 

Thingvellir was Iceland’s first national park, and it is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. In addition to these titles, Thingvellir held an important role throughout history and has great geological importance.

Thingvellir National Park throughout History

• Þingvellir translates to “parliament plains” because this was originally where lawmakers met to settle disputes and put laws into place. While these meetings took place outdoors instead of in a fancy building, this is actually recognized as the oldest parliament in the world. The first recorded meetings took place as early as 930 A.D., which was during the age of the Vikings. 
• In 1930, Thingvellir was established as Iceland’s first National Park. 
• Thingvellir National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 2004.
• When Iceland gained its independence from Denmark on June 17, 1944, there was a huge gathering and celebration at Thingvellir.
• In modern history news, Thingvellir was a filming location for several  Game of Thrones  scenes.

Geology at Thingvellir National Park

• This is the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a rift. Thingvellir is the only place in the world where you can see these two plates meeting above ground.
• Each year, these tectonic plates are drifting apart at a rate of 2 centimeters (about three-quarters of an inch).
• Silfra is the name of the fissure between these two tectonic plates, and it’s filled with glacial water that has been filtered through an underground lava system. This is the only place in the world where you can snorkel (or dive, if you have drysuit certifications)  between  two tectonic plates!

How do you pronounce Þingvellir?

I had the same question, and it’s kind of a tricky one.

While the first character in the word, “Þ”, looks like a “P” it most definitely is not. This character is known as  thorn  and has a “th” sound, so it is acceptable to spell Þingvellir as  Thingvellir .

Double Ls are another tricky one in Icelandic, as they sound more like “ti” or “til”.

My best phonetic spelling attempt of  Þingvellir  would be “thing-vet-ir”. 

Here’s a video pronunciation of Thingvellir.

Things to do in Thingvellir

• Almannagjá Gorge:  A path through this gorge quite literally brings you past the two tectonic plates, and offers up some pretty awe-inspiring views.
• Oxararfoss waterfall:  A short walk from the parking lot will lead you to this waterfall which has some interesting basalt column features.
• Lake Þingvallavatn:  Glimpse the largest natural lake in Iceland.
• Silfra Fissure:  This is the only place in the world where you can snorkel (or dive, if you have dry suit certification) between two tectonic plates! Even if you’re not getting in the water, it’s worth walking to this point where you can see the fissure from above the ground. More on this activity below!
• Þingvallakirkja:  The Thingvellir Church is situated in a beautiful setting and is fun to see while in the national park. You can even walk inside if you’d like. 
• “Heart of Iceland” exhibit:  Thingvellir has a deep history and has some of the most interesting geological features in the entire country. If you’d like to learn more about both, consider visiting the “Heart of Iceland” exhibit in the Thingvellir visitors center. It costs 1,000 ISK for adults.
• Optional stop near Thingvellir:  If you’re a waterfall buff and just can’t get enough of ‘em,  Þórufoss  is located just a short detour from the park entrance and makes a good quick stop on your way to Thingvellir. This waterfall tends to be less crowded than many others along the Golden Circle. 

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

This rift between the North American and Euroasian tectonic plates is one of the top-rated dive and snorkel sites in the world. It’s the only place on earth you can dive (or snorkel) between tectonic plates, so it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The water is just above freezing and stays 2-4ºC / 35-37ºF all year round. Thankfully, the tour companies provide drysuits, which should keep you pretty warm. Being that the water originates at the Langjökull glacier and filters through volcanic rock, it is incredibly clear. We’ve heard that visibility is virtually limitless! 

Good to know:  It used to be possible to dive in the Silfra Fissure without much scuba experience. However, recent regulations have made it so divers must possess either a dry suit certification or have 10 logged drysuit dives within the last two years. 

Our personal experience:  Diving (or snorkeling) in the Silfra Fissure has been on our bucket list for years, but during our first trip to Iceland we were on an incredibly tight budget. Being that this is definitely a splurge activity, we didn’t include it in our itinerary. And on our second trip to Iceland, I was 6-months pregnant which barred me from participating. Next time we’re in Iceland, we’re definitely going!

Important Info:

• Facilities on site: Restrooms, visitors center, cafe, souvenir shop
• You can  pay for parking online

We’d recommend parking in  lot P2 , as it’s close to many of the trails

Next up on the Golden Circle route is a stop at Geysir, a geothermal field known as Haukadalur Valley. This area is famous for its boiling mud pits and geysers that erupt frequently.

On this site, there are two large geysers: Geysir and Strokkur.

Geysir is the larger of the two and documentation of its activity dates back to the thirteenth century. Apparently in its heyday, water would shoot up as high as 170 meters (230 feet). That’s taller than a 20-story building! However, today Geysir is more or less dormant. And when it does erupt, it’s not nearly as high as it once was.

But don’t worry, Strokkur is still very much active and you’ll definitely have the chance to see it erupt with boiling water in all its glory. 

As soon as you get out of your car, you’ll notice the scent of sulfur in the air and you’ll see steam in the distance. Follow the well-marked paths past bubbling mud pits and you’ll likely see a crowd gathered at one point. This is Strokkur. 

Like clockwork, this famed geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes or so, shooting a stream of boiling water 20-40 meters into the sky (65-130 feet). Think of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, but on a smaller scale.

Fun Facts about Geysir

• Of the two main geysers at this site, Strokkur is the only one that is active. Geysir had been quiet since 2000, but suddenly erupted in 2016. However, it hasn’t erupted since then (yet!).
• Strokkur erupts very regularly, about every 5-10 minutes.

Things to do at Geysir

• The main attraction here is to walk the short path past boiling mud pits on your way to Strokkur. Depending on how long you want to spend here, you can watch this geyser erupt a few times. 
• View the pool where Geysir, which is now-dormant, sits.
• Follow the path up on the hill behind Strokkur to get a view of the Haukadalur geothermal valley from above.
• If you’re into rustic (aka undeveloped) hot springs, you may want to check out  Kualaug  which is located not far from Geysir. We haven’t personally been, but we’ve read it can get quite hot and the water is on the muddy side. If that doesn’t bother you, it looks like a unique stop on this popular path.

Important Info

• Facilities on site: restroom, visitors center, cafe
• Cost: free to enter and park

Translating to “golden falls”, this attraction is responsible for giving the Golden Circle its name. 

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and is one of the top 3 most-visited sights in Iceland, for good reason. 

Originating at the base of the Langjökull Glacier in Iceland’s highlands, the Hvítá River flows southbound where it forms the mighty waterfall known as Gullfoss. The falls itself has two cascading sections, dropping 32 meters (100+ feet) in total.  

While not the tallest nor the largest waterfall in Iceland, this unique 2-tiered beauty is truly a sight to behold. 

This powerful waterfall engulfs visitors in a heavy spray of mist and rewards them with rainbows on sunny days.

Insider Tip: If you have a camera with you, stick it inside your rain jacket or a dry bag when you’re walking through the mist to protect it.

Fun facts about Gullfoss 

• The falls is 32 meters tall (105 feet), and has two tiers
• When filming  Game of Thrones,  there were scenes filmed at this waterfall, but they were never released
• Gullfoss  translates to “golden falls”, as it is said to have a golden hue on bright, sunny days. This is also said to be how the Golden Circle gets its name.

Visiting Gullfoss

There is a paved path from the parking lot that is a short and easy walk to the falls. There is also a staircase leading to a lower viewpoint, which will bring you closer to the falls (and in turn, the mist!).

Interesting history about Gullfoss

Gullfoss was at the center of some drama back in the early 1900’s that includes deceit, corruption and an unlikely hero. If you want a short history lesson, keep reading (it’s pretty interesting!)…

In the early 1900’s, the world was just learning about hydropower and in 1907, an English businessman attempted to begin the creation of a hydroelectric plant at Gullfoss.

At the time, the land was owned by a sheep farmer, Tómas Tómasson, who declined the businessman’s offer. His reasoning,  “I will not sell my friend,”  has famously gone down in history, but he didn’t quite stop the businessman’s plan. 

Here’s the catch: Even though Tómasson declined to sell the land, he did agree to lease it to the land to the businessman, unaware that he was still plotting to carry on with building a hydroelectric plant through a loophole in the contract.

Tómasson’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, is the real hero here. She realized what was happening and saved up her own money to hire a lawyer to take on her case and fight to protect her beloved Gullfoss. It is said that Sigríður made the 120 kilometers (70+ miles) on foot several times to meet with officials in Reykjavík to discuss this matter. 

This legal battle was long and at times looked bleak. At one point, Sigríður threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if construction began. Even though she lost her legal case, Sigríður’s efforts were declared a success in 1929 when the businessman withdrew from the lease due to lack of funding. Gullfoss was then donated to Iceland, and remains protected to this day. 

Sigríður Tómasdóttir is hailed today as Iceland’s first true environmentalist and is one of the most beloved figures in Icelandic history. She was lucky enough to live a long life where she was able to see several ground-breaking environmental laws passed. Oh, and remember that lawyer who represented her? Well, his name was Sveinn Björnsson, and he went on to become the first president of Iceland once the country gained independence in 1944.

Okay, history lesson complete! When you’re at Gullfoss, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a plaque that is dedicated to Sigríður Tómasdóttir because now you’ll know the full, drama-filled story.

• Facilities on site:  visitor center, restrooms, gift shop, and cafe
• Cost:  free to park and enter

Want an extra dose of adventure?

Add “snowmobiling on a glacier” to your Iceland bucket list! There are tours that depart from the Gullfoss parking lot that will bring you to the nearby Langjökull Glacier. Here, you’ll suit up and hop on a snowmobile for an unrivaled experience. You’ll also explore the natural ice cave near the glacier, for a very different Golden Circle experience!

Off-the-beaten-path stops on the Golden Circle

While the Golden Circle technically just refers to the three attractions listed above, there is plenty more to see in this area. 

We’re going to go over some additional attractions you may want to add to your Golden Circle itinerary:

Walk the rim of colorful Kerið Crater

Perhaps the most colorful stop along the Golden Circle, this aquamarine lake sits inside a volcanic caldera and is flanked by red volcanic rock and bursts of lime green moss in a shocking display of Mother Nature’s artistic side.

Good to know:  Kerið Crater is pronounced “kair-ith”, as the “ð” symbol in Icelandic has a “th” sound.

After purchasing a ticket for 400 ISK ($3) at the trail entrance, you can walk the gravel trail that encircles the rim of Kerið Crater. This loop trail is just under a mile long and is relatively flat and easy and shouldn’t take much more than a half hour in total (including photo stops). You can also descend on a staircase down towards the water for a different perspective. 

Find the stats and trail notes here.

Interesting geology:  Most of the volcanic rock you see in Iceland is black, so why is the rock surrounding Kerið Crater red? Geologically speaking, Kerið Crater is quite young and therefore the iron deposits in the rock are, for lack of a better term,  fresh.  Geologists believe that this was once a volcano, and after its eruption the lava drained out, causing it to collapse and eventually fill with water. The water level fluctuates throughout the seasons and gets its piercing hue from minerals that seep from the surrounding into the water.

Fair warning:  Many of the pictures you’ll see of this crater on the Internet have been heavily edited – with the colors being enhanced to an unnatural level of saturation. While still very beautiful and colorful in real life, just beware that it may not look quite as vibrant as some photos may have you believe.

Cost:  400 ISK ($3) per person to enter, pay at the ticket booth at the trail entrance (this was the only natural attraction along the Golden Circle we visited where we had to pay an entrance fee)

Taste Rye Bread that has been baked underground at Laugarvatn Fontana

We first heard about this place from Zac Efron. Yep, that’s right, the studly star of  High School Musical  can do more than sing and dance.  But we all knew that, right?

In Netflix’s original series,  Down to Earth,  Efron explores sustainability in different places around the world, and it just so happens that the first episode takes place in Iceland and includes a visit to Laugarvatn Fontana.

Situated on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn this resort is most well-known for its lakefront baths that are heated by geothermal energy. While the hot pots looked nice enough, we had a packed day planned and passed on a soak (though if you have a flexible itinerary, go for it!). 

Instead, we opted to experience geothermal energy in a different way: by tasting bread that has been baked underground using the power of the hot springs that lie just below the earth’s surface.

Real Icelandic rye bread is definitely a  food you should try in Iceland . And if you can learn about geothermal energy while eating unlimited amounts of yummy bread, how can you pass the opportunity?!

The “rye bread tour” is just 30 minutes, but you’ll learn about geothermal cooking and get to help bury rye bread that’ll be tasted by visitors the following day. You’ll also unearth two large pots that have been cooking underground for the last 24-hours – yes, this is what you’ll get to eat! And no, even though the boiling springs have a slight sulfur smell to them, the bread doesn’t taste like it at all! 

Once the pots have been dug up, the tour finishes inside with the opportunity to sample as much bread (with Icelandic butter and smoked fish, if you’d like) as your tummy desires. I’m not ashamed to say we went back for fourths (as did most other guests!), it was  that  good. Kinda like a hearty fall cake, sweet but not  too  sweet. Warm and topped with a generous spread of butta and  ohhhh yeah…  

Eventually, we had to stop ourselves (it was difficult!) and continue on our Golden Circle route.

Do it yourself:  Book your Rye Bread Tour here . Tickets cost 2,300 ISK ($18) per person and you must make a reservation. Tours happen twice daily, at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., so be sure to plan your Golden Circle route accordingly if you want to stop here.

Have lunch in a Greenhouse at Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Imagine eating lunch in a greenhouse surrounded by tomato vines and watching bees buzz pass on their way to pollinate. Even if it’s a typical chilly Icelandic day, the greenhouse is a welcomed retreat from the elements as it stays a balmy and consistent temperature year round. 

Did we mention that the tomatoes that surround you are the same plants that produced the food you’re currently enjoying? A true farm-to-table experience, if you ask me.

Having lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Farm is definitely a memorable experience to add to your Golden Circle itinerary. 

Friðheimar is famous for their “Peace Tomato Soup”, which is served buffet style (aka unlimited refills!) alongside homemade artisan breads, butter, sour cream, cucumber salsa (so good!) and fresh herbs. In addition to the soup (which you should definitely try!), there is an entire tomato-themed menu, boasting items like:

• fresh ravioli with homemade tomato sauce and pesto
• handmade Icelandic burrata served with fresh heirloom tomatoes, sea salt, basil and olive oil
• a wide assortment of twists on a classic Bloody Mary (some alcoholic and some non-alcoholic)
• green tomato and apple pie with whipped cream
• cheesecake topped with green tomato jam, lemon and cinnamon

What did we order?

• 1 “peace tomato soup”
• 1 burrata and heirloom tomatoes dish
• 1 cheesecake with green tomato jam (tastes like a tart kiwi jam!)

Total cost of lunch for two: 6,580 ISK ($55)

It was all fantastic, and we would go back again in a heartbeat. 

Fun Facts about Friðheimar Tomato Farm

As we were seated, our server gave us a brief overview of the facility, which is quite impressive. We even took notes so we could share with you!

• The farm has 9 greenhouses on site
• They produce 40% of all tomatoes in Iceland
• Staff at the greenhouses pick more than 1 ton of tomatoes per day.  That’s crazy!
• Bees inside the greenhouse are used to pollinate the plants naturally
• Leftover tomatoes are donated to social causes instead of being exported
• The greenhouses are completely run on geothermal energy
• The energy required to run this greenhouse is the equivalent of what it would take to power a town of 7,000 people! Since they solely use geothermal energy, it is totally free.

Do it yourself:  Friðheimar Tomato Farm is open year round from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day  and it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance.

Good to know:   Friðheimar Tomato Farm  is no secret. This restaurant is only open for lunch and is popular with both self-driving visitors as well as some tour companies. It is important that you make a reservation if you’d like to include this on your Golden Circle route. You can easily make a reservation using  this link . If you don’t make a reservation, it’s likely that your wait time will be an hour or more in peak season.

Hike to Brúarfoss, “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall”

Known as the “bluest waterfall in Iceland”, we really enjoyed this stop on the Golden Circle. 

That said, the 2-hour+ round trip hike isn’t for everybody. If you’re pressed for time or just don’t feel like walking too far from the comforts of your car, this is a stop you can skip. But for those who want to stretch their legs and get away from tour buses, the hike to Brúarfoss makes a worthwhile addition to your day trip.

Important note:  There used to be a much shorter path to Brúarfoss, but it was on private property and has been closed due to tourists being disrespectful. Be sure to park in the proper lot ( here’s the location on Google Maps ) and follow the path so you don’t trespass. And for the love of all things, PLEASE clean up after yourself and do not leave trash behind. On a related note, there are no restroom facilities here, so if you think you’ll need to relieve yourself along the way,  follow Leave No Trace guidelines  and pack everything out with you. 

Brúarfoss Hike

• Distance: 7 km (4.4 miles) round trip
• Type: Out and back
• Elevation gain: roughly 500 feet* 
• Level: Easy

*Good to know:  Alltrails is one of our favorite  apps for traveling in Iceland , as it is super helpful with showing distance and elevation of hiking trails. However, the trail stats for Brúarfoss are incorrect. It is far less steep (thank goodness!) than Alltrails would have you believe. 

The hike itself is roughly 7 kilometers in total (4.4 miles) and is relatively flat as it follows the banks of the Brúará River. The source of this river is the Langjökull Glacier, which gives it a striking milky sky blue color.

Insider Tip:  Depending on the time of year you visit and the recent rainfall, there is a portion of this trail that can get very muddy. We recommend you wear hiking boots for this reason.

You can read more about what to expect at Brúarfoss and all the falls listed in this article in our  guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland .

Enjoy an ice cream cone at the source at Efstidalur II Creamery

Any other ice cream addicts out there?  Good, I knew I liked you!

Even though Iceland is objectively cold 90% of the year, ice cream is kind of a big thing here. And I’m here for it.

While there are some great ice cream shops in Reykjavík, we’d encourage you to stop at a creamery (or two!) as you road trip through the country to sample the creamy goodness from the source.

Along the Golden Circle route,  Efstidalur II Creamery  makes a good stop if you need a sweet treat and a bit of fresh air (well, air that smells a bit like cows, but still!). 

Choose from flavors like blueberry, salted caramel and even black licorice (it’s super popular in Iceland and the ice cream flavor is surprisingly mild and delicious!). Enjoy your cone or bowl of homemade dairy goodness while saying hi to the bovine ladies that were responsible for your midday treat.

• Faxi Waterfall

What  Faxi Falls  lacks in height it sure makes up for in width! This short and squatty waterfall stretches across Tungufljót River in a powerful cascade. 

Located just 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of its far more famous neighbor, Gullfoss, Faxi receives far fewer visitors. This makes it a great quick stop for waterfall lovers looking to have a peaceful moment on the Golden Circle.

See the Grave of Chess legend Bobby Fischer

If you’re a chess fan, seeing the grave of Bobby Fischer might be an interesting last stop to add to your Golden Circle route before heading back to Reykjavík. (It’s located just outside Selfoss which is on the way so it’s a quick detour.)

Not a chess fan?  Give this stop a miss (we skipped it). 

Did you know that Bobby Fischer spent the later years of his life living in Iceland? I had no clue. Apparently, he fled the United States because he was facing criminal charges for tax evasion as well as participating in a competition that violated executive orders. When Fischer passed away in 2008, he was buried in a quiet ceremony in Selfoss, Iceland. 

Do it yourself:  Here is the  location of Bobby Fischer’s grave . If you’re a real chess nerd (more power to you!), there’s a  museum nearby  dedicated to this famous chess champ.

Bonus stops  near  the Golden Circle

These places aren’t exactly along the Golden Circle route per se, but they are pretty darn close! 

We think they are well worth adding to your itinerary if you have time, especially if you plan to continue on a longer  road trip around Iceland .

Secret Lagoon

Don’t let the name fool you – the Secret Lagoon is no secret, but it is certainly less crowded than, say, the Blue Lagoon.

Said to be the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon makes a relaxing stop at the end of your Golden Circle loop. 

Tickets cost 3,000 ISK ($23) per adult and it is recommended that you make reservations in advance

Good to know: In Iceland it is considered good hygiene to shower naked before entering a public pool or hot spring. Some of the more touristy (and expensive!) hot springs have private shower stalls, but the Secret Lagoon does not. Just know that it is expected that you shower naked (not in a swimsuit) prior to entering the pool and it is considered rude not to do this. Just wanted to warn ya!

Our recommendation:  Unless you have lots of extra time (aka 2 full days for the Golden Circle), we’d recommend choosing either the Secret Lagoon  or  Hrunalaug Hot Spring. They’re both very different, so continue reading to see which you’d enjoy more.

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

If you prefer your hot springs a little more on the  rustic  side, you are going to love Hrunalaug. Nestled in a picturesque valley, this small pool has a charming hut that can be used for changing. While Hrunalaug Hot Spring can apparently get quite crowded, there weren’t too many others at the time of our visit in the early evening hours. 

It was cleaner and more beautiful than I was expecting, but do know that the water won’t be as pristine or clear as the nearby Secret Lagoon. If you’re looking for more of a resort experience, that may be more your style.

Good to know: This hot spring is on private land, and at the entrance there is a box that requests 1,000 ISK for donations, as the land owner surely has to clean up after unruly tourists and spend their own time and money maintaining this pool.

Now, this little-known waterfall is not on the Golden Circle, but it makes a pretty convenient stop if you are continuing along the  Ring Road .

The waterfall is a very short walk from the small carpark, and if you’re like us, you may even have it completely to yourself (definitely a perk being that it’s so close to the Golden Circle).

Walk up the short set of stairs to get a better view of the falls, and take pleasure in the fact that you’re seeing a sight that most tourists never see.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

This thermal river was one of our favorite  hot spring experiences in Iceland , and making a visit here is a great addition to your Golden Circle route. That is, only if you are self-driving and have more than one day to see all the sights.

This is pretty much just like it sounds – a steamy thermal river nestled in a lush Icelandic valley. Yep, pretty much what dreams are made of.

Getting to the Reykjadalur thermal river requires a 1-hour hike each way (with a healthy dose of elevation gain). So this stop is not for those in a hurry. Your efforts will be rewarded with magical views and clean water that gets progressively hotter upstream. 

Insider Tip:  Pack a cold beverage to enjoy in this slice paradise!

Psst!  Are you interested in more hiking?? We have a whole guide to the  best hikes in Iceland  with photos, details and insider tips to help you plan your trip. 

Golden Circle Itineraries

Below, we’ll give you two different Golden Circle itineraries. 

• The first is meant for travelers who are limited on time and will be starting and ending in Reykjavík. This still packs in MANY more sights than the typical “Golden Circle loop”.
• The second itinerary is intended for travelers who will continue on a longer road trip after their Golden Circle trip, thus packing in a little more adventure!

Be sure to check out our  top things to do in Reykjavík  so you can plan your stay before and after exploring the Golden Circle!

Itinerary #1: Golden Circle Day Trip from Reykjavík

If you are doing the Golden Circle as a day trip and will return to Reykjavík at night, the itinerary below is what we’d suggest following. It is a twist on the classic Golden Circle loop, bringing you to many more destinations in order to pack a big punch in just one day.

• Thingvellir National Park
• Fontana Rye Bread @ 11:45 a.m.
• Friðheimar (reservations necessary)
• Burafoss (optional, as this entails a 2-hour round trip hike)
• Efstidalur II Creamery for ice cream
• Kerið Crater

Itinerary #2: Golden Circle with more time (1.5 days)

If you plan to include the Golden Circle as part of a longer road trip around Iceland and don’t intend to return to Reykjavík on the same day, this is the itinerary we’d suggest following. This is the route we personally followed, and we saw so much more than a typical Golden Circle tour. 

Good to know: Note that some of the stops on this itinerary are  not  actually part of the Golden Circle, but since they are nearby we think it makes sense to group them together into one route.

This route can be started midday, or you can get an earlier start 

• Hot spring river
• This seaside restaurant is known for langoustines, and it was one of our  most memorable meals in Iceland ! Definitely put this on your itinerary if you love seafood like we do!
• Kerið Crater at sunset
• Thingvellir Camping (or a nearby guesthouse)

This will be a packed day. 

• Friðheimar for lunch (reservations necessary)
• Burafoss waterfall hike (optional, as this entails a 2-hour round trip hike)
• Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Hot Spring (chose one!)
• Gluggafoss Waterfall
• Camping at Hamragarðar*

*Choose a campground based where you will be headed next on your Iceland road trip. We personally chose this campground because it is very well-located (more on that below). The facilities aren’t quite as nice as many other campgrounds in Iceland, but we think its proximity to some of the best sights in the country makes up for it. 

Hamragarðar Campground

• This campground is situated just beside the stunning  Seljalandsfoss  waterfall, which is well worth seeing (especially at sunset if possible). 
• It is also a good place to begin sightseeing the following day as there are many nearby attractions. 

Additionally, if you plan to do the  Fimmvörðuháls hike , this makes a good place to start your day.

Golden Circle Tour vs. Self-drive

Are you debating whether you should book a guided Golden Circle tour or rent a car and do it yourself?

In our opinion, self-driving is without a doubt the best way to go. Driving yourself will allow you to go at your own place and stop at places along the way if you want. It also lets you customize your route to be exactly what  you  want to see. 

That said, we know it can be overwhelming to drive in another country. We have all sorts of information about  renting a car in Iceland  (with some essential tips!) plus a huge guide to  Iceland campervan rentals  you can check out for more info.

However, if the thought of self-driving is too overwhelming to you, know that there are many companies that offer organized tours around the Golden Circle.

Our Golden Circle tour recommendations

Full-Day Small Group Tour with Secret Lagoon

This budget-friendly tour includes the 3 main attractions on the Golden Circle as well as entrance to the Secret Lagoon. It earns rave reviews, includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Reykjavík, and at just over $100 per person, it won’t take too much of a toll on your budget. Plus, it is a small group tour, meaning the group size will be from 4-19 people.

Budget Golden Circle Tour

If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest tour, this one is very popular. At just under $60 per person, it’s a great value. That said, you won’t

Golden Circle + Silfra Snorkeling

If you want to be sure to experience snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, this guided tour would be our pick. It includes all the “regular” Golden Circle stops, plus, it includes this unique snorkeling experience.

Adventurous Golden Circle + Glacier Snowmobiling

If you want a super unique Golden Circle experience, this tour includes snowmobiling on the nearby Langjökull glacier. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It is a bit of a splurge, so this option is a good choice for adventurous travelers with a bit of wiggle room in their budget.

Best time of year to visit the Golden Circle

One of the major draws to the Golden Circle is that it is accessible all year round and the three main attractions are open during all seasons. 

The roads are paved and well-maintained, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. Just be cautious if there has been a recent freeze or snowfall. Additionally, some of the restaurants mentioned in our article are only open seasonally, so be sure to check their hours before your visit.

If you have more questions, we did a deep dive for our article on  the best time to visit Iceland  and included all sorts of info on the seasonal changes, weather, and what you can expect in each season. 

Still have questions about the Golden Circle? Chances are we’ve answered it in the FAQs below.

Do you need a 4×4 to drive the Golden Circle?

Not at all! There are some roads in Iceland that are known as F-roads and require 4×4 vehicles. Luckily, the Golden Circle route does not include any F-roads. The entire loop is very easy to navigate and the roads are in good condition. 

That said, you’ll definitely want to read up on our  tips for driving in Iceland  so you feel prepared to conquer this route on your own. 

How can I avoid the crowds on the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is popular, and you’ll find crowds just about every day of the year. Honestly, the main attractions are pretty large and shouldn’t feel too packed even in peak season. However, there are a few ways you can avoid being in throngs of people:

• Drive the Golden Circle on your own instead of going with a tour. This will allow you to go at your own pace and avoid arriving to the attractions alongside a crowd of people. If you really want to do a guided tour, specifically choose one that is a small group instead of a coach bus.
• Go early or stay late, as most of the large tour groups are on the routeduring midday. If you’re visiting in the summertime, you can take advantage of long daylight hours. We found that before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. tended to be the least crowded times.
• Stay along the route. This will allow you to see the sights early in the morning and in the evening.
• Hit the main attractions, but also visit some of the lesser-known spots as they tend to be far less crowded.

How much does the Golden Circle cost?

Good news: All of the main attractions along the Golden Circle are free!

Bad news: Gas in Iceland ain’t cheap! If you’re self-driving, this will likely be your largest cost (along with your car rental, of course). 

You’ll also need to factor in money for food (whether you cook your own meals or eat at restaurants) and any entry fees for the off-the-beaten-path attractions that strike your fancy, like the rye bread tasting experience, visiting Kerið Crater, or soaking in a nearby hot spring. For each attraction that has a fee, we’ve included a price in the description so you can plan accordingly.

If you choose to do a Golden Circle tour, expect to pay between $60 and $200 per person, depending on the type of tour. 

Why is it called the Golden Circle?

This route gets its name from Gullfoss, as it translates from Icelandic to mean “golden falls”. It is said to have a golden hue on sunny days. While not the most creative of names for this loop, it was created mostly as a way to market these attractions to visitors.

Is the Golden Circle worthwhile?

This is a pretty subjective question, and the answer will vary from person to person. 

Being that it’s one of the most popular attractions, we’d say it’s definitely worth putting on your  Iceland itinerary  as there are some incredible sights on this route that are famous for a reason. 

However, if we’re totally honest, the Golden Circle wouldn’t be included in our personal list of favorite places in Iceland. 

Here are our honest opinions on each of the three major attractions: 

• Gullfoss is a seriously impressive waterfall and well worth seeing if you can. That said, there are other waterfalls in Iceland we enjoyed much more.
• Thingvellir National Park is a really unique place geologically, as it is where the Euroasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Visually, it’s not as interesting (in our opinion) as some of the other sights in Iceland.
• Geysir is a pretty short stop for most visitors, and while it’s cool to see, it likely won’t make it into your top memories in Iceland. 

In short: If it’s your first time visiting Iceland and want to see as much as possible, do it. I think you’d regret leaving it out. However, if you are really limited in time or are only looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences, you could potentially leave it out of your itinerary.

Can you do the Golden Circle in one day?

Yes! You can easily visit all the attractions on the Golden Circle in a day trip from Reykjavik .

The Golden Circle route is a 246-kilometer (153 miles) loop from Reykjavik that can easily be driven in a day. The route will take about 3.5 hours to drive without stops , so if you account to time spent at each attraction, you can see there is easily enough time in one day.

Friðheimar : Warm up from the chilly Icelandic temps inside this tomato greenhouse where you can enjoy all sorts of dishes from their tomato-focused menu. Be sure to get an order of their famous “Peace Tomato Soup”, which is fantastic. While you’re eating, be sure to take in the whole experience – from the tomato plants that surround you to the bees that buzz around as they pollinate. Dining inside a greenhouse is an experience you can’t have every day, after all! 

Farmers Bistro : Dine at Iceland’s only mushroom farm for a unique foodie experience. In addition to mushrooms, they cultivate bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, kale and more – all of which make appearances on their menu. Enjoy their “gourmet buffet”, which includes mushroom soup (lactose and gluten free), homemade garlic bread, bell pepper jam, sautéed mushrooms with butter and  thyme, bell-pepper & mushroom tapenade, marinated mushroom, mushroom butter, garlic butter & butter. It’s truly a mushroom-lover’s fantasy!

Efstidalur II Creamery : Make a quick stop here during your Golden Circle route to stretch your legs, see the resident cows, and enjoy an ice cream cone, of course! They also have a food menu, which is said to be good, if you’re feeling a bit more hungry at this point.

Restaurant Minilik : If you’re looking for food other than Icelandic options, this Ethiopian joint in Flúðir will surely impress. With authentic dishes, vegetarian options, and a cozy setting, this place earns rave reviews. Who knew you could get stellar Ethiopian food in the middle of Iceland?!

Fish & Chips :  This casual stand in Flúðir serves up one thing – fish & chips (with yummy housemade garlic sauce). If you’re looking for an inexpensive and quick dining option, this is a great choice, especially before or after a soak in one of the nearby hot springs.  

Fjöruborðið : While not on the Golden Circle route, we’ve include this seaside restaurant in Itinerary #2 because it is not too far out of the way. If you’re a seafood lover (like we are!), you’ll love this place. Their menu is focused on one thing – langoustines (also known as “Icelandic lobsters”). Do yourself a favor and order both the grilled langoustines (large size!) and the langoustine soup. We ordered one of each for the two of us and were super satisfied, but you can also order a 3-course menu which includes both dishes as well as dessert. This is definitely a “splurge meal”, but oh so worth it!

Thinking about taking your time along the Golden Circle? Good for you! If you have room in your itinerary, it’s nice to not be too rushed.

We drove the Golden Circle in our  campervan rental , which made it easy for us to find places to stay along the way. We have an entire  guide to camping in Iceland  with our best campsite recommendations. 

If camping is not your thing, here are our top recommendations for places to stay in the region:

Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse

A top-rated hostel located within the Golden Circle Iceland and overlooking Lake Laugarvatn, Hekla Volcano and the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. Set in a former 1920’s school building, Héradsskólinn offers both private rooms and dorm-style accommodation, and an onsite bistro and cafe. 

Efstidalur Farm hotel

A beautiful farmhouse turned bed and breakfast in Laugarvatn, Iceland, perfectly situated within the Golden Circle region. They offer horseback riding during the summertime, traditional cooking and a geothermal outdoor hot tub. 

Airbnb: Breidablik Cabin

A beautifully decorated 3 bedroom home with all kinds of amenities like a fireplace, in-home laundry and home theater set up. Outside on the large deck you’ll find a BBQ grill and private hot tub. One of the best deals for families or small groups and perfectly located to explore the Golden Circle. 

If you’re looking for more options, we have an entire article on the  best Airbnbs in Iceland  with stays in locations all around the country, including the Golden Circle.

What to pack for visiting the Golden Circle Iceland

Packing for a trip to Iceland is tough (the weather changes all the time!). But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a  super detailed packing list  so you know exactly what to bring. 

In this  free Iceland packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women  and  men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Iceland that you won’t find anywhere else!

Are you planning a trip to Iceland?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our  Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Perfect Iceland Itinerary
• Actually Cool Things to Do in Reykjavík
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide (+ Exclusive Discount!)
• Best Airbnbs in Iceland (+ Top Rated Experiences!)

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Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle on a Self-Drive Tour

By Jennifer Dombrowski 45 Comments

The Golden Circle is the name given to a 190 mile (300 kilometer) circular route from Reykjavik and back which encompasses many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. Most visitors to Iceland’s capital take a Golden Circle Tour , which will cover the three most popular stops along the route: Þingvellir National Park, Gulfoss, and Haukadalur where the geysers are. Never much ones for guided tours, we did our own self-drive Golden Circle Tour with our rental.

All the sights on the Golden Circle route, which the exception of Kerið crater, are free to visit. A self-drive tour gives you the freedom to explore on your own time and even avoid the crowds of bus tours. As these are the most traversed tourist sites in Iceland, the roads are well maintained and all of the stops are just off the major roadways. It’s easy to visit anytime of the year and instead of paying for an unnecessary bus tour, splurge on the experience of snorkeling between the North American and Europeans continents at Silfra.

Don’t miss these stops along the Golden Circle on your self-drive tour:

Þingvellir National Park

We began at Þingvellir National Park, the seat of the Alþing. At Þingvellir – literally “Parliament Plains” – the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Þingvellir was conveniently located for access from all regions of the country by old overland routes. During the Alþing session each summer, the members stayed in “booths” or temporary shelters. Overgrown foundations of such shelters from the later centuries are visible on the parliament site. All major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir.

It’s a tradition to throw money in and make a wish

There is a tradition here in Þingvellir to throw money into Peningagjá (peningar = money in Icelandic) and make a wish. The water is crystal clear making it a beautiful sight watching your coin sink to the bottom. The myriad of coins in the water make it appear to sparkle under the Icelandic sun.

Pingvallakirkja Church is one of the first churches built in Iceland

Stroll around the loop from the visitor center, across the river, and on to the Pingvallakirkja Church. Pingvallakirkja is one of the first churches built in Iceland and it was consecrated by the Norwegian bishop Bjarnhardur. The wood and the bell that the people used to build the church came from Norway in 1015. When the original church collapsed in 1118, the people used the private church of Pingvallabaer Farm. The church that you see today was built in 1859 and has three bells: one of 1118, one of 1698 and one of 1944 when the Republic of Iceland was born.

Strokkur erupts every six minutes or so

Geysir is named for The Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir, which has been dormant since 1916 when it suddenly ceased to spout. It came to life only once again in 1935, and as quickly went back to sleep. Now the attraction at Geysir is Strokkur (The Churn), another geyser 100 meters south of the Great Geysir, which erupts at regular intervals every 6 minutes or so and its white column of boiling water can reach as high as 20-30 meters.

The geyser erupts 20-30 meters in the air

Boiling, sulfurous water erupts toward the sky

It is mesmerizing to watch as the water churns, the bubble finally appearing and just as quickly breaking as the geyser explosively erupts into the air.

The whole area is a geothermal park sitting on top of a vast boiling cauldron. Belching sulfurous mud pots of unusual colors, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, warm streams, and primitive plants can all be found here.

Gullfoss is Iceland’s most iconic waterfall

As you first approach the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that the mighty Hvítá river simply vanishes into the earth. As you continue along the misty path Gullfoss, meaning “Golden Falls”, suddenly comes into view. With a 105-foot double-cascade, Gullfoss plummets into the canyon below. On a sunlit day such as the day we visited, the mist clouds surrounding the hammering falls are filled with dozens of rainbows, providing an unparalleled spectacle of color and motion.

Gullfoss nearly wasn’t the breathtaking sight it is today. In 1907, an Englishman wanted to buy the waterfall to harness the power to produce electricity. It was located on Tómas Tómasson’s sheep farm and refused to sell it at the time, but later leased it to the Englishman.

Construction was planned to begin to build an electrical plant, but the farmer’s daughter used her life savings to hire a lawyer and have the lease voided. She even threatened to throw herself over into Gullfoss if the construction were to begin. Unfortunately, her attempts failed and the lease stood. But the Icelandic people were abuzz over her efforts and the construction never began.

In 1940, Gullfoss was sold to the Icelandic government and in it was designated a nature reserve in 1979. We have Tómasson’s daughter, Sigriður Tómasdóttir, to thank for the beauty we enjoy in this spot today.

Kerio is an extinct volcanic crater

Kerid Crater

Kerid is another stop along the Golden Circle. Kerið is a crater lake created from a cone volcano which erupted and emptied its magma reserve. Once the magma was depleted, the weight of the cone collapsed into the empty magma chamber. The caldera, like the other volcanic rock in the area, is composed of a red (rather than black) volcanic rock. The mossy green vegetation along the steep walls and the opaque and strikingly vivid aquamarine water of the lake below make for a breathtaking view as you teeter on the edge.

Kerið Lake Crater is the only site on the Golden Circle with a nominal entry fee of 400 ISK (about $3 USD) to help preserve it.

Iceland’s Ring Road in 1 Week

Know before you go.

• If you’re not up for doing a self-drive, you can book a Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik. It is approximately 8 1/2 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
• We recommend renting an affordable rental with SADCars and doing the self-drive using our map below.

This article contains affiliate links. When you book on Viator through our affiliate sites, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

March 10, 2013 at 3:47 AM

From the pictures I’d say Gulfoss is my favourite.

Jennifer Dombrowski says

March 11, 2013 at 7:28 PM

I think you’d love the hike to Glymur, Leigh. It was quite the challenge and no hordes of tourists since it is so remote.

March 14, 2013 at 2:27 AM

Awesome shots…few things in nature are more beautiful than waterfalls, in my opinion…

March 14, 2013 at 9:42 PM

Agreed, DJ. And Iceland waterfalls are a feast for the eyes and ears!

Jackson says

March 24, 2013 at 4:39 PM

So gorgeous and otherworldly it seems like sci fi, or theater. I was reading some years back that Canadian conductor Robert LePage based his then concept of Wagner’s Ring for the Met in NYC on such photos of Iceland. He reasoned that since the classic Norse myths which gave rise to the Ring were in fact Icelandic, perhaps the Icelandic landscape shaped and inspired our ancestors to devise such myths to explain the wonders. At the end of Das Rheingold, the gods walk across a rainbow bridge and ascend into Valhalla. That rainbow pic above seems to perfect set design for such a concept. Amazing photos and superb website. Very inspiring! But how do you travel so extensively with full time jobs? Do tell!

March 26, 2013 at 2:33 PM

Thank you, Jackson! We actually wrote a post on our secrets to how we travel so much with full time jobs. There’s really no big secret – it just takes planning and maximizing our holidays and vacation time.

April 3, 2013 at 1:35 PM

I love waterfalls! These are so gorgeous. Between the northern lights and the waterfalls, Iceland is so high on my list. I especially like the photo with the rainbow.

April 3, 2013 at 9:10 PM

You’d really like Iceland. You could go in September or March when it’s not really cold yet and still possibly see Northern Lights.

Nicole says

May 9, 2013 at 6:29 PM

These are amazing shots. I visited Iceland June last year and was blown away by the beauty of this country!

May 11, 2013 at 5:54 PM

Iceland is incredible. It was so different than what I imagined before my first visit, but in a good way! Iceland is a place I would return again and again for its beauty.

July 29, 2013 at 3:03 PM

These waterfalls look incredible! I can’t wait to visit Iceland (top of the bucket list).

July 29, 2013 at 10:42 PM

Hi Amy, Iceland is fantastic and we hope you get to visit soon.

July 29, 2013 at 7:09 PM

those are amazing falls, I love the distance shots and the majestic one with the rainbow, gorgeous…we also have some beauties in Hawaii

July 29, 2013 at 10:50 PM

Thanks, Noel! I bet you do have some beautiful falls in Hawaii. I’d like to make it back there to explore more of the islands.

July 29, 2013 at 9:32 PM

How strange that I’ve never thought of waterfalls in Iceland, but of course there would be spectacular ones!

July 30, 2013 at 12:55 AM

I never thought of waterfalls in Iceland either before our first trip. I honestly didn’t know what to expect! I’d really never paid any attention to Iceland until the volcano reeked havoc on European air travel in 2010. But as soon as I arrived, I was just absolutely blown away by the spectacular scenery there.

July 30, 2013 at 4:24 AM

Wow those are some amazing waterfalls. Several of them look absolutely enormous as well!

July 30, 2013 at 9:29 PM

Yes, Iceland has some of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Incredibly beautiful country.

Marisol says

July 30, 2013 at 9:35 PM

Oh my goodness, they’re all spectacular. Love the photo of Gulfoss with the rainbow — so magical!

August 1, 2013 at 12:55 AM

So beautiful there!

Marcia says

August 2, 2013 at 6:19 AM

Spectacular! Love the rainbow on Gullfoss.

August 4, 2013 at 8:51 PM

Yes, all truly beautiful! This is just one reason why Iceland is one of our very favorite countries!

Jorge Bronze says

October 24, 2014 at 12:25 AM

Hi, this is a great blog post. We were looking at doing a Golden Circle tour on our upcoming trip to Iceland and love the idea of a self-driven one. Would you recommend a 4×4 car for the journey or is the route mainly on main roads?

October 30, 2014 at 2:51 PM

Hi Jorge! If you are just sticking to the Golden Circle, any car is fine as the attractions on the Golden Circle route are all easily accessible on main paved roads.

November 15, 2014 at 9:33 PM

Hi there, we are looking to do the Ring Road from March 29 , flying home the following Sunday. I am inundated with websites, travels tips and information overload! Is this enough time? You’re literary looks great, did you book all pre book all hotels? Thanks!

November 17, 2014 at 10:03 AM

Hi Mary! Yes, you can do the Ring Road in one week. Did you look at our recommended itinerary for the Ring Road in One Week? You can find it here: https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/iceland-ring-road-itinerary/

We did arrange all hotels in advance. Many of these country hotels have only a few rooms, so you want to have a reservation.

November 17, 2014 at 11:45 AM

Hi, yes I did! If we only had 6 or 7 nights,what would you recommend we skip or rush through!?

Danielle says

February 17, 2015 at 10:56 PM

Hi…my boyfriend and I are heading to Iceland in April. We are hoping to include the snorkel at Silfra on our tour of the Golden Circle. If we wanted to include all the sites you’ve listed in you blog, how long should we be budgeting? The tour company we’ve chosen leaves the city at 9-9:30…our plan is to rent our own car, meet them on site, and continue on clockwise around the Golden Circle.

February 18, 2015 at 9:18 PM

Hi Danielle,

You’ll love Iceland! We also met for snorkeling at Þingvellir instead of having the pick-up and drop off. It takes around 1 hour to reach Þingvellir from Reykjavik and then about 2.5 hours for snorkeling. We snorkeled on another visit, so we were back in our apartment by lunchtime. You can definitely combine it with visiting the other Golden Circle sights. By April, the days are already much longer so you have a good amount of daylight hours and will easily be able to see everything.

Ticking the Bucketlist says

April 4, 2015 at 11:40 AM

All these places look so different in winters! Did you visit Iceland in winters to see the lights? http://www.tickingthebucketlist.com/2015/04/golden-circle-day-tour.html

Elizabeth duncan says

May 3, 2015 at 2:11 AM

Hi! Love your information! We will be self-driving this is June- We will be done with our Snaeflish Pennsula drive, and thought maybe rather than go back to Reykavic, we would spend the night at Hofsvik instead and then take off for Pingvellir in the morning- will that work”

And then aftter driviing to Þingvellir National Park the next daay- do you then take Route 365 to 37 to Gulfoss? How long of a drive is that? Where would be a good place to spend the night? We will be going on to Vik for our 3rd night…..

May 8, 2015 at 2:48 PM

Hi Elizabeth,

You will love Iceland and self-drive is definitely the way to go. You get to see so much more when you’re on your own schedule. Yes, you can definitely stay in Hofsvik between Snaefellness Peninsula and Pingvellir instead of driving to Rekjavik. There is also the ION Adventure Hotel located right at Pingvellir if you wanted to wake-up and start your day right there.

Take the 365 from Pingvellir to Gulfoss; it turns in to the 37 so they are the same road. They are actually really close to each other. The drive is less than 1 hour between and you don’t need that long at Gulfoss. It’s maybe a 10 minute walk from the parking to the waterfalls. I would then drive to Hotel Ranga in South Iceland to spend the night. It’s on the way to Vik and Vik is 1 hour from Hotel Ranga. On your way to Vik, I would suggest seeing these sights (map included): https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/iceland-south-coast-attractions/

Let us know if you have any other questions!

Aideen says

September 8, 2017 at 1:22 AM

Hi Jennifer, really enjoying reading your blog, looking to go to iceland in middle of november and thinking of hiring a car for the three days. Probably just going to do blue lagoon, the golden circle and reykjavik town but just wondering would I get away with just renting a two wheel drive small car or would i have to get a 4 wheel drive because of it been mid november, also any suggestions for a good car rental to pick would be great.

September 22, 2017 at 2:04 PM

We don’t even recommend a small car in summertime. Highly advise you rent the 4WD as it was going to start snowing anytime now in Iceland. Not only that, the winds are what you truly need to worry about and those little cars blow right off the road.

Cheryl Schrady says

May 4, 2018 at 8:04 PM

Looks Gorgeous! We are a family of 4 traveling to Iceland on May 13, 2018. We will be in Iceland 4 days and 3 nights. We are planning to stay the first night in Reykjavic and take a 2 hour tour and then start on a self drive golden circle tour. Instead of driving back to Reykjavic we thought we might drive the golden circle 1/2 way and spend the night. Where do you recommend we stay, town and lodging. Our kids are 12 and 13 and very good travelers. Thank you!

May 5, 2018 at 9:26 AM

If you want to take your time and stay along the Golden Circle, there’s a couple options we recommend. Iceblue Lodge B&B near Selfoss is a good option. We’ve listed and reviewed several Golden Circle options here, including Iceblue: https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/where-to-stay-in-iceland/

Robbie says

December 24, 2018 at 9:31 AM

I have noticed your website and very much enjoyed looking through all your information on travelling in Iceland!

My friend and I are planning a trip to Iceland in February 2019 for about 5 days. We are trying to do it on a budget so looking to stay in hostel accommodation around the country.

We are going to hire a 4×4 in Reykjavik for the 5 days and do some exploring. What route would you recommend? We would love to visit some of the more remote places but obviously we need to be careful because of the time of year and weather conditions. I’m just a bit unsure of what is safe and what is not when travelling round the country.

Any advice on what we should do for that time of year would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks very much,

January 2, 2019 at 1:17 PM

Is this your first trip to Iceland? Five days isn’t a lot of time, especially in February since the days are still short with only 8 hours of daylight. Driving distances will be further too if you run in to any winter conditions or, more likely, high winds. With only 5 days, we’d recommend sticking to the south, where there’s a lot to see and do.

We’d plan one day for the Golden Circle. You don’t need a tour and most Golden Circle attractions are free.

Then we’d recommend spending 3 days exploring the south coast all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. One tour really worth booking is a glacier hike, which you cannot do without booking a tour. https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/iceland-south-coast-attractions/

As far as hostels, you’ll be limited once outside of Reykjavik. Accommodation is generally more guest houses and the occasional hotel. So you’ll need to think about if you want to make Reykjavik your base and do day trips from there. You could also consider renting a camper van, which is quite popular to do, to combine your accommodation and transportation. Camp sites are more limited in winter, but you’ll still have ones open along the south coast.

Melissa says

January 25, 2019 at 2:27 AM

Hello! Love your site. My husband and I will be in Iceland for 6-1/2 days in July 2019. Is it possible to do justice to Iceland with an itinerary along the lines of: Day 1: Blue Lagoon/Reykjavik; Day 2: Snaefellnes Penninsula; Day 3: Finish Snaefellnes and begin Golden Cirle; Day 4: Golden Circle and on to Southern Iceland; Day 5: Southern Iceland; Day 6: Southern Iceland and back to Reykjavik; Day 7: ready for departure. We’ll be renting a car and self-driving and your blog will be a tremendous help to us!

January 25, 2019 at 1:07 PM

Hi Melissa,

Is this your first trip to Iceland? I think your itinerary sounds good and you’ll cover quite a bit in 6 days. Depending on what time you depart on the last day, you could explore a bit of the Reykjanes Peninsula. There are some really interesting things to see very close around the airport. https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/reykjanes-peninsula-iceland/ The daylight hours will be really long in July – nearly 24 hours – so you can pack quite a bit in to 7 days depending on how ambitious you are.

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Price: kr. 810.000

• Location: Free pickup
• Length: 14 days
• Availability: ALL YEAR

The perfect way to explore Iceland on your own terms. The 14-day self-drive tour offers you the freedom to see the country at your own pace.

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Think no further and leave all trip planning work to us. We ensure you will get a fully equipped & insulated 4X4 camper van, a perfectly organized trip itinerary filled with arranged activities, campsites, and more! Book this vacation package and pack your bags to Iceland – that is all you must do! This tour will take you to all the most beautiful corners of Iceland that are absolutely worth seeing, from the mighty glaciers to the western mountains. You will experience the island with its full power & beauty. Amongst it all you will discover geothermal areas and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes on your way to activities! Your camper, daily itinerary, and activities – all carefully selected by our CampEasy team. In 14 days, you will encounter 3273 km and around 122 stops.

This vacation package is designed for those who want to travel independently and/or with more privacy—the perfect match for first-time travelers in Iceland or those who prefer to explore Iceland with friends or family.

Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to better fit your arrival date and time.

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Related Tour that You must lik e: Golden Circle Platinum Tour

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A team of experienced Adventurers & Professional Travel Agents, working together to make the best campervan Self-Drive tour!

We made this tour to make it EASY for you to discover all of the amazing places that Iceland has to offer!

We offers the best-planned routes with an all-inclusive itinerary just one click away. Our packages are tailored with care – campers come with Zero Risk insurance and free cancelation policy, making trip decisions flexible, especially in these challenging times. Our shuttle service will get you to your awaiting fully equipped camper – load your trip’s itinerary on the Easy Guide and follow the roads to your most fantastic adventure!

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Our high-quality CampEasy camper vans are comfortable and safe and specially made for traveling around Iceland, takes you so much further with the larger tires, raised chassis, and a 4X4 drive. It also comes equipped with a mounted spare tire on the back for easy access.

Our Camper vans ensures that you will be able to reach and see all that you desire on your adventure. The Campers are insulated with our signature Full wool Insulation approach & Webasto heater, which makes camping comfortable throughout all seasons and temperatures.

In the Campers, you will find inclusions like thick duvets, cook/kitchenware, compressor fridge, quality stove, charging station, running water, inverter, BBQ + gas, table + two chairs, parking sensors, post-collision braking, park distance control, mobile phone interface and much, much more!

• Book this Iceland in 14 days – Signature Tour and get ready to explore and visit Iceland’s best geothermal areas, landmarks, and hot springs!
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• Our shuttle service will get you to your awaiting fully equipped camper – load your trip’s itinerary on the Easy Guide tablet and follow the roads to your most incredible adventure!

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Summertime Adventure Must-Haves

• Fleece layer
• Warm merino shirts/thermals
• Waterproof hiking pants
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Experience the Land of Fire and Ice on This 7 Day Iceland Itinerary

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Get ready for an exciting adventure through the land of fire and ice with a carefully crafted 7-day Iceland itinerary along the famous Ring Road. From the dramatic landscapes of the Golden Circle to the enchanting waterfalls of the South Coast, this itinerary offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Prepare to immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of Iceland as you explore volcanic lava fields, soak in the Blue Lagoon and witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights in the night sky.

Day 1: You’ve Arrived in Iceland!

After landing at Keflavik Airport, grabbing your bags and picking up your rental car, you’re ready to start your Iceland adventure. But, of course, you’ve likely just spent the night on the airplane and a bit of refreshing is required. Fortunately, Iceland’s famed hot springs, The Blue Lagoon, is just a 22 minute drive away. Make your reservations before you arrive and head straight to The Blue Lagoon for a dip in this geothermal hot spring because no trip to Iceland is complete without this experience.

Once refreshed, a driving time of 40 minutes brings you to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. If a self drive road trip isn’t part of your itinerary, bus service is available from Keflavik Airport to the Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavik.

A guided tour by locals is an excellent way to spend your first day in Reykjavik as an introduction to the capital city and Iceland in general. We chose the free tours by locals , a company with knowledgeable and entertaining local guides that lead walking tours of  downtown Reykjavik. The “tip what you think the tour was worth” concept is unique and the tour focuses on highlights like the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church, historic buildings and the city’s colorful neighborhoods. The guided tours introduce visitors to the stories of one of Europe’s most unique countries.

Whale watching tours provide another interesting experience in Reykjavik. Departing from Reykjavik Harbor, the tours not only search for whales but also keep an eye out for puffins and other migratory birds that visit Iceland seasonally.

Day 2: Drive the Golden Circle

Depart Reykjavik on Day Two of your self drive road trip to experience the natural wonders of the Golden Circle. The first stop, Thingvellir National Park harbors history and the marvels of nature within its boundaries. The park sits in a rift valley where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet.

Another must-see along the Golden Circle, the geyser geothermal area houses several geysers including Strokkur – Iceland’s most visited active geyser. Walk alongside the geysers and feel the steam as it erupts. Or stretch your legs on the hiking trail for a view overlooking the geothermal area.

Another must-see, Gullfoss Waterfall  – which translates as Golden Falls – is one of Iceland’s most beloved waterfalls. Gullfoss is fed by the waters of Hvítá River that travel from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 105 feet down the Gullfoss Waterfall’s two dramatic stages.

Continue Along the Ring Road

Next up on the Golden Circle, a stop at South Iceland’s Kerid Crater  seems almost otherworldly. This volcanic lake with deep blue-green water surrounded by red rock and lush mossy vegetation formed over 6500 years ago after an eruption. Allow yourself enough time to explore the hiking trails the circle the rim of Kerid Crater. Or venture down the hiking trails to the waters of the Kerid Crater for another perspective.

Continue east along the Ring Road on a two-hour drive to Vik. Of course those two hours may become three with all the sightseeing possibilities along the south coast of Iceland. Highlights include the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Fjadrargljufur Canyon.

Overnight near Skaftafell nature reserve and get ready for the next day’s big adventures.

Day 3: Experience Black Sand Beaches and an Ice Cave Tour

Day Three unveils a full day of adventure. Start with a walk along one of Iceland’s most striking black sand beaches. Framed by dramatic basalt columns, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a must-see. As you make your way along your Ring Road itinerary to Vik, take the turn off to Dyrhólaey to view the spectacular arch in the sea. During nesting season it’s possible to spot puffins and other bird life here. A 19 minute drive east from here leads to the lovely village of Vik.

For an experience off the typical tourist track, book an Ice Cave Tour with Southcoast Adventure . The experience begins with a pick up location in central Vik and a drive through ancient lava fields. You’ll then strap on some crampons for a short glacier hike on the mighty Myrdalsjokull glacier and into the ice cave. Plentiful shops, restaurants and lodging options make Vik an ideal place to overnight before continuing on your Ring Road itinerary.

Day 4: Waterfalls, a Glacier Lagoon and Europe’s Largest Glacier

As you continue east on the Ring Road, a drive time of under two hours brings you to Svartifoss waterfall – another gorgeous must-see waterfall framed by black basalt columns. Continue east to reach the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon where massive icebergs can be seen floating in the lagoon. For an up close view of the floating icebergs, consider taking a glacier lagoon boat tour. Be sure to allow enough time to see nearby Diamond Beach as you follow the road to the breathtaking east fjords. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in Höfn and rest up for the next day. From Höfn you’ll have a clear view of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.

Day 5: Driving and Sightseeing on the Ring Road

Today you’ll continue your Ring Road itinerary driving north to Lake Myvatn. Detour onto Iceland Road 864 for an additional drive time of about an hour to capture spectacular photos of the Dettifoss waterfall.

When you reach Lake Myvatn, more geothermal areas await exploration at Hverir and Kfafla. A must-see, Godafoss waterfall, located in the river Skjálfandafljót in north Iceland, falls from a height of 39 feet and has a width spanning 98 feet. Hiking trails provide an ideal way to see more of this region considered part of the Diamond Circle for sightseeing.

Continue traveling on Ring Road another 45 miles to overnight in Akureyri, the largest city outside of the greater Reykjavik area. Akureyri is a renowned cultural center with many galleries and museums. It’s also home to the world’s northernmost botanical gardens.

Day 6: Travel the Iceland Ring Road to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Driving in Iceland is an adventure in itself and today’s 230-mile drive from Akureyri to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula proves my point. Drive time typically runs about 4 hours and 30 minutes without stops. But the jaw-dropping vistas along the way beckon you to stop and take photos. A couple of not to be missed sights along the way are Hvítserkur and Kolugljúfur Canyon.

Visible from the impressive black sand beach at Húnaflói Bay, Hvítserkur is a distinctive rock formation often referred to as the Troll of Northwest Iceland. The 49 ft tall basalt sea stack features two unusual holes at its base and creates a silhouette often likened to a dragon drinking from the sea.

A short detour off of Ring Road, the breathtaking Kolugljúfur Canyon and Kolufossar waterfalls make an ideal stop to stretch your legs and take in these beautiful wonders of nature. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the canyon which is accessed by a footbridge.

As you continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you’ll leave the Ring Road behind to take route 54 at Borgarnes. Overnight nearby to rest up for a full day of adventure on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Day 7: Exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

While day tours are available from Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula deserves a nearby overnight stay to allow a full day to explore this gorgeous peninsula. Home to Kirkjufell – the country’s most photographed mountain – the landscapes leave you breathless. Just steps from Kirkjufell the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls add to the serenity of this place.

A counter-clockwise drive along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula leads you through picturesque fishing villages, miles of lava fields, a volcanic crater and new discoveries at every turn. The peninsula is home to Snaefellsjokull National Park – a park filled with all the geological wonders Iceland offers along with intriguing human history. You’ll find black sand beaches, picturesque churches, soaring cliffs, volcanic craters and miles of lava fields.

When your explorations conclude, an hour’s drive time along Iceland’s west coast leads you back to Reykjavik.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Deciding when to visit Iceland presents a few choices. If your focus is chasing the Northern Lights, visiting in the aurora season that runs from October until April gives you the best chance. Of course, mid-winter guarantees dark skies for hours, increasing opportunities to view the elusive Northern Lights. But, the downside to a winter visit is limited daylight. So if you want to cover as much of Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes in seven days, you may need a season with more light.

Also, for those hoping to self drive on a road trip along the entire Ring Road, winter often means unsafe road conditions due to heavy snow and ice in some areas. For a winter visit, consider guided day trips from areas along the south coast of Iceland.

In summer months, the Northern Lights aren’t visible. But, the midnight sun extends your day giving you more time to explore each destination you visit. If there’s a downside to spending the mild summer months (mosquito free by the way) in Iceland, it’s the crowds. You know that Golden Circle you want to see? Everyone else wants to see it too. That means bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Personally, I prefer the shoulder season. And on our recent visit to Iceland, we arrived in mid-April for a week exploring this magnificent country minus the crowds. It’s early for bird and whale watching, but not impossible to catch a glimpse of some of the early arriving puffins and whales on a boat tour. Lingering Northern Lights are also possible on a clear night in April. Autumn presents another viable option for a crowd-free Iceland road trip.

What to Know Before You Go

Most travelers who visit Iceland arrive at Keflavik Airport. Located 50 kilometers outside the capital city of Reykjavik, Keflavik Airport is a relatively small airport compared to some of our mega-sized airports in the US. It’s also easy to navigate and rental car counters are located inside the airport.

Unless you plan to use a tour company for guided day trips, a rental car is the best way to really explore this magnificent place. Always up for a self drive road trip, we reserved a rental car in advance of our arrival. Small vehicles make the most sense on the narrow-ish roads throughout Iceland, but if you’re venturing outside Reykjavik in search of secret lagoons, lava fields and black sand beaches, it’s best to rent a small SUV with 4-wheel drive. Some roads are unpaved and road conditions are unpredictable so that extra power comes in handy.

Although I don’t typically use the extra insurance offered for rental cars, Iceland’s extreme wind and unpredictable weather warranted the need for rental car insurance just for peace of mind.

Camper vans provide another option for intrepid travelers up for a rugged adventure. Campgrounds throughout Iceland  offer various types of hook-ups and facilities.

Packing for Iceland

Your packing needs for Iceland vary greatly depending on whether you visit in the winter or summer months or the shoulder season I chose. One thing remains the same – you need layers! You also need a waterproof rain jacket. And, of course, pack a swimsuit for soaking in the country’s hot springs. You’ll find more information to aid in planning your packing list here .