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Imagine cruising through Iceland’s countryside to see spouting geysers, roaring waterfalls and volcanic cliffs. The Golden Circle in Iceland lets you explore these wonders at your own pace. This is one of the world’s most famous and iconic routes, and it’s easy to see why.
Along the way, you’ll uncover folklore, history and landscapes shaped by fire and ice. Think storybook churches, volcanic craters, and restaurants dishing up traditional Icelandic cuisine.
When you’re ready to hit the road, bookmark this guide to the Golden Circle route. It’s packed with insider tips on must-see attractions and handy local stops to help you make the most of your trip.
- Drive the Golden Circle at your own pace on an Iceland self-drive tour
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a driving route that connects 3 of the country’s most famous sights in a neat loop. Starting from Reykjavík, you’ll travel into the southern uplands and back, stopping at Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
Many Iceland Golden Circle tours also include extra stops along the way. You could visit a geothermal greenhouse, bathe in a natural hot spring or explore smaller villages as you go.
- Hit the open road with these Golden Circle self-drive tours
Golden Circle map
Can you drive the Golden Circle in one day?
The entire Golden Circle can easily be completed in one day. The journey covers around 230 kilometres (140 miles) and takes just over 3 hours of driving.
But if you’re wondering, “How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?”, the real answer is a full day. This gives you time to explore the attractions, take photos and enjoy breaks along the way.
How to drive the Golden Circle in Iceland
You have a few options for exploring the Golden Circle. Many travellers join guided tours, but a road trip gives you complete freedom. For this, you’ll need to rent a car or even a 4x4 if you plan to continue into Iceland’s central highlands.
Driving puts you in control. You can set your own Golden Circle itinerary, start early (or late) and explore what interests you. In summer, Iceland’s long daylight hours let you set off early or stay out late, enjoying these iconic attractions with fewer people around.
- Let someone else take the wheel on a guided group tour of Iceland
- Related: Planning a trip to Iceland – Expert tips and ideas
What to see on the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is your gateway to Iceland’s past and present. Where sagas meet steaming earth and thundering water. You’ll pass through farmland, volcanic plains, and villages that feel both familiar and otherworldly.
The Golden Circle route has many attractions, but it’s best known for connecting 3 iconic sites:
- Þingvellir National Park
- The Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Pack more into your trip with an Iceland multi-day tour
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Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir (pronounced “THING-vet-leer”) is Iceland’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re travelling clockwise from Reykjavík, it’ll likely be your first stop.
Þingvellir is a keystone of Icelandic cultural history. You can stand where the world’s first parliament, the Alþingi, met in 930 CE.
Then there’s the landscape. The national park is the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You can admire its deep valley, the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible on land.
Iceland’s land mass was formed from the magma that bubbled up as these 2 plates moved away from each other. That’s why you can still see volcanic activity and landscapes throughout the country.
Here’s the top things to do in Þingvellir National Park:
- Marvel at Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake
- Go horseback riding through the park’s scenic trails
- Snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra
- Hike Almannagjá gorge, a Game of Thrones filming site
- Visit Öxarárfoss waterfall
Geysir geothermal area
Next, you’ll reach the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley. Your drive will take you past more volcanic landscapes of steaming vents and chimneys. The closer you get, the more dramatic the geothermal activity.
Here, against a vivid landscape, you’ll find 2 bubbling geysers – The Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir. Great Geysir (or simply “Geysir”) is the earliest documented one in European literature, active for around 10,000 years. These days, it only stirs after earthquakes.
Nearby Strokkur, however, steals the show. Every 6–10 minutes, it sends water up to 40 metres (131 feet) into the air.
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 brings you to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Watch as water thunders over 2 drops, falling a total of 32 metres (105 feet). On a clear day, you can even admire the Langjökull ice sheet stretching out into the distance.
During the summer months, 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. This exhilarating experience allows you to feel the full force of Gullfoss up close.
Other Golden Circle attractions
Beyond Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, you’ll find plenty of other spots worth a stop.
Fontana Geothermal Baths
Located in the town of Laugarvatn, you can relax and unwind at the Fontana Geothermal Baths. You can soak in naturally heated pools, steam it out in the sauna, or take a cool dip in Lake Laugarvatn.
Kerið Crater
Kerið is a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater with a small lake at the bottom. You’ll notice the surrounding rocks have fiery red and orange hues combined with bursts of black and green. It’s a striking place to stretch your legs and snap a few photos.
Langjökull Glacier
If you’re looking for adventure, try a snowmobile tour on Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. There’s snow here year-round, so it’s possible in every season.
Sólheimar
On the drive between Þingvellir and Geysir, you can stop at Sólheimar, a small eco-village in southwest Iceland. Home to around 100 people, it’s known for its focus on sustainability, art, and community living.
Þjórsárdalur Valley
While not officially part of the Golden Circle, Þjorsardalur (pronounced “THYOOR-saur-TAHL-ur”) 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 Iceland’s oldest town. Skalholt was home to the country’s first Catholic bishop and school. It’s worth stopping to admire its small cathedral or to visit the nearby Secret Lagoon, the oldest man-made pool in Iceland.
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Where to eat when driving the Golden Circle
Driving the Golden Circle gives you plenty of photo opportunities. But it’s not just about the scenery – it’s a chance to taste Iceland too. Along the way, you’ll find cosy cafés, farm-to-table restaurants and family-run spots serving local specialities.
Here are some favourites our travel consultants recommend:
- Skyrgerðin – Try traditional skyr yoghurt at this former factory in Hveragerði.
- Friðheimar Farm – Enjoy fresh tomato soup and home-baked bread in a greenhouse powered by geothermal energy. Non-drivers can even sample a Bloody Mary at the bar.
- Efstidalur –This family farm is in the heart of the Golden Circle. Stop by for a special farm-to-table experience.
- Lindin – Tuck into Icelandic dishes and rich chocolate desserts in the village of Laugarvatn.
- Tryggvaskáli – A local favourite serving everything from Nordic cuisine, seafood and burgers in the town of Selfoss.
- Kaffi Krús – A casual spot and family favourite in Selfoss known for hearty pizza, pasta and burgers.
- Fjöruborðið – A Nordic Visitor staff favourite in the town of Stokkseyri. Famous for langoustines in garlic butter and creamy seafood soup.
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How much is the Golden Circle?
There’s no entry fee for the Golden Circle itself, but you may need to pay for parking or admission at certain sites. You’ll also need to factor in meals, fuel and where you choose to stay overnight.
If you book a self-drive tour of Iceland with Nordic Visitor, the cost of car rental is already included. You’ll also get unlimited mileage, standard insurance, and VAT for the duration of your trip – so you can enjoy the drive without hidden costs.
Where should you stay?
You can drive the Golden Circle in one day, so most travellers base themselves in Reykjavík. Here you’ll find hotels and guesthouses for every budget.
Book with Nordic Visitor and we’ll arrange your accommodation for you. Every hotel and guesthouse we use is handpicked, tested and meets our high standards, so you can look forward to a comfortable stay. All you’ll need to do is enjoy your trip.
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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.
In winter, the Golden Circle takes on a different beauty. You could spot the northern lights, or see Gullfoss framed by icy cliffs formed from its frozen spray.
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Is the Blue Lagoon part of the Golden Circle?
The Blue Lagoon isn’t technically on the Golden Circle route, but many travellers choose to visit both. A trip to the lagoon is around 4 hours, including drive time from Reykjavik, though you may want longer to relax and enjoy the spa.
To make the most of your trip, plan one full day for the Golden Circle and a separate half-day for the Blue Lagoon. Many visitors like to bookend their journey with it – either just after arriving in Iceland or before flying home from Keflavík International Airport.
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Plan your Golden Circle trip with us
Whether you’re after tectonic rifts and erupting geysers or thundering waterfalls, the Golden Circle packs a lot into one loop. Add in cosy cafés, geothermal baths and detours to hidden gems, and you’ve got a road trip that feels anything but ordinary.
With Nordic Visitor, you don’t need to worry about the details. Choose a self-drive tour of Iceland, and a dedicated travel consultant will arrange your route, car rental and handpicked accommodation.
You’ll also get a personalised map, a detailed itinerary, and 24/7 support during your trip. That way, you can focus on enjoying the Golden Circle in Iceland at your own pace.
Get in touch with our local experts today to start organising your Iceland adventure.
