The Golden Circle route is the best way to experience the country’s top destinations in a short time. Marvel at the wonders of Thingvellir National Park, the breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall, and the iconic Geysir, while discovering hidden gems along the way. Dive into our article to explore the must-see attractions and secret detours of the Golden Circle. Check the map and gather essential tips to make the most of your visit!
What Is The Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle in Iceland is a 300-kilometer (186 mi) loop. This is Iceland’s most prominent tourist route, stretching between 3 of the most popular attractions in Iceland.
It starts in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and passes through legendary sites such as Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. You can successfully complete this tour in one day. However, you can enjoy the Golden Circle path for a few days to fully experience its wanders and discover all the hidden gems along the way.
The good thing about this route is that it is stunning every season, and you can embark on your Golden Circle adventure all year round!
The Golden Circle shouldn’t be mistaken for the Ring Road – a 1,332 km (828 mi) drive encompassing the entire island of Iceland.
How to Get to The Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is in the southwestern part of the island. In order to get to the first attraction of the Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, you must follow road number 36 northeast of Reykjavík for approximately 46 km (29 mi).
The Main Golden Circle Route & Detours
How to Experience Iceland’s Golden Circle Route?
One of the most popular ways to experience the Golden Circle is the self-drive tour. It will take you only 3 to 4 hours to complete the Golden Circle route if you drive without stopping. However, taking your time and soaking up all the picturesque views you will encounter is highly recommended.
The prices of car renting in Iceland vary from $60 to $150 per day, depending on the season and the type of vehicle. Fuel costs are estimated at approximately $2 per liter. Other expenses you should be prepared for are possible parking fees, ranging from $2 to $10 per vehicle.
Another self-drive option is renting a campervan. This budget-friendly alternative can save you a good amount of money by preventing you from having to rent a hotel or Airbnb. It’s an excellent option for those who want to spend more time enjoying the Golden Circle and its surroundings because there is no rush to reach any pre-booked accommodations. Spending a day hiking or enjoying the hidden hot springs is highly recommended.
When choosing self-drive options, be prepared and always check the real-time road conditions beforehand. It applies especially to the winter season when the weather tends to change rapidly.Those who want to avoid all the planning can always book a guided Golden Circle tour. The experienced guides will tell you everything about the main attractions on the popular route and detours. With the super jeeps, you can comfortably reach the main locations and cap off your Golden Circle tour with an exciting snowmobile ride on the Langjökull glacier.
The Big Three: Main Stops on the Golden Circle
1. Thingvellir National Park
The first of the three biggest Golden Circle attractions you will encounter when traveling from Reykjavík is Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park. The park nests in the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is only a 45-minute drive from the capital.
Thingvellir is a keystone of Icelandic history – one of the world’s oldest parliaments was founded there in 930 AD.
Did you know that Thingvellir is the place where Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet? Iceland is one of the few places in the world where you can clearly see how those two continental plates drift apart. The space between the tectonic plates is quite broad and yearly increases by over 2 cm (0.79 in)!Fun fact: Thingvellir was the location for some scenes from the “Game of Thrones” movie!
Places to visit at Thingvellir National Park:
- Öxarárfoss Waterfall
- Drekkingarhylur pond
- Peningagjá pond
- Lögberg: e. The Law Rock
- Almannagjá
- Þingvellir Church
- Þingvellir Hiking Trails
- Thingvellir Lake
2. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir geothermal area is home to the famous Great Geysir in Haukadalur Valley – the one all the other geysers are named after. This earliest documented geyser would erupt up to 170 m (557.7 ft) into the air in the year 1845. Through the years, the activity of this geyser decreased, and today, it is quite low, but who knows when it will decide to awaken with even more immense power again!
You should definitely see Geysir’s active brother Strokkur, who bursts fountains of hot water into the air every 4-10 minutes!
The area is surrounded by smaller geysers and is filled with smoke due to steaming vents, but the designated paths and viewing points make it perfectly safe to explore.
3. Gullfoss Waterfall
This stunning and powerful waterfall is the last of the major stops travelers make on the Golden Circle route. It is located in the heart of the Golden Circle, approximately 107 km (66.4 mi) from Reykjavík.
The origin of this waterfall is the river Hvítá, a tremendous glacial river that takes its meltwater from the Langjökull glacier, which is approximately 35 km (21.7 mi) away.
Gullfoss is often referred to as the Golden Falls or the Golden Waterfall. Depending on the meteorological conditions or the season, the water in Hvítá can change its color from deep blue to white to light brown. On a sunny day, the water takes on a golden-brown color, which explains the name of the Gullfoss. If you are lucky, you might even be greeted with a rainbow!
Interesting fact: In the early 20th century, there were plans to utilize Gullfoss energy for hydroelectric power. This idea was highly controversial regarding foreign investors’ attempt to profit off Icelandic nature. Luckily, the plans were not implemented, and the waterfall remains untouched to this day.
Hidden Gems: Interesting Places Near the Golden Circle
While the greatest Golden Circle attractions are undeniably stunning, let’s not forget about all the hidden gems – the lesser-known places near the main Golden Circle path.
Each of those hidden gems offers an unforgettable experience you will remember for a long time:
Faxi Waterfall: Many people drive past this beauty, unaware that it exists. Faxi is a lovely waterfall. It is quieter and more intimate compared to the Gullfoss, but definitely worth visiting.
Langjökull Glacier: The second biggest glacier in Iceland. Langjökull is primarily popular for hiking, skiing, and glacier snowmobiling.
Kerið (Kerid) crater: Kerið is a volcanic crater that is approximately three thousand years old. Scientists say that the Kerid crater was once a cone-shaped volcano that fell upon itself. The red slopes of the Kerid crater contrast with the blue water of the lake inside – an unforgettable view!
Secret Lagoon: This man-made oasis is naturally filled with water from the hot springs. The Secret Lagoon is considered one of the oldest geothermal pools in Iceland.
Fontana Geothermal Baths: Yet another beautiful oasis near the Golden Circle where you can relax after a long day. Steam rooms, saunas, pools, and mineral baths – all in one place, surrounded by stunning natural views.
Accommodations Along the Golden Circle Route
There are plenty of accommodation options for you to stay at the Golden Circle. You can choose anything from hotels to guesthouses and cabins.
Hotels:
- Ion Hotel
- Hotel Geysir
- Litli Geysir Hotel
- Hotel Gullfoss
- Mengi Kjarnholt
- Borealis Hotel
- Hotel Úlfljótsvatn
- Hotel Edda Laugarvatn
Hostels:
- Skjól
- Gljásteinn Skálinn Hostel
- Ljósafossskóli Hostel
- Hérðsskóli Boutique Hostel
- Laugarvatn HI Hostel
Guesthouses:
- Geysir Hestar
- Jaðar – The Old House
- Mengi Kjarnholt
- Efstidalur II
Cabins and Cottages:
- Thingvellir Lake Cottage
- Geysir Cottage
- Geysir Hestar
- Úthlíð Cottages
- Eyjasol Cottages
- Sacred Seed
- Árbakki Farmhouse Lodge
- Vað Holiday Home
- Golden Circle Hot Tub Cabin
The more adventurous visitors can consider camping. There are numerous camping areas at the Golden Circle. Some of them are open year-round. Most camping grounds facilities include toilets, showers (can cost approximately $3.50 (500 ISK)), electricity, and washing machines. Some include restaurants, BBQs, playgrounds, and swimming pools.
Places to Eat at the Golden Circle in Iceland
There are plenty of opportunities to explore local food when driving Iceland’s Golden Circle, and each place is known for its unique deliciousness:
- Friðheimar Tomato Farm offers excellent tomato soup and unique experiences. Visitors, if lucky enough, may catch the horse show on the way out, as the horse farm is also present at this place.
- Efstidalur II is famous for its homemade frozen goodness – ice cream made from only local ingredients.
- Hérðasskólinn Restaurant and Bistro serves quality food and has a great selection of meals to choose from. The building used to be a county school and was redeveloped into a restaurant and hostel.
- The Gullfoss café offers visitors some good Icelandic lamb meat soup and a cup of warm coffee.
- Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant is a restaurant that serves African food if you want something different from traditional Icelandic dishes.
- Þrastarlundur Restaurant is an excellent place for brunch and pizzas.
- Restaurant Súpa, just as the name suggests, serves lovely Icelandic soups if you are a bit cold after your adventurous Golden Circle tour.
The Golden Circle Summer vs Winter
The special thing about the Golden Circle is that it offers unforgettable experiences in both summer and winter. It is almost impossible to choose which season is better. The good thing is – there is no need to choose! You can visit the Golden Circle many times and experience all of its magic during different seasons.
In spring and summer, you can enjoy warmer temperatures and more daylight. The melting ice in spring unveils fascinating geological formations in Thingvellir National Park and adds more water to the Gullfoss waterfall, making it even more powerful. Summer’s prolonged sunlight opens opportunities for various additional activities like river rafting, horse rafting, or fishing.
The temperatures in the middle of summer are approximately 11°C-15°C and occasionally can reach up to 20°C, so it is a good idea to layer your clothing.
The winter season will greet you with lots of snow and ice. The Gullfoss waterfall’s mighty stream partially freezes, creating a unique blend of static and moving water formations. At the same time, the geysers continue to erupt, creating a stunning contrast between the how water and the chilly air. The additional activities include glacier snowmobiling tours, glacier hiking, and Northern Light hunting.
The temperatures in winter range from -1°C to -3°C, so remember to take warm clothing. Even in the middle of winter, sunglasses are recommended as the sun travels closer to Iceland, and the direct sunlight can harm your eyes.
Plan Your Golden Circle Adventure Today
The Golden Circle in Iceland includes the greatest attractions like Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area. Whether you drive yourself or join a guided tour, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes and hidden gems like the Secret Lagoon and Kerið Crater. Plan your trip now for unforgettable adventures and breathtaking views all year round.
Golden Circle Iceland FAQs
Golden Circle Iceland FAQ
The route is super easy to drive. You don’t even need a 4×4 vehicle, and a regular car will do just fine. The road is well-maintained and easy to follow. The self-drive tours can become a bit more challenging in the winter season because the road conditions are more unpredictable.
You can always book one of the many Golden Circle tours and let the experienced guides take care of the driving part.
Can You Do Golden Circle Iceland in One Day?
If you want to drive without making any stops, it will take you only 3-4 hours to finish the Golden Circle in one day. However, the views are worth stopping by and soaking up the beauty of Icelandic nature.
What Is the Difference Between Golden Circle and Ring Road Iceland?
The Golden Circle is much shorter than the Ring Road, which takes you on a more extensive tour of Iceland. It is recommended to take at least a week to explore the Ring Road, while for the Golden Circle, it is 1-3 days.
Is Golden Circle, Iceland, Worth It?
The Golden Circle route is the ultimate experience that shows you all the biggest Icelandic attractions. It is certainly worth visiting, especially for those who want to see a lot of Iceland in a short time.