The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous scenic driving route, featuring some of the country’s most popular natural attractions. This iconic loop begins and ends in the capital, Reykjavik. The route’s three main draws are Þingvellir (pronounced Thingvellir) National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. The Golden Circle gets its name from Gullfoss, which means “golden falls.”
For first timers to Iceland, the Golden Circle is a must-do. The route encompasses a wide array of Iceland’s diverse natural sites and beauty within a comparatively small area. It is easily accessible from Reykjavik where all international flights arrive. The route is also perfect for kids of all ages.
For all the details on how to get there and what to see, keep scrolling or check out the table of contents below to jump ahead to the section of your choice.
Getting to the Golden Circle
Since the Golden Circle route begins and ends in Reykjavik, it is perfect for a day trip from the capital. The route from Reykjavik to the three primary attractions (Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss) and back is about 140 miles long. The complete circuit, including a few more natural sites like the Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Lake, spans 190 miles. Without stops, the full loop would take about 4 hours, but most visitors spend around 6-10 hours to allow adequate time for seeing the sites.
By Car
Renting and driving a car to the Golden Circle is the best way to see exactly what you want to see for however long you want to see it. The route is paved, and roads were in good condition on our trip (in the summertime). If you want the freedom to choose your own itinerary, car rental is the way to go. We chose this option, and we had no trouble navigating the Golden Circle. If you want more information on driving in Iceland, we recommend checking out Visit Iceland’s Driving in Iceland for a basic overview or, for more detail, Guide to Iceland’s Ultimate Guide to Road Trips as well as Guide to Iceland’s page on Road Signs.
FERRY TRAIL TIP: We highly recommend adding Wi-Fi to your rental car package. For GPS access alone on your phone, it is essential. It was a bonus that we had internet access for last-minute travel research, text messaging, and even streaming music/videos for entertainment.
By Tour
If self-driving is not an option for you or your family, there are many guided tours to the Golden Circle from Reykjavik. The group size, sites, and timing varies on these tours. Whether you are looking for the classic circuit or adding snowmobiling, time at a lagoon, or even puffin sighting, there is something for everyone. Check out Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle Tours and Arctic Adventures to see the wide variety of tour possibilities.
FERRY TRAIL TIP: We did the Golden Circle on our very first day in Iceland. We were only functioning on a couple of hours of sleep with one registered driver for our rental car. We discovered that while it was possible to drive the Golden Circle on the first day, there were many rough slumps throughout the day where we were dragging. Don’t do what we did. Instead, be smart, and factor in a buffer day in Reykjavik on your arrival to make the sightseeing a little easier.
What to See in the Golden Circle
Golden Circle Itinerary Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is famous for being one of the few places in the world where you can stand between continents. The park is situated on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Because the plates are drifting apart at a rate of one inch per year, the landscape is filled with deep canyons and dramatic landscapes of Lake Thingvellir, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Be aware that this is not a location with flowing magma or active volcanic activity, as some have expected upon arrival. However, it is still an amazing thing to be able to walk in what feels like a no-mans-land between the continents. For those looking for more adventure, snorkeling and scuba diving tours take place at the Silfra Fissure. The water temperature remains at a brisk 35 F year-long, but protective gear is supplied by tour companies. Regardless of how you see it, we recommend making this park part of your itinerary in the Golden Circle. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most visitors.
In addition to the natural wonders of the area, the site is also an important historical location for Icelandic people. Beginning in 930, Iceland’s national assembly (and later parliament) was formed and met at this location until 1798. The park was also the location where Iceland’s official declaration of independence from Denmark was proclaimed in 1944. Due to its importance as the meeting place of the world’s longest-running parliament, the site has been given UNESCO world heritage status.
How Much Time to Spend in Thingvellir
Allow at least an hour to check out the main viewing area and walk down to the first viewing spot along Almannagjá, the rift that marks the boundary of the North American tectonic plate. The Eurasian plate is about 3 miles to the east at Hrafnagjá. The paths near the visitor center (including Almannagjá) are about 2-2.5 miles long. See the map here for more details on the hiking trails closest to the visitor’s center. We chose to just take a short walk to Lögberg (see previous map link and image below) and back because of time constraints. However, if you have plenty of time to spare, there are many other hiking trails throughout the park.
Where to Eat
The park’s visitor center had a few snacks available for purchase, but if you are looking for a full meal inside the park limits, there is a service center a short drive from the visitor center with a tiny café and refrigerated food options available. We had soup and sandwiches here and tried some new flavors of chips and soda. It was not food we raved about later, but it was a good stop for a quick meal.
Other Notes
Thingvellir is open daily, but hours may be subject to changes during the holiday season. The park does not charge a per-person entry fee, but the visitor center does have a paid parking lot for a small cost. Check out updated rates here.
Golden Circle Itinerary Stop 2: Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area in the Haukadalur Valley is home to geysers, hot springs, mud pits, and a refreshing waft of sulfur blowing in the brisk Icelandic breeze. 😉 The most famous geyser at this location, often called the Great Geysir, is the namesake for all other geysers worldwide. Geysir once erupted an astounding 500 feet in the air. However, eruptions of this height were intermittent, and the geyser has experienced many changes in activity, going almost dormant some years, due to natural changes and seismic activity in the area. At the time of our visit, Geysir was only erupting three times a day, so we did not have the time to plan around it.
However, nearby Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water an average of 50-65 feet into the air. While maybe not quite as impressive as the Great Geysir’s reach at its peak, Strokkur has continued to demonstrate consistency that Geysir has not, making it an easier option for a busy day touring the Golden Circle.
How Much Time to Spend at Geysir
The Geysir Geothermal Area is located about a 45-minute drive from Thingvellir National Park.
The geothermal area took us about 30 minutes to walk around. We waited twice for the geyser to erupt, so you may need less time.
The Geysir Center is located directly across the road from Geysir Geothermal Area. The store within the center was sprawling and had a huge range of Icelandic tourist souvenirs and handcrafted items, everything from puffin socks (yes, I got some, of course!) to handmade sweaters and Thor art.
We probably spent another 30-45 minutes in the store, browsing and taking a restroom break before our last stop.
Where to Eat
We did not eat here, but there was a promising looking restaurant in Geysir Center called Súpa, Icelandic for “soup.” The café normally serves six varieties of soups daily, along with homemade bread and butter. Geysir Restaurant at Hotel Geysir and Geysir Glima are also located nearby.
Other Notes
Parking at one of the two parking lots (either next to the Geysir Center or across the street closer to the geothermal area) is free. Entry is also free and open to the public 365 days a year.
Golden Circle Itinerary Stop 3: Gullfoss Waterfall
About 10 minutes from Geysir is the last of the big three stops along the Golden Circle: Gullfoss. Gullfoss is a two-tiered cascade waterfall spanning around 600 feet in width and 105 feet in height. It gets its name, “golden falls,” from the golden sheen of the water on a sunny day.
From the visitor center, a walking path heads to two platforms. The upper platform is stroller and wheelchair friendly. However, the lower platform, which is closer to the falls, is only accessible by stairs. For an even closer view, take the path from the lower platform that leads directly to the falls. We highly recommend it for experiencing Gullfoss’s grand size up close.
How Much Time to Spend at Gullfoss
We recommend spending around an hour to walk to all the viewing areas, including the path closest to the falls. Add more time to this estimate if you plan to look around the visitor center store, which had lots to browse.
Where to Eat
Gullfoss Café and Restaurant is located in the main visitor center. It serves basic fair and a few Icelandic dishes.
Other Notes
Gullfoss has free entry and parking. It is open all year; however, the lower platform closes in winter due to slippery conditions.
Other Sites in the Golden Circle
If you hope to venture beyond the big three attractions in the Golden Circle, there are a few other sights to see along the circuit. Check out Kerid Crater Lake to walk along an inactive volcanic caldera. For a dip in a hot spring or geothermal pool, try Secret Lagoon or Fontana Spa. Want to see how the locals grow produce? Check out Friðheimar Greenhouses.
For our fellow adventurous travelers, you could also extend your trip in the area with a visit to the ice caves in Langjökull, the second-largest glacier in Iceland, located north of Thingvellir National Park. While not actually part of the Golden Circle, it is so close-by, it may be worth pairing together. We heavily debated adding it into our itinerary, but ultimately, it wasn’t a good fit on this trip because it involved more walking in slippery conditions than seemed wise for the older family members with us.
Anyone who truly seeks to be off the beaten path as much as possible may wish to investigate the Kerlingarfjoll mountains. Although not far from the Golden Circle, they are so isolated that they can only be reached by Iceland’s famous F-roads, unpaved mountain roads that require four-wheel drive vehicles and driving experience in rough terrain.
What to Bring
Even in the summertime, Iceland can have brisk wind and chilly temperatures. There is a good chance you will get wet even when it’s not raining at places like Geysir and Gullfoss. Accordingly, we recommend bringing a warm, waterproof coat for your trip around the Golden Circle. Hats and gloves are also a good idea—we needed ours so badly we dug through our luggage at our first stop to find them (we had everything in our car from arriving at the airport earlier that day)! Warm waterproof shoes are also a good idea even if you are not planning on any hiking.
Tips for Taking Kids to the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a very family-friendly travel destination. There are so many unique Icelandic national treasures to learn about and beautiful natural landscapes to explore. We recommend that families with very young children rent a car to have more flexibility and less time constraints. However, if you opt for a tour, make sure it is one that fits the needs of your family.
Overall, the walking paths to get to all three viewing areas (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss) were easy and relatively short. For families with young ones, be aware that a basic umbrella stroller will not be effective on most trails in these locations. A sturdier (large wheeled) stroller would be fine, however, with the exception of the stairs down to the lower platform at Gullfoss.
In terms of safety, there were railings at all three sites to keep the natural area and people protected. Some of these railings were open ones (just a railing, no fencing), which would do nothing to stop a wily toddler from slipping under. So be aware of potential safety hazards for the tiniest travelers.
Is the Golden Circle Worth Visiting?
Although the Golden Circle is a popular and sometimes busy tourist area, it is a great way to see a wide variety of Iceland’s natural attractions in a short period of time. Braving the crowds (which were not bad at all when we visited in late June) was worth it to see such unique geological and geothermal marvels. If you are planning a trip to Iceland one day, add the Golden Circle to your list. And when you return, we hope you add any tips you gained on your journey in our comment section below!
Want more content on traveling to Iceland?? We can’t wait to get it to you! Look for new posts on Iceland coming each month this year!
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