The Golden Circle in Iceland: tips, itinerary, and fun facts

The Golden Circle in Iceland is one of the country’s main attractions, if not THE main one. But I’ll be honest, when i first started thinking about visiting Iceland, I had no idea what the Golden Circle was, how many days I would need for it, if I had to go with a tour group or if I could do a self-drive, if it was part of the Ring Road, etc. 

So I wrote this detailed article that answers all these questions — the kind of organised and comprehensive information I wish I had when I was planning my 2-week trip to Iceland. 

PS: If you prefer to go on a guided tour instead of doing a self-drive, here are some options for organised Golden Circle tours and tours for Iceland.

What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle is a route in Iceland that goes in a loop (hence the word “circle”), featuring popular natural attractions along the route, such as the Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall. The Golden Circle is free to visit, although there are small parking fees at some of the stops.

Fun facts about the Golden Circle 

• It’s Iceland’s most popular tourist route.
• The name Golden Circle comes from Gullfoss, whose nickname is “Golden Waterfall”.
• Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir in Icelandic), found along the Golden Circle route, is the location for Iceland’s first parliament, established in 930 AD.

Where is the Golden Circle in Iceland located?

The Golden Circle is east of Reykjavik, and the first stop (the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park) is about 54 km (33.5 miles) east of Reykjavik. It takes about an hour to get there by car.

This relatively short drive is another reason it’s such a popular tourist route in Iceland.

How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle in Iceland?

You can do the Golden Circle route with stops in one day, or half a day if you rush a bit. The whole loop is about 250 kilometers (155 miles), and the average drive time without stops is about 3.5 hours. 

If you plan to stop, take pictures, have lunch, and enjoy the scenery, it would take about 5-6 hours total. Add an hour more if you plan to snorkel in the Silfra Fissure.

The good news is that the Golden Circle is accessible year-round, even in the winter months. Just bear in mind that you might need to drive more carefully in icy, snowy, or rainy weather, which will add to the hours.

Golden Circle vs Ring Road

The Golden Circle is not the same as the Ring Road. The Ring Road is Iceland’s main road (Route 1) that goes around the whole country, and takes days to complete. We did the whole ring road with various stops in 2 weeks. 

Can you stop along the Golden Circle while doing the Ring Road? 

Yes, you can do the Golden Circle when doing the Ring Road, because the starting point for both is usually Reykjavik, so you could do the Golden Circle in one day and then join Route 1 (aka the Ring Road) and continue on. 

However, if you’re spending all day doing the Golden Circle route, rather than half a day, it’s best to have a place nearby to spend the night and rest before continuing on with the Ring Road. We based ourselves in Reykjavik when we did the Golden Circle. Here’s a list of the best eco-friendly hotels in Reykjavik (and other places we stayed in Iceland).

What are the main stops on the Golden Circle itinerary?

These are the main Golden Circle stops that everyone includes in their itinerary.

1. Thingvellir National Park

• A UNESCO World Heritage site with unique geology, Thingvellir is where the Eurasian and the North American plates meet.
• The park has lots of hiking trails, picnic spots, and gorgeous landscapes.
• The Silfra fissure (a famous snorkelling spot with clear blue water) is located in the park.
• Thingvallavatn is Iceland’s largest lake and is found in the national park.

2. Bruarfoss

• Bruarfoss is, for some reason, referred to as a “hidden gem”, but in fact it’s one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland, due to its location along the Golden Circle route, and its bright blue hue.
• Bruarfoss is a calm-ish type of waterfall, compared to the powerful Dettifoss. More here on Iceland’s best waterfalls.
• You can hike the moderately easy but muddy trail (7 km or 4.3 miles from a free parking lot) and see other waterfalls along the way, or pay for parking (around €5) right next to the falls.

3. Geysir Geothermal Area

• Strokkur geyser (Geysir in Icelandic) is Iceland’s most famous active geyser.
• The eruption occurs because the Strokkur geyser sits on a geothermal hotspot, and magma (liquid or molten rock under the earth) heats water beneath the earth. The water is almost at a boiling temperature, creating steam that pushes up colder water, causing the eruption.
• It erupts every 5-10 minutes, so hang around long enough and you will see it.

4. Gullfoss Waterfall

• One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Gullfoss is a beautiful phenomenon that gives the illusion of the falls disappearing into nothingness.
• Gullfoss is free to visit as there’s no parking fee. 
• The parking is right by the falls, but you will need to go down a few steps, and it can get windy and cold, as the path is a big open space.
• There’s a restaurant, souvenir shop, and bathroom on site.

The ones below are popular spots too, but don’t always make it into a Golden Circle itinerary.

5. Kerid Crater

• A turquoise volcanic crater lake, you can walk around the rim or go down to the water’s edge. It takes about 30-45 minutes total to explore thoroughly.

6. Secret Lagoon 

• The Secret Lagoon is a natural hot spring, and the water is about 38–40°C (100–104°F) all year.
• It’s a competitor of the Blue Lagoon, but still gets very busy and packed, especially during peak (summer) season, so book ahead.
• The Secret Lagoon has a more natural setting compared to the Blue Lagoon, as it’s surrounded by moss and rocks.

7. Selfoss Town

• This is a cute town, and a perfect spot to rest and eat. 
• It’s the ideal location to spend the night if you’re planning to continue along the Ring Road after the Golden Circle.
• This Selfoss is not to be confused with the Selfoss waterfall in North Iceland.

There are also other hidden gems to add to your route, like the small town Solheimar, or drive through route 37 instead of 36 from Thingvellir to Bruarfoss, to see different scenery.

Should you do a Golden Circle tour or self-drive?

If you prefer not to drive in Iceland, a guided tour to the Golden Circle is the best solution. If you prefer to go at your own pace and not have to deal with a lot of strangers, self-driving is the answer. There are pros and cons to each.

Pros and cons of doing a tour of the Golden Circle

Pros

• Convenience: everything is taken care of, including transport, navigation, and parking fees.
• Some tours have guides or drivers who offer fun facts and relevant information.
• A tour is perfect for solo travelers and those spending only a few days in Iceland.

Cons

• You won’t have much flexibility in terms of how long to spend at each stop.
• Tours usually have a fixed number of stops, and only to the main attractions, which means no discovering hidden gems.
• The tours can be pricey. It is Iceland after all, but also the prices are usually per person rather than per group.
• Unless you book a private tour, you will be with a group of strangers, which may or may not be fun.

Pros and cons of doing a self-drive
Pros

• Flexibility to discover things at your own pace.
• You can avoid crowds and bus tours if you go early or late.
• No dealing with strangers stuck together in a group tour.
• Can take detours and find hidden gems.
• Renting a car and doing a Golden Circle self-drive is cost-effective if you’re doing a long trip through Iceland, and if travelling with others.

Cons

• You will need to figure out all the logistics. It’s not very complicated though, you just need to sort out the rental car stuff, download the parka.is app to pay for parking, and use your GPS to navigate. 
• In icy or rainy conditions, driving can be challenging.
• Renting a car just to do the Golden Circle might not be more cost-effective than a tour, especially if travelling solo and on a short trip.

Tips for renting a car and self-driving the Golden Circle in Iceland

• Criteria to rent a car in Iceland:
  • Must be above 20 years old
  • Must have a valid driver’s licence (if your licence is from outside of the EEA, you might need an international driver’s licence depending on the country, but it’s best to enquire with the rental company)
  • Must have a credit card or a debit card with enough balance to cover the deposit
• Book a car as soon as you’ve confirmed your trip, especially if travelling in peak season (June-August). Keep in mind that peak season prices are way higher than shoulder or off season. Which is a good enough reason to travel outside of the peak season in my opinion, aside from the environmental and economic concerns.
• The Golden Circle route with the main stops is a fairly easy road to drive on, and it’s well-paved, meaning you don’t need a 4×4 car.
• If driving in winter, make sure to get snow tires. This is usually automatically done in Iceland anyway, but just check to make sure.
• Never go off-roading in Iceland; it’s illegal.
• Fill up on gas before setting off for the Golden Circle. 
• Download the parka.is app to pay for your parking spots. 
• Check the website road.is for road conditions before heading out.
• If you’re driving further outside of the Golden Circle route
  • Get the full car insurance just in case. They cover things like if small pebbles hit the car (which will happen on gravel roads) and leave scratches. 
  • If you’re going into the highlands, you will need a 4×4 car.

Practical tips for your Golden Circle itinerary 

• While the Golden Circle itself is free, there are a few parking spots that have a fee to pay.
• You can’t just park anywhere, you have to use the parking spots.
• It’s best to pack up food if you don’t have a fixed itinerary and just want to drive freely. You can easily get affordable sandwiches from bakeries in Reykjavik. The restaurants close to the popular Golden Circle spots are pricey. 
• There are toilets at some of the spots, like Gullfoss, but far and few in between.
• Always pack layers, even in summer, because Iceland is still windy and chilly in summer. In winter, you will need a proper winter puffer, gloves, and a winter hat. 
• Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes no matter the season. Due to rain, many of the paths are muddy or slippery even in non-winter months.
• The best tip to avoid crowds when doing the Golden Circle in Iceland is to avoid summer and visit during the shoulder season (April, May, September, and October). Winter is extremely cold and the wind is crazy. And try to start your day as early as possible to avoid bus tours.

Find more practical tips about visiting Iceland.

Golden Circle in Iceland: FAQs

Is the Golden Circle worth it?

Yes, the Golden Circle is worth the trip despite being a heavily touristy area. The 2 top attractions that stood out to me were Bruarfoss and Gullfoss. If you avoid peak season (summer), these places won’t be as crowded.

Can I do the Golden Circle route in 1 day?

Yes, in fact, the ideal time to do the Golden Circle is one day, or even half a day if you’re in a hurry and only want to see the main sights.

When is the best time to visit the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The best season to visit Iceland and the Golden Circle for moderate weather conditions and fewer crowds is during spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October). 

The best time during the day to visit is as early as possible before the tour buses come.

Is the Blue Lagoon part of the Golden Circle?

No. The Blue Lagoon is the world-famous spa with hot springs, located in Southwest Iceland, and about 45 minutes southwest of Reykjavik. 

The Golden Circle is a popular route that goes in a loop, with natural attractions like Gullfoss waterfall, and is about a 1-hour drive east of Reykjavik.