Driving Among Wonders: A Full Golden Circle Itinerary

What’s the Golden Circle?

Before we get into details, let’s start with the basics. The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer (186 miles) circular route in southern Iceland. It’s well-known for its iconic attractions and easy access from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. This loop takes visitors on a journey through Iceland’s geological and cultural history, with stops that include rift valleys that are the separation between continents, erupting geysers, gorgeous waterfalls, and volcanic craters.

At its core, three main stops are considered the Golden Circle. They are Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. These three are must-see sites on any trip to Iceland, especially if it’s your first time in the country. However, the roads that connect them pass by or close to other magnificent places, which makes this already amazing route even better.

You can customize the itinerary to your likes and needs. The Golden Circle can be done in one day. At least the three main sites. But if you want to enjoy everything properly, we recommend spending two or even three days in the area to live a fully immersive experience. This way, you’ll explore everything as it should without feeling too rushed.

Where’s the Golden Circle and How to Get There?

One of the perks of the Golden Circle is that it's ultimately a loop, so you can join wherever you choose. At the same time, this route is really close to Reykjavik, so many travelers pick the capital as the beginning. In fact, many tourists choose the Golden Circle as one of the first things they do on their trip to Iceland.

In general, the route is well-paved, making it one of the easiest ways to experience Iceland’s natural wonders without venturing into remote areas. The best way to get to the Golden Circle and explore Iceland is to rent a car. This way, you can go to all the stops in the order you prefer and at the times that suit you best.

From Reykjavík, head out on Route 1 (Ring Road) eastbound for about 15 minutes before turning onto Route 36, which leads to Þingvellir National Park, the first major stop. From Þingvellir, take the same road and later turn to Route 365. Then continue to Route 37 and Route 35, which go to the Geysir Geothermal Area. Continuing on Route 35 will bring you to Gullfoss Waterfall, where the main loop ends.

The drive itself is part of the experience, as the landscapes surrounding the roads are spectacular. It typically takes 6–8 hours to complete the main loop without long breaks.

Stops in the Golden Circle

As we mentioned before, there are three major stops in the Golden Circle. We will start by explaining them before, and then we’ll get into the secondary ones.

Þingvellir National Park

The first stop in this amazing route is, perhaps, one of the most impressive places in all of Iceland. The Þingvellir National Park is one of the three national parks there are in Iceland and one of its most captivating monuments. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir has immense cultural, historical, and geological importance.

Historically, Þingvellir was the site where Iceland’s parliament, the Alþingi, was first established in the year 930 AD. For centuries, representatives from all over the island gathered here to make laws, resolve disputes, and celebrate festivals. Today, visitors can see the Lögberg, or the Law Rock, where laws were proclaimed and speeches were made.

Þingvellir is also a geological wonder. It’s located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. They are slowly separating at a rate of 2 centimeters per year, which means the park (actually, Iceland as a whole) is in constant evolution. This rift valley creates dramatic landscapes, like the Almannagjá Gorge. Here you can walk between two continents.

The same can be witnessed underwater in the Silfra Fissure. Known for its crystal-clear water and incredible visibility, it’s one of the world’s top spots for snorkeling and diving. You can swim, touching both tectonic plates at the same time.

Þingvellir is also home to Öxarárfoss waterfall, a picturesque cascade. It’s an easy hike from the main visitor area and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The next main stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area. Here, geothermal activity can be seen in spectacular form. Located in the Haukadalur Valley, this area is filled with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and, of course, geysers.

The most famous geyser in this area is Strokkur, which erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting hot water up to 20 meters (65 feet) into the air. Nearby, you can see the Great Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide. It’s now dormant, but Geysir was once one of the most active geysers on the planet.

Walking through the geothermal area feels like stepping onto another planet. The ground is warm, and the air is filled with the smell of sulfur (the smell is pretty strong!). Minerals deposited by the geothermal activity create colorful patterns on the ground.

There’s a visitor center near the Geysir area that provides detailed information about geothermal activity and Iceland’s volcanic history. It also has a café and gift shop, so it’s a convenient stop before continuing your journey.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss is a breathtaking natural wonder and one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. It’s also known as the “Golden Falls,” due to the sun's effect on the mist. It’s a two-tiered cascade on the Hvítá River, with a total drop of 32 meters into a rugged canyon.

One of the best things about Gullfoss is the multiple viewing platforms. The upper platform provides panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape, while the lower path takes you closer to the falls.

Bruarfoss Waterfall

We’re now moving to the secondary stops that can be added to the itinerary. They are all marvelous, so don’t consider them minor places. We will start at Bruarfoss, a hidden gem on the Golden Circle. People sometimes call it the "Blue Waterfall" because of its stunning turquoise color. The waterfall is smaller than Gullfoss, but it’s worth a stop.

It’s necessary to take a moderate hike to reach Bruarfoss. It includes walking through mossy fields and crossing streams over wooden bridges. It’s less visited than other places in the Golden Circle.

Secret Lagoon

No trip to Iceland is complete without a relaxing geothermal bath. And there are two fantastic options in the Golden Circle. The first of them is the Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin in Icelandic, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Located in the village of Flúðir, it offers a quiet setting to relax and soak in naturally heated water. The lagoon keeps a temperature of 38–40°C year-round, so it’s perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

There are several geysers and steam vents surrounding the lagoon, which add even more to this already great activity.

Laugarvatn Fontana

The second option for a geothermal spa is Laugarvatn Fontana, located on the shores of Laugarvatn Lake. The spa features hot pools, natural steam baths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the things that set this place apart is the opportunity to see how bread is baked using geothermal energy. The rye bread is cooked underground using the Earth’s heat. Visitors can watch the bread being unearthed and enjoy it fresh with Icelandic butter.

Skalholt

Skalholt is a historic site that was once the religious and cultural center of Iceland. It was the seat of Iceland’s bishops for over 700 years and was pivotal in shaping the country’s early history. Today, the modern Skalholt Cathedral stands here, with beautiful stained-glass windows and a crypt containing artifacts from the medieval era.

The surrounding area is peaceful and picturesque, with beautiful farmlands and traces of Iceland’s early settlements. Skalholt offers a chance to connect with Iceland’s rich past and culture.

Kerid Crater

Volcanic activity is one of the many forces that have shaped Iceland. And the Golden Circle has a stop where tourists can see its effects. Kerid Crater is a volcanic marvel that captivates visitors with its vibrant colors. The red and black rocks contrast beautifully with the blue water that fills the crater. It was formed around 3,000 years ago, meaning Kerid is relatively young in geological terms. For this reason, its shape is very well preserved.

There’s also a path around the crater rim that offers stunning panoramic views. Another trail leads down to the water’s edge for a closer view.

Golden Circle Itinerary

Now that you know all the different stops that comprise the Golden Circle, it's time to create a proper itinerary so you can make the most of your time

Day 1: Þingvellir, Laugarvatn Fontana, and Skálholt

We’ll kick things off at Þingvellir National Park since it’s just a short drive from Reykjavík. After exploring the park, we’ll head over to Laugarvatn Fontana for a soak. We’ll wrap up with a quick stop at Skálholt before driving back to town.

Step-by-Step

1. Drive from Reykjavík to Þingvellir It’s about 45 minutes, so you can leave after breakfast and still get there nice and early.
2. Check out Þingvellir National Park
3. Head to Laugarvatn Fontana (around 20-30 minutes away)
4. Drive to Skálholt (20–25 minutes from Laugarvatn)
5. Back to Reykjavík (1 hour and 15 minutes away) Takes about an hour. Chill out for the evening, grab dinner, and rest up.

Day 2: Geysir, Gullfoss, and Brúarfoss

We’ll go see the famous geysers and one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. After that, we’ll do a short hike to Brúarfoss, which has bright blue water. Then it’s back to Reykjavík again.

Step-by-Step

1. Drive from Reykjavík to Geysir (about 1 hour 35 minutes)
2. Check out Geysir Geothermal Area
3. Head to Gullfoss (10 minutes away)
4. Grab Lunch There’s a café near Gullfoss or you can bring snacks. Keep it simple, whatever works.
5. Drive to Brúarfoss Trailhead (20 minutes or so)
6. Head back to Reykjavík (around 1 hour 30 minutes) Unwind at your hotel or hit the city for dinner.

Day 3: Kerid Crater and the Secret Lagoon

On our last day, we’ll visit Kerid Crater and then chill at the Secret Lagoon. Both are along the southern route of the Golden Circle. It’s a laid-back day before we wrap things up in Reykjavík at night.

Step-by-Step

1. Depart Reykjavík for Kerid (about 50–60 minutes)
2. Drive to the Secret Lagoon (roughly 30 minutes away)
3. Soak and Relax Spend an hour or two here, depending on how mellow you want your day to be. There’s a small café if you get hungry.
4. Back to Reykjavík (1 hour 30 minutes) Head back to the city. You can grab dinner and explore a bit more if you still have energy.

What Car Do I Need for the Golden Circle?

Unlike other natural marvels in Iceland, the Golden Circle is accessible all year round. The roads are mostly paved and well-maintained, so a standard car is enough. However, if you’re visiting during winter or planning on taking detours on gravel roads, a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended.

When renting a car, make sure it’s equipped with the tires required in each season. Winter tires are essential for icy conditions, while summer tires are sufficient for the rest of the year. Additionally, always check the road conditions before starting your day, as the weather can affect the roads.

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Where to Stay Near the Golden Circle?

If you are planning on staying more than one day exploring the Golden Circle, here you have a selection of places where you can spend the night.

• ION Adventure Hotel: A contemporary hotel known for its striking design, located near Þingvellir National Park. It has an outdoor hot pool and breathtaking views.
• The Bubble Hotel: A unique accommodation where you sleep in a transparent bubble under the stars. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind experience, especially during the Northern Lights season, which is usually between October and March.
• Hotel Grímsborgir: A luxurious retreat with private hot tubs, spacious rooms, and a peaceful countryside location. Perfect for couples or families seeking comfort.
• Frost and Fire Hotel: Located near geothermal hot springs in Hveragerði, this boutique hotel offers stunning views, cozy rooms, and a restaurant.
• Icelandair Hotel Flúðir: Conveniently located near the Secret Lagoon, this hotel features modern amenities and a nice atmosphere.
• Minniborgir Cottages: These charming cabins have private hot tubs and kitchen facilities, making them great for longer stays or families.
• Efstidalur Farm Hotel: A family-run farm with delicious homemade ice cream. Apart from being a nice accommodation, it’s a great way to connect with rural Icelandic life.
• Héraðsskólinn Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option located near Laugarvatn Fontana.

Travel Tips

• Start early: Begin your journey early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially in summer when the attractions can get busy by midday.
• Pack layers: The best way to adapt to Iceland’s changing weather is by dressing in layers. This way, you can add or remove items if needed. A waterproof jacket is a must. As the Golden Circle involves walking, a good pair of hiking boots is a good ally.
• Bring snacks and water: There are cafés and restaurants along the route, but having snacks and drinks on hand can save time or give a boost between stops.
• Respect nature: Iceland’s landscapes are fragile. Stay on marked paths to protect the environment and avoid interacting with wildlife.
• Plan for extra time: Allow time for unplanned stops and detours. Many of the Golden Circle’s lesser-known gems are worth the effort.
• Download maps: There can be no cell phone service in remote areas. Get offline or old-school maps to ensure you don’t get lost.
• Check the weather forecast and the road conditions: Before heading out, check weather forecasts and road conditions to enjoy a safe trip.
• Book ahead: Accommodations can fill up quickly, especially in summer. Book in advance to secure your plans.

Conclusion

The Golden Circle has some of the best things in Iceland, offering an incredible variety of sights and experiences. Here you can get a sense of everything that makes Iceland a different country. From waterfalls and geysers to geothermal spas, every stop promises unforgettable memories. With this guide in hand, you’ll be more than ready to enjoy a trip that will stay with you forever.