The Golden Circle Route is one of Iceland’s most renowned sightseeing circuits, covering three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. These three sites, all within a few hours' drive from Reykjavik, showcase the geological, historical, and natural wonders that define Iceland’s unique landscape. Each destination along the route offers something special, from bubbling hot springs and dramatic waterfalls to awe-inspiring tectonic landscapes.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park holds a special place in Icelandic history as the site of the Althing, one of the world’s oldest parliaments, founded around 930 AD. Here, Iceland’s chieftains gathered annually to discuss laws, settle disputes, and make decisions. The park’s location between two tectonic plates symbolizes Iceland’s complex, shifting geological makeup, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical and geological significance.
Þingvellir’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge provides a rare view of the divergent North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. These plates are gradually drifting apart, creating fissures and rifts visible throughout the park. The most notable of these is the Silfra Fissure, a crystal-clear rift between the plates, famous among divers and snorkelers for its pristine waters and exceptional visibility. Silfra’s 100-meter visibility and vibrant underwater landscape offer a one-of-a-kind diving experience.
Þingvellir is also known for its incredible natural beauty, with its mossy lava fields, pristine lakes, and stark cliffs. The park’s trails offer accessible hiking routes that guide visitors through the rift valley, along the Almannagjá Gorge, and around Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. Þingvellir’s stunning landscapes and the chance to walk between continents make it a must-see for any visitor to Iceland.
The Geysir Geothermal Area is home to Iceland’s original geyser, known as the Great Geysir, from which all other geysers around the world derive their name. While the Great Geysir itself is mostly dormant today, nearby Strokkur provides an equally thrilling experience, erupting every 5-10 minutes. Strokkur shoots boiling water up to 30 meters into the air, delighting onlookers with its consistency and power.
Apart from Strokkur, the Geysir area features a variety of bubbling hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. The vibrant colors of minerals deposited by geothermal activity, combined with the rising steam, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The hot springs here range in size and activity, and the area is laced with well-marked paths that guide visitors safely around these geothermal wonders.
The water at Geysir’s hot springs can reach temperatures of over 100°C (212°F), so it’s essential to stay on the designated paths and obey posted signs. Getting too close to the hot springs can be dangerous, so visitors should exercise caution while exploring.
Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, known for its power and beauty. This two-tiered waterfall cascades over a total height of 32 meters, plunging into a rugged canyon formed during the last ice age. Gullfoss is fed by the Hvítá River, which originates from Langjökull glacier. The waterfall’s powerful flow and unique tiered shape make it one of Iceland’s most photographed natural landmarks.
Visitors to Gullfoss can explore various viewpoints that offer different perspectives of the falls. A pathway leads to a viewing platform near the top of the falls, providing a panoramic view of the cascading waters. For a closer view, a lower path brings visitors near the edge of the canyon, where they can feel the spray and experience the full force of Gullfoss up close.
Gullfoss is also associated with the story of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, a local woman who fought to preserve the waterfall from being harnessed for hydroelectric power in the early 20th century. Her efforts ultimately led to Gullfoss being protected, and today she is remembered as one of Iceland’s earliest environmentalists.
Most Golden Circle tours begin in Reykjavik, making it convenient for visitors staying in the city. Many visitors choose to drive the Golden Circle route, which allows for flexibility and the opportunity to spend more time at each attraction. Guided tours are also available, offering transportation and insights from local guides.
The Golden Circle loop covers approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) and can be completed in a day. Iceland’s well-maintained roads make it easy to navigate, but drivers should always check the weather and road conditions, especially in winter. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for added safety and comfort in Iceland’s variable weather.
While Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss are the main attractions, there are several other points of interest worth exploring along the Golden Circle route. These stops add extra value to the journey and offer visitors a more comprehensive experience of Iceland’s landscape.
Kerið is a striking volcanic crater lake with vivid blue waters and red lava rock walls. It’s one of Iceland’s most accessible volcanic craters, with a short path around the rim and down to the water. The contrasting colors of the lake and surrounding rock formations create an impressive sight.
Located in the village of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon is a natural hot spring that offers a more relaxed experience than the famous Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by natural hot springs and geothermal features, the Secret Lagoon allows visitors to unwind in warm, mineral-rich waters after a day of exploring.
Friðheimar is a unique farm that uses geothermal energy to grow tomatoes year-round in Iceland’s challenging climate. The farm offers a restaurant where visitors can enjoy fresh tomato-based dishes. Friðheimar also provides tours of the greenhouse, allowing guests to learn about sustainable farming practices in Iceland.
Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit the Golden Circle, as the weather is generally mild, and the long daylight hours allow for extended exploration. However, summer is also the busiest season, so visitors should prepare for crowds at popular sites.
Winter transforms the Golden Circle into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. However, winter travel requires more planning, as icy roads and unpredictable weather can affect driving conditions. It’s essential to check road conditions and consider a guided tour for added safety.
Autumn (September to November) and spring (April to May) are excellent times to visit for those seeking fewer crowds and stunning scenery. These shoulder seasons offer a balance between favorable weather and reduced visitor numbers.
The Golden Circle Route is a popular sightseeing loop in Iceland, covering approximately 300 kilometers. It includes three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, each showcasing Iceland’s unique natural and geological beauty.
Yes, many visitors choose to self-drive the Golden Circle. The route typically takes about 6-8 hours to complete, depending on how much time you spend at each stop. Be sure to check weather and road conditions, especially in winter.
The Golden Circle can be visited year-round. Summer (June to August) offers mild weather and extended daylight hours, while winter (November to February) brings snowy landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.
Yes, there are several additional stops worth exploring, such as Kerið Crater Lake, the Secret Lagoon, and Friðheimar Tomato Farm. These sites add variety to your Golden Circle trip and provide a fuller experience of Iceland’s landscape.
You can do either! Many visitors choose to self-drive for flexibility, while others prefer guided tours for insights from local guides and convenience. Both options offer a great experience, so choose based on your preferences and travel style.
The Golden Circle Route offers a memorable glimpse into Iceland’s remarkable beauty and cultural heritage. Whether it’s the historical allure of Þingvellir, the thrilling eruptions of Strokkur at Geysir, or the majestic cascades of Gullfoss, each stop is a testament to Iceland’s unique landscapes and geological wonders. For travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility, the Golden Circle provides a journey through the heart of Iceland’s natural treasures.
See what makes our ICELAND trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.
A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.
A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".
Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.
The best deals straight to your inbox
