Self-drive Guide to the Golden Circle, Iceland

The Golden Circle is probably the most popular attraction in Iceland. In fact, this famous touristic route is one of the best day trips from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. It is a rewarding loop that takes the visitors to a beautiful National Park, a couple of powerful waterfalls, an explosive geyser, a colourful volcano crater and several hot water springs! In this self-drive guide to the Golden Circle in Iceland, you will find out about the classic route to the main attractions as well as a few other lesser-known stops to add to your itinerary if you have time.

We have also shared all these must-see places on our Golden Circle Map that you can download onto Google and use offline. We hope you enjoy this Golden Circle Itinerary and that it will help you prepare for your trip to Iceland.

Self-drive Guide to the Golden Circle ¦ Iceland

1. What is the Golden Circle?
2. Iceland Golden Circle Map
3. What do you need to know before?
4. The Classic Route
5. Extra stops & detours along the Golden Circle
6. Top tips for a Self-Drive in Iceland
7. Tours recommendation

What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle is a 250 km long loop route that can be completed within a day (or more). It can also be the start or end of a long road trip like in this 7-day itinerary on the South Coast of Iceland. It crosses beautiful landscapes giving first-time visitors an exceptional experience and first impression of what the country has to offer.

The route usually starts from Reykjavik and features 4 beautiful attractions in the Southwest of Iceland:

1. Thingvellir National park: where you can walk through the Mid-Atlantic Rift and learn more about this historical landmark;
2. Haukadalur Valley: which displays unique geothermal activity and powerful geysers;
3. The dramatic Gullfoss waterfall filled with rainbows on a sunny day;
4. The colourful Kerid Crater with its aquamarine lake at the bottom.

Iceland golden circle map

In this map, we have documented the 4 main stops and the classic Golden Circle route. We have also pinned a few extra attractions we believe are worth a detour. In the below article, we describe each of these stops to help you make a choice and organise your own itinerary.

Golden circle self-drive ¦ What you need to know

How long does it take to self-drive the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is perfect for no less than a full-day self-drive trip. Depending on the weather, the classic route driving time is around 3 to 4 hours (250 km). However, you will need to allow for at least 30 min to 1 hour at each stop (a couple of hours at Thingvellir) to truly embrace the experience. Most organised tours will take up to 8-10 hours. Make sure to start in the early morning!

If you have more time, we can only recommend a 2-day trip to complete the loop with a couple of extra stops. While the classic route is a nice way to apprehend some of Iceland’s top landmarks, it is really worth spending more time in the area to relax in hot water springs or go for a hike.

Distances between the main attractions on the classic Golden Circle route:

• Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park: 47km – 45 min
• Thingvellir National Park to Geysir: 60km – 50 min
• Geysir to Gullfoss waterfall: 10 km – 10 min
• Gullfoss waterfall to Kerid Crater: 60 km – 50 min
• Kerid Crater to Reykjavik: 70 km – 60 min

How to get around the Golden Circle?

The best way to get around is by car (or campervan). You can easily visit the Golden Circle on your own by renting a car in Reykjavik or directly at the airport. A self-drive trip is recommended to go at your own pace and not feel rushed by a tour guide.

However, to only visit the Golden Circle, renting a car can be quite expensive, so if you are travelling solo and on a budget, it might be best to join a tour. Although, for those of you who are travelling for a longer period of time or with several people, renting a car will save you money. We have put together an article with our best tips to save money in Iceland. Check it out!

There are a few public means of transport but the frequency is sporadic and most of the local buses won’t stop nearby the main Golden Circle attractions. Hitch Hiking is legal in Iceland, and so is wild camping. If this form of travel is for you, then go for it but you might need more than a couple of days to complete the golden circle.

Rent a car in Iceland

If you want to rent a car in advance, we would recommend using Discover Cars. The best part about Discover Cars is that you get full coverage insurance for less than €7 a day! You can also compare all the companies in the market, choose the type of car you want and see all the most recent customer reviews before making a booking. On the website, you can easily narrow your search price to find the best deal within your budget.

Rent a car in Iceland

BEST ONLINE CAR RENTAL COMPARATOR – DISCOVER CARS

When booking a rental car in Iceland online, we recommend using Discover Cars because they offer Full coverage for less than €7. It is one of the best rental car comparators out there!

Check Car rental prices & availability on Discover cars!

When is the best time to visit the Golden Circle?

Any time of the year is good. In summer, the days are long which gives you a lot more time to visit the different attractions. However, it is also the main season and with it, come the crowds.

In the coldest months, the landscapes are incredibly beautiful with their white blanket of snow. Roads are typically kept in good condition and cleared from snow, so you can drive the Golden Circle in winter too. All the attractions are usually open and accessible but the days can be extremely short. You should expect a large part of your driving to be at dawn and dusk or even in the dark. Though, winter is the best time to see and photograph the Northern Lights!

classic route ¦ Golden circle

Thingvellir National Park

The Thingvellir National Park (also spelt: Þingvellir) is known for both its geological and historical importance. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, Thingvellir is in fact, one of the best places in Iceland to see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plate ridges. It is also here that the first Icelandic parliament was created in 930 AD (the Althing) and where Iceland was declared a Republic in 1944.

For these reasons, Thingvellir National Park has been granted the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2004.

To visit the area, you will more than likely need about 2 hours. There are a few walking paths around the site with information plaques and places to rest. We would recommend taking the main trail along the Almannagjá rift leading to a beautiful viewpoint over the valley. You can also go to the Oxararfoss waterfall and follow the path after the boardwalk ends, until Langistígur viewpoint for a nice panorama of the fault.

On your way back, take the trails within the valley to have a larger perspective of the ridge and see deep fissures filled with water. On that topic, if you have time, you can also take a tour to dive (or snorkel) within the Silfra fissure! It is the only place in the world you can swim between two tectonic plates.

Things to do or see in Thingvellir National Park:

• Almannagjá rift: a nice boardwalk that longes the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and offers nice views of the park
• Oxararfoss waterfall: the only waterfall in the park – you can learn more about it in our article about the best waterfalls in Iceland.
• Pingvallakirkja: this little church is located in the valley, near the ponds. It is usually closed to the public but there can be guided visits in the morning. You can inquire directly at the visitor centre.
• Silfra fissure: take a tour to dive or snorkel within 2 tectonic plates.
• Peningagjá fissure: a deep water-filled gorge where locals throw coins and make a wish. It’s been a national tradition for hundreds of years.
• Langistígur viewpoint: a nice lookout over a narrow gorge that leads to Oxararfoss waterfall. The path to the viewpoint is also known as “The Walk of Death” – Men were beheaded back in the 17th century in this part of the park as punishment.
• Hakið Visitor Center: visit the interactive exhibition “Heart of Iceland” to learn about both the history and nature of Thingvellir national park. (1,000 ISK per adult)

Where to park at Thingvellir National Park:

There are a few car parks around Thingvellir. They all cost 700 ISK payable via an app or at one of the boots (when they work). Make sure to pay the fee as there are cameras and silver plates checked.

Haukadalur Valley

The geothermal field of Haukadalur valley is mostly known for its two geysers Geysir and Strokkur which form a perfect bubble before exploding. The first one, Geysir, has not erupted at a regular pace since 2000. It is believed a small earthquake blocked the chamber and, what was once the tallest Geyser in Iceland (170 meters high), is now considered dormant. Skoggur on its side has, therefore, stolen the show and grabbed the tourists’ attention with its eruptions happening every 5 to 10 min.

While it is a lot smaller (20 to 40 meters high) than what Geysir once was, Skoggur is still very impressive. You can actually see its eruptions from a few kilometres away, directly from the Golden Circle Route!

Where to park at Geysir:

Access to the Haukadlur Geothermal field is free of charge and you can park for free, near the restaurants and hotels across the road. As you enter the site, you can read the few information plaques to learn more about the geothermal activity of the region and how Geysers work. Make sure to stay on the path. It is large, flat and easy to access. Going off-path can be dangerous because of the many boiling mud pool and hot steam vents.

Gullfoss waterfall

Located on the northeast side of the Golden Circle, Gullfoss waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. Here, the river Hvítá which flows from the Langjökull Glacier drops twice before disappearing into a Canyon. There are a few viewpoints easily accessible through boardwalks, which give access to multiple angles of the waterfall.

One of the best places to appreciate the Gullfoss waterfall is found on a rocky platform near the first drop. Make sure to protect your camera in this area, wear a rain jacket and watch out for slippery rocks. The power is so strong it creates a heavy mist and you will more than likely get soaked. Although, when the sun is shining it is also a great place to see rainbows rising from the spray!

If you’re on a self-drive, you can book a tour that leaves from Gullfoss to the Langjökull Glacier when you can go on a snowmobile.

Where to park at Gulfoss waterfall:

There are 2 free car parks accessible from the main road. The largest one is found at the end of the paved road 35, there is a souvenir shop and a cafe. To access the lower car park, you will need to turn right at the junction about 500 m before. Note that after Gullfoss the road turns into an F-Road which can only be accessed with 4WD. It leads to the Highlands and more specifically to Kerlingarfjöll, Kjölur plateau and Hveravellir hot springs.

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is a beautiful volcano that formed about 6,500 years ago. After the magma chamber emptied, it collapsed and filled up with water to form a lake at its bottom. Upon entering, follow the boardwalk to the right which leads to a nice viewpoint. You can then continue the loop through a narrow path along the crater rim. It is relatively flat and easy to navigate but it might be good to wear closed shoes to avoid slipping.

Including stops to take photos, the loop trail shouldn’t take more than 20 to 30 min. There is also a path that leads down to the water if you wish to enter the caldera and see it from its bottom. Add another 5 to 10 min for this.

The most interesting feature of Kerid Crater is probably its unique colours. The volcano soil is made of small red and orange rocks which contrast with the beautiful aquamarine colour of the lake and the green vegetation growing on the slope.

Where to park at Gulfoss waterfall:

There is a car park on-site that can fill up quickly but since it is a quick stop, you will always find someone who will leave within 5 min. Note, while the car park is free, Kerid Crater is the only place you need to pay an entrance fee on the Golden Circle Classic Route (400 ISK). However, the gate is open 24 hours so you can access the volcano at any time. The entrance fee is only charged during working hours. The land is privately owned and swimming in the lake is forbidden.

extra stops & detours ¦ Golden circle

Bruarfoss waterfall

This waterfall is found about 45 km after Thingvellir and 15 km before Geysir. There is a small car park on the side of road 37 from where you will then need to hike on a flat trail for 3.5km one way. Bruarfoss waterfall is known for its beautiful water blue colour but remains largely an off-the-beaten-path stop on the Golden Circle route. Read this article to know more about the top-day hikes in Iceland to see waterfalls and canyons!

Secret Lagoon & Hrunalaug Hot Springs

Nearby the small town of Fludir, around 30 min drive south of Gulfoss, you will find 2 places to soak in hot water springs. The Secret Lagoon is a small thermal bath known for being the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It has good facilities and a small cafe/restaurant. The entrance fee is 3,000 ISK per adult and can get crowded during the high season (it isn’t that secret!).

The Hrunalaug Hot Springs are found less than 6 km east of Fludir and consist of small pools within a naturally hot river. You can drop the 1,000 ISK entrance fee in the honesty box and chill out in the hot water right in the middle of nature.

For more ideas about where to soak in and relax, check out our article of the best hot springs in Iceland

Skalholt Cathedral

The small town of Skalholt is located on Road 31, 24km Northeast of Kerid Crater. It is considered the first town established in Iceland and was once the home of the Bishop’s seat and the main centre of Christianity in the country. If you are passing by, take a quick break in the town to see the Skalholt Cathedral.

Reykjadalur valley

The Reykjadalur valley is known for its natural hot spring where you can enjoy a relaxing bath. It is free to enter but it requires hiking for 1 hour each way. The trail to Reykjadalur hot water spring goes uphill but your efforts will be rewarded by beautiful sceneries along the way and a unique experience of bathing in a river.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a little bit out of the way but most guided tours now include this stop in their Golden circle itinerary. It is a very popular place in Iceland because you can walk behind the 60 meters high waterfall. If you are not planning to visit the south coast of Iceland, it might be a nice detour to your Golden Circle.

Reykjanes Peninsula

If you start your Golden Circle self-drive from the airport, you might want to start or end the loop by visiting the Reykjanes peninsula. This region has a lot of Geothermal and volcanic activities which you can witness by stopping at the Gunnuhver Hot Springs or Seltún Hot Springs and hiking to the new lava field of the Fagradalsfjall volcano. If you have time, you can also add to your itinerary the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths for a few hours and enjoy soaking in the bluest hot water springs in the country.

The Reykjanes peninsula is going thru volcanic activity and is currently mostly closed to the public for security reason. Before attempting to visit the Reykjanes peninsula please make sure to read the latest information on SafeTravel.is and on Verdur.is – The current eruption activity are very serious and not a touristic attraction like the one from 2021 & 2022. The BLUE LAGOON is also currently close / to check the latest new, visit the official website here.

self-Drive The Golden Circle – top tips

If you are planning to drive in Iceland for a day or more, there are a few local rules you need to know. Here is a list of our best tips for a safe self-drive in Iceland:

• You do not need a 4WD to drive the Golden Circle unless you want to take a couple of detours into the highlands.
• Renting a campervan instead of a car for your self-drive trip will limit the cost of accommodation. However, it is not allowed to wild camp in Iceland, so if you rent a campervan, you must park for the night at a campsite. There are a few of them on the Golden Circle and they cost about €10-€20 a night. Some are more rustic than others. This will also allow you to stay in more remote places instead of looking for a town with a hotel every night.
• Fill up on gas with special discounts offered by your rental company. You will be given tokens to use at specific petrol brands which can give you up to a 5% discount.
• Avoid using gas stations near the airport, they are always more expensive. We were told the ones near Reykjavik are the cheapest in the country.
• Make sure you don’t run out of fuel! There aren’t a lot of petrol stations outside of the main towns. Keep an eye on the gas gauge and top up whenever you can.
• Don’t drive off-road, it is illegal. And if you don’t have a 4WD, do not venture on F-roads. If you plan on going to the highlands, you will need to inform your rental company and book a specific type of car. Most Campervans will not make it on F-road, it is not safe and your insurance won’t cover damage or accident.
• Keep your headlights on all the time. Even during the day, it is the law.
• Be careful of speed radars on the road. Some are right at the entrance of towns, so ensure to follow the speed limits. Fines will be sent to your rental company and deducted from your credit card.
• Prepare for bad conditions or sudden changes in weather. Always check weather conditions ahead, and take enough food and drinks with you. Slow down if it gets windy or if the visibility is short.
• Make sure to park somewhere safe if you want to take photos. Do not stop in the middle of the road.

Renting a car in Iceland

If you want to rent a car in advance, we would recommend using Discover Cars. The best part about Discover Cars is that you get full coverage insurance for less than €7 a day! You can also compare all the companies in the market, choose the type of car you want and see all the most recent customer reviews before making a booking. On the website, you can easily narrow your search price to find the best deal within your budget.

Rent a car in Iceland

BEST ONLINE CAR RENTAL COMPARATOR – DISCOVER CARS

When booking a rental car in Iceland online, we recommend using Discover Cars because they offer Full coverage for less than €7. It is one of the best rental car comparators out there!

Check Car rental prices & availability on Discover cars!

Iceland golden circle tourS

If you decide that driving the Golden Circle is finally not for you, there are many day tours you can take directly from Reykjavik. You can choose between half-day or full-day tours from Reykjavik. We recommend the latter which starts early in the morning (around 8 am) and stops at all the 4 main landmarks, Kerid crater lake included. It is important to check the itinerary when you book a tour as many companies skip Kerid crater and don’t really drive the entire loop of the Golden Circle.

Our Recommendation => Full-day trip to the Golden Circle Classic Route with Kerid Crater – 8 hours – 4.9/5-stars Tour with more than 4,500 reviews. check the availability or book now below:

There are also a few companies that include extra activities to their day tour. These are great options for those who wish to combine a few activities near Reykjavik within one day. We have selected a few you might like:

• Golden Circle with Kerid and the Secret Lagoon – €79.90 per person – 10 hours // 4.7/5 stars with almost 800 reviews – Start your day in the warm thermal waters of the Secret Lagoon natural hot springs. Enjoy a full-day tour of Iceland’s legendary Golden Circle to view the region’s most famous natural wonders.
• Golden Circle with Kerid crater and the Blue Lagoon – €179 per person – 11 hours // 4.9/5 stars with 500+ reviews – Enjoy the stunning Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon in one amazing day. Explore Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Relax in the Blue Lagoon with included admission tickets.
• Full-day Golden Tour with Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure – €187 per person – 10 hours // 4.9/5 stars with 100+ reviews – Snorkel at one of the top dive sites in the world and marvel at the dramatic Silfra Fissure. Discover the different landscapes of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, including the hot springs of Geysir and the powerful cascades of Gullfoss.

Note: tour companies will give you one or two meeting point addresses. If you are staying too far from these bus stops, you can require a pick-up at (or near) your hotel for an extra fee – usually about €10 per person.

ARE YOU PLANNING A TRIP TO ICELAND?

We have a lot of articles about travelling in Iceland and add new ones each month. Check out our latest guides below to prepare for your trip…

• 10+ Must-See Waterfalls in Iceland
• Best Day Trips from Reykjavik
• Self-Drive Guide to the Golden Circle
• 5 Beautiful Black Sand Beaches
• Top Day Hikes in Iceland
• Iceland on a Budget
• Exploring Vatnajokull National Park
• 7-day Road-Trip Itinerary to the South Coast
• 10 best hot springs in Iceland

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About the Author

Jen is the Funder, Author & Photographer behind Talesfromthelens.com

Jen has lived for the past 15 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling in Latin America, North America, and Europe. She has visited more than 65 countries and set foot on every continent in the world! She is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

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