Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle: My Recommended Route

The Golden Circle route is one of the top attractions in Iceland for good reason. After driving it ourselves, we’ve put together this guide with our personal recommendations, covering the must-see stops plus a few off-the-beaten-path spots we think are truly worth your time.

One of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland is the route known as the Golden Circle. It’s one of those must-see things to do that appears on just about every Iceland itinerary. 

These three attractions are well-developed and easily accessible for people of most ages and abilities, making it a good addition to most visitors’ first trip to Iceland, even if you’re only in the country for a short time.

In this guide, we’ll go over all the stops on the Golden Circle (both main attractions and some off-the-beaten-path). Plus, we’ll share our top recommended route for self-driving, and answer some common questions to help you plan your own Golden Circle route.

Golden Circle Iceland Guide

---

Our personal experience on Iceland’s Golden Circle route

We’ve driven Iceland’s Golden Circle multiple times across different trips and seasons, which means we’ve seen it at its busiest—and at its most magical.

On our first visit to Iceland, the Golden Circle was one of the very first routes we tackled, and like many travelers, we stuck mostly to the main highlights. On later trips, we returned with more time, more confidence, and a much better sense of when to go, where to linger, and which stops are actually worth it.

Over time, we’ve learned how to avoid the worst crowds, add meaningful detours, and turn the Golden Circle from a quick checklist into a genuinely memorable day.

Everything in this guide is based on places we’ve personally visited*, routes we’ve driven ourselves, and tips we’ve learned the hard way—so you can plan your Golden Circle day with confidence.

*There are 3 spots we haven’t personally visited on this list that we note below. One of which wasn’t open during our last visit and the others we skipped in the interest of time. But we wanted to give you an opportunity to decide for yourself.

How to plan your Golden Circle route

We’ve driven the Golden Circle route twice and have gathered all sorts of tips for the main attractions. Plus, we’re sharing some off-the-beaten-path stops you’ll miss out on if you don’t know what you’re looking for. (And in our opinion, some of these hidden gems are even cooler than the big names!)

In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about planning your Golden Circle trip while in Iceland.

Golden Circle route map

How long does the Golden Circle route take?

In short, you can easily drive the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavík, and get back to town in time for dinner. Alternatively, you can take your time and stretch it out over two days if you’d prefer.

The total drive time from Reykjavík to the three main attractions and back is just about 3.5 hours. That said, you’ll need to account for the time spent at each stop, which can add up to a good portion of your day.

Plus, you’ll need to add on more driving distance and time if you want to include more stops along the way (which we’d highly recommend!).

We’d recommend allocating between 6-10 hours for this route so you don’t feel too rushed. 

If you really want to take your time and see some of the lesser-known sights, you may even want to plan to spend the night along the Golden Circle route so you have ample time for exploring. (This is what we did!)

Distances between main attractions

• Reykjavík to Thingvellir: 47 km (29 miles) / 40 minutes
• Thingvellir to Geysir: 60 km (37 miles) / 50 minutes
• Geysir to Gullfoss: 10 km (6 miles) / 10 minutes
• Gullfoss to Reykjavík (via Selfoss): 130 km (80 miles) / 1 hour 50 minutes

Good to know: Another factor to consider is whether you will be doing the Golden Circle as part of a longer road trip, or whether you need to return to Reykjavík. Personally, we continued along the Ring Road after completing the Golden Circle, so we did not need to drive back to Reykjavík.

---

Golden Circle main attractions

The Golden Circle truly only encompasses three main attractions, which we’ve listed below. 

However, there is much more in this area that is worth seeing. If you have the time, we’d highly recommend looking at our list of off the beaten path attractions to add to your route to make it more interesting.

1. Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park

Located 47 kilometers (29 miles) east of Reykjavík, this is most visitors’ first stop on the Golden Circle, and for good reason. It’s a place where history and geology collide—and one of the most meaningful sites in the country.

Þingvellir (which translates to “parliament plains”) is where Viking-age lawmakers began meeting as early as 930 AD, making it the oldest parliament site in the world.

It later became Iceland’s first national park in 1930, earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2004, and hosted massive celebrations when Iceland gained independence from Denmark in 1944. Fun modern twist: it also doubled as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Geologically, Þingvellir is just as impressive. This is the only place on Earth where you can see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meeting above ground.

The plates are slowly drifting apart by about 2 cm per year creating the famous Silfra fissure. Filled with ultra-clear glacial water filtered through lava rock, visitors can snorkel or dive between two continents.

Things to do in Thingvellir

• Almannagjá Gorge: A path through this gorge quite literally brings you past the two tectonic plates, and offers up some pretty awe-inspiring views.
• Oxararfoss waterfall: A short walk from the parking lot will lead you to this waterfall which has some interesting basalt column features.
• Lake Þingvallavatn: Glimpse the largest natural lake in Iceland.
• Silfra Fissure: This is the only place in the world where you can snorkel (or dive, if you have dry suit certification) between two tectonic plates! Even if you’re not getting in the water, it’s worth walking to this point where you can see the fissure from above the ground. More on this activity below!
• Þingvallakirkja: The Thingvellir Church is situated in a beautiful setting and is fun to see while in the national park. You can even walk inside if you’d like. 
• “Heart of Iceland” exhibit: Thingvellir has a deep history and has some of the most interesting geological features in the entire country. If you’d like to learn more about both, consider visiting the “Heart of Iceland” exhibit in the Thingvellir visitors center. It costs 1,200 ISK ($9) for adults.
• Optional stop near Thingvellir: If you’re a waterfall buff and just can’t get enough of ‘em, Þórufoss is located just a short detour from the park entrance and makes a good quick stop on your way to Thingvellir. This waterfall tends to be less crowded than many others along the Golden Circle. 

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

This rift between the North American and Euroasian tectonic plates is one of the top-rated dive and snorkel sites in the world. It’s the only place on earth you can dive (or snorkel) between tectonic plates, so it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The water is just above freezing and stays 2-4ºC / 35-37ºF all year round. Thankfully, the tour companies provide drysuits, which should keep you pretty warm.

Being that the water originates at the Langjökull glacier and filters through volcanic rock, it is incredibly clear. We’ve heard that visibility is virtually limitless! 

Good to know: It used to be possible to dive in the Silfra Fissure without much scuba experience. However, recent regulations have made it so divers must possess either a dry suit certification or have 10 logged drysuit dives within the last two years. 

Our personal experience:

Diving (or snorkeling) in the Silfra Fissure has been on our bucket list for years. During our first trip to Iceland, we were on an incredibly tight budget. Being that this is definitely a splurge activity, we didn’t include it in our itinerary.

And on our second trip to Iceland, I was 6-months pregnant, which barred me from participating. Next time we’re in Iceland, we’re definitely going!

2. Geysir Geothermal Area

Next up on the Golden Circle route is a stop at Geysir, a geothermal field known as Haukadalur Valley. This area is famous for its boiling mud pits and geysers that erupt frequently.

On this site, there are two large geysers: Geysir and Strokkur.

While Geysir itself is mostly dormant today, Strokkur more than makes up for it, erupting like clockwork every 5–10 minutes and shooting boiling water 20–40 meters (65–130 feet) into the air.

You’ll smell the sulfur before you see it, then follow the marked paths to the crowds gathered around Strokkur—think Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, just on a smaller (and more frequent) scale.

Things to do at Geysir

• The main attraction here is to walk the short path past boiling mud pits on your way to Strokkur. Depending on how long you want to spend here, you can watch this geyser erupt a few times. 
• View the pool where Geysir, which is now-dormant, sits.
• Follow the path up on the hill behind Strokkur to get a view of the Haukadalur geothermal valley from above.
• If you’re into rustic (aka undeveloped) hot springs, you may want to check out Kualaug, which is located not far from Geysir. We haven’t personally been, but we’ve read it can get quite hot and the water is on the muddy side. If that doesn’t bother you, it looks like a unique stop on this popular path.

3. Gullfoss

Gullfoss—which translates to “Golden Falls”—is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and the sight that gave the Golden Circle its name.

Fed by meltwater from Langjökull Glacier, the Hvítá River plunges in two dramatic tiers, dropping a total of 32 meters (105 feet) into a rugged canyon. While it’s not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, the sheer power, roaring mist, and frequent rainbows on sunny days make it unforgettable.

Gullfoss is easy to visit, with a paved path from the parking lot and stairs leading to a lower viewpoint for a closer (and wetter!) look.

Insider tip: If you have a camera with you, stick it inside your rain jacket or a dry bag when you’re walking through the mist to protect it.

Beyond its beauty, the waterfall has an inspiring backstory: in the early 1900s, it was nearly turned into a hydroelectric plant.

Thanks largely to Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who fought tirelessly to protect it, the project was abandoned, and Gullfoss remains preserved today. She’s now honored as Iceland’s first environmentalist, and her legacy lives on at one of the country’s most beloved natural wonders.

---

Other attractions on the Golden Circle

While the Golden Circle technically just refers to the three attractions listed above, there is plenty more to see in this area. 

We’re going to go over some additional attractions you may want to add to your Golden Circle itinerary:

4. Kerið Crater

Perhaps the most colorful stop along the Golden Circle, this aquamarine lake sits inside a volcanic caldera. The walls of the crater surround the lake with red volcanic rock and bursts of lime green moss in a shocking display of Mother Nature’s artistic side.

Good to know: Kerið Crater is pronounced “kair-ith”, as the “ð” symbol in Icelandic has a “th” sound.

After purchasing a ticket at the trail entrance, you can walk the gravel path that encircles the rim of Kerið Crater.

The loop is just under a mile long and is relatively flat and easy. It shouldn’t take much more than a half hour in total (including photo stops). You can also descend on a staircase down towards the water for a different perspective. 

Fair warning: Many of the pictures you’ll see of this crater on the internet have been heavily edited, with the colors being enhanced to an unnatural level of saturation. While still very beautiful and colorful in real life, just beware that it may not look quite as vibrant as some photos may have you believe.

→ Psst! Are you interested in more hiking?? We have a whole guide to the best hikes in Iceland with photos, details and insider tips to help you plan your trip. 

5. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Bakery

We first heard about Laugarvatn Fontana from Zac Efron’s Netflix series Down to Earth, which features a stop here in the very first episode. Set on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, the resort is known for its geothermal baths, but our highlight was the geothermal rye bread tour.

Instead of soaking, we joined the 30-minute experience where bread is baked underground using natural hot springs.

You’ll help bury fresh dough, dig up loaves that have been cooking for 24 hours, and then head inside to sample unlimited warm Icelandic rye bread with butter (and optional smoked fish). It’s sweet, hearty, and dangerously good—yes, we went back for more.

Real Icelandic rye bread is definitely a food you should try in Iceland. And if you can learn about geothermal energy while eating unlimited amounts of yummy bread, how can you pass the opportunity?!

Good to know: Even though the boiling springs have a slightly sulfuric smell, don’t worry – the bread doesn’t taste like it at all.

Important note: Because there are set times for the rye bread tour, you’ll need to plan your Golden Circle route accordingly if you want to stop here.

6. Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Imagine eating lunch in a greenhouse surrounded by tomato vines and watching bees buzz past on their way to pollinate. Even if it’s a typical chilly Icelandic day, the greenhouse is a welcome retreat from the elements as it stays a balmy, consistent temperature year round. 

Did we mention that the tomatoes that surround you are the same plants that produced the food you’re currently enjoying? A true farm-to-table experience, if you ask me.

Having lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Farm is definitely a memorable stop that we highly recommend adding to your Golden Circle itinerary. 

What to order at Friðheimar

Friðheimar is famous for their “Peace Tomato Soup”, which is served buffet style (aka unlimited refills!) alongside homemade artisan breads, butter, sour cream, cucumber salsa (so good!), and fresh herbs. In addition to the soup (which you should definitely try!), there is an entire tomato-themed menu, boasting items like:

• fresh ravioli with homemade tomato sauce and pesto
• handmade Icelandic burrata served with fresh heirloom tomatoes, sea salt, basil, and olive oil
• a wide assortment of twists on a classic Bloody Mary (some alcoholic and some non-alcoholic)
• green tomato and apple pie with whipped cream
• cheesecake topped with green tomato jam, lemon, and cinnamon

Fun Facts about Friðheimar Tomato Farm

As we were seated, our server gave us a brief overview of the facility, which is quite impressive. We even took notes so we could share with you!

• The farm has 9 greenhouses on site.
• They produce 40% of all tomatoes in Iceland.
• Staff at the greenhouses pick more than 1 ton of tomatoes per day. That’s crazy!
• Bees inside the greenhouse are used to pollinate the plants naturally.
• Leftover tomatoes are donated to social causes instead of being exported.
• The greenhouses are completely run on geothermal energy.
• The energy required to run this greenhouse is the equivalent of what it would take to power a town of 7,000 people! Since they solely use geothermal energy, it is totally free.

Good to know: Friðheimar Tomato Farm is no secret. This restaurant is only open for lunch and is popular with both self-driving visitors as well as some tour companies. It is important that you make a reservation if you’d like to include this on your Golden Circle route. Otherwise, it’s likely that your wait time will be an hour or more during peak season.

7. Brúarfoss

Known as the “bluest waterfall in Iceland”, we really enjoyed this stop on the Golden Circle. The source of this river is the Langjökull Glacier, which gives it a striking milky sky blue color.

What used to take a 2 hour, 7 km (4.4-mile) round trip trek, is now much more easily accessible via a new access road and paid parking lot just a 5 minute walk from the falls. This accessibility has also meant the falls have grown in popularity since 2023 and are no longer the hidden gem they once were. 

Still, Brúarfoss remains one of our very favorite waterfalls on this list and 100% worth a visit, any time of year. 

8. Efstidalur II Creamery

Any other ice cream addicts out there? Good, I knew I liked you!

Even though Iceland is objectively cold 90% of the year, ice cream is kind of a big thing here. And I’m here for it.

Along the Golden Circle route, Efstidalur II Creamery makes a good stop if you need a sweet treat and a bit of fresh air (well, air that smells a bit like cows, but still!). 

Choose from flavors like blueberry, salted caramel and even black licorice (it’s super popular in Iceland and the ice cream flavor is surprisingly mild and delicious!). Enjoy your cone or bowl of homemade dairy goodness while saying “hi” to the bovine ladies responsible for your midday treat.

9. Faxi Falls

What Faxafoss lacks in height, it sure makes up for in width! This squat waterfall stretches 80 meters (262 feet) across Tungufljót River in a powerful cascade.

Located just 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of its much more famous neighbor, Faxi receives far fewer visitors than Gullfoss. This makes it a great quick stop for waterfall lovers looking to have a peaceful moment on the Golden Circle.

10. Bobby Fischer’s grave

Did you know that chess legend Bobby Fischer spent the later years of his life living in Iceland? I had no clue.

Apparently, he fled the United States because he was facing criminal charges for tax evasion as well as participating in a competition that violated executive orders. When Fischer passed away in 2008, he was buried in a quiet ceremony in Selfoss, Iceland. 

If you’re a chess fan, seeing the grave of Bobby Fischer might be an interesting last stop to add to your Golden Circle route before heading back to Reykjavík. It’s a quick detour just outside of Selfoss, which is on the way.

Not a chess fan? Give this stop a miss (we skipped it). 

Insider tip: If you’re a real chess nerd (more power to you!), there’s a museum nearby dedicated to this famous chess champ.

---

Bonus stops near the Golden Circle

These places aren’t exactly along the Golden Circle route per se, but they are pretty darn close! 

We think they are well worth adding to your itinerary if you have time, especially if you plan to continue on a longer road trip around Iceland.

11. Secret Lagoon

Don’t let the name fool you – the Secret Lagoon is no secret. But it is certainly less crowded than, say, the Blue Lagoon.

Said to be the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon makes a relaxing stop at the end of your Golden Circle loop. 

Good to know: In Iceland it is considered good hygiene to shower naked before entering a public pool or hot spring. Some of the more touristy (and expensive!) hot springs have private shower stalls, but the Secret Lagoon does not. Just know that it is expected that you shower naked (not in a swimsuit) prior to entering the pool and it is considered rude not to do this. Just wanted to warn ya!

Our recommendation: Unless you have lots of extra time (aka 2 full days for the Golden Circle), we’d recommend you choose just one hot spring to have a soak. They’re all very different, so continue reading to see which you’d enjoy more.

12. Hrunalaug Hot Spring

If you prefer your hot springs a little more on the rustic side, you are going to love Hrunalaug. Nestled in a picturesque valley, the small pool and charming hut date back to the 1890s.

The pool was cleaner and more beautiful than I was expecting, but do know that the water won’t be as pristine or clear as the nearby Secret Lagoon. If you’re looking for more of a resort experience, the latter may be more your style.

While the springs retain their rugged charm, Hrunalaug has changed a bit since our visit in 2021:

• Renovations in 2023 have made the main pool wider and deeper.
• 2 small changing huts have been added nearby.
• Whereas it used to be possible to visit at night, Hrunalaug now follows set hours of operation (see above).
• Visitors must now pay an entrance fee. (When we visited, there was a box at the entrance requesting a 1,000 ISK donation.)

Personally, we think this experience is still worthwhile. The price is cheaper than more developed hot springs, and it’s a fair ask as the landowners maintain and improve the pool.

Good to know: Though there weren’t too many others when we visited in the early evening hours in 2021, Hrunalaug Hot Spring can apparently get quite crowded. Since there is no pre-booking available, there may be a wait if the pool is at capacity.

13. Laugarás Lagoon

Laugarás Lagoon is a brand-new geothermal spa on the Golden Circle, set on the banks of the Hvítá River and surrounded by peaceful countryside. 

Opened in 2025 (meaning it wasn’t yet opened when we last visited Iceland!) it offers warm geothermal pools (around 37–40 °C), a unique cascading waterfall between levels, saunas, a cold plunge, and swim-up bars for drinks without leaving the water.

Designed to blend with the landscape and provide a relaxing escape after sightseeing, the lagoon also has an on-site restaurant serving seasonal Icelandic dishes. Reservations are recommended, and it’s a great stop along the Golden Circle between Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. 

14. Gluggafoss

Now, this lesser-known waterfall is not on the Golden Circle, but it makes a pretty convenient stop if you are continuing along the Ring Road.

The waterfall is a very short walk from the small carpark, and if you’re lucky like us, you may even have it completely to yourself. (Definitely a perk being that it’s so close to the Golden Circle!)

Walk up the short set of stairs to get a better view of the falls, and take pleasure in the fact that you’re seeing a sight that most tourists never see.

15. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

This thermal river was one of our favorite hot spring experiences in Iceland, and making a visit here is a great addition to your Golden Circle route. That is, only if you are self-driving and have more than one day to see all the sights.

This is pretty much just like it sounds – a steamy thermal river nestled in a lush Icelandic valley. Yep, pretty much what dreams are made of.

Getting to the Reykjadalur thermal river requires a 1-hour hike each way (with a healthy dose of elevation gain), so this stop is not for those in a hurry. Your efforts will be rewarded with magical views and clean water that gets progressively hotter upstream. 

We have a detailed guide with all the info you need to plan your visit to Reykjadalur Hot Spring River, including insider tips you will definitely want to know before you go.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs: Guide to Iceland’s Idyllic Thermal River

---

Golden Circle itineraries

Below, we’ll give you two different Golden Circle itineraries. 

• The first is meant for travelers who are limited on time and will be starting and ending in Reykjavík. This still packs in MANY more sights than the typical “Golden Circle loop”.
• The second itinerary is intended for travelers who will continue on a longer road trip after the Golden Circle, thus packing in a little more adventure!

→ Psst! Be sure to check out our top things to do in Reykjavík so you can plan your stay before and after exploring the Golden Circle!

1-day Golden Circle itinerary (day trip from Reykjavik)

If you are doing the Golden Circle as a day trip and will return to Reykjavík at night, the itinerary below is what we’d suggest following. It is a twist on the classic Golden Circle loop, bringing you to many more destinations in order to pack a big punch in just one day.

1. Reykjavík
2. Thingvellir National Park
3. Fontana Rye Bread
   • Make a reservation for 11:45 a.m.
4. Lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Farm (reservations necessary)
5. Ice cream at Efstidalur II Creamery
6. Bruarfoss waterfall
7. Geysir
8. Gullfoss
9. Faxi Waterfall
10. Kerið Crater
11. Reykjavík

2-day Golden Circle itinerary

If you plan to include the Golden Circle as part of a longer road trip around Iceland and don’t intend to return to Reykjavík on the same day, this is the itinerary we’d suggest following. This is the route we personally followed, and we saw so much more than a typical Golden Circle tour. 

Good to know: Note that some of the stops on this itinerary are not actually part of the Golden Circle, but since they are nearby we think it makes sense to group them together into one route.

Day 1

1. Reykjavík
2. Thingvellir National Park
3. Fontana Rye Bread (make a reservation for 11:45 a.m.)
4. Geysir
5. Gullfoss
6. Choose one: Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Lagoon or Laugarás Lagoon

Day 2

1. Faxi Waterfall
2. Bruarfoss waterfall
3. Lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Farm (reservations necessary)
4. Ice cream at Efstidalur II Creamery
5. Kerið Crater
6. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
7. Dinner at Fjöruborðið
   • This seaside restaurant is known for langoustines, and it was one of our most memorable meals in Iceland. Definitely put this on your itinerary if you love seafood like we do!

Golden Circle tour vs. self-drive

Are you debating whether you should book a guided Golden Circle tour or rent a car and do it yourself?

In our opinion, self-driving is without a doubt the best way to go. Driving yourself will allow you to go at your own place and stop at places along the way if you want. It also lets you customize your route to be exactly what you want to see. 

That said, we know it can be overwhelming to drive in another country. We have all sorts of information about renting a car in Iceland (with some essential tips!), plus a huge guide to Iceland campervan rentals you can check out for more info.

However, if the thought of self-driving is too overwhelming to you, know that there are many companies that offer organized tours around the Golden Circle.

Our Golden Circle tour recommendations

Full-Day Small Group Tour with Secret Lagoon

This budget-friendly tour includes the 3 main attractions on the Golden Circle as well as entrance to the Secret Lagoon. It earns rave reviews, includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Reykjavík, and at just over $100 per person, it won’t take too much of a toll on your budget. Plus, it is a small group tour, meaning the group size will be from 4-19 people.

Budget Golden Circle Tour

If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest tour, this one is very popular. At just under $80 per person, it’s a great value.

Golden Circle + Silfra Snorkeling

If you want to be sure to experience snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, this guided tour would be our pick. It includes all the “regular” Golden Circle stops, plus this unique snorkeling experience.

Adventurous Golden Circle + Glacier Snowmobiling

If you want a super unique Golden Circle experience, this tour includes snowmobiling on the nearby Langjökull glacier. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It is a bit of a splurge, so this option is a good choice for adventurous travelers with a bit of wiggle room in their budget.

Best time of year to visit Iceland’s Golden Circle

One of the major draws to the Golden Circle is that it is accessible all year round and the three main attractions are open during all seasons. 

The roads are paved and well-maintained, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. Just be cautious if there has been a recent freeze or snowfall. Additionally, some of the restaurants mentioned in our article are only open seasonally, so be sure to check their hours before your visit.

If you have more questions, we did a deep dive for our article on the best time to visit Iceland and include all sorts of info on the seasonal changes, weather, and what you can expect in each season. 

Golden Circle FAQs

Still have questions about the Golden Circle? Chances are we’ve answered it in the FAQs below.

Do you need a 4×4 to drive the Golden Circle?

Not at all! There are some roads in Iceland that are known as F-roads and require 4×4 vehicles. Luckily, the Golden Circle route does not include any F-roads. The entire loop is very easy to navigate and the roads are in good condition. 

That said, you’ll definitely want to read up on our tips for driving in Iceland so you feel prepared to conquer this route on your own. 

How can I avoid the crowds on the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is popular, and you’ll find crowds just about every day of the year. Honestly, the main attractions are pretty large and shouldn’t feel too packed even in peak season. However, there are a few ways you can avoid being in throngs of people:

• Drive the Golden Circle on your own instead of going with a tour. This will allow you to go at your own pace and avoid arriving to the attractions alongside a crowd of people. If you really want to do a guided tour, specifically choose one that is a small group instead of a coach bus.
• Go early or stay late, as most of the large tour groups are on the route during midday. If you’re visiting in the summertime, you can take advantage of long daylight hours. We found that before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. tended to be the least crowded times.
• Stay along the route. This will allow you to see the sights early in the morning and in the evening.
• Hit the main attractions, but also visit some of the lesser-known spots as they tend to be far less crowded.

How much does the Golden Circle cost?

Good news: All of the main attractions along the Golden Circle are free!

Bad news: Gas in Iceland ain’t cheap! If you’re self-driving, this will likely be your largest cost (along with your car rental, of course). 

You’ll also need to factor in money for food (whether you cook your own meals or eat at restaurants), and any entry fees for the other attractions. For each attraction that has a fee, we’ve included a price in the description so you can plan accordingly.

If you choose to do a Golden Circle tour, expect to pay between $80 and $275 per person, depending on the type of tour. 

Why is it called the Golden Circle?

This route gets its name from Gullfoss, as it translates from Icelandic to mean “golden falls”. It is said to have a golden hue on sunny days.

While not the most creative of names for this loop, it was created mostly as a way to market these attractions to visitors.

Is the Golden Circle worthwhile?

This is a pretty subjective question, and the answer will vary from person to person. 

Being that it’s one of the most popular attractions, we’d say it’s definitely worth putting on your Iceland itinerary as there are some incredible sights on this route that are famous for a reason. 

However, if we’re totally honest, the Golden Circle wouldn’t be included in our personal list of favorite places in Iceland. 

Here are our honest opinions on each of the three major attractions: 

• Gullfoss is a seriously impressive waterfall and well worth seeing if you can. That said, there are other waterfalls in Iceland we enjoyed much more.
• Thingvellir National Park is a really unique place geologically, as it is where the Euroasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Visually, it’s not as interesting (in our opinion) as some of the other sights in Iceland.
• Geysir is a pretty short stop for most visitors, and while it’s cool to see, it likely won’t make it into your top memories in Iceland. 

In short: If it’s your first time visiting Iceland and want to see as much as possible, do it. I think you’d regret leaving it out. However, if you are really limited in time or are only looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences, you could potentially leave it out of your itinerary.

Can you do the Golden Circle in one day?

Yes! You can easily visit all the attractions on the Golden Circle in a day trip from Reykjavik.

The Golden Circle route is a 246-kilometer (153 miles) loop from Reykjavik that can easily be driven in a day. The route will take about 3.5 hours to drive without stops, so if you account to time spent at each attraction, you can see there is easily enough time in one day.

Where to eat on the Golden Circle

Friðheimar: Warm up inside this tomato greenhouse while enjoying dishes from their tomato-focused menu. Don’t miss the famous Peace Tomato Soup, and take in the full experience—from the surrounding plants to the buzzing bees.

Farmers Bistro: Dine at Iceland’s only mushroom farm and enjoy a gourmet buffet featuring mushroom soup, homemade bread, sautéed mushrooms, and spreads made from their homegrown produce. A dream stop for mushroom lovers.

Efstidalur II Creamery: Make a quick stop here during your Golden Circle route to stretch your legs, see the resident cows, and enjoy an ice cream cone, of course! They also have a food menu, which is said to be good, if you’re feeling a bit more hungry at this point.

Restaurant Minilik: If you’re looking for food other than Icelandic options, this Ethiopian joint in Flúðir will surely impress. With authentic dishes, vegetarian options, and a cozy setting, this place earns rave reviews. Who knew you could get stellar Ethiopian food in the middle of Iceland?!

Fjöruborðið: Not directly on the Golden Circle, but worth the detour for seafood lovers. This seaside spot specializes in langoustines—order the grilled langoustines and the langoustine soup for an unforgettable (and worthy splurge) meal.

Where to stay on the Golden Circle

Thinking about taking your time along the Golden Circle? Good for you! If you have room in your itinerary, it’s nice to not be too rushed.

We drove the Golden Circle in our campervan rental, which made it easy for us to find places to stay along the way. We have an entire guide to camping in Iceland with our best campsite recommendations. 

If camping is not your thing, here are our top recommendations for places to stay in the region:

If you’re looking for more options, we have an entire article on the best Airbnbs in Iceland with stays in locations all around the country, including the Golden Circle.

Iceland map: Our favorite spots!

Want to upgrade your experience in Iceland?

---

Plan your trip to Iceland

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our Iceland Homepage for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Check out all of our top recommendations for things to do in Iceland. 
• Read up on Icelandic foods so you know what to try and what to skip.
• Get a complete cost breakdown for your Iceland trip and follow our sneaky budget tips to save money!
• Save this list of cool Iceland Airbnbs for when you’re ready to book your accommodation. 
• And don’t forget camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to save money!
• Read up on all the actually cool things to do in Reykjavik. 
• Be sure to download these essential Iceland travel apps before your trip!

Don’t miss your chance to grab our Iceland packing list!

Save this article on Pinterest for later!

We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a trip on the Golden Circle Iceland and have more questions? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to get you the answers you’re looking for!