The Golden Circle (Iceland) – Map + 14 best attractions

The Golden Circle Iceland is a classic driving loop with impressive attractions: waterfalls, national park, geyser...
Below is my guide to help you plan your trip including:

•  a Golden Circle Iceland map,
• the best attractions, stops and hidden gems,
• tips to make the most of your time,
• self drive itinerary suggestions,
• and Golden Circle Tours options.

Note: if you are visiting in Winter, check out my specific article about the Golden Circle in Winter.

Why visit the Golden Circle in Iceland?

What is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is one of the most famous drives in Iceland.
It is a short loop that can be started from Reykjavik or from Selfoss.
It includes a combination of very impressive attractions. The 3  most famous are:

• Thingvellir National Park with the earth fissures
• The Haukadalur geothermal area with the Strokkur geyser (and the dormant Geysir)
• The giant waterfall of Gullfoss which you can admire from many angles.

Is it worth it?

Yes, it is a great loop to appreciate to power of mother Nature with a large waterfall, giant fissure and a geyser.
However, if you have very limited time in Iceland (only 2 days for example), my preference would go to the South Coast and the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Name

Do not mix names up!
There is the Golden Circle which is a small loop near Reykjavik. 
And there is the Ring Road, the main road 1 circling the island.
However, there is no Golden Ring Road...

More photos and attractions after the planning tips.

Where is the Golden Circle located? How far is it from Reykjavik?

The Golden circle is close to Reykjavik.
It is an easy day trip East of the capital city.
The furthest attraction is Gullfoss which is 116km (72 miles) ways from Reykjavik

Map of the Golden Circle

So, the Golden Circle Iceland is actually not a circle... Look at the Golden Circle Iceland Map I have drawn for you below. The 3 main attractions 1,2 and 3 are what officially constitute the Golden Circle and they are not doing a loop...

However, there are many roads that you can take around with other things to do on the Golden Circle Iceland thus creating a round itinerary. I will tell you more about each in the next sections.

Best time to visit the Golden Circle

The sites of the Golden Circle are accessible all year round even if the roads can be a bit more difficult in Winter.
This is a popular road, so if you want to avoid crowds, go early or late.
See my article on When to travel in Iceland

Golden Circle in the rain

The weather should never stop you from exploring Iceland.
It does change quickly as you move location or even as you stay in the same place. So, take your chance!
And even if it rains, it can even make the scenery even more dramatic.

How long to drive around the Golden Circle?

The exact driving time from Reykjavik and returning to Reykjavik with the top 3 attractions is 4 hours.
And with some extra detours it is 5 hours.

It can easily be done with just one day (some tours even cover the top 3 attractions in half a day).
However planning 2 days allow you to walk more, enjoy more stops and take advantage of sunset and sunrise.

How difficult is it to drive around the Golden Circle

It is a very easy drive as all roads have one lane in each direction and are fully paved.
Attractions are well signposted.

• Can you drive the Golden circle in Winter?
  Yes. Even in Winter, this is one of the roads that is cleared the quickest (see my article about the Golden Circle in Winter).
• What type of car do I need?
  The roads around the Golden Circle are all normal roads and paved. No F-roads. A 2WD is enough
• Check out my articles about how to rent a car in Iceland and Driving in Iceland

Self-drive tips

#1 - Order

Almost everyone does to circle the Golden Circle clockwise, starting with the attractions closest to Reykjavik:

• Thingvellir, 
• then Haukadalur
• and then Gullfoss.

So if you do it the other way around, you would have fewer people.

#2 - Start early

This is a very popular driving loop. To enjoy the attractions even more, I recommend starting early. Or starting late afternoon on the first day and early morning on the second, if sleeping on the circle.

#3 - Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is not on the Golden Circle. It can be added to end your day trip, but it is a detour - Gullfoss to Blue Lagoon = 2h drive
However, if you are looking for a closer geothermal pool, the Secret lagoon is only 30min drive from Gullfoss. Book your entry

Golden circle Iceland itinerary - 1 day

With just one day, you should focus on the top attractions:

• Drive all the way to Gullfoss - enjoy the upper and lower views
• Explore Haukadalur and watch the Strokkur Geyser erupt
• Hike around Thingvellir - at least the main path
• And add an extra activity based on your taste:
• Extra idea 1  - Second hike in Thingvellir to Oxararfoss
• Extra idea 2 - Do something unique by snorkeling in the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir - See availability and Book your spot
• Extra idea 3 - Wal around the rim of the Kerid crater
• Extra idea 4 - relax at the Secret Lagoon at the end of the day before driving back - Book your entry

Golden Circle in 2 days - suggestion

Day 1 -

• Thingvellir hikes
• (extra) - snorkeling in the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir - See availability and Book your spot
• Views of Laugarvatn
• Gullfoss
• Secret Lagoon - Book your entry

Day 2 -

• Sunrise at Hukadalur with Strokkur Geyser
• Hike to Bruarfoss
• Walk to the Rim of Kerid crater
• Drive back

Where to stay on the Golden Circle

Best areas to stay on the Golden Circle

Depending on your interest you could choose:

• To stay near Haukadalur to enjoy a sunrise with the geyser - see options
• To stay in Laugarvatn, where you can find a few accommodations by the lake and its hot springs - check out options
• To stay in Fludir, a little out of the way, to be able to soak in the hot waters of the Secret Lagoon at the end of the day - check out best rated accommodations
• If road tripping anywhere - Selfoss is another practical option: it has a large choice and it is on Road 1 - Check out the best rated accommodations
• If you are on a road trip to the Snaefellsnes peninsula - the town of Borgarnes is a practical option - Check out the best rated accommodations
• Or stay in Reykjavik and visit as a day trip - check out the best rated accommodations

More tips in my article about Where to stay in Iceland

Best Golden Circle Accommodations

I stayed at two different accommodations in the area:

• I had a really great stay at the Geysir Cottages (part of Hotel Geysir).  The location was perfect to go check out the eruption of the Strokkur geyser when no big tourist busses were around - see photos and availability
• I stayed at the Icelandair Hotel in Fludir which was really nice, modern and clean - see photos and availability

Otherwise consider :

• The Ion Hotel - Contemporary style - see photos and availability
• Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast not far from Fludir, but in nature  - see photos and availability
• Litli geysir hotel, not far from the geyser - see photos and availability
• Hotel Gullfoss, just 3km from the waterfall - see photos and availability
• Hotel South coast in the heart of Selfoss - see photos and availability

Day Trips - The Golden Circle Iceland Tours

If you don't feel like driving or want to feel free to admire the scenery, you can join one of the many Golden Circle Iceland tours departing Reykjavik.
I recommend booking a full-day tour.
There is quite a lot of driving, so a half-day tour will be rushed.

You can find options:

• Large and small group tours - they are different programs - choose what suits you - see options
• Private tours - see options
• Tours with snorkeling in the Silfra fissure - see options and availability
• With horse riding - see program and availability

#1 to #5 - Best Golden Circle Iceland attractions

#1 to #3 - Explore Thingvellir National Park

#4 - Discover the Haukadalur geothermal area and watch the geyser erupt

#5 - Admire Gullfoss Waterfall

Video

Below is a short video to admire those top 3 locations in action:

#7 - Bruarfoss

Bruarfoss is one of the most photogenic waterfalsl in Iceland. It has a delicate shape and intense blue water. The only problem is to find it...
The waterfall is located between Laugarvatn and Geysir.

#9 - Faxifoss

Near the town of Faxi is the waterfall of Faxifoss. A gravel road will take you to this waterfall where you can admire and fish salmons. On its side is a salmon ladder to help them move upstream.

#11 - Kerid Crater

Kerid crater is appreciated for its contrasting color. With the turquoise of the pond in the caldera, the red of the volcanic rock and the green in summer or white in Winter.

#12 - Thorufoss

Just off Route 48, a short 5-minute walk from the carpark allows you the face a charming waterfall.

#13 - Efstidalur Ice Cream farm

If you need a refreshing stop, enjoy an organic and home-made ice cream, direct at the farm!
Website

#14 - Visit Fridheimar tomato farm

And to learn more on farming using geothermal heat, check out the Fridheimar Tomato farm!
Located on Road 35, close to Reykholt.
Book in advance a farm tour - website
And don't forget to taste their tomatoes or tomato soup!

Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?

• 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures - read article
• The best stops on the Ring Road - read article
• The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland - read article
• 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - read article
• Top 5 places to see around Myvatn - read article
• 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland - read article
• The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland - read article

Planning a trip to Iceland?

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