What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is the most popular and easy going scenic route in Iceland, offering a wide variety of natural attractions.
The Golden Circle is located within driving distance from Reykjavik. The natural highlights are also closely located near one another, making it possible to visit all the highlights within a single day. Driving the complete Golden Circle will take around 300 kilometers.
What transportation to use when visiting the Golden Circle?
The roads to reach the highlights that are included in the Golden Circle are well maintained. When we visited the Golden Circle during the winter, there was some snow on the road, nevertheless it was easily accessible.
When you are comfortable driving in these winter conditions, I would advise you to rent a car and visit the Golden Circle on your own.
If driving is not an option for you due to various reasons, do not worry, you are still able to visit the Golden Circle. You can book a day trip with the hop on hop off bus or via another touring organization. When scrolling the web, there are multiple options.
Public transport or Uber is less accessible at the natural locations. Therefore I would not recommend it.
Highlights of the Golden Circle
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is the first stop of the Golden Circle. It is a 45 minute / 48 kilometer drive from Reykjavik.
The National Park is mostly known for the Silfra rift that is formed by tectonic plates of Europe and North America. Fun fact, the tectonic plates move one or two centimeters per year. If weather conditions allow it, you are able to snorkel and dive between the plates.
Apart from the tectonic plates, the Þingvellir National Park is home to multiple (smaller) waterfalls and panorama views. Explore and experience it all by using one of the many hiking trails through the National Park.
Quick tip, if you are not willing to hike, you are able to look at the panorama view from the visitors center. Then jump in the car and drive to the waterfall and tectonic plates.
During the winter, the short walking route to the waterfall and panoramic views where extremely slippery. This in combination with the hard winds resulted in us slipping a few times. To avoid injuries, buy some crampons at home. It will for sure boost your experience.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The second stop of the Golden Circle is the geothermal area in Haukadalur. This area is home to the most famous Geyser of Iceland (and maybe the world). It takes around 50 minutes / 60 kilometers to reach the Geysir Geothermal Area from Þingvellir National Park.
The area is named after the great Geysir that is no longer active. This Geysir was able to spit water 70 meters in the air. Luckily there are smaller geysers in the area that are still active. The biggest one will spit out the water 20 meters in the air. The explosion will take place 5 to 10 minutes after each other.
Unfortunately we were not very lucky with the geyser. During our visit, the strong winds blew all the water away. Therefore the geyser only reaches a height of 5 instead of 20 meters. If you are able to time your visit, go to the geyser when it is not that windy.
Gullfoss waterfall
The third stop of the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall. The Gullfoss waterfall, also known as the golden waterfall is one of the biggest in Iceland.The water falls for nearly 32 meters, causing a lot of spray around the area. You can park the car near the visitors center and take a short stroll to the view points. It takes around 10 minutes / 12 kilometers to reach the Gullfoss waterfall from the Geysir.
When visiting during the summer, you can hike multiple trails in the area. During winter, the hiking trails are less accessible.
Kerið Crater Lake
The fourth stop is the Kerið Crater Lake. The crater lake is an old volcano that was created 3000 years ago. The beautiful red sand in combination with the blue lake is a must see. It is around a 60 minute drive / 56 kilometers from the Gullfoss waterfall.
In order to access the crater, you will need to buy an entrance ticket for a few euros. Once done, you can hike around the crater. You can also hike down to the lake which is 55 meters deep.
How to extend the golden circle?
Secret Lagoon
The secret lagoon is the perfect spot to end the golden circle day trip. This lagoon allows you to relax in water of 38 till 40 degrees celsius. The water comes from a natural heating source and circulates so it remains clean.
The name already says it, it is a secret. The lagoon is less known to the public and is therefore not that commercialized as the blue lagoon. Making it more authentic, cheaper and quieter. Still we would advise to pre book your ticket online to ensure you are able to claim a spot. A ticket will cost around €20,50.
We would advise you to visit the lagoon after visiting Gullfoss. And a quick tip, bring your swimming short and a towel.
Where to eat your lunch at the Golden Circle?
The number of restaurants near the Golden Circle are limited. Most restaurants are located near the highlights of the Golden Circle. We had lunch at the Geysir Centre. The lunch was good, but also expensive (like Iceland in general). It was pretty convenient because the restaurant was located on the route.
Another famous lunch option is the Fridheimar tomato farm, or hotspots near Selfoss. If you would like to save some money, you can always prepare lunch in Reykjavik and bring it along during your Golden Circle trip.
Wrapping it up
The Golden Circle is a perfect day trip to experience Iceland. If you are planning to stay longer in Iceland, check out the ultimate 7 day Iceland itinerary in the winter.