8 Activities
The Golden Circle
Starts from
Reykjavík
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
10 hrs 25 min
Length
114 mi
Route details
Starts from
Reykjavík
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hrs 25 min
Length
114 mi
- Natural Attractions
James Taylor
Travel Expert
- Marvel at the natural wonders of the erupting Geysir and thundering waterfall Gullfoss.
- Walk between two tectonic plates at Iceland's most famous national park, Thingvellir.
- Enjoy lunch in the geothermal tomato farm Friðheimar and a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon.
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Iceland's Golden Circle is one of the most popular and spectacular road trips you can take in the Land of Fire and Ice. With its trio of impressive natural sights — Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir, and the thundering waterfall Gullfoss — it's a crash course in the spectacular nature on offer across Iceland.
And then there are the attractions in between, such as the largest geothermal tomato farm in Iceland, or a hidden canyon, only accessed with a car of your own. This is one of the best road trips you can take in the country, the perfect choice as an introduction to Iceland and for those who are keen to see some of the country's natural wonders. Practical Information Iceland is a country where travel is dictated by the weather. To ensure your safety on the roads, make sure to check the weather ahead using the official website of the Iceland Met Office. If there are any weather warnings in effect, they will be published there.
And then there are the attractions in between, such as the largest geothermal tomato farm in Iceland, or a hidden canyon, only accessed with a car of your own. This is one of the best road trips you can take in the country, the perfect choice as an introduction to Iceland and for those who are keen to see some of the country's natural wonders. Practical Information Iceland is a country where travel is dictated by the weather. To ensure your safety on the roads, make sure to check the weather ahead using the official website of the Iceland Met Office. If there are any weather warnings in effect, they will be published there.
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Categories
- Natural Attractions
Iceland's Golden Circle is one of the most popular and spectacular road trips you can take in the Land of Fire and Ice. With its trio of impressive natural sights — Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir, and the thundering waterfall Gullfoss — it's a crash course in the spectacular nature on offer across Iceland.
And then there are the attractions in between, such as the largest geothermal tomato farm in Iceland, or a hidden canyon, only accessed with a car of your own. This is one of the best road trips you can take in the country, the perfect choice as an introduction to Iceland and for those who are keen to see some of the country's natural wonders. Practical Information Iceland is a country where travel is dictated by the weather. To ensure your safety on the roads, make sure to check the weather ahead using the official website of the Iceland Met Office. If there are any weather warnings in effect, they will be published there.
And then there are the attractions in between, such as the largest geothermal tomato farm in Iceland, or a hidden canyon, only accessed with a car of your own. This is one of the best road trips you can take in the country, the perfect choice as an introduction to Iceland and for those who are keen to see some of the country's natural wonders. Practical Information Iceland is a country where travel is dictated by the weather. To ensure your safety on the roads, make sure to check the weather ahead using the official website of the Iceland Met Office. If there are any weather warnings in effect, they will be published there.
Translated by
James Taylor
Travel Expert
- Marvel at the natural wonders of the erupting Geysir and thundering waterfall Gullfoss.
- Walk between two tectonic plates at Iceland's most famous national park, Thingvellir.
- Enjoy lunch in the geothermal tomato farm Friðheimar and a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon.
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Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
114 mi
Iceland's Most Famous Day Trip: The Golden Circle
On this day trip around the Golden Circle, you'll be treated to some of the country's most famous sights, such as Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir, and the giant waterfall of Gullfoss.
It's these three attractions that makeup Iceland's Golden Circle tourist route, the most famous day trip in the entire country. In between, you'll also discover plenty of other sights and attractions as well, from the geothermal tomato farm of Friðheimar to the hot spring in Fluðir called The Secret Lagoon.
It's these three attractions that makeup Iceland's Golden Circle tourist route, the most famous day trip in the entire country. In between, you'll also discover plenty of other sights and attractions as well, from the geothermal tomato farm of Friðheimar to the hot spring in Fluðir called The Secret Lagoon.
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10:001 hr 30 min
Thingvellir
Your road trip begins by leaving Reykjavik in the rear-view mirror and heading northeast towards Thingvellir National Park. As soon as the city drops away, the scenery begins to take over. There are epic mountains, rushing rivers, and quaint, lost-looking farmhouses and churches.
This is all leading to your first stop on the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park. It's here where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates emerge above the ground, and it's also the site where Iceland's first parliament met during the Settlement Age to pass laws, trade, and settle disputes that had arisen during the year.
There's a fantastic visitor's center that will give you an overview of the area, and some easy walking trails that take you in between the tectonic plates toward a waterfall and past where the Icelanders of old used to gather.
This is all leading to your first stop on the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park. It's here where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates emerge above the ground, and it's also the site where Iceland's first parliament met during the Settlement Age to pass laws, trade, and settle disputes that had arisen during the year.
There's a fantastic visitor's center that will give you an overview of the area, and some easy walking trails that take you in between the tectonic plates toward a waterfall and past where the Icelanders of old used to gather.
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36.8 mi
1 hr
12:301 hr
Friðheimar
With lunch nearing, it's time to make a quick detour to the south towards Iceland's famous geothermal tomato farm, Friðheimar. You can also dine here among the tomato vines, where the menu consists of tomato-inspired dishes such as tomato soup, mussels cooking in a delicious tomato broth, or pasta with freshly made tomato sauce.
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12.1 mi
20 min
14:0030 min
Geysir Hot Springs
Geysir has always been one of my favorite places in Iceland. It's usually here where everyone realizes just how cool the country really is. Walking up toward the erupting Geysir, there are bubbling mud pools, brilliant colors where the minerals in the ground and geothermal water meet, and billowing steam blowing off shimmering pools of water. And then, a big whooshing sound, and a plume of water that's shooting high into the air: the incredible Geysir.
I usually wait around for two or three eruptions (it usually shoots up around every five minutes) before wandering up the hill to check out the other boiling hot pools.
I usually wait around for two or three eruptions (it usually shoots up around every five minutes) before wandering up the hill to check out the other boiling hot pools.
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6 mi
10 min
14:4545 min
Gullfoss Waterfall
Just ten minutes along the road from Geysir is Gullfoss, marking the top end of the Golden Circle route. This waterfall is one of the largest in the country, fed by the glacier Langjökull, an epic sight with two tiers of falls crashing into the rocky gorge.
I've visited Gullfoss in all seasons, on sunny days and on stormy days, and it has always been impressive. No matter how many friends I take around the Golden Circle as an easy day trip from Reykjavik, I'll never get tired of admiring this special place in Iceland.
Parking at Gullfoss is free - you can also find bathrooms, a cafe, and a souvenir store on site. There are several viewing platforms overlooking the falls, but make sure to always follow the rules if any signs are warning of slippery paths.
I've visited Gullfoss in all seasons, on sunny days and on stormy days, and it has always been impressive. No matter how many friends I take around the Golden Circle as an easy day trip from Reykjavik, I'll never get tired of admiring this special place in Iceland.
Parking at Gullfoss is free - you can also find bathrooms, a cafe, and a souvenir store on site. There are several viewing platforms overlooking the falls, but make sure to always follow the rules if any signs are warning of slippery paths.
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7.6 mi
15 min
15:4515 min
Brúarhlöð
The first time I stopped at Brúarhlöð Canyon was one of those fast decisions you'll make at the moment. It's a common occurrence when I travel in Iceland; I might see a small parking area somewhere I'm not expecting, and pull over to explore the area.
This was how I first came to discover Brúarhlöð Canyon, a beautiful and quiet place that not a lot of visitors stop at when touring the Golden Circle. It's a beautiful spot, and there's nothing more to do here than hop out and admire the canyon and milky blue waters for a while, soaking up the peace and quiet after the crowds at Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
This was how I first came to discover Brúarhlöð Canyon, a beautiful and quiet place that not a lot of visitors stop at when touring the Golden Circle. It's a beautiful spot, and there's nothing more to do here than hop out and admire the canyon and milky blue waters for a while, soaking up the peace and quiet after the crowds at Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
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12.4 mi
20 min
16:302 hrs
Secret Lagoon Iceland
What day trip in Iceland would be complete without a stop at one of the country's many hot springs? In my opinion, none! Your next stop on this Golden Circle road trip is the Secret Lagoon Hot Spring - not much of a secret anymore but still a wonderful place to soak in the warm waters of a hot spring. This is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, a historic place where Icelanders would come to learn how to swim.
Bathing Etiquette in Iceland
Many visitors to Iceland are shocked to discover that before swimming in any hot springs, you're required to completely strip down in the change rooms and give yourself a good clean in the communal showers. Icelanders are more than used to this and will have no trouble telling you off if they see you trying to sneak past the showers into the hot spring without a rinse.
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24.3 mi
40 min
19:1530 min
Kerid Crater
After your relaxing soak in the hot spring, it's time to continue southwest back towards Route 1, which will whisk you back into Reykjavik. Right before you reach the highway though, there's a beautiful volcanic crater to check out: Kerið. The crater walls are colorful and full of contrasts, sloping down to the pool of water at the bottom of the crater. It's a nice spot to again appreciate the volcanic power of Iceland.
Please note that there is a small entrance fee to visit Kerið, which you can pay at the small hut onsite.
Please note that there is a small entrance fee to visit Kerið, which you can pay at the small hut onsite.
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15.4 mi
25 min
20:1545 min
Ölverk Pizza & Brewery
On your way back into Reykjavik, you'll pull off into Hveragerði for a dinner stop at the Ölverk Pizza and Brewery. Huge pizzas and a great selection of their own craft beers make this spot a winner and a favorite with visitors and Icelanders alike.
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