Golden Circle Route Iceland: The Most Popular Stops

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular day trips in Iceland. The route features geothermal wonders, a massive waterfall, and a colorful crater.

The diversity you’ll find along this route, in conjunction with it’s convenient location near the capital, are why so many choose to explore the Golden Circle while vacationing in Iceland.

The route connects three of Iceland’s most well known attractions — Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. This Golden Circle Route Iceland will hit all three points plus a few popular spots in between. 

Golden Circle Route Iceland

Visit Thingvellir National Park

Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park – 40 minutes (30 miles / 47 km)

Time Required: 2 – 3 hours  

Thingvellir National Park is a mix of natural beauty, geological phenomena, and important Icelandic history. For many this is the first stop on the Golden Circle route Iceland.

Thingvellir National Park Tectonic Plates

Thingvellir is the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates — or I should say, the separating points. The plates are currently moving apart at the rate of about 2 cm (0.79 in) per year. This space between the two plates is referred to as a “rift.”

Did You Know? This is the only place in the world where you can see tectonic plates separating on land. 

As you walk from the Visitor Center into the valley you’ll be walking inside the rift between to continents. A truly incredible experience on this Golden Circle route as it’s the only place in the world it’s possible to do such a thing. 

Scuba Dive Or Snorkel Between The Eurasian & North American Plates

There are two submerged rifts within the park. One of which, named Silfra, is popular for scuba diving thanks to it’s astoundingly clear (and cold!) water.

Diving in the crisp clear water between the two tectonic plates is the most popular excursion along this Golden Circle route — not to mention one of the most unique diving experiences in the world. 

If you wish to dive you must have a permit from Thingvellir National Park and meet certain certification and equipment standards. 

A vast majority of the people who dive here do so through a guided tour, the tour company will then handle the logistics and safety measures for you. 

Check out this Silfra Scuba Diving Tour or this Silfra Snorkeling Tour. Tours book out very quickly in Iceland so be sure to book your excursions well in advance.

Thingvellir National Park History 

Althing (Alþingi) is the supreme national parliament of Iceland. It was founded in 930 AD at the site where Thingvellir National Park is currently located. It was the first, and remains the world’s oldest, democratic national parliament, a pretty incredible accomplishment. 

Althing once performed it’s duties at the Assembly Site, a simple field used as an outdoor assembly site. This area includes the Law Rock (Lögberg) and Law Council.

Thingvellir National Park Hikes

While you’re here take a hike and admire the beauty of the first national park in Iceland. 

The most popular hikes in the park are: 

• Almannagjá Gorge
• Lögberg – Drekkingarhylur Trail
• Öxarárfoss Waterfall

Top Things To Do In Thingvellir National Park

• Marvel at Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake fed by persistent rainfall and Langjökull glacier.
• See an exhibition at the Hakid visitor center.
• Enjoy a quick hike to the popular Öxarárfoss Waterfall
• Dive or snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra
• Check out Thingvallakirkja church built in 1859
• Hike through Game of Thrones sites at Almannagjá Gorge

Thingvellir National Park Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee, but if traveling by car you’ll pay a parking fee of 1000 ISK (about $8 USD). The ticket is good for the whole day and at all parking lots.

Thingvellir National Park Parking 

The main lot is at the Hakid Visitor Center, it’s large and has ample spaces. I recommend parking here and walking to all attractions. If visiting during peak season the lot may fill during the day, it’s best to get here early if you can. 

Additionally there are a few smaller lots around the park. You’ll find two parking lots near the assembly fields and Öxarárfoss Waterfall and one at Valhöll, to the south of the assembly site.

The parking fee is 1000 ISK (about $8 USD) per regular passenger vehicle. The ticket is good for the whole day and at all parking lots. Payment is accepted online through https://www.checkit.is/ or at parking machines located in lots. The parking machines are credit card only. 

Explore The Iceland Geysir Geothermal Field

Thingvellir National Park to Geysir Geothermal Field – 50 minutes (37 miles / 60 km)

Time Required: 30 – 45 minutes 

Located in Haukadalur Valley this well-known, high-temperature geothermal area is a hot spot (pun intended) for geyser’s and boiling mud pits. The park is similar to Yellowstone National Park in the United States or the thermal area around Rotorua in New Zealand.

Geysir Geothermal Field is located in a neovolcanic region. In plain words, this means there’s a lot of volcanic activity happening here, but not in the traditional sense. Instead of a typical Volcanic Cone —which has a single, triangular shaped volcanic vent — the region has tons of small, flat vents which consistently release pressure.

You can navigate the small park and witness incredible volcanic wonders through well maintained paths.  

Note: You must stay on designated paths as the steam and boiling water from volcanic vents can be deadly. 

Strokkur & Geysir 

Strokkur is the star of the geothermal field, erupting water and steam 80 – 115 feet (25-35 m) in the air approximately every 8 minutes. Stopping to watch the magnificent display is a must on your Golden Circle route Iceland. 

It’s famous neighbor, Geysir, is nearly dormant but still well loved because it’s the first geyser noted in European literature. 

It only erupts from time to time and has been fenced off, but you can walk very close to it.

Fun Fact: Geysir is one of the best-known geysers in the world and has lended it’s name to the world’s spouting hot springs.

Strokkur and Geysir are both located just a few minutes from the parking lot. 

Geysir Geothermal Field Entrance Fee

Free

Geysir Geothermal Field Parking

There is a large, free parking lot located just across the way from the geothermal field. The lot has a restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms.

Tip: There are a number of restaurants in this area so this is a great place to grab lunch along this Golden Circle route if you’re getting hungry. 

Witness The Powerful Gullfoss Waterfall

Geysir Geothermal Field to Gullfoss – 10 minutes (6 miles / 10 km)

Time Required: 1 hour

Gullfoss translates to “Golden Waterfall” the name behind The Golden Circle. This massive waterfall of the Hvítá River cascades down two steps into a deep gorge. The first, shorter cascade is 36 feet (11 m) and the second drop is 69 feet (21 m).

The powerful waterfall is one of the most beautiful sights in Iceland and the most popular stop on the Golden Circle route Iceland.

This sight is especially unique among Iceland’s many waterfalls because Gullfoss can only be viewed from platforms above the falls. This provides a unique perspective of the rushing waters, which are typically viewed from their base. 

Fun Fact: The powerful falls surge down the gorge at 459 cubic feet (40 cubic meters) per second. This is incredibly powerful but only a fraction of Iceland — and all of Europe’s — most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, which gushes nearly 7,000 cubic feet (200 cubic meters) of water per second… wow! 

Gullfoss Viewpoints 

Gullfoss is comprised of an upper and lower viewing area. They both offer unique perspectives so I highly recommend taking the time to view both. 

The two viewpoints are connected by a staircase which should be easy for any able-bodied visitor. 

The lower viewpoint offers the best vantage of Gullfoss’ two steps. Whereas at the upper viewpoint you get a better perspective of the entire canyon but its difficult to see the lower step. 

Note: You will get sprayed by water here so be sure to dress appropriately and protect your electronics.

From the upper viewpoint you can follow the trail a bit further for an even wider scale of the falls. I recommend doing this, not only is a great way to see the canyon in it’s entirety but it’s also less crowded.

From the lower viewpoint you can follow a walking path that takes you closer to the waterfall. Expect to get sprayed by a lot of water if you follow this path! 

Note: The walkway from the lower path is closed in winter for safety reasons. 

Gullfoss Waterfall Entrance Fee

Free

Gullfoss Waterfall Parking 

There are two large lots, one at each viewpoint and both are free. You do not need to drive from viewpoint to viewpoint, it’s a short walk between the two. 

There’s a Visitor Center located at the upper car park which includes a restaurant, gift shop, and free restrooms. 

The lower lot does not have any services. 

Soak In Iceland’s Secret Lagoon

Gullfoss to The Secret Lagoon – 30 minutes (18 miles / 30 km)

Time Required: 1 – 3 hours  

Time to relax a bit! Secret Lagoon is a not-so secret geothermal pool with an excellent view of spouting geysers. Vaðmálahver, Básahver, and Litli Geysir put on a show for guests and provide 100% of the water supply in the lagoon. 

Did You Know? This is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, built in 1891. The pool was originally used to teach Icelanders to swim. 

Watch geysers erupt from the comfort of a hot spring at The Secret Lagoon. This is a great way to recharge and relax along your Golden Circle route. 

The lagoon is located in the small village of Flúði, just off the Golden Circle route. 

Note: The village of Flúði has a good variety of restaurants and services relative to other sections of this route.

Secret Lagoon Price 

Hours vary seasonally and the cost is 4500 ISK per adult ($35.50 USD). There’s free parking on site for guests.

Visit The Colorful Kerid Crater

The Secret Lagoon to Kerid Crater – 30 minutes (24 miles / 39 km)

Time Required: 1 – 1.5 hours

Kerid is a volcanic crater lake composed of red, rather than black, volcanic rock surrounded by vibrant green moss. The red hue is caused by iron oxidation within the lava. The 3,000 year old crater is, geologically speaking, young and therefore still oxidizing.

Fun Fact: Kerid is 180 feet (55 m) deep and a whopping 890 feet (270 m) across.

The crater is a short 1 mile (1.6 km) walk from the parking lot. You can follow a path right to the crater’s edge, fully encircle it, then descend down to the aquamarine waters of the crater lake.

Tip: This may not be the best stop during winter months as much of the beauty is covered in snow.

Kerid Crater Entrance Fee

The crater is on private land — can you imagine having this in your backyard? The landowners charge a fee of 700 ISK ($5.50 USD) which can be paid with credit card. The fee helps the landowners preserve and protect the crater.

Kerid Crater Parking

There is a free lot located about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the crater. There are no services on site.

Return To Reykjavik

Kerid Crater to Reykjavik – 56 minutes (43 miles / 69 km)

Additional Stops To Consider Along Your Golden Circle Route Iceland 

• Sólheimar ecovillage
• Fontana Spa
• Friðheimar tomato & horse farm
• Langjökull Glacier
• Skálholt church & historical site

Golden Circle Map 

This map shows all stops I’ve included along the Golden Circle Route Iceland:

These are the three main stops along the Golden Circle Route Iceland:

Golden Circle Iceland Tours 

If you don’t have a car, or if you’re visiting in winter and would rather not drive, consider a tour instead.

There are many tour options which allow you to see the route’s most loved attractions.

Check out this classic tour bus option or a smaller group tour. I recommend the smaller tour because it includes additional stops and is a bit more intimate. Whichever you prefer both of these tours sell out so be sure to book well in advance.

Visiting in winter? Check out this snowmobiling tour!

How Much Time Does It Take To Drive The Golden Circle Iceland? 

The Golden Circle route without stops takes about 3 – 4 hours to complete. Of course you’ll be making stops so plan for about 8 hours. 

It would be tight but you could make this a half day trip if you only visit the three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. 

Conversely, if you wish to do any special excursions, such as scuba diving between tectonic plates or soaking at the Secret Lagoon, the trip could easily be closer to 12 hours. 

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit The Golden Circle? 

Any time of year is great to see the Golden Circle.

Summer will be the most crowded season.

Winter offers a quieter experience but some attractions may be limited and you’ll have only a few hours of daylight to work with.

Important Note: Much of the Golden Circle route is at a higher elevation than Reykjavik. If visiting in Spring or Fall you may only have rain in Reykjavik but snow along the Golden Circle. Plan accordingly and check out Road.is for current road conditions.

Where To Stay On The Golden Circle?

Most opt to stay in Reykjavik and complete the Golden Circle as a day trip. If you’d wish to spend the night along this Golden Circle route I recommend:

• Efstidalur Farm Hotel near Geysir Geothermal Field & Gullfoss
• Garður Stay Inn by the Secret Lagoon
• Midgard Base Camp a good hostel/ budget option
• Icelandair Hótel Flúðir by the Secret Lagoon
• Lake Laugarvatn for campers
• Camping Geysir for campers

And for a truly unique experience check out Buubble Iceland.

You May Also Like: The Most Unique Hotels In Iceland

As you can see there’s so many great things to do along the Golden Circle. Have you driven a similar Golden Circle Route in Iceland? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Reykjavik and Iceland guides below or head on over to Visit Iceland!

More Information For Your Iceland Vacation:

• 8-Day Iceland Itinerary
• 3 Days In Reykjavik: An Easy Weekend Itinerary
• The Most Unique Hotels In Iceland
• The Best Things To Do On The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• What To Do In Reykjavik On A Rainy Day? 19 Easy Ideas!
• Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Iceland Spa Is Better?