Explore the Golden Circle with it’s popular attractions.

Golden Circle

The most popular route in Iceland

The Golden Circle is home to the most beautiful sites you can ever find in Iceland. It is another classic attraction of the country and a must visit on your first time visiting Iceland. Rich in history, this site is also rich in spectacular structures that will take your breath away. The route includes Thingvellir National Park, Geyser geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.

What to See and Do

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is the first location in the Golden Circle route. The National Park is a key location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world first assembled there in 930 AD. Due to its unique geology and natural features, Thingvellir is protected as a national park.

In Thingvellir you can walk between the tectonic plates of Europe and North – America. Almannagjá is a canyon that has been formed between the two tectonic plates and a visual representation of the continental drift.

You can also swim between the tectonic plates in one of the clearest waters in the world. We offer a great variety of snorkeling and diving tours where you can swim around this crystal clear water between Europe and North – America.

• Snorkeling & Diving Tours in Silfra

Geysir Geothermal Area Geyser and Strokkur Geyser

One of the most popular stops along the Golden Circle is the hot springs area of ​​Geysir, with boiling mud pits, geysers that explode and the lively Strokkur that flows into the water every 30 minutes. Interestingly, the Great Geysir is not the only geyser in the Geysir hot springs area. The most active geyser in the area is called Strokkur. Strokkur has hot water spring as high as 30 feet in the air every few minutes or so.

Gullfoss waterfall

This multi-level waterfall is a key attraction of the Golden Circle and one of Iceland’s most visited natural wonders. It’s easy to see why the waterfall is so popular when you see it. Part of the charm of Gullfoss is that it is partially obscured from view until you move closer. And when you come closer to the waterfall, it suddenly becomes apparent up close and personal. It is an absolutely breathless experience with its refreshing spray and absolutely breathtaking views. You will hear the sound of hundreds of gallons of water that plunges into the land – Gullfoss is a spectacular sight.

You might want to add some other attractions to your golden circle. Here you can find some attractions in the neighborhood that are not part of the regular route.

Secret Lagoon pool hot spring (Icelandic: Gamla Laugin)

The Secret Lagoon hot spring is a great addition to your golden circle trip. The pool is located in the small town of Flúðir about 20 minutes from Gullfoss waterfall and is filled with clean geothermal water.

The Secret Lagoon was the first Icelandic public swimming pool that was created in 1891 and is located in the geothermally rich countryside, not far from the famous Golden Circle route. The pool was the center recreational from the small town and a place where people from the village learned to swim until a more modern pool was built in 1947.
As you are relaxing in the hot spring you can see small geysers spout water into the air every few minutes.

You can also go on a guided tour to the golden circle & the secret lagoon. 

Hrunalaug Natural Hot Spring

Hrunalaug hot spring is a small geothermal pool located near Fludir in south Iceland. At the hot spring you can find two pools with natural hot water. One is made of concrete, which is the smaller one and fits about 3 people, and the other one is a rock wall. The rock wall pool is a bit bigger and fits about 7-10 people. Both pools are warm and clean.
Hrunalaug hot spring is the perfect add on to your Golden Circle self drive.

Haifoss Waterfall

Haifoss is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland and the waterfall is absolutely stunning. Reaching an impressive 122 meters (400 feet). When you arrive at Háifoss you will see another beautiful waterfall right next to it. Granni waterfall is another high waterfall in the same canyon as Háifoss. The canyon, where the waterfalls are located, is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth visiting.
You will need a 4×4 car to get to Haifoss waterfall.

Kerid Crater

Kerid is a volcanic crater in south Iceland. It is located in southern Iceland close to the Golden Circle attractions. The volcanic crater is unique among crater lakes in that its caldera probably did not form from an explosion like most. The Kerid volcano is believed to have formed when the magma in the center simply ran out and the empty chamber below fell apart. Regardless of the geological minutiae that led to the creation of the lake, its brightly colored hills looks supernatural.

How to get Around

It’s a popular day activity in Iceland to drive the Golden Circle. You can easily drive this 300 kilometer route on your own but if you don’t feel more comfortable with driving in Iceland you can also join numerous of guided tours.

This route might be perfect for everyone on a short layover flying to or from Europe as it is perfect as a one or half day activity. You can rent a car from the airport, and go straight to the golden circle and see some of the most beautiful attractions in a short period of time.

Top 10 Tours to the Golden Circle

• Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon
• Snorkeling Silfra & Golden Circle
• Golden Circle Deluxe
• Golden Circle & Northern Lights
• Beer Tasting & Golden Circle
• Golden Circle & Snowmobile
• Golden Circle Stopover – From Keflavik Airport
• Grand Golden Circle
• 1 Hour snowmobile form Gullfoss – Self Driving Tour
• Golden Circle Private Tour

Eating and Drinking

Icelanders are known for good restaurants of all kinds and you should be able to find some great restaurants on the golden circle. Here you can find some of our favorite ones around the Golden Circle:

Lindin Restaurant
Efstidalur
Laugarvatn Fontana Cafe
Friðheimar

Where to Stay

The golden circle is the perfect day trip from Reykjavik. But if you would like to go to this sightseeing route overnight we really recommend these accommodations:

• Litli Geysir Hotel
• Hotel Gullfoss
• Vað Holiday Home
• Hagi Homestay
• Gullfoss & Geysir Luxury Cabin