Golden Circle in One Day – Full Guide to the Main Stops and Best Detours.
The Golden Circle is one of the iconic destinations in Iceland. It’s an important point on every tourist’s to-do list, as it includes some of the most significant historical attractions as well as some amazing wonders of nature.
In this guide I’ll give you all the details and tips you need for a well-planned day trip – just follow this Golden Circle itinerary!
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What is the Golden Circle?
It’s an incredibly scenic driving route on the south coast of Iceland, consisting of 3 main attractions:
- Thingvellir National Park (also spelled Þingvellir National Park)
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss waterfall
There are also some amazing detours along the way, definitely worth incorporating into your day. More information on that later in the post.
How to get to the Golden Circle?
There are two ways to visit the Golden Circle: by car and with a guided tour.
Self-drive
The easiest way to get to visit the Golden Circle is to drive – that way you are able to explore at your own pace and can spend as much time as you want in each spot. You’ll also have a chance to take some of the detours I mentioned above.
How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?
The route is about 70 km long, counting from Thingvellir National Park (which is usually the first stop) to Geysir Geothermal Area (typically the last of the main three stops). Then you have to count in the distance from your accommodation. If it’s Reykjavik, your total will be 115 km one way.
If you add any of the extra stopes I mentioned above (and I hope you do as they are definitely worth exploring!), they will need to be factored into your plan, both in terms of driving distances and time needed at each attraction.
Drive time: without any additional stops the entire route from Rekjavik, through Thingvellir, Geysir, Gulfoss and back will take you about 3.5 hours, not including the time spent at each attraction.
Here is a map of the 3 main Golden Circle attractions for easier planning:
Helpful tip: The Golden Circle is a very popular day trip and it can get pretty busy, especially in the summer months. I recommend that you leave early in the morning – you’ll beat the crowds and will have time for a few extras!
With a tour
If you’d rather go on an organized tour, there is plenty to choose from! Most of them leave from Reykjavik and have hotel pick-up, so it’s a very convenient way to explore.
Here are some of the best reviewed options:
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Guided Trip
- Golden Circle private tour: (group up to 7 people) – this tour is new, a great option if you’d like a more private experience.
Best time to visit the Golden Circle
Golden Circle is accessible year-round. It’s located right of rt. 36, which is a paved well-maintained road on which you can drive with no issues in the winter months as well. If you’re not keen on driving in the snow, you can join one of the above-mentioned tours!
Main Golden Circle Stops
Below you’ll find tons of practical information about the three main attractions of the famous Golden Circle – what to see, how to do it and how much time to allow for each place to get the full experience and still fit it into a one-day itinerary.
Thingvellir National Park
The first stop is usually Thingvellir National Park (also spelled Þingvellir National Park ) – the first officially established National Park in Iceland (as of 1930).
It was also placed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2004 as a place of historic significance. The first Icelandic government (Althing or Alþingi) was established here in 930 and continued to meet there till late 1700s.
Part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, it’s also a place of great geological significance as it is located in a rift valley, where the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It is absolutely amazing to be able to see the edges of the continents above the sea level!
Parking, cost and facilities:
There are 4 parking lots to choose from, the main one (P1, which I recommend you start with) being right in front of the Hakið Visitor Center. Parking fee is 1000 ISK (about $7) for a passenger car and is valid all day for all lots.
Parking lots P2 and P3 are nearby Öxarárfoss waterfall and P5 is close to the Thingvellir Church and Silfra fissure (where you can snorkel between tectonic plates – read more later in the post).
In addition to the Visitors Center there are also restrooms near Öxarárfoss.
Inside the Visitor Center you can get a map of the park and great pointers from very friendly staff members on where to go and what to see.
There are also exhibits inside about Icelandic history and cuture.
Worth mentioning – there are also restrooms, a gift shop and a small café with ice cream and snacks.
How to visit Thingvellir National Park
Your experience starts right next to Hakið Visitor Center – to the right of it there is a large viewing platform, which is actually situated on the corner of the North American tectonic plate (amazing!) and from there you have great views of the park and Iceland’s largest lake – Thingvallavatn.
It’s also the beginning of the trail that takes you to the path in the Almannagjá Gorge – a canyon between the two tectonic plates, North American and Eurasian, and the only place in the world where you can actually see it above the sea level!
As you walk, you’ll pass the site where Iceland’s first government assembly (Althing/Alþingi) was formed and had its open-air meetings.
The spot is called Lögberg and it’s clearly marked with an Icelandic flag.
Keep walking till you reach Öxarárfoss – a lovely waterfall, the first of many that we saw during this trip.
There is a wooden platform in front of Öxarárfoss , allowing you to get nice and close to the waterfall.
The path to the waterfall is mostly straight and flat, about a mile (1.7 km) long.
The waterfall marks the end of the main trail. From here you can retrace your steps to head back to the Visitors Center or do what we did, which is crossing the wooden footbridges to get to the other side of the park. The trail is pretty much parallel to the main one, so it’s the same distance but gives you a chance to explore more of Thingvellir National Park.
You get a chance to see the charming Thingvellir Church. It’s one of Iceland’s first churches, very picturesque, with a small cemetery next to it.
Near the church you will see a row of connected green roofed white buildings. They make up Thingvallarbær – an official summer residence of the Icelandic Prime Minister and a place where government receptions are held.
Before you get to the Thingvellir Church, you’ll pass the only spot in the entire country where it was allowed to throw coins into the water for good luck – Peningagjá (also known as the “Coin Fissure” or the “Money Chasm”). I say “was” as I believe it’s no longer permitted. I recommend you check in with the park ranger at the Visitors Center.
Peningagjá – you can see the coins sparkling at the bottom.
Here is a map of the walking trails for your reference:
Time needed: 2-4 hours, depending on how much time you spend walking around.
For adventure enthusiasts
Thingvellir National Park is not only about history and geology. You can have some fun here as well!
For those with adventurous spirit the park offers a unique opportunity to snorkel or dive between tectonic plates in the Silfra fissure.
Would you like to swim between two continents?
Book a tour with professional divers and guides to have the best and safest experience.
Here are the best reviewed snorkeling tour options:
- Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates, Meet on Location – best option if you’re already at the park.
- Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos – also “meet on location” option, this one including photos from your adventure!
- Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates with Pick Up from Reykjavik – this tour departs from Reykjavik.
You can also dive in Silfra, not just snorkel!
- Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location – best option if you’re already at the park.
- Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates with Pick Up from Reykjavik – this tour departs from Reykjavik.
If you’d rather include Silfra snorkeling in a full guided tour of Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik, here is an excellent option for you:
- Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra From Reykjavík with Free Photos – your snorkeling option.
Time needed – add 3-4 hours to your plan for the park visit, depending on the length of your Silfra tour.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir Geothermal Area is the second stop on the Golden Circle route, located in Haukadalur Valley. Its intense geothermal activity makes the steam visible for miles before you actually arrive.
Drive time: about 50 minutes, 37 miles (60 km) from Thingvellir National Park
Parking, cost and facilities
Parking at Geysir Hot Springs (as this area is also known as) is very easy. There is a large and FREE parking lot next to Geysir Center – a large complex with gift shops, restrooms, a food court and even a single unmanned N1 gas pump.
How to visit Geysir Geothermal Area
To get to the actual geothermal area and the geysers, you just cross the street and walk a couple of minutes.
As you walk around the area, you can see many smaller bubbling mud pools and fumaroles, set in the mineral stained sometimes rainbow-colored soil.
The largest geyser, actually named Geysir (sometimes also referred to as “The Great Geysir”) isn’t really active anymore, but its smaller neighbor Strokkur erupts about every 10 minutes or so and it is simply amazing to see! Careful – you can get wet!
We’ve been here twice – the first time it was mid-day with a ton of other tourists, and the second time in the early morning, with almost no one there. We were equally fascinated by this area both times!
Here is a short video of Strokkur erupting to give you an idea of what you may see!
Strokkur is the best-known geyser in this area, but there are other ones that you may want to take a walk to.
One of them is Blesi geyser, just above Strokkur. It’s quite famous for its shape, resembling a pair of glasses and also for the bright blue color of the water.
The red roofed building in the back of the photo above is the Geysir Center so you can see how close Geysir Hot Springs area is to the main road.
If you’re up for a short hike, you can follow the path to the viewing platform on top of Mt. Laugarfjall (also spelled Laugarfell) for some amazing views of the valley. We haven’t done that (yet!) but as reported by our friends who did – it’s worth the effort!
You can see people on the Mt. Laugarfjall summit where the viewing platform is.
If you don’t feel like hiking or you’re short on time, you can also get a nice view of the area just by walking up to Konungshver hot spring, a short walk from Blesi.
For some reason this particular geyser was the spot where tourists decided to throw coins into the most, so now there is a sign (the small green one in the corner of the photo above) asking you not to do that.
Safety warning: Please stay safe! Only walk in the designated areas, stick to the paths and don’t touch the hot pools – you can get some serious burns! Keep a safe distance from the steaming geysers!
Time needed: 30 – 45 minutes just to see Strokkur erupt and walk around, plus 15-20 minutes one way for the hike. Add extra time to shop and/or eat at the Geysir Center.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss (translated also to “Golden Waterfall”) is the third and last (but certainly not least!) stop on the Golden Circle route. It’s a stunning waterfall nestled in the canyon of the Hvítá river, only a short drive away from Geysir.
Drive time: 10 minutes, 3.7 miles (9.6 km) from Geysir Hot Springs.
Parking, cost and facilities
There are two parking lots for Gullfoss, the “lower lot”, located at the entrance to the path running next to the waterfall and the “upper lot” by the Gullfoss Panorama Restaurant.
When we visited the first time, we were able to park in the lower parking lot and go directly to the path along the waterfall. When we came back in the summer of 2023, that parking lot was closed off and we had to park in the upper parking lot, by the Gullfoss Café. I’m not sure if it was permanent closure or just the day we were there.
There were no facilities at the lower lot.
Gullfoss Restaurant building has nice clean restrooms and it’s a great place to grab for some delicious food. It also has a small gift shop.
Parking lots are large (especially the upper one) and free.
This is the lower lot, right next to the Gullfoss path.
Gullfoss restaurant lot is also where the rt. F35 (a.k.a. Kjölur/Kjalvegur) begins. It’s an unpaved road (F-road), leading to some amazing areas in Icelandic Highlands, like Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir.
How to visit Gullfoss Waterfall
If you are able to park in the lower lot, all you have to do is walk down to the path and follow it along the river. You can see the mist rising above the falls even before you get close.
From the upper lot you just take the staircase down towards the waterfall. There are viewing platforms on your way down offering unique views of the falls from above. Then you finally arrive at the path directly next to this stunning natural wonder.
Gullfoss is simply breathtaking – powerful, yet peaceful and the mist rising above gives it a mystical aura. On a sunny day you can see rainbows forming in its spray.
For your safety, just make sure to stay on the path for you and if you visit on an on/off rainy day like we did, watch out as it can get slippery. Overall, it’s pretty even and easy to walk on.
Watch this quick video to get a glimpse of the power and beauty of this majestic waterfall:
Time needed: about 1 hour is sufficient to walk around and see the falls. Add extra time if you plan to eat and/or shop at the Gullfoss Restaurant.
Gullfoss will conclude your tour of the Golden Circle 3 main stops. However, there are many wonderful things to see on your way there or on your way back home if you’re staying in Reykjavik or Selfoss area.
What you choose to do will depend on how much time and energy you have left.
I do recommend that you try to incorporate at least some of the sites into your itinerary.
A list of detours along the Golden Circle definitely worth taking:
Here is a map of the main Golden Circle attractions and additional stops for your reference:
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
This stop is actually located between Thingvellir National Park and Geysir Geothermal Area
Laugarvatn is a village on the edge of the Laugarvatn Lake known for its geothermal activity. Fontana Geothermal Baths uses this energy to heat its steam rooms and mineral baths, looking out to the lake. You can even take a dip in that lake to cool off!
The cost is 4990 ISK (about $36) for an adult. If you don’t have the time to soak, I highly recommend that you at least stop by and get some of their famous geothermal rye bread, baked in hot sand for 24 hours. Served with butter it’s a delicious traditional Icelandic treat!
If you’re interested in how it’s done, Laugarvatn Fontana offers tours with demonstration and tasting, called “Geothermal Bread Baking Experience”.
Book you admission tickets here!
Time needed: allow about 2 hours to spend soaking in the baths and additional 30 minutes for the bread baking demo. Add more if you plan to eat at the cafe there as well.
Tour options:
If you’d like to incorporate Laugarvatn Fontana Baths into a Golden Circle tour, here is the option that has it all!
Golden Circle and Fontana Wellness Tour from Reykjavik includes all the main points of the Golden Circle and a visit to the baths along with a tasting of their famous bread.
Secret Lagoon
It’s one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools and my personal favorite hot spa.
Secret Lagoon is located in Flúðir. It’s a 30-minute drive from Gullfoss.
It is nowhere near as fancy as the famous Blue Lagoon, so also a lot less expensive (3600 ISK, $26), but we actually liked it a lot more there. It has only one pool, lined with a stone wall, but it’s deeper than in other lagoons (up to your shoulders easily, depending on your height) and – bonus! – they have pool noodles so you can float!
Overall, it has a lot more relaxed, casual feel and a magical, charming atmosphere.
Around the perimeter of the actual pool there is a deck on which you can walk and take a look at the little geysers erupting every couple of minutes and cute troll houses on the side.
Get you admission tickets here!
Time needed: allow about two hours for a relaxing soak!
Tour options:
Want to make it part of your Golden Circle tour? No problem! Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik is just what you need!
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Also known as Hruni Hot Spring it’s a natural hot spring, located in Flúðir. It´s only an 8-minute drive from the Secret Lagoon and a very short walk from the parking lot. It´s beautiful quick stroll, through a green meadow, with sheep looking on.
Hrunalaug is a secluded hot pool, in serene, picturesque surroundings. There is an old turf covered shed that now serves as a changing facility. You feel a like you stepped back in time.
The only thing that will remind you that you are in fact in the 21st century are the plastic baskets that you get to put your clothes in after you pay the entry fee.
Yes, despite everything I read, this hot spring isn’t free anymore! You now pay a fee to be able to use it…
It used to top on many “hidden gems” lists. It’s not so hidden anymore but still a magical place to visit, even if you don’t go in the water.
Time needed: a 5-minute walk and however much time you want to spend there!
Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm
Another easily accessible gem on the list of awesome Golden Circle detours!
Located in Reykholt 13 minutes from the secret Lagoon (18 minutes from Hrunalaug Hot Spring) this farm is best known for their restaurant and their delicious tomato soup, but primarily for the unique dining experience inside a greenhouse that they offer. You sit at the table, literally surrounded by tomato vines!
If you order their famous secret-recipe tomato soup, you get unlimited refills of that and the incredible home baked bread. There are also other menu options, with tomatoes as the star of every dish.
The restaurant is only open from noon to 4 pm and you definitely need advance reservations. However, they just opened their new addition, the Wine Bar – open longer, and accepting walk ins, serving similar delicious tomato-based dishes.
On your way out, stop by the little gift store for some tomato treats, including tomato sorbet!
Read “Friðheimar Tomato Farm – a Unique Dining Experience in Iceland” – a complete guide about this amazing place!
Want to visit with a tour? Check availability below:
- Golden Circle Day Trip with Fridheimar Greenhouse visit from Reykjavik
- Golden Circle Day Tour in Mini Bus from Reykjavik with Fridheimar Tomato Farm
- Golden Circle, Fridheimar & Secret Lagoon Small-Group Tour
Time needed: about 2-3 hours to have lunch and walk around.
Skálholt Cathedral
Also known as Skálholtsdómkirkja, it´s a historical church, built in 1963 as the 10th church in this location. Located in a tiny village of Skálholt, about 20-minute drive from the Secret Lagoon and only 10 minutes from Fridheimar Tomato Farm.
It houses a museum in the basement, a tomb of bishops and a mysterious underground tunnel. It’s open from 9 am to 5 pm every day, also offering some guided tours.
Nearby Hvönn Restaurant (describing its menu as an experimental kitchen of traditional Icelandic food with a modern twist) and Hótel Skálholt offer food and accommodations.
Time needed: about 30 minutes to walk around on your own and another 30 minutes for a guided tour.
Kerið Crater
It is a unique, fairly young crater, formed about 6500 years ago due to the inward collapse of the magma chamber vs. an eruption.
It’s very easy to get to by car, located right off rt. 35.
Parking is free but you pay a small entry fee (600 ISK as of 2024) per person in a booth near the start of the trail. The fee goes towards preserving Kerið crater.
From the parking lot it’s a quick but very pretty walk to the top of the crater. You can easily walk the entire perimeter of the caldera. It will take you 20-30 minutes depending on your pace – and the number of photo stops you make!
The view is incredible! Beautiful blue lake surrounded by red rocks covered by almost lime green moss.
You can also go down to the lake itself. There is a path that goes around the entire lake. Keep in mind that swimming in the Kerið crater lake is strictly forbidden and can be dangerous.
Fun fact: there were occasional summer concerts held at Kerið Crater! The performers are in a boat or on a raft in the middle of the lake and the audience on the path around the lake or the crater itself.
We visited in the evening; we had light drizzle on and off and we STILL SAW A RAINBOW!!!
Time needed: about 1 hour.
Many full day Golden Circle tours include Kerid Crater in their itineraries. See below for the best reviewed options departing from the capital city:
- Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour
Where to stay around the Golden Circle?
There are multiple choices for accommodations convenient to visiting the Golden Circle.
One of them is of course Reykjavik – only 40 minutes (46 km, 28 miles) from Thingvellir National Park.
On our first trip to Iceland we stayed at Icelandic Apartments in Kópavogur (a suburb about 15 minutes from Reykjavik center) – super convenient, easy access to rt. 1 and close to a gas station and a Bonus supermarket. Check availability of other options in Kópavogur.
The second time around we stayed in Selfoss, at BSG Apartments and also loved it.
Flúðir and Hella are also great towns to consider.
To find out how you can incorporate your visit to the Golden Circle into a great Iceland trip plan, read: “6-day Iceland Itinerary (How to See the Best of Iceland in a Short Time)”
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- First Trip to Iceland Travel Tips – All You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip
- Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Bláhnúkur – Brennisteinsalda Loop (Landmannalaugar).
- Skógafoss Waterfall – a Complete Guide (+ a Hidden Gem)
- Driving in Iceland – Essential Tips for a Great Road Trip.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula – A Complete Guide and Top Things to See
- The Amazing Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir Geothermal Area in Iceland.
- Reykjadalur Valley – a Beautiful Hike to a Hot River
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About Monika
An avid traveler and a dedicated family trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”