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The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular travel routes, bringing together several of the country’s most famous natural landmarks in one unforgettable journey. Along the way you can visit Þingvellir National Park, the original site of Iceland’s parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, witness the erupting hot springs at Geysir, and experience the power of Gullfoss waterfall.

The route is accessible all year round, with main roads regularly serviced and generally easy to drive in both summer and winter. Many travelers choose to explore the Golden Circle as a self-drive, while a wide range of guided tours are also available.

The golden circle

Must-See Highlights on the Golden Circle

Þingvellir
Þingvellir (Icelandic "Þing": parliament, "vellir": plains) is a place in the southwest of Iceland near the peninsula of Reykjanes and the Hengill volcanic area.
Geysir
One of the greatest natural attractions of Iceland and part of the famous "Golden Circle Tour", The Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir, has been dormant since 1916 when it suddenly ceased to spout.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 metres and the lower one 21 metres. The rock of the river bed was formed during an interglacial period.
Skálholt Cathedral
Skálholt is one of Iceland's most historical places and the capital of Iceland for over 700 years. It was the scene of the most dramatic events which shaped the political, spiritual, and cultural life in Iceland.
Hjálparfoss Waterfall
Hjálparfoss is a beautiful, two-stepped waterfall near the confluence of Rivers Thjorsa and Fossa in the Thjorsa Valley.
Brúarhlöð
Brúarhlöð is a narrow gorge in the Hvitá River about three kilometers south of the Golden Waterfalls (Gullfoss).
Kerið Crater
Kerið is a 55 m deep volcanic crater, about 3000 years old.
Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss is a beautiful waterfall that is known for its unique clear blue color, which results from light reflecting off the fine-grained sedimentary rock in the water.

When to Travel the Golden Circle?

January
Ave. temp 1°C / 33.8F
Daylight hours 5
February
Ave. temp 1°C / 33.8F
Daylight hours 9
March
Ave. temp 2°C / 35.6F
Daylight hours 12
April
Ave. temp 4°C / 39.2F
Daylight hours 15
May
Ave. temp 7°C / 44.6F
Daylight hours 19
June
Ave. temp 10°C / 50F
Daylight hours 19
July
Ave. temp 12°C / 53.6F
Daylight hours 20
August
Ave. temp 11°C / 51.8F
Daylight hours 17
September
Ave. temp 9°C / 48.2F
Daylight hours 13
October
Ave. temp 5°C / 41F
Daylight hours 10
November
Ave. temp 3°C / 37.4F
Daylight hours 7
December
Ave. temp 1°C / 33.8F
Daylight hours 5

Watch a short video showcasing the main highlights of the Golden Circle route.

 

Print out a map of the Golden Circle route.
Open it in full screen, zoom in to see attractions, roads, and services, and then download or print it to take with you on the road. It’s ideal for marking your stops and getting an overview of distances and driving times along the route.
The Golden Circle Area - Banner Map  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

The Golden Circle: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the Northern Lights on the Golden Circle?

Yes. From around September to April, the Northern Lights can be seen on clear, dark nights. The rural areas along the route have little light pollution, which makes an overnight stay a good way to increase your chances.

Do I need a guided tour for the Golden Circle?

No. Many travellers drive the route themselves, while a wide range of guided tours are also available for those who prefer not to drive.

Can you drive the Golden Circle in winter?

Yes. The Golden Circle is open all year, and the main roads are regularly serviced and generally easy to drive in both summer and winter. Before setting out in winter, check road conditions at umferdin.is and the forecast at vedur.is, and plan your day around the shorter daylight hours.

What are the main stops on the Golden Circle?

The three main stops are Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, and Gullfoss waterfall. Other places along the route include Brúarfoss, Kerið crater, Skálholt, Brúarhlöð gorge and Hjálparfoss waterfall, as well as geothermal baths and villages such as Laugarvatn, Reykholt and Flúðir.

How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?

The round trip from Reykjavík is about 250 km and takes around three to four hours of driving without stops. Most visitors spend a full day on the route, and many stay overnight in the area to see and experience more at a slower pace.

What is the Golden Circle in Iceland?

The Golden Circle is a travel route in South Iceland that connects three of the country's best-known natural sites: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place where Iceland's parliament was founded in 930.