GOLDEN CIRCLE

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most appealing drives. This 190-mile long scenic route loops through some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes and is visited by a large proportion of visitors to Iceland.

While the colour gold has connotations of first place, implying the Golden Circle is the number one activity you should plan in Iceland, the name comes from Gullfoss waterfall which translates as “golden falls” in English. Legend has it that a Viking threw his treasure into the waterfall’s plunge pool so that nobody could take his riches after he died, and that is where the name Gullfoss comes from. Others say it is simply because the falls have a golden hue when the sun hits them, due to the sediment carried down from glacial valleys.

The Golden Circle traces its path through southern Iceland, typically starting and concluding in Reykjavík. A journey encompassing the wonders of Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss guides you across the southern uplands, initially venturing inland before looping back to Reykjavík along the scenic south coast.

Three main attractions anchor the Golden Circle and are featured on every tour: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most splendid waterfalls. Other key stops include Kerid Crater and historic Skálholt cathedral.

The Golden Circle spans approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) and, without stopping, would take around three hours to drive. Of course, with stops you’ll want to allow a lot longer, around five to six hours just to hit the highlights and even longer if you want to embark on a glacier hike, try horseback riding or explore one of the walking trails at Þingvellir National Park.

The closest point on the Golden Circle to Reykjavik is Thingvellir National Park, which is about 30 miles from the capital with a journey time of about 45 minutes. Allow another hour to drive to Gullfoss, around 45 miles further to the north east.

Geysir sits between Thingvellir and Gullfoss, though it’s closer to the waterfall. To reach it from Reykjavik you’re looking at about 1 hour 45 minutes to cover the 65 miles regardless of whether you take the northerly route along roads 36 and 37, or south along Route 1 (the country’s ring road) and then the 35.

It takes anywhere between six hours for an express Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik to three days for a more comprehensive itinerary. The shortest tours are a good introduction for first-timers but you won’t regret allowing yourself extra time to explore the area more fully and take an unhurried dip in one of its geothermal baths.

Yes, you can swim in certain parts of the Golden Circle. One of the most unique experiences is swimming between the tectonic plates at Silfra in Þingvellir National Park. If you book a guided tour, you can snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, which is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

In addition to this, there are other swimming opportunities around the Golden Circle:

Secret Lagoon: Located near the town of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon is a geothermal hot spring where you can relax in warm waters amidst a natural and rustic setting.

Laugarvatn Fontana: This is a geothermal spa located by Lake Laugarvatn. Not only can you swim in the geothermal waters of the spa, but you also have the opportunity to swim in the cold lake. After a refreshing dip in the lake, you can quickly warm up in a sauna or enjoy a geothermal hot spring steam bath.

These swimming experiences provide a unique way to immerse yourself in Iceland's stunning natural landscapes and make the most of your trip to the Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle's attractions can undeniably draw crowds, particularly during peak season. Yet, its popularity is well-earned, showcasing some of Iceland's most breathtaking natural wonders. If you're a first-time visitor, the Golden Circle is a must-see. Despite the crowds, vast open spaces allow visitors to find their own secluded spots.

For instance, at Thingvellir, many visitors stay close to the parking area, but a brief walk offers a more tranquil experience. Over at Geysir, ascending the nearby hill takes less than an hour and rewards you with panoramic views of the geothermal marvels, including Strokkur's eruptions, away from the people. Similarly, at Gullfoss, while many gather at the main viewing platforms, a walk along the waterfall's path unveils less frequented vantage points.

These off-the-beaten-path perspectives not only offer respite from the crowds but provide unique, postcard-worthy views untouched by the typical tourist lens. So, should crowds be a concern, remember that tranquility is just a few steps away.

Friðheimar tomato greenhouse is a unique dining experience where you can sample tomatoes grown in geothermally-heated greenhouses in all their dishes. This is a popular additional stop on the Golden Circle. There are also cafes at Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir serving warming soups, chunky sandwiches and hot meals packed with Icelandic produce. If you want to embrace modern Icelandic tradition, opt for one of the ubiquitous hot dogs at any of the petrol stations along the way. Icelandic hot dogs are made from organic lamb meat so are a little different from your average hot dog.

The Golden Circle is a circular route beginning and ending in Reykjavík, taking in the highlights of Iceland’s unique scenery. Over approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles), it takes in Þingvellir National Park where the continental plates meet, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir area of geothermal activity. There are additional sights along the route to stop at, but those three are the main attractions.

Yes, there are plenty of toilet stops along the Golden Circle. All the major attractions have public toilets, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. Smaller sights like Kerið volcanic crater don’t have toilets, but you can stop at petrol stations along the route if you need to as well.

Apart from the absolute basics of the Golden Circle – Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal park – there are a few other highlights along the route. Kerið volcano crater is a quick and easy stop and the Secret Lagoon is a popular addition to the route to soak tired muscles after seeing the sights.

You’ll want to stop for lunch too, and while there are cafes at most of the main attractions, some Golden Circle tours offer a stop at Friðheimar tomato greenhouse to sample the menu and see how tomatoes can be grown in near-Arctic conditions.

No, you should not skip the Golden Circle in Iceland. The Golden Circle is one of the most iconic and popular routes in Iceland, offering a fantastic showcase of the country's natural wonders that encapsulate Iceland's essential beauty. Given the proximity of these attractions to Reykjavik, it's an accessible and doable day trip for most travelers. If you're visiting Iceland, experiencing the Golden Circle is a unique opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Both! If you choose to explore independently following a self-drive itinerary – or with a private guide – you can set your own pace. Opting for a guided tour gives you the benefit of insightful commentary which will provide useful context for first-time visitors. Also, you can give your full attention to the scenery as you won’t need to concentrate on the road.

There’s no bad time to visit the Golden Circle. Summer offers the best odds for good weather and plenty of daylight so you won’t feel rushed on a day trip. The shoulder seasons of spring or autumn tend not to be as busy, while in winter, the area is breathtakingly beautiful under a blanket of snow.

In short, yes. The Golden Circle route is open to visitors throughout the year, including during the winter. However, occasionally, bad weather can lead to road closures. If you’re not confident driving on snow or in icy conditions, you might prefer to take a tour instead of driving yourself.

Yes, lots. On or close to all the main routes you’ll find hotels, lodges, guesthouses and campsites to suit every budget. If you’re keen to spend more than a single day touring the Golden Circle area, staying overnight means you’ll avoid an unnecessary return trip to Reykjavik.

You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing before setting out on the Golden Circle route. A camera is a must, so make sure your battery is fully charged. If you’re planning on visiting one of the area’s geothermal pools then don’t forget to bring your swimsuit.

Definitely. Children of all ages will be wide-eyed with wonder at the sight of such a huge volume of water tumbling over the rock at Gullfoss or watching as Strokkur, Iceland’s largest geyser, erupts. Many paths are well-graded and some are suitable for pushchairs, though a baby carrier is more manageable over rough terrain.

The Golden Circle is a rewarding detour off the ring road accessible from Selfoss in the south or turn inland at Mosfellsbær if you’re further west. For those on a Reykjavik city break, it’s an easy day out from the capital. In summer, adventurous travellers might consider heading further into the Highlands from Gullfoss as they tackle one of Iceland’s famously challenging F-roads.