Create The Perfect Golden Circle Route Itinerary
The Golden Circle is the bucket list route for anyone visiting Iceland. It has the trifecta of what Iceland is most famous for – geysers (The Geyser!), a magnificent waterfall and the opportunity to stand between continents.
Unique natural wonders and natural monuments wrapped in one. Just as a visit to Paris must include the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, a visit to Iceland must include Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
The Golden Circle is the classic route that takes you to three of the country’s most famous sights: the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. But you can make your Golden Circle experience uniquely yours by adding a few stops along the way that many people fail to do.
Shortcuts:
Have the Snacks In Order
There are great dining options along the way but it’s a long trip with the three busiest tourist spots in Iceland. So you should expect lines. To be safe, it’s better to bring along some snacks to soothe the hunger.
Before you begin your trip from Reykjavík, head out early and get some snacks. It’s highly recommended to go to a local bakery like Deig (for their amazing donuts), Brauð&Co (for some cinnamon buns) or Björnsbakarí (for their cinnamon buns that are covered in chocolate frosting).
If you want to be on the healthier side, go to Bónus the day before and buy some harðfiskur (Icelandic fish jerky) and real Icelandic butter for a generous spread over the fish to soften it up. Then you are all set up with trail snacks in the traditional Icelandic way.
Map of The Golden Circle Route in Iceland
Here is the Golden Circle route in Google Maps. It’s starting point is in Reykjavík’s city centre, you can change the first step to get a more accurate directions before you hit the road.
When driving the Golden Circle, it’s best to drive road 1 out of Reykjavík and head towards the South coast first. Drive through Hveragerði and take the left turn before you enter Selfoss towards Grímsnes to make the first stop at Kerið.
Kerið Crater
The first stop is at Kerið crater. It’s one of the most magnificent geological sites in Iceland. The crater itself is made of red lava rocks with green moss growing in patches along the way down to the bottom of the crater.
At the bottom you will find a brightly blue lake. This contrast of colours makes Kerið one of the most photogenic natural sites in Iceland.
There is a small entrance fee to Kerið that goes towards maintaining the paths and the parking lot.
Your next stop can either be the Geysir geothermal area or Gullfoss waterfall. They are on the same road with the Geysir area first up and then Gullfoss – about 11 minutes apart.
Gullfoss Waterfalls
Gullfoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland, often referred to as the king of Icelandic waterfalls. It forms when the river Hvítá (The White River) falls into a canyon. What makes Gullfoss unique is that it is in fact formed by two smaller waterfalls as the river falls down two steps into the canyon, creating a visual spectacle.
Follow the path from the parking lot carefully and don’t wander off it.
The Geysir Area
At the Geysir area, you will find Geysir, the geyser that the natural phenomenon bares it name after. But don’t expect Geysir to spew geothermal water high up in the air, it has been mostly been dormant for a long time, except during or after earthquakes in the south of Iceland.
The geyser you will see blow is called Strokkur. It blows water 30 meters in the air every 5-10 minutes. Don’t get too close if you don’t have a raincoat.
There are several other geysers in the area, some blow steam while others have bubbly clays that remind you of boiling porridge. Some of the other geysers are Konungshver (King’s geyser), Blesi, Litli Geysir (Little Geysir), Óþerrishola (Ever wet hole), Sísjóðandi (Forever boiler) and many more.
Þingvellir
Þingvellir National Park is one of the most sacred places of the people of Iceland. For historical reasons, Þingvellir was the setting for the Althing and Þingvellir translates as The Fields of the Althing. From the settlement era in the 800s, up until 1262, there wasn’t a government in Iceland but there was the law and the enforcement of the law.
The Althing was both the assembly that legislated but also the court of law that settled disputes and handed out punishment. The Althing continued for centuries after the commonwealth and a modern parliament was established, it took the name of the Althing.
The second reason for Þingvellir’s sacredness is the sheer beauty of the area. It has a magnificent waterfall, a spread out birch forest, you can walk in a canyon that lies between continents, lake Þingvellir and so on and so forth.
It’s best to park at the visitor centre above the canyon and then stretch your legs with a hike down into the canyon, to the river and then go back up by walking along the path that follows the river.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs
After you have visited Þingvellir National Park, you drive for about half an hour westward on Route 36. Then you make a right turn to Kjósaskarðsvegur.
At Hvammsvík, you will find authentic natural hot springs that are located in the seabed of the Atlantic.
There are eight geothermal pools but two of them disappear under the sea during high tides. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the road and a must try is the seafood soup that is served at the bistro.
You will of course rejuvenate in the hot geothermal water that comes straight from ground before being cooled down with cold sea water to the perfect soaking temperature.
Brave guests can take a cold plunge into the Atlantic and swim along the seals and seabirds.
Getting on the Golden Circle Without a Car at Your Disposal
If you are not self-driving, there are multiple options available to see the Golden Circle and relax at Hvammsvík Hot Springs afterwards. From privately hired taxis, to scheduled tours, you will find something that matches your preferences and budget.
Nice Travel offers daily Golden Circle tours with a stop at Hvammsvík before heading back to Reykjavík.
Their tours include a stop at Kerið crater and an off the beaten track hot spring park where you will be served a geothermally baked traditional Icelandic sweet rye bread and visit a geothermally heated greenhouse where bananas grow.
Golden Circle and Hvammsvík
Tour operated by NiceTravel. An unforgettable journey along the Golden Circle Route, exploring iconic attractions Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall. Thingvellir National Park, and the breath-taking Kerið Volcanic Crater
Golden Circle, Kerid Crater & Hvammsvik Hot Springs w/ Classic Admission
Price from
24.900 ISK
Golden Circle Self-drive
If a guided bus tour offers ease and structure, renting a car gives you the exact opposite—in the best possible way.
Driving the Golden Circle yourself opens up the flexibility to slow down, speed up, or divert entirely based on what catches your eye. Want to stay an extra half hour at Geysir after the tour groups roll out, or pull into a tiny farm‑side café for a late‑morning break?
A self‑drive gives you complete control over the rhythm of your day, turning the route into a choose‑your‑own‑pace adventure rather than a fixed schedule.
It’s also an uncomplicated part of trip planning. Car rentals are readily available in both Keflavík and Reykjavík, and the Golden Circle is one of the easiest routes in Iceland to navigate—well‑signed, well‑maintained, and beginner‑friendly, even for those unfamiliar with local driving.
A rental car lets you build your experience around what you care about most, whether that’s photography, food stops, quiet geothermal hideaways or wandering wherever the road feels interesting.
Click here to see availability of rental cars in Iceland during your visit.
FAQ
Q: Why is it called the Golden Circle in Iceland?
A: The Golden Circle draws its name from the Gullfoss waterfall. The name of the waterfall means Golden Waterfall in Icelandic. But the route is not exactly circular; if you’ve seen it drawn on a map, it looks more like a fish that has taken bait.
Q: How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?
A: The Golden Circle is about 250 kilometers or 217 miles. Without stopping, the trip would take you around 4 hours to drive, within the speed limits, without any traffic.
Q: Are there any public hot springs that you can visit on the Golden Circle Route?
A: You can add Hvammsvík Hot Springs to your Golden Circle trip. When you have visited Þingvellir National Park, it’s on the way back to Reykjavík.
Q: What should I not miss on the Golden Circle in Iceland?
A: You should of course cover Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir National Park, that is what all visitors to Iceland see on the Golden Circle. A pro tip is to add the Kerið crater which is next to the road as well as ending your Golden Circle trip with a visit to Hvammsvík Hot Springs for some relaxation.
Q: How often does Strokkur erupt?
A: Strokkur erupts frequently every 5 to 10 minutes. So you will see a blowing hot spring during your visit.
Q: Kerið Crater to Gullfoss – How long does it take?
A: It takes about 50 minutes. You can look at our map above for directions.