Golden Circle
Iceland's most popular day trip route.
300 km
1 day (6-8 hours)
Easy
Year-round
About This Route
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous tourist route, and for good reason. This approximately 300-kilometer loop from Reykjavik showcases three of Iceland's most celebrated natural attractions: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall.
Perfect for a day trip, the Golden Circle can be explored at a leisurely pace in 6-8 hours, or extended with additional stops like the Secret Lagoon, Kerið crater, or various farms and historical sites along the way.
The route is well-paved and suitable for all vehicles year-round, making it accessible even in winter (with appropriate caution for road conditions).
Key Stops
Þingvellir National Park
UNESCO site where tectonic plates meet
parkGeysir
Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes
geothermalGullfoss
The Golden Waterfall - Iceland's most famous
waterfallSecret Lagoon
Natural hot spring pool (optional)
hot springKerið Crater
Colorful volcanic crater lake (optional)
craterFriðheimar
Tomato greenhouse restaurant (optional)
diningTips for This Route
- Start early to beat the crowds
- Wear waterproof clothing near Gullfoss
- Consider going counterclockwise for fewer crowds
- Book Silfra snorkeling in advance if interested
- Pack snacks - food options are limited
- Allow extra time in summer for longer daylight
Route Highlights
Plan Your Journey
Use our tools to plan your itinerary and estimate costs for this route.